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Gidget
| Monday, October 27, 2003 - 1:26 pm
Oh. Thanks for clarifying.
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Happymom
| Tuesday, October 28, 2003 - 10:08 am
Gidget, any way you could type in the website you mentioned yesterday? I'd love to see those pics! I did a google search and many things came up, I briefly looked at a few but didn't find before and after photos. You all probably know about this show, Clean Sweep on TLC. If not, you'd be amazed at the before and after. I haven't seen photos on their website (they may have them), but I have seen the show. They do have a list of tips on the website.
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Gidget
| Sunday, November 02, 2003 - 1:02 pm
Check out clutterfree's page, she's a TVCH memeber: www.clutterworkshop.com I never heard of clean sweep. I'll have to look for it. I found 2, not 1 but 2 scanners in my house today!!! It's a wreck but it is interesting sometimes
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Whit4you
| Monday, November 03, 2003 - 7:11 pm
Howdy... I came across a msg board that seems to be motivating me a bit. For the past 6+ weeks with all that's been going on + work + spending what little free time I have when I am home - my housekeeping has went totally to heck. When I do have the energy to do housework - it's been being done in my rental... having to wash walls and woodwork and floors and such, so basically my own house is starting to remind me of how bad it was during my PTSS days... And what's worse is it has gotten to a point of overwhelming and depressing to think about. Anyhow this board - don't let the name scare you off but I think it's motivational at least for me anyhow. Makes me feel I'm not alone, and it's not THAT bad - and so on. For the past few weeks I'd barely been able to touch the house cause it was just too overwhelming when I did have a little free time - but since reading there I've made a dent in 3 rooms.... So for anyone who can relate give this forum a try.... http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/139128?it=1
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Lkunkel
| Saturday, December 13, 2003 - 12:13 am
Hi, all. I hope we can revive this Thread. I think during the holidays it's really easy to lose your Zone. I too was a Flybaby, but I have (mostly) conquered the clutter and set up my own Zones. I have decided to go ahead and have someone come in to help me bust through the last boxes so that I am box free. When that happens, I'll have (mostly) cleared out all of my clutter. I'll still have final clear outs to do--but that will come as I decide if something is "list worthy." Yes, list worthy. One advantage (?) I have right now is that I have to go through and make a complete index of contents of the house for the insurance company. I told DH I would tackle all of the rooms but his half of the bedroom and his office. I make up my own wipes (using Simple Green)--and they are great. They're always on hand, and DH willingly cleans up if the wipes are on-hand. I broke up the Zones into daily tasks as well. I have it set up to complete the Zone in four days, with Fridays set for Houseblessing: 1.1: Desk Time: Weekly Plans. Balcony: Sweep down cobwebs; Sweep floor; Pull any dead plants; Get rid of unwanted items 1.2: Desk Time: Banking. Front Porch: Sweep down cobwebs; Sweep the porch; Get rid of unwanted items; Add welcoming touches 1.3: Anti-Procrastination Day. Linen Closet: Sweep down cobwebs; Straighten items; Car stuff--fluids, wash, etc. 1.4: Desk Time: Journals. Laundry: Clean the cobwebs; Wipe down tops of W/D; Clean the gunk from under the washer lid; Throw out empty bottles and boxes; Straighten shelves; Look beside appliances for odd sock 2.1: Desk Time: Weekly Plans. Kitchen: Sweep down cobwebs; Clean Windows/Dust Sills; Wipe fingerprints walls/switches; Wipe down cabinet fronts; Clean lights; Straighten drawers/cupboards; Clean under sink; Wash canisters/knick-knacks 2.2: Desk Time: Banking. Kitchen: Empty fridge; Clean down; Clean microwave inside and out; Clean toaster oven; Clean stove/oven; Completely change cat litter; Sweep ALL tile floors; Wash ALL tile floors 2.3: Anti-Procrastination Day. Main bath: Sweep down cobwebs; Straighten