Posted on: Mar 21, 2011 01:00PM - edited Feb 21, 2012 12:21PM by suzwes
Posted on: Mar 21, 2011 01:00PM - edited Feb 21, 2012 12:21PM by suzwes
suzwes wrote:
Okay friends, I'm updating this info. I love the picture though so I'm leaving that!! I continue to look at a very unorganized house. My friend Zogo had an idea about a thread for decluttering and I thought why not get one started.
Feel free to share decluttering or organizational ideas or hold yourself accountable to us. We have a fun group to share with and want you to jump in! Below are a few links and info that might be helpful to get you started or to review from time to time.
Fly Lady: http://flylady.net/
Wonderland shared Jeff Campbell's Clutter Rules. Go to www.jeffcampbell.com/Rules-Clutter/ for more details on each rule.
1. When in doubt, throw it out
2. Use it or lose it
3. Efficiency counts, so store things accordingly
4. Handle something once (this is my personal favorite. Another way to state it is "Touch Paper Once")
5. Recycle it
6. Pick a number and stick with it
7. Use a file cabinet
8. Do Something (another personal favorite)
9. A place for everything, and everything in its place
10. Items displayed in the house have to pass a test
11. Don't do things "later"
12. Label things
13. Call in a professional
Mar 21, 2011 01:12PM Meece wrote:
I found it!
Mar 21, 2011 01:15PM - edited Mar 21, 2012 07:27AM by Meece
I heard that you should try to get rid of at least one item (Not just real trash) each week.
I am having Dh bring home those boxes from reams of paper. I am putting a label of what it in them, and have them on a table in the garage. (That's what really needs decluttering). It helps me from having to handle things more than once. There is a box for each kid, which when full, will be sent home with them. Craft supplies. Scrapbook type items. A GoodWill or Yard sale box. Etc...
Mar 21, 2011 01:16PM kira1234 wrote:
Boy do I need this. I've got all the junk from my Dad's apartment in my living room. It's been there since he died in Jan. My goal is to go through it all this week while I'm on spring break from school.
Mar 21, 2011 01:20PM sheila888 wrote:
I have the same issues here. When my daughter moved everything was left behind mostly clothing.
Now that they really decided to stay in Hawaii ( she even sold her car that was parked here over 2 years) I can start to clear her closet, winter coats, so much clothing.
What a good idea suz. You motivated me.
Mar 21, 2011 01:24PM suzwes wrote:
I found I've had to divide my decluttering chores into manageable chunks or I get so overwhelmed that I don't get ANYTHING done. I like the idea of the paper boxes and the labels Meece. That's a great idea.
Good luck Kira, hope you can get through the items in the living room. My husband had to do that for his dad's stuff but he held on to a lot of items for sentimental reasons. His "keep" items aren't unreasonable but we have to get rid of some of our junk so he can have a place for the treasures!
Mar 21, 2011 01:25PM wonderland wrote:
Suzette,
Great idea for a thread. At work I have given a decluttering presentation and discussed how stressful clutter can be. I would like to share Jeff Campbell's Clutter Rules. Go to www.jeffcampbell.com/Rules-Clutter/ for more details on each rule.
1. When in doubt, throw it out
2. Use it or lose it
3. Efficiency counts, so store things accordingly
4. Handle something once (this is my personal favorite. Another way to state it is "Touch Paper Once")
5. Recycle it
6. Pick a number and stick with it
7. Use a file cabinet
8. Do Something (another personal favorite)
9. A place for everything, and everything in its place
10. Items displayed in the house have to pass a test
11. Don't do things "later"
12. Label things
13. Call in a professional
I can follow these rules better at work because it's my own desk, space, etc. Other employees are amazed how organized my office is. It's not always that way at home because it's not all my stuff. My husband can be messy but I still love him AND his clutter so I won't be following Rule # 1!!! 
Mar 21, 2011 01:28PM suzwes wrote:
Oh wonderland - great ideas! My office at work is just as bad right now. I know it's because I've been in a fog the last two years. Can I put Jeff's link at the top of the page?
Mar 21, 2011 01:30PM wonderland wrote:
Yes, please do. It really goes into detail on each rule.
Mar 21, 2011 01:43PM kira1234 wrote:
suzwes, I so understand keeping things. My parents had some really old furniture and dishes as well as a dry sink. I have no idea what to do with them, but I'm not about to toss them out. I "sold" a dresser with a marble top to a co-teacher for $100.00. My family will never let me forget that. Makes it hard to do any real cleanup. It's funny he saved his W2's since his first year of teaching back in 1948. It has been a real trip down memory lane looking at all the papers.
Mar 21, 2011 01:56PM LuvRVing wrote:
I have found a couple of useful ways to get rid of unneeded "stuff". First, I take pictures of it, and put it out on the porch or the end of the driveway. Then I put an ad in Craigslist - under the Free category. It has worked every time, regardless of my husband's opinion of the 'junk' status of the particular stuff. From warped particle board, to builder's grade vanity lights, miscellaneous lumber, old lawn chairs, old VCR tapes...everything has been gone in less than 24 hours after placing the ad. No muss, no fuss, no emails or phone calls, just come and get it. Be sure to remove the ad when the stuff is gone. I've sold a few items on Craigslist, too. Just check out prices for comparable items then price your item a little lower if you really just want it gone.
And I have gone through clothes (of which I had a ridiculous amount), bagged it up, put it in the car and taken it to the Goodwill. I spoke to them - bring them anything, even clothes that are ripped or stained. They sell it to recyclers by the pound. They especially like old books - the poundage helps them. Be sure to keep track of the stuff and get receipts for the tax deduction.
So the main level and upstairs have been decluttered. The garage is in decent shape, too. Now for the basement. My husband will either get this done or I will call 1-800-take my junk. I don't want to pay someone to remove it because my "free" methods have been working well. But we want to put the house on the market in the next few weeks, so I have to give him a deadline then I'll take matters into my own hands.
Michelle
