Decluttering

They're my pets.
I have the tank as a kind of eco system, which more or less sustains itself.
So that's interesting.
To me, anyway.

I had a really good tidy up and clean of bedrooms this morning and put some summer clothes away.
But I haven't thrown anything out. 🤔

Why do you have shrimps in a tank?
Are they interesting
Or are they to make a shrimp cocktail?

Well, I've had a shrimp disaster, so have been sorting out the tank, slowly, and trying to save the last of my little shrimps.

It exhausts me, though, and it's going to take weeks to put right.
I have found some more hooks, put them up, and hung a couple of bits on them, thrown out some dried up magnolia emulsion, and filled what was an empty box with anything to do with "sticking things", though.

Nothing for me today. We are going away tomorrow, so things will grind to a halt on the decluttering front for a week or so.

When we get back I want to get rid of a third of the clothes in my wardrobes, so I'm girding my loins in readiness. If it doesn't fit now, out it goes. If I didn't wear it much last winter, out it goes. If I can't think of where I might wear it - you know the drill.

My next door neighbours vet assured her that if kittens are kept indoors, they have no concept of actually going outside, as indoor cats.

Her 2 cats are petrified at the thought of it.

It seems unnatural to me.

I gave up having cats after losing some of them on the road and others just going missing ( which was probably even worse). I then tried having house cats. Even with an outside pen that they had access to it seemed wrong. I’d now be a wreck if I owned a cat and it was outside.

Oh, I'd love a cat, but live near a busy ish road.
I couldn't forgive myself if it got hit by a car.
Neither do I want to have to sit in with the door shut in order to keep one in.

Free cycle or next door it is then.

A neighbour borrowed our jigsaw the other day.
If you're thinking of getting a cat, it's ideal for cutting the hole for the cat flap.
Otherwise? Freecycle?

I seem to be shifting stuff from place to place, without actually putting anything in the bin, today.

I've just found my jigsaw. (The cutting sort)

Realistically, will I use it again...?
So, bin? Give away?

The washing machine pipes are still ina bag, waiting fora taker.

It seems somethings won't do anyone "a turn"

Old jewellery today. I have found one item and am on the hunt for a second. Shouldn’t be difficult!

I do that with the collection bags. It means having them lying around all month but it does help. I’m not organised enough to do it every day, but I do keep adding things as I go.

One thing a day is the way to start and get yourself into the swing because it will probably expand to 3 things. That's a 1000 a year! This week it will be the kitchen dresser divided into 6 areas. Two drawers and 4 cupboards. Each area to have a clean as well.....well that's the plan. Attack the house in small bites.

Clearing one thing a day is a brilliant idea. I’ve started and sometimes manage two or three things! Progress will be made. Will also start putting things I’m unsure about in the garage for a few weeks to see if I miss them.

NanKate

I met a friend recently and we discussed how our homes are full of items we never use but we never get round to clearing them. My friend said ‘I know we will both do nothing about the clutter’ 😏.

This statement has spurred me onto prove her wrong, so this is what I am doing.

Each day I open a drawer, wardrobe, cupboard, my desk and take at least one thing from it that I don’t use or have forgotten I have got. I then throw it away immediately. Today I have found a jacket I no longer wear and a pair of trousers I don’t like and those will go to charity. If by the end of the day I haven’t thrown something out I find one or two papers on my desk and shred them. It’s becoming a habit.

So my mantra is get rid of something EVERY DAY. I now notice my drawers and wardrobe are getting slimmer, I wish I was 🤪

Anyone want to my join me in the one or two things a day regime ?

There was me thinking I had decluttering sussed and then you come up with this!
Absolutely brilliant tip which I shall add to my decluttering repertoire. Thank you!

Cabbie21

Great tips, Crosstitchfan.

Thank you Cabbie21! I actually like decluttering and tidying, so I find it easy. So if my tips have helped you (and possibly) others, I feel happy!

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, Susan but I had read elsewhere on here that she had been not herself, really. (I like to keep up with the mums, and how they're doing)

It's marvellous that you still got a couple of bits out. Q

Difficult day today as my mum was taken to hospital last night and we have spent a lot of the last twenty four hours with her but I managed to sort another jigsaw and a game out from the grandchildren’s room.

Oh thanks, yes, it makes sense when you explain it.

I'll have a look. At the same time, I get angry with myself at the lengths I'll go to, not to just throw stuff.

It would make life so much easier on me if I did.

I'm always thinking it'll do someone "A turn".

I don't think they expect a van load for a collection. They do a postcode at a time, so will be picking up from a few addresses when they come for one. It's definitely worth checking out the website.

They seem to come on the same day of the week at four-week intervals, which gives enough time to fill a bag or two between visits. It spurs me on if I know they are coming.

You're going like the clappers!
I don't think I've enough for a collection to come, though, and it's bloody hard work for me to get out at the minute.

If some kindly soul offers to take me out in their car, I think it's a bit cheeky to fill it up with stuff for the charity shop.

The charity people (Anglia Doorstep Collections) came today, and took away two large boxes of books, a binbag of clothes, a large casserole dish and a bathmat. I'll book another collection for next month to spur me on.

petra

Jenz48

If you need to get rid of household linen - bedding, tablecloths, tea towels etc Dunelm have a recycling scheme in their stores. Just take stuff in a black plastic bag. Great for getting rid of old duvets and manky pillows!

Please give bedding etc to charity shops. We get rag money for it. 30KL just today.

Yes, bedding to the charity shop but Dunelm will take old duvets, pillows, cushions which charity shops will not take.

Jenz48

If you need to get rid of household linen - bedding, tablecloths, tea towels etc Dunelm have a recycling scheme in their stores. Just take stuff in a black plastic bag. Great for getting rid of old duvets and manky pillows!

Please give bedding etc to charity shops. We get rag money for it. 30KL just today.

Brilliant work.
You've really got into the swing!