drawers and cabinets; Clean shower walls/Wax; Clean medicine cabinet; Clean toilet; Throw away empty bottles; Clean light fixtures; Wash fingerprints off walls and switchplates 2.4: Desk Time: Journals. Second Bath: Sweep down cobwebs; Straighten drawers and cabinets; Clean bathtub; walls/Wax; Clean medicine cabinet; Clean toilet; Throw away empty bottles; Clean light fixtures; Wash fingerprints off walls and switchplates 3.1: Desk Time: Weekly Plans. Master Bedroom/Closet: Sweep down cobwebs; Straighten shelves; Arrange shoes; Clear off back of door hooks; Straighten drawers 3.2: Desk Time: Banking. Master Bedroom: Clean Down Cobwebs; Clean Windows/Dust Sills; Clean off all flat surfaces; Clean windows 3.3: Anti-Procrastination Day. Office: Clean Down Cobwebs; Clean Windows/Dust Sills; Clean off all flat surfaces 3.4: Desk Time: Journals. Filing. 4.1: Desk Time: Weekly Plans. Living Area: Sweep down cobwebs; Clean Windows/Dust Sills; Wipe fingerprints from walls; Clear off horizontal surfaces 4.2: Desk Time: Banking. Living Area: Plants to shower; Wipe down ornaments and what-knots; Clean phone; Clean under cushions; Return plants 4.3: Anti-Procrastination Day. Living Area: Crafts; Straighten drawers; Straighten shelves; Check project status calendar 4.4: Desk Time: Journal. Living Area: Bulletin boards; Pantry inventories; Hall Closet Fridays: Clean & Fling Day. Houseblessing Day. Spend no more than 10 minutes on each item: Change Sheets; Trash Pickup/Magazines; Dust Horizontal Surfaces; Vacuum; Quick Sweep/Mop; Sliding Glass Door/Mirrors
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Gidget
| Saturday, December 13, 2003 - 7:22 pm
Nice to see this thread resurrected. I have a great opportunity. I am planning to move but I have a lot of time before I have to go, 4-6 months at least. I am determined not to take this disaster with me. Have had a lot of trouble getting started since I found out about moivng but I am excited at the prospect of being free. I can't take everything as I am definitely going into a smaller place I am looking at this as an opportunity to finally have the home I want. Heh smaller means nobody will get the idea to live with me. My reality is full of clutter but in my heart I am a minimalist. My biggest problem is sentimentality. Wish me luck I am gonna need it.
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Melfie1222
| Saturday, December 13, 2003 - 9:57 pm
Good luck Gidget! ... moving can be a pain in general, but the hidden blessing is that it's a great opportunity for a fresh start and to get rid of stuff. I haven't seen this thread til now, great suggestions!
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Lkunkel
| Sunday, December 14, 2003 - 8:47 am
Gidget: Have you made your attack plan yet? If I might suggest this: For moving, pick up Banker's Boxes from Office Max/Depot. (Office Max has been running a buy 2 6-box pack, get 1 free. Well worth it.) I suggest this because: - the boxes are lightweight and compact when empty
- you can fill them to a satisfactory weight amount
- the uniform boxes (with lids) makes stacking easy
- the boxes have built-in handles
This is how we did our move, and it went really well. No boxes were too heavy for me to move, which made DH incredibly happy. Just an idea. How can we best support you?
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Gidget
| Sunday, December 14, 2003 - 1:11 pm
No plan. Heh! Actually I started when dh moved out and I collected up a bunch of copier paper boxes. Like you I can easily lift anything I put in those. I had one yard sale this summer that helped. And I have a lot of clothes I don't need anymore so that will make a nice dent. The only plan I have so far is sorting thru keep, sell, donate, trash. Would be easier if dh and I knew what we wanted to do. If he got his crap out that would give me more room to work. Also, not having a firm date is making it hard too. Could be as soon as April or as long as October. The latter the better for me. I have a LOT to do. Actually it is nice to have such nice friends here to support me. It is hard to talk to my rl friends now. I have withdrawn a lot because all my friends were couple friends. I feel weird doing things with them bacause they are all married. I haven't told anyone about moving, yet.
