2024 Decluttering Support and Motivation

[Vantreesta]

Originally Posted by bubbles76

I desperately need support and advice lol! My problem is that I'm willing to declutter but Tiny Bubble and Big Bubble are grumbly about it. They are both hesitant to get rid of anything, and it's also difficult to find the time. But we really need to do this. I know that we're going to be moving in some years, and I don't want it to be like our last move. For the last move, Big Bubble got rid of a lot of stuff, but most stuff was shoved in bins and moved to this house. He didn't go through any of it, and I've even found bins of obvious trash lol! So, yea would rather not go through that again.

I'm no help bc I'm the hoarder in our house!

[Leonana]

I’m a lurker in this thread because I like to declutter and read about it. I’m cheering everyone on!

Originally Posted by bubbles76

I desperately need support and advice lol! My problem is that I'm willing to declutter but Tiny Bubble and Big Bubble are grumbly about it. They are both hesitant to get rid of anything, and it's also difficult to find the time. But we really need to do this. I know that we're going to be moving in some years, and I don't want it to be like our last move. For the last move, Big Bubble got rid of a lot of stuff, but most stuff was shoved in bins and moved to this house. He didn't go through any of it, and I've even found bins of obvious trash lol! So, yea would rather not go through that again.

Maybe you could try one bin at a time? Ask Big or Tiny Bubbles to go through one bin. Perhaps taking it slowly will help.

My dh has a lot of stuff, but it’s mostly tools, etc. that he can store in sheds in our backyard. That way it’s not in the house and I don’t have to see it.

[Catahoula Cate]

Anita, Thanks for getting the thread started! I'm hoping that this year, I can get some larger items decluttered. I still mostly focus on low hanging fruit in my decluttering efforts which is still good to be through some of that stuff. For now, it's been mostly virtual decluttering, paper from file folders no longer needed either shredded or if I can use the other, side, used in the copier. Cardboard to recycling(still more to do there).

Jeannine, I like your habit of 15 min/daily. I try to declutter something daily but I think putting a time on it might be more productive for me. Thanks for sharing that! I also agree that when you start to do some decluttering, it can motivate others. DH is sometimes that way and I hope that we can get more done this year. He's been really productive, though, about getting outdoor things decluttered...he took a bunch of pallets back to a store that will reuse them the other day. Way to go on the battery recycling find. We've got a bunch that our hardware store will take and they been sitting here on a table forever! We recently went to rechargeable batteries for our flashlights so has reduced greatly our need.

Sherry I tend to lurk too. But probably most people on forums have a bit of that in them. lol!

[dakko]

Originally Posted by bubbles76

I desperately need support and advice lol! My problem is that I'm willing to declutter but Tiny Bubble and Big Bubble are grumbly about it. They are both hesitant to get rid of anything, and it's also difficult to find the time. But we really need to do this. I know that we're going to be moving in some years, and I don't want it to be like our last move. For the last move, Big Bubble got rid of a lot of stuff, but most stuff was shoved in bins and moved to this house. He didn't go through any of it, and I've even found bins of obvious trash lol! So, yea would rather not go through that again.

My husband was grumbly too, especially since he's had so much work lately and felt like he had no time. So we set the timer for 5 minutes because that seemed completely doable, no matter how full someone's schedule is (and our garage had LOTS of easy pickings, lol). It only took a couple of sessions to open up clear space and it was so impressive that he began to be onboard. A couple more sessions and he's completely on board.

We are using Dana K. White's method (which is new to me) of creating no more mess. The first steps are to address obvious things that require no decision making, like obvious trash/recycling, things that belong somewhere else (put it away now), or things that are obvious donations. She has a youtube channel and also podcasts (and books). She has started a paid program and it looks to me like she probably removed a bunch of videos, but there is still a lot there to learn from.

eta: her method includes the concept of leaving the space better than it was before (so even if you only remove a few items as trash, it is an improvement). I can't tell you how much this is helping me to proceed without feeling overwhelmed.

[Vintage VFer]

I've just spent a few hours organizing and going through some boxes from my last move. (Two months ago.) Mostly books and other non-essentials.

Of course, one of the FIRST things I got organized when I moved in was my fitness stuff. A girl has to have her priorities!

[Izzy]

Hello,

We had a snow storm here and my library (where I work) was closed so between trips outside to shovel I took advantage of the no work day to get more things done. My house is very old (1800's) and there are no pantry's, linen closets or anything like that. There is a closet in the bathroom which is a catch all for me. I cleaned and organized it; threw out a lot of expired stuff and created a shelf for my workout clothes/yoga clothes etc. I am often wandering around in the dark at 4:30 in the morning looking for my walk clothes or exercise stuff so I decided each week put enough in the bathroom so it's all right there. I also washed floors and moved a few things around and put more stuff in another box to Goodwill. This morning I cleaned out 2 more drawers in the kitchen.

Stay well and warm.

[Catahoula Cate]

After reading through everyone's posts again, I think I've come up with my decluttering "model" for 2024. I'm going to make an effort towards allotting so many minutes(15 or maybe 20) a day to declutter as Jeannine described. Then also dakko's info from Dana K. White on "creating no more mess". Right now, I'm going through some paperwork piles leftover from our busy summer/fall. I'm pleased with what I've reduced so far. The dining room table is about half way clear!

[Vintage VFer]

I'm proud of myself that I got 4 boxes of books put on the shelves.

Even though I had to give way most of my books, I still need to by a new bookshelf.

[LiliMagill]

Reading through this thread has been inspiring! When we retired 6 years ago, I made it a mission to go through every room, one drawer, closet, etc. at a time and purge. It felt really good. The basement and garage proved to be our downfall. We lost steam with both of them and they are in desparate need of organizing, cleaning and purging. Putting the Christmas stuff away has made me accutely aware of just how much stuff we have and don't need/use.

One thing I have done in the last few years that has helped is when I buy something new, I get rid of an equal number of items. This mainly works with my clothing, but it does help.

[fanofladyvols]

Originally Posted by LiliMagill

Reading through this thread has been inspiring! When we retired 6 years ago, I made it a mission to go through every room, one drawer, closet, etc. at a time and purge. It felt really good. The basement and garage proved to be our downfall. We lost steam with both of them and they are in desparate need of organizing, cleaning and purging. Putting the Christmas stuff away has made me accutely aware of just how much stuff we have and don't need/use.

One thing I have done in the last few years that has helped is when I buy something new, I get rid of an equal number of items. This mainly works with my clothing, but it does help.

If you can dedicate yourself to a small area or just one box at a time, and/or specified length of time it is less daunting!

Wishing everyone a clutter free 2024!