Teen

sunrise...are you referring to fabric downsizing or overall house stuff? For fabric downsizing, I went through my fabric and made quilt kits...meaning fabrics that go together that can be used for a future pattern. That helped me coordinate better. If an odd piece showed up, I'd give to the church ladies. Sometimes, I'd give them the fabric I kitted up. Then they'd have a complete coordinated stack of fabric to design a donation quilt or whatever. They love it when I show up..

For house stuff, I'll share what my mother did... I have 6 siblings...so my mom set up 7 totes..one in each color representing each kid. Then, she when she went through each room, she would place items in the the tote she wanted to gift it to. When we stopped by for a visit, we emptied it. For other stuf, she had a donation box and we'd cart that down to goodwill or target it for a garage sale.

Your idea works, too!! My recommendation is to just take a room at a time...or a closet etc. break down this huge project into several, manageable steps. You'd be amazed how fast it can go. I also filled my trunk as I decided on donation stuff. Then, when I'm out and about, I just swing by goodwill or thrift shop and empty trunk. Another words, just fit these errands into your weekly run arounds

oksewglad

Your ideas sound so smart, Teen!

rryder

Great ideas, Teen!

While I wait anxiously for June 7 when we have our first meeting with the decluttered/organizer, I am continuing to try to find something every day to throw away, donate or sell.

Today I found 5 books to take across the street and place in the Little Free Library my neighbors built. I also found several older craft books to donate to a thrift store. Baby steps LOL!

Rob

amyjo

Take them to a local homeless or domestic violence center. They don’t care the color if they’re still good to put on a bed. Same with sheets

amyjo

They probably could use books, color books & crayons, markers & colored pencils, scissors that kids can use, pencil boxes or zipper cases. All depends on what I have n what they can use.

tropit

I have family coming this weekend, so it is time to get into the sewing/guest loft space and tidy up and get rid of some things. I hate doing it too. Why do we all find this such a chore?

The best tips that I have are:
1. Make a small list of things to do...even if they are just tiny things...and no more than 5 or 6 chores on the list.
2. Turn on some of your favorite music. Dance music from the early 60s works for me...Motown!
3. Set a time for 15 minutes, start up the music and get moving.
4. Stop at the end of 15 minutes...you're done. You are not allowed to do any more unless you really feel that you can make and fulfill the commitment to do another full 15 minutes.

I try to do this, but somehow, some way, I seem to find a way to still procrastinate. Go figger.

~ C

carol336

Lots of awesome ideas here - I really need to try a few. I especially like tropit's 15 minute list. I'm currently undergoing Radiation for breast cancer (9th treatment today) and my energy level is the pits.....but I could certainly handle 15 mins.....gonna give it a try.

rryder

I have been doing some of the fly lady routines and have found that her idea of just doing a little at a time, but doing it consistently, has worked wonders in our 2 bathrooms, bedroom, kitchen and hallways. Now they are staying relatively clutter free, somewhat organized and clean enough for close friends to drop by unexpectedly and not be grossed out. I don’t feel that I’m spending any more time trying to clean/declutter than I did before, but with just a few minutes at a time of concentrated attention and turning some things into automatic routines, these areas are looking better than they have in years.

I’ve also hired a professional declutterer/organizer to help DH and me get our offices and studio spaces working more efficiently for us. Right now most of the second floor of our house is studio/office space (divided amongst 4 rooms) and it has gotten to the point where we both have to move stuff around constantly to get to our work surfaces. Anxiously waiting for June 7 when we have our first meeting where she will walk through the house and studios with us and then write up a plan of attack.


Rob

retiredteacher09

Carol: Prayers for a complete recovery.

rryder

Carol- remember to take a break after 15 minutes, even if you are feeling energetic and raring to go. You want to also have energy left to do the fun stuff. And even shorter increments than 15 minutes can be enough to accomplish organizing/decluttering goals. Best wishes on your continued treatments.

Rob

Rob