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Lkunkel
| Sunday, December 14, 2003 - 1:37 pm
Gidget: I missed the point that you were now alone. Can you box up his stuff and rent a storage unit for it? That give you room to work, and still have his stuff accessible. If you wanted to be nice, you could pay the first three months on it as a Winter Holiday Gift. I understand having a lot to do. If you aren't sure where to start, could you call in a pro to start the ball rolling? (BTW, while packing up stuff for him, remember to toss him your extra kitchen stuff (spatulas, pans etc.) The less stuff you keep, the fewer memories with which you have to deal.)
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Lkunkel
| Monday, December 15, 2003 - 2:24 pm
Okay...I called an organizer and left a message. We'll see if we can knock this out by New Years!
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Bornfamous
| Monday, December 15, 2003 - 6:28 pm
I'm proud of you guys for tackling your clutter. :o] Mine is staring me in the face and I'm overwhelmed. I need to deal with it, but I don't know where to start.
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Lkunkel
| Monday, December 15, 2003 - 8:47 pm
Born: How can we support you? Would you like getting started tips?
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Solifelike
| Monday, December 15, 2003 - 10:21 pm
I'll be lurking this thread, now that it's found me. (Thanks for mentioning it in the SO folder, LK.) I am moving in June too. However, I do not know where I am going and am holding out on any huge transformation until I know this. As soon as my husband's orders come down, I'll know the direction to take and run with it. We have so much of everything. I have it pretty well stashed, but I'd sure love to be able to get rid of some more. Soon enough I'll know, I guess...until then, post ideas!!!!! I need inspiration!!!
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Lkunkel
| Monday, December 15, 2003 - 10:43 pm
Would anyone like me to post the decluttering/moving tips that I have been collecting?
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Zules
| Tuesday, December 16, 2003 - 7:00 am
Lkunkel - where did you find an organizer? I'd love to hire one as I am a total neat and organizational freak but I do have one weak spot....crafts! I need to find a workable way to oraganize all my stuff so that it is easily accessable and out of the closet. I haven't been able to come up with a workable plan myself so I think it's time for a pro but I don't know how to go about finding one. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
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Colordeagua
| Tuesday, December 16, 2003 - 7:19 am
Quote:My biggest problem is sentimentality.
Gidget, that my biggest problem too. I can get sentimentally attached to most anything! My mother had lived her last ten years in a one bedroom condo. Boy, did she have a lot in there. Had no idea of the truly sentimental stuff -- which included her mother's wedding dress! I had no idea. Then I found a bag of hair. My mother went from long locks in her confirmation photo to a very short bob in her high school graduation photo a few years later. (This was in the '20s.) I'm guessing that is "the hair". I'll never know. I still have it of course.
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Lkunkel
| Tuesday, December 16, 2003 - 10:28 am
Zules: I was lucky; I know one. Beyond that, check out the phone book (look under Organizers), the National Association of Professional Organizers, or Professional Organizers Webring. Crafts are my weakness too. It was different in the house when I had a room of my own. Now I have a tiny desk top in the living room and a chifferobe in the dining room. And that's it. (Well, I've been getting creative with storage. My soap and candle stuff is in the kitchen hiding in baskets on the open soffit. But DH things they're filled with cookbooks and things like that .)
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Bornfamous
| Tuesday, December 16, 2003 - 10:46 am
LK: Yes, please post your decluttering/moving tips. I've moved many times in my life, and always wound up packing the clutter and moving it with me instead of taking the opportunity to get rid of it! I've actually abandoned everything I owned on more than one occasion, rather than having to sort through it all. Ack.
