Not quite a horder - decluttering
Comments
-
Hoarding to the extreme is definitely a mental illness. Hard to treat because the person who has it isn't the one who's distressed by the mess. Sometimes I worry about DH. Yesterday I noticed a 2 pint container in the basement full of twisties to fasten bags and the flat fasteners that come on bread. I'm sure there's a small container in the kitchen as well.
0 -
Gobble, Gobble!
0 -
Here we are heading into the holiday season....rather, we are in it! Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. I had family in for the day, about 11 of us this year; everyone brings a side dish. Last year I was overwhelmed with the preparations (had additional guests, too) so I mindfully made certain to keep it more simple this year with great success. I put out minimum Thanksgiving decor as the main thing was that the house was clean, and that was good enough. I bought a smaller turkey, made less stuffing, bought less soda, and bought a nut roll instead of making pie, which my sister always brings pumpkin pie and a few others anyway. We still had so much food left over, even after guests took plates of food home.
The house felt so good uncluttered. Of course, I wish I'd always approached family gatherings and special occasions this way! Live and learn.
0 -
My prep consisted of getting the house clean. It's so easy to let it go when you know you'll hurt. DH did the sides and DD cooked the turkey and 2 kinds of dressing. Army 1st Lt was there on leave from his post in Arizona and his girlfriend, who is a vegetarian. DH made 2 kinds of gravy, veggie and turkey. She is a lovely young woman, graduated in June, and is working for a firm that does accounting audits. She was appreciative of all the vegetarian dishes available. I told her we'd been vegetarian in the past, so it was easy. Sai is going to Korea in Feb. (heart in throat) and is looking forward to the adventure. The clean house is inspiring me to do some decluttering, so I should get busy. No shopping on black Friday for me, although I might go to an art supply store that's employee owned. It's not in a mall.
0 -
This Thanksgiving we decided to change things up. The past two Thanksgivings were sad and unsatisfying, mostly because of my adult kids. My daughter-the-chef had promised me both years to help with the cooking, then reneged without warning both times. Last year, my mother was supposed to join us but go extremely ill at the last minute and couldn't make the trip. Last year my daughter and my son showed up 1 hour and 2 hours late for dinner and had the audacity to be upset that the food was all in the fridge. That was IT. I QUIT! I packed my things and LEFT. Drove myself 8 hours to stay with my mother in the hospital for two weeks.
So, in Sept I told my DH and kids that I would not be cooking this year (DH was all for that!) So, we elected to go to a resort that has a nice Christmas light show and stay in a cabin for three days. I invited my kids and my sister to join us for Thanksgiving dinner at the main restaurant. Unfortunatly, my kids couldn't be bothered (their loss--well, and mine but that's a whole nother post) but my sister and her family joined us at the resort. We had a blast! On Tuesday night we all took my youngest son (22) to see the Christmas lights--he is severely mentally handicapped and nonverbal, but he adores lights and music so this was perfect for him. Then Wednesday was spent watching movies and hanging out, culminating in a ham feast at supper--ham, tater salad, green beans, devilled eggs, apples, brownies and ice cream. Yum! Then, on Thanksgiving we got up late, watched all the parades and the National Dog Show, then leisurely dressed in our Thanksgiving shirts and met my sister's family for dinner at the buffet. It was heavenly. We ate our fill, then spent the rest of the day at the local botanical garden.
I'm so glad my sister made the effort to get together. Together we took care of my mother for the last 6 months of her life. Mother passed away in June, so I knew this holiday season was going to be difficult. Hats off to dear Sister, who made this Thanksgiving more bearable! We will be doing this again!
0 -
Oh my goodness, poodles, that sounds like a truly wonderful Thanksgiving. You are so smart to do things your way and make it easy on yourself. I love how you chose not to set yourself up for disappointment and instead, took control of the holiday and shaped it in a way that had great meaning and was so satisfying. I am sorry for the loss of your mom, may she rest in peace. Btw, I visit every botanical garden I can, I love them.
0 -
Mrs. M--what a wonderful Thanksgiving you had! It's amazing how downsizing a bit makes such a big difference. I'm looking forward to next year when my house will be company ready and I can prepare Thanksgiving dinner for the family.
Wren--I don't do any Black Friday shopping, either, unless it's on line. I just do not like being in big crowds. There's a big mall near me that I actually have not set foot into for more than 2 years! I actually cannot remember the last time I was in the Mall. Now I hear that a good part of the Mall is empty. One of the anhor stores, Macy's, closed down a year or so ago. I do like local shopping, though.
Poodles--Good heavens, last year was a disaster! No wonder you quit. I would have too. Your mom getting sick is excusable, and out of her control, but to renege on cooking at the last minute and to show up late without the excuse of a blizzard or something similar is just rude and selfish. The resort stay sounds like a fantastic way to relax and celebrate and visit with family. Too bad the kids didn't come, but someday they will regret that choice. What a wonderful sister you have to help make this first holiday without your Mom more bearable.
