De-cluttering, the never-ending process

I am needing a bit of a mental push right now, when it comes to my clothes. I have been skimming through blogs while procrastinating with my coffee and this one is resonating

organisemyhouse.com/wardrobe-decluttering-mistakes/

particularly the bit about `it has always been there, so I must be wearing them`. I have been dithering ages about two unworn jackets, good makes and from an online sale. Been in my wardrobe three years and still unworn. Today I bite the bullet and am not even going to try them on, like I do every year. I shall bag them neatly and drive to the salvation army collection bin. I also have a decent, hardly worn pale cream fleece jacket. That will have to go too.

Clothes de-cluttering is very hard, incredibly so. Tbh having lost some weight is making it a bit easier, I use the fitting aspect to let something go, no problem with that

Brilliant thread.
Have 3 sheds to clear out.
My first aim is to get stuff up off the floor so I can move around and find its very cheering when that bit of floor is well swept and clear.
Paint. Yes. First step is to get the fence paints together on one shelf. Why do I have so many? Good intentions in the past. And lots of fence still needs painting.
You are all so organised.Inspiring!

I finished my wardrobes this morning and have to say it was very satisfying, in fact not so hard because I reaped the benefits of doing it last year too. I did keep one jacket, nice one, cosy 50% wool with a zip, not too formal but I have put it into my main bedroom wardrobe. I did the trip to the salvation army clothing bank and have got two other black bags for disposal

Result was a lot of empty hangers and the smaller wardrobe is now 2/3 empty. I managed to let go of some good skirts, I never will need more than two long dark skirts, one of which I made in around 2000, hardly worn but was perfect for my husbands funeral. I kept that black one and one dark grey. I have noticed that my size change makes me feel good these days and that was my theme today, it makes me feel good or it goes

All winter clothes are now accessible. I have far far too many trousers and leggings but will slowly thin them out over winter, anything baggy will be out. My husband and I had a large chest of drawers each, I ended up filling both of them

This time next year will be easier again. It really is a long slow process. I never thought I could progress my wardrobes but I have

Next step is to stop lands end e mails, I have been so sucked in by their bargains

Oh, well done!

I am no further forward, I'm afraid. It's been one thing after another lately, but I definitely need to start next week.

loopyloo

Brilliant thread.
Have 3 sheds to clear out.
My first aim is to get stuff up off the floor so I can move around and find its very cheering when that bit of floor is well swept and clear.
Paint. Yes. First step is to get the fence paints together on one shelf. Why do I have so many? Good intentions in the past. And lots of fence still needs painting.
You are all so organised.Inspiring!

Unlike gloss and emulsion at least fence paint seems to keep for a long time: I suppose it’s because it’s water based? I’ve got lots of it, too! It comes in enormous tins which doesn’t help.

My weight fluctuates so much that I can’t really get rid of clothes. I’m currently living in a pair of leggings that I bought 7 years ago. Didn’t wear them for 6 years, put them on a while back and haven’t wanted to wear my other leggings since. I’m dreading the day that they wear out. Two years ago I rediscovered some walking trousers and lived in them. My favourite socks are trainer socks that I bought years and years ago but only tried them on recently: no idea why I’ve never worn them before. I found a jacket of my sons that I’ve started to wear: it must be at least 15 years old. It’s smart clothes that I need to sell on: clothes I’ve bought for weddings etc. Trouble is, unlike the casual wear clothes they’re probably dated now.

We seem to be on a permanent de-clutter - DH is a bit of a hoarder and seems to have seven of everything regarding tools and computer stuff.
We did empty the garage two years ago and then knocked down two thirds of it to make room for pond pumps and DHs crap and made the garden bigger which got rid of loads of stuff. I sorted DHs stuff in the garage into boxes for him to further declutter but he is so blooming slow about it but he has at least created a path through the boxes as he has emptied them.
We have also emptied the loft but we are now reaching the point where we need to do it again - we have a load of camping stuff which is stored there but we are not ready to give up camping yet. So we need to get sorting through everything else like Christmas Decorations and suitcases of holiday clothes. Have been selling stuff on Vinted as we have both lost weight so the wardrobe is not so crammed lol!!
Reams of paperwork has been shredded so files are disappearing and cupboards are not so full of rubbish!!
My reasoning behind decluttering is because I'd hate for our kids to have to do it all. But they have no problem dropping off more toys for the GCs as we look after a few of them through the week!! The toy area needs a good sort out too.
I am much more brutal about throwing stuff out - chipped plates and mugs are gone, envelopes shredded, I lose bits and pieces of DHs stuff fairly regularly into the bin as he would hang on to it all and half the time he does not know what he's got or more hopefully who he has lent it to!!!
It is never-ending and can hardly bring myself to go in his train/hobby room - yet more camping gear and and a train set up that he keeps saying he will get back to soon!!!