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Solifelike
| Tuesday, December 16, 2003 - 10:47 am
A few months before I married my husband, I found that everything I owned had been stolen. (I had everything I owned in storage. I'd moved in with my parents for a summer to help out in a health crisis.) The contenst of a 2000 SQ Ft house were in that storage, years of collections of crystal and David Winter Cottages and fishtanks and beautiful art finds were gone. I'd grown up overseas, my whole life was in there. It brke my heart for a day and then I moved on. I actually felt free'd by the loss. I was ashamed to admit to that. I have only a handful of items of my former life, they are prized to me. When I moved to Alaska to be with my husband I took very little (2 suitcases and mailed 5 boxes). In 3 years, we collected an atrocious amount of *stuff.* While we were there I never collected much in the way of craft supplies, because it was so expensive. I just could not reconcile spending it. I do stained glass, and had a studio with my mom, I did not take any of that with me, and never bought more up there, because it was too much to spend. We had a 3000 sq ft house up there and a huge finished basement with a room that was very studio like, and I wished I'd had my stuff there, I'd have had a blast. Now though, since we've been back, crafts are my problem too. We have two very tall cabinets in my bedroom and the tops of them are lined with my craft tubs and sewing machine. We live in a tiny but very nice house. It has no additional space. Last month I went home to my parents and worked my butt off in my mom's studio and decided i needed to take my things home and find a way to work it. (My husband has a wood shop around in the barn out back, but I can't work out there, it's too cold and I can't watch my toddler out there.) Anyway, my dad built me a small work station that I could haul around myself, it fits on my kitchen table and we found ways for me to bring back a large supply of my more favorite glass. Right now, my kitchen is my craft zone. It'll stay this way until after Christmas. I want to work after Christmas at building a stock pile of projects for Ebay. I want to try to start a business on there. (Any suggestions for this???--I'll be thrilled to listen.) I have rubber tubs full of stuff for this, all over my house cleverly hidden. I cannot wait to move into a new place that will have at least a proper garae I can set up in. I love doing my crafts, but hate that I have to clean it up and put it away always.
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Solifelike
| Tuesday, December 16, 2003 - 10:49 am
Just curious here, who does what kind of crafts here? I do stained glass, of a very unique design. I sew, but my projects are different than you'd think. (I recover furniture and such) I make Tassels. (Larger ornamental) I love to make them, they are so much fun. I just don't find much of a market for them.
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Bornfamous
| Tuesday, December 16, 2003 - 11:07 am
I'd love to do textile crafts again, like quilting, embroidery and [admit it, Born] macrame. But I have absolutely no room for anything requiring more than my lap to work in. A basket for supplies is about the most I can muster. That limits it to embroidery and maybe crochet or knitting. I plan to reward myself with an embroidery kit/basket when I get this place decluttered!
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Lkunkel
| Tuesday, December 16, 2003 - 11:19 am
Crafts I do for fun: Altered Books (which includes Rubberstamping and Scrapbooking); Cross-stitch (Counted/Stamped)/Embroidary; Mosaics; Ready-to-Finish Painting Crafts I'm teaching myself: Crochet Crafts I do for my Path: Candlemaking, Soapmaking SoLife: I feel your pain and joy. At times I wish my stuff would just vanish--after the hurt, the relief setting in would be a blessing I think. Born: sounds like a great reward!
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Solifelike
| Tuesday, December 16, 2003 - 2:43 pm
LK What does it mean "your path"? I do crochet, and cross stich too. Though I have not Cross'ed in years. I did Embroidary for a time too. (I spent 3 months in a hospital bed and I learned many things to do with my hands during that time! LOL) I asked the craft question because it strikes me that like Born, not everyone has a space to do just their crafts. While they are supposed to be a time of inner peace and relaxation, we stress ourselves out by not getting to do them, because of space issues. When I told my dad I was heartbroken that I could not go home and do my stained glass, he went and built me a station. (Did I mention my dad is a saint?) My dad and my husband both are not artists, but love that my mom and I do it. So they always work hard to accomodate our desires for a space of our own. What I would not give though, for a room of my own where I can do all of this without concern of when I have to clean up.
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Lkunkel
| Tuesday, December 16, 2003 - 2:49 pm
So: Among my syncretic beliefs, I practice kitchen witchery. That include my own candles for rituals. I started making my own soap when I needed a variety of things (astrigent, softener, etc.) that would have required a bunch of different soaps. Making my own meant that I could put it all in one formula. I made sure--wherever I lived (including my dorm room)--that I had a place for my crafts.
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