0 -
LOL, NM, they already regret not showing up I think. DS begged me to get together for pizza today. He admitted that he had a terrible Thanksgiving. No turkey dinner. He ate hot wings at Hooters, the ultimate in "sad, lonely holidays." DD ended up sick in bed by Thanksgiving afternoon, so she gets a pass. All I can say is they need to do better at Christmas or they'll be getting coal and switches...
0 -
Poodles--sounds like DS has learned his lesson already! Poor DD, being sick on the holiday and all alone. Bet the do better at Christmas!
0 -
Thanks for the blessings, Teka.
A couple months ago, I sent a second batch of home videos to iMemories. I sent the first batch in over two years ago, so about 65 videos total, taken over 20 years time. The website transfers VHS to digital and allows you to edit videos & create DVD compilations from what you send in.
I'd been editing the first batch a little at a time. It's very time consuming. I managed to create six or seven DVDs, ones for my extended side of the family, one for my husband's side of the family, and a couple for me with mostly just me, hubby and son. When I sent the second batch of videos in, I started to feel overwhelmed again.
Then it occurred to me to order DVDs of the videos I'd already created from the first batch, rather than wait until I edit the entire collection. So, I placed a DVD order today. It feels great to complete this first part of the project. I hope to receive the DVDs in time to give a few as Christmas gifts.
After the new year, I'll start viewing and editing the next 30-some videos. I even give myself the time frame of a whole year to do so! Since the first ones are out of the way, I am starting with a new slate and it feels much less cumbersome.
0 -
Divine- what a great idea to make those videos into CD and give them as Xmas gifts. Great reuse of things and also provides an experience for people with conversations to go with them, vs. things they don't want or need. Bravo!
Took my last round of donations to consignment today with holiday wear I don't wear. I am self employed so I don't get invited to as many holiday work events, but left enough velvet and sparkles for the events I will do.
Consignment shops are a great place to get a holiday outfit, by the way, for very little money! Then you can recycle it back to the store if it is a one time only place to wear it. Also great for mother of the bride and/or gown type things, depending on the store.
0 -
Happy holidays friends!
I cleared out a bunch of my Xmas stuff a few years ago after going through containers of things for Xmas and then saying to myself "wait a minute, I don't even LIKE Xmas that much! Donated a small artificial Xmas tree, some pillows, rugs, etc. I am down to two containers and hoping after this season to be down to one for Xmas and one for the fall (my bigger decorating time).
But yesterday, I was going through some music CDs to pull out my holiday music and counted up like 45 holiday CDS (including some double CD albums). Many of them I have not listened to for years, and some I know I don't want (given to me by others, etc.) So my goal this year is to put them in the 5-CD player in my home and listen to them as we go along. Anything I DON'T like is going to be donated to my favorite spot I found this year. I did listen to my first set yesterday (keepers) and starting on the second and did delight to find some old favorites I have not played in some time too. I love Xmas music and enjoy listening to it November until New Years!
I do have a few other Xmas things from my mother's house to donate too. Tis the season to be purging. I will let you know how many CDs remain (and it is okay to keep them as long as I like them and will listen to them each year). I am reminded many people want to have holiday experiences but cannot afford to go to stores to buy new things and so the thrift shops and the like provide a place for holiday goodies for very little.
I have some greater CDS to go through too, but that goes on next year's list!
0 -
That's a lot of Christmas CDs, Jazzy!
Every Christmas has its own feel to it, depending on what the year has brought leading up to it. I don't try to re-create Christmases past. This year, I want minimal decorations because too much makes me feel claustrophobic. I know some people who insist on putting out every single Christmas decoration they ever had, every single year. I have some things that are a tradition to put out, a felt mitten with my son's hand print when he was in kindergarten, my mom's manger scene, a little plaque that says "the best gifts at Christmas are family and friends". I do love to fuss over the tree, tho it has gone from a monstrous nine foot sprawling one in front of the window back in the day to presently a slender seven foot tree tucked in the corner. Still adds a lovely holiday touch.
But every year, my table centerpiece changes. This year it is a two-tiered candy dish that I've had for years and a couple snowflake candles. I have a small snowman collection that I display wherever the mood seems right. I'm not putting lighted garland on the fireplace mantle; its in a room we seldom use. I sold most of my Christmas village in the spring garage sale along with other Christmas wreaths and decor. Dh hangs lighted garland on the front and back porch. For,us, it's enough and feels plenty Christmasy.
0 -
Divine- I know, right? I was a bit appalled by the number of CDs but told myself the same thing "too many, weed out the ones you don't want and donate them" and keep your favs. Like everything else we are doing these days.
I know you guys know I am the Queen of Consignment and had taken some nine home things (including a couple expensive rugs) plus some nice southwestern jewelry I don't wear to resell a few months back. With everything I put in, the amount back I should get if everything sells was like $600 and today called and found out I have a check for $285 waiting for me. Whoot whoot! I also took some of the last of my winter consignment (holiday wear) items in to my clothing consignor last week and have about $120. I will hold on to that credit for now and wait until after December and then cash out on the major that has been sold. I am doing very well with consignment this year!