My reasons for decluttering are to get rid of ( and make money where I can from ) DH’s many collectibles, tools, hobbies, etc which fill the garage, loft, study and overflow into the whole house. I shall have room to move, and to clean the areas which are currently inaccessible. Then I want to spare my children the awful burden, but I am also bearing in mind that one day, I might move into smaller property, maybe a retirement flat. Plenty of incentives, but some days I can do nothing, as it is just too much.
A friend told me yesterday there is no rush, which is true, but I have a target of the decorator coming in two weeks to do just one room, but it means having enough room elsewhere to move things into. So I press on. Also before long it will be too cold to spend long in the garage.

I am still at it, abeit the pace has slowed down to waiting until I notice clutter now

A bedroom drawer for me yesterday and a pile of knee highs and tights went out to the bin, These were visibly ok, all dense black, years old and made from a man made fibre. Not nice and soft like my newer ones, which stay up even though soft. I really do mean old, they were always `too good` to throw out until I had a lightbulb moment

I must say that my bedroom drawers are still in good shape with marie kondo as the inspiration from when her book came out ie I used my short hemp boxes as dividers and everything is still in its place but only the bedroom drawers, everything else she did was too extreme for me

I have a problem with large velour cushion covers, I think I will see if I am still attached to them after winter, they are quite new, were expensive and hardly used but are safe, out of sight in boxes under a bed. Which is where I `found` all my stashed shoes and boots. Two big boxes of them. None of them will be de-cluttered, yet

I do understand that getting rid of items that were expensive can be difficult, and that some things seem to be ‘too good to give away’, but getting rid of them doesn’t cost you a penny. The money was lost when you bought them, not when you clear them out. There is no point in hanging onto clothes that don’t fit or that are no longer suitable for your lifestyle just because they cost a lot when you bought them. Clothes are only an investment if you wear them.

I am saying this as much for my own benefit as for anyone else’s . Onwards and upwards, chums!

I’ve loved reading through this thread lots of good tips. I made a good job last year and ended with half the garage clear and very tidy almost empty, then I remembered my sons ‘stuff’ in the loft and one of my grandsons came over to help me bring it down so the nice clear space in the garage is now full with boxes and bags again. My son has been saying he’ll go through it next time he visits for about 10 yrs ( he’s lived abroad for 12 yrs) but it’s never happened so far.
There are also 3 perfectly good bikes that just need a bit of a service and tyres blowing up that I need to get rid of. It goes on and on doesn’t it!

Isn’t it essential to not acquire “stuff” in the first place?
To resist “offers too good to refuse” or stockpile as if things are going to run out? My mother used to buy Apple Blossom soap in cases (I suspect she had negotiated a wholesale discount) and was “proud” her cupboard under the stairs had enough soap to “see her out”. I think there is/was a mentality dating back to the days of rationing, or oil crisis shortages or even pandemic shortages which encourages stockpiling and I resist that. .
But I refuse to be made to feel guilty about keeping the things, whether clothes, shoes, books or anything else which may bring me pleasure !

Nobody is suggesting anyone should feel guilty about keeping things. Where did you get that idea?

Of course it’s better not to acquire stuff in the first place, but as I say to my own mother there is no point in giving advice when it needs a Time Machine to carry it out . Many people have just managed to ‘acquire stuff’ by not throwing out the old when getting something new, and it’s mounted up, is all.

People on this thread are doing what we can in the here and now to declutter and create space. Not everyone finds it easy so we are encouraging one another, not berating ourselves for having ‘acquired stuff’ in the first place.

Doodledog

Nobody is suggesting anyone should feel guilty about keeping things. Where did you get that idea?

Of course it’s better not to acquire stuff in the first place, but as I say to my own mother there is no point in giving advice when it needs a Time Machine to carry it out . Many people have just managed to ‘acquire stuff’ by not throwing out the old when getting something new, and it’s mounted up, is all.

People on this thread are doing what we can in the here and now to declutter and create space. Not everyone finds it easy so we are encouraging one another, not berating ourselves for having ‘acquired stuff’ in the first place.

I agree 100% with this. None of us feel guilt, we are just re-organising our homes and if that involves throwing out/giving away/selling than so be it. I would suggest that the only one bring the word guilt into this is perhaps you rosiemaw and maybe that is subconscious within yourself

I do like that we are a group who support each other, without guilt, either within, us or to pass on to lighten the personal load.

My son and grandson have been here to put stuff back into my newly redecorated bedroom, for which I am very grateful. What’s more, they refused to let me have everything back!
So now I am forced to do more sorting, as well as remaking up the bed and settling back in.
In particular, they have removed DH’s chest of drawers, which I had started to fill with my clothes, so they will have to go back into my chest of drawers now. One drawer had memorabilia relating who DH who died just five months ago, which will need to be properly stored somewhere. Another had two of his pure wool jumpers, which really need to go to a charity shop. Then his hankies! Really they were being cruel to be kind and I admit I needed a push. I even agreed to dump some things of mine which have survived many house moves.
My son also refused to put back a small filing cabinet which contains photo albums and other memorabilia, so I need to absorb those elsewhere.

