It has been planned for a long time now, but always something else got priority. You all know how it goes. While we have a bunch of tasks to do on every side, we want to let time for those activities we want to do really well. We have the intention to focus on that, to be fully dedicated and we don't want to be distracted by other, everyday tasks. However, that special time seems to never come offered on a plate. You have to make that time. You just have to start.
This is how I finally initiated the huge task to declutter my home of unnecessary things. I would shout a bravo for myself because of that decision, but to be completely honest, this action was triggered by some previous situations, like the broken washing machine. The room where we have the washing machine and the water heater is also a kind of storage room where I leave stuff that I could not put into categories. Let's see... a vacuum cleaner, boxes, paper bags, glass jars, plastic Tupperware containers and bags, broom, laundry basket... and a bunch of other things I just don't know where to put. So, the old washing machine had to go out and be replaced by a new one, that's why I took out everything from there... and just left those things on the balcony for two days 😂
Of course, I didn't like that scenery, the big glass doors from the living room were giving me that view that was not really nice. Boxes and bags full of stuff I don't even know why I have them. So, the first phase of decluttering started - I threw away two big boxes and several bags full of trash. Indeed, I could not name it in a better way, as all those things didn't have a real purpose anymore. I proudly binned the unnecessary stuff.
That was just the beginning, just one step. One room. The next step was my wardrobe and at the same time my son decided to clean the bookshelves, he has in his room. Now we were working on two fronts :D
He selected all the notes, notebooks, school books, educational materials, board games and random things he took out from the shelves and closet. Several bags of old music scores (ok, I was questioning that action, but I let him) and other uncategorised notes, papers and notebooks went to the paper recycling facility. The books he had to read for school and he doesn't really want to read them again will find a different destiny. Some of them will go to the book exchange shelf that I found in one local supermarket. ( see the first picture of this post 👆) You can bring the books you don't need anymore, and if you want, you can take the books you are interested in. I was so positively surprised when I saw for the first time this shelf. There is already a similar thing on the beach, it is called the beach library. The same thing, you bring a book from home and take a book from there. No records, no person who would control it, just confidence! And I guess that it works nicely.
Some other books that he selected (photo below 👇) he wants to sell as used books. There is an app that you can install and make an account and sell as second-hand things your books, clothes, vehicles, or anything you don't need anymore. The books shown here are written mainly in the Valencian language (that is the second official language of the area where we live). He will not read those books again, but they were mandatory in school. Three options - bin them, put on that exchange shelf or sell them. He wants to earn his pocket money so you guess he already has an account on that app 😁.
My wardrobe!
So, it took me two hours to select those clothes that will not be worn by me anymore. I am more than sure about that as all those trousers 👖 were diminished with some magic in size. The dresses, shorts and skirts too. Must be the same ghost that played with the home devices recently... I am pretty sure he went to my closet and made many of my clothes one or two sizes smaller. That was nasty and mean!
At the same time, I selected summer dresses, t-shirts and shorts and put them aside. I brought the winter clothes down from the upper shelf that I don't reach usually (just store there the warm garments during summer) and also made a selection. I was not happy with some discoveries... some of the things I will not be able to wear in the near future, as I am not sure how can three four extra kilograms disappear from me. Sigh.
Now I have two normal-sized bags and one large bag full of pants, denim trousers and other items I don't want even to see 😂. Never again lol. I will be happy to give them away and have more space in my closet. Still, there are too many garments in my wardrobe, I think a second selection will have to be made, but at the moment I am satisfied with this first decluttering phase.
I have two options where I would take these clothes.
A local charity shop which receives used things and sells them. It is supposed that the funds are given to associations against cancer - that is what they say and what I found as information about this charity shop. Are there organizations like this at your place? Do you help them by giving away the things you don't need anymore?
The second option is to donate your old clothes to organizations that will distribute the items (after their selection) to people in need. There are big blue containers in several spots in our town where you can leave your clothes, shoes or accessories whenever you want. From time to time, they come and check the content of the containers and take the bags. Also, there are these red containers where you can leave clothes and shoes, they also select them if they can be given away or sold at a low price to the needed ones. If the clothes don't match some quality requirements, they are sent to recycling facilities.
Right now, while writing these last lines I prefer the first option, the charity shop. I even know the old lady who is volunteering there, she sings in the local choir. This gives me a more personal touch, although those things are just clothes and I don't have any emotional connection with them. They have been used by me, they served their purpose but right now I can't use them. They can go freely, I will not stop them from leaving my closet. 😂
Step by step, I am uncluttering my home. There are still a lot of things to be checked, this is just the beginning. The storage room, my wardrobe and the bookshelf of my son can be marked as done. All the rest is still to be selected, but I do have to continue doing it. If I disappear for some time, let's say for a week or two, you know what I am doing - selecting and throwing (or giving) away the unnecessary things!
And what about you? When was the last time you selected unnecessary things from your home and throw them away? Do you like when your home is neat and not full of clutter? What do you do with the clothes/books and all the things you don't need anymore? Would you give them to a charity shop or do you know someone who would take those clothes from you?
Hello there!
You should, regardless of what might have triggered you to do it. Decluttering takes up mental and physical energy and involves a lot of emotions that we sometimes don't recognize.
I see an area code 603, but I'm not sure if that's in the US or Spain. I'm very curious to know what Charity Shops are like there. In the UK, Charity Shops have taken over many towns, and they are like boutique stores, especially in smaller upscale towns where all economic classes of people shop.
I'm pleased to hear that you attacked your decluttering exercise with much success. I feel like decluttering is good for the soul. It's like letting go of stress and can bring positive emotions and is good for your well-being:)
Your post was soothing to read 😍
Hi @millycf1976 😍
I am glad too that I did this decluttering thing, well, I just started, as there are so many other things to be checked and selected.
And it indeed takes time and also mental and physical energy, but in the end, seeing the results one feels a lot better, right? As you say, it's good for the soul, so it also gives us extra energy ;)
I am in Spain, and those phone numbers are mobile phone numbers. These charity shops are led by UK ex-pats, and there are two of them (shops) in my town. They don't sell just clothes, but so many different items too, as can be seen in the photo, even some smaller pieces of furniture, paintings etc.
I hope the urge to continue this decluttering activity will attack me again, soon :))
Hello @mipiano
A-Ha! It makes total sense that UK ex-pats would start Charity Shops there. I'm so happy you wrote that in your post. That's a brilliant idea. I'll keep that one in mind. I'm a bit anti-consumerism and would prefer to buy everything secondhand.
I get the feeling that more decluttering is in the pipeline for you 😁
And these 2 days, in how many days do they end? 🤣
Hahahha, well the two days ended in two days indeed! The new watching machine arrived on time so I could select and move back the good things and throw away those that I didn't need. :) And I needed space to get to the plants, so it had to be done :D
Bravo! Bravo! And cheers 🥂🥂 after that hardwork you deserved some praise dear. The reason for that is, you've conquered yourself, finally you've put aside your procrastination. We all have this not so good habit of putting things aside until we cannot do it anymore just plans plans plans... Haha
Woa! You lost a lot of pounds or kilos? 3 kilos? Probably you work out too much. Me? Now? I would want that extra kilos gone.. haha
Your son is a wise kid he surely knows how to get some extra cash which is good. He will learn the value of money, that it does now grow on trees. Here we can sell them online, or give it to the public library or the fastest way of ridding anything is giving them to friends and family.
Good thing you have charity shops at least you know where things are still put to good use. Those red and