0 -
2 loads to the local thrift ship yesterday! DH unloaded several lawn lowers and poker machine to! We are in get rid of mode! We have so many things still in boxes from our move 4 years ago. I haven' missed one item in those boxes! Slowly going through them and only kept a few things.
The Christmas tree is up and I will work on the rest of the house this week and weekend.
Clutter be gone!
0 -
Vara- good job! I got rid of some things in boxes this year from my parents home I took 12 years ago and never missed having.
More space, less stuff!
0 -
Well, we took the last load to thrift today. Movers come in the morning. We close on the house Fri at noon, then hit the road.
0 -
Vergadoll--clutter be gone, indeed!Good job!
Poodles--what a huge job nearly done. You must feel accomplished, and tired!
0 -
3 more trips to the thrift store today! I had the back of the Suburban full on two trips ! Not to mention the front seat and back LOL . Hoping to start the new year and better order .
0 -
Good going, Vergadoll!
0 -
Happy Christmas to all!
0 -
Awww!
0 -
Thanks. We didn't have a tree this year (you know, being effectively homeless and all), so my DH got me a light-up poodle to take to the cottage we rented at the lake. We had two bedrooms, two baths, full kitchen, and living space big enough to accomodate everyone. It was perfect, all of it. So nice to spend time with my kids.
0 -
My parents are falling apart, each with their own health issues. Now both are in a rehab facility, with the hopes of going home "eventually." Meanwhile, my older brother and older sister have both lost their housing situations (boarding house closed for him, a divorce for her) and they both moved into my parents' house (with all of their stuff).
Since I live out of state, I see my family a few times each year, and my younger brother hosts the entire family at his house to make it easier for my parents. So I haven't been to my parents' house in a few years. I was concerned because there was a home visit by the Social Worker at the rehab facility to see if my father could return home (Mom's health has declined too much). He can't. So this trip, I decided to visit my parents' home as well and see if I could help my siblings help get the house ready for a return home.
I was shocked!! My parents' house was already very cluttered a few years ago, with piles of magazines and newspapers that my mom won't release. Now it is truly a hording situation. Every closest, bureau, and countertop is full to capacity with clothes, newspapers, magazines, books, and crap.
There are a few treasures in the house, but one can't find them beneath all the crap. Hubby found my wedding dress and veil in one closest. We couldn't find the silk flowers that were probably nearby but under piles and piles of my brother's clothes. We each tried to move a few piles but each got our finger sliced by something hidden in the piles. We washed our hands, and then put Bactine on our cuts.
Hubby and I took the recycling bin and filled it with magazines and newspapers. We removed about 6 piles from one room. There's so many more piles in all the rooms. Older sister and older brother just watched and didn't lift a finger. In fact, my sister said, "you know, I have stuff to do all day." I stopped myself from asking/yelling, "Really, what stuff? You don't work, and you barely visit Mom and Dad at rehab!"
They are nothing more than squatters.
Now I'm going to redouble my efforts to get my own home under control. I want to enjoy what I have, not drown under what might be.
0 -
nominate, I truly sympathize. It really is shocking when you realize that your parent has gone from messy housekeeper to full-on hoarder. Its too bad your siblings are making it worse.
0 -
Wow, Mominator. Just what you didn't want to walk in to. It sounds like you have a lot of work ahead of you. I am sorry your parents are having health issues.
Dealing with the siblings adds another layer of frustration. When dh and I were working on getting his elderly mother's house ready to sell-she had remortgaged in her old age-his older brother-who-never-lifted-a-hand to help said, "I'd have just let the bank have it." That sib has always been about himself only.
Best wishes to you as you sort it all out.0 -
Mominator--oh my, what a situation. I can understand you wanting to get their home ready for your parents to return to. And I think your brother and sister should be doing the lion's share of the work, after all, they are getting free housing. Thanks for sharing the story, it's added to my commitment to keep going with the decluttering of my own home, too. So hard to see our parents aging and declining.
0 -
Mominator- oh sister, that is a hard situation you are dealing with. Maybe some clutter when your parents lived there, but two others with their things moving in would only result in such an overwhelming situation. Too much stuff, not enough room for it all! I hope you can get things sorted out and the place available for your parents to move back in to, if they can.
Went through a lot with our parents and my heart goes out to you friend
0 -
I am working on a summary of what was good in 2017, and what I want to keep going in 2018. De-cluttering is one such thing (along with good health, of course....)
0 -
love the poem and picture. It's 10 degrees here with a wind chill of -6!Got all my Christmas decorations inside put away (all but the tree) outside will have to wait for a little warmer weather...like 30...lol got another run for the thrift store waiting at the bottom of the steps.
Happy New Year!
0