So now I have plenty to keep me busy. I have been very lethargic this past week, and sat around doing not a lot, so I know I needed a push to get started again. It is not easy. Nobody else is going to help me. I know that my family have helped in the best way they can.

People on this thread are doing what we can in the here and now to declutter and create space. Not everyone finds it easy so we are encouraging one another, not berating ourselves for having ‘acquired stuff’ in the first place

Hear, hear! No guilt involved.

I've just reorganised my wardrobe, putting away Summer stuff and getting warmer stuff out. Sent three jumpers to the charity shop after realising that although I like them I never wear them. In the process managed to clear one of the drawers in the chest of drawers beside the bed so stuffed it full of all the creams/make up/hair things that normally sit on top of it. For the first time ever I have space for my lamp, books, Kindle, glasses, phone and drink beside the bed and room to spare 😄. Now all I have to do is organise the drawer so I can actually find the creams/make up/hair things when I want them.

Great work, AWTY. It's so good when you can see a use for the space you've created.

Mr Dog has gone to the charity shop with another three bags of clothes. I felt quite sad about some of the items, remembering when I was young and slim enough to wear them, and when I went to the sort of places where they wouldn't be out of place. Still, most of them are classic styles and someone will get a bargain.

I also filled three bags with stuff for the tip - mainly papers that I was 'keeping safe' for reasons unknown. There was a cheque book from a long-dead account, and a pile of essays from an MA I did back in the 90s. All gone. I also found some photos of my brother's wedding over 20 years ago, which was lovely, and I've kept those.

I'm still not finished, but I'm hoping that tomorrow I can get through the last wardrobe in that bedroom, which will mean I have loads of space to put the things that survive the clearout of the other ones .

Keep on keeping on, everyone - we'll get there.

It does seem to be taken out of your hands right now Cabbie. You have all that clearing to do plus you are grieving. The pace is too quick for you, taken out of your hands really. Your kind son and dgs, obviously well-meaning. They are good people and think it is for the best, hang onto that thought.

I have not managed to let go of my DH chest of drawers nor the bedside table, I think I have re-filled them with my stuff, so I have the reason not to let them go

Rachel, arewethereyet and doodledog, really good posts. Every small bit of clearing is an incentive to me, also to know that I am not the only one

Well. Work got in the way (I discovered I had things to do that I hadn't realised were there), so I didn't finish my cupboard today. Never mind, Mr Dog got rid of four large plastic barrels that he used to use for beer brewing with those home brew kits that were a 'thing' in the 80s. They took up a lot of space, so I'll let them count as progress.

Isn’t it essential to not acquire “stuff” in the first place?

Dont you have stuff that was useful, and now is'nt?
I most certainly do.

Life changes. Times change. Technology changes. Who is in your household changes.

I most certainly did not buy or obtain stuff just for the fun of it. Well an occasional clothing item maybe.

And even if people do, that is their choice.
Everyone is different. Everyone's life is different. Everyone's needs are different.

Mr Dog has gone to the charity shop

With my tired morning eyes, I read that as my dog has gone to the charity shop.
Thought that was a bit extreme of you!

I personally will not be doing much more decluttering now until after Christmas.

Last year, mid November, I sorted out the bookcases.
Although the job needed doing, and it helped finish tidying up a spare bedroom, it nearly took my Christmas preparations off course.
So this year, I am going to bear that in mind.

The decluttering I have done over the last few months, has meant I have got a bit behind on a few other things, so I am largely going to put a halt on doing much more for the time being.
I do have some papers that I want keeping, that need to be filed. Hopefully doing that soon. Not sure yet what system I want to use for that.

I know what you mean, ft. I am putting a lot of pressure on myself by doing it now, but it's the way my mind works, and to a large extent it's why I have managed to accumulate clutter. I probably have ADD, and tend to put things off until I get overwhelmed by them and it takes a real deadline to make me do them. At that point I am like a dervish, and usually manage to get it all done, but often at the expense of other things that build up in their turn. It's hard to explain, but it's not laziness (I never 'do nothing') but more a case of being 'frozen'. I'm only recently learning more about it, and it explains such a lot about my life - a bit late in the day, I know . I've always been really hard on myself, and grew up being constantly told how useless I was, but now that I'm starting to realise that I'm not alone in this, and am trying to develop strategies to deal with it, it's getting a bit easier to manage.

Anyway, I have a week before an immovable work deadline, the kitchen is being refitted in November, the decorator is coming next week to quote for doing the bedrooms I am decluttering, and this is the week I am doing all of it (and I am currently typing on here, of course!). I annoy myself, but it's really difficult to do things differently. I really hope that when it's all done it will be easier to keep on top of it all. We've lived here 25 years, and the 'clutter' has built up over that time, which, realistically we won't have time to let happen again . Also, when a cupboard or a room is already cluttered, it is much more tempting to add 'stuff' to it, as it makes less of a difference than messing up a tidy space would do. So, here's hoping that a more streamlined life will be easier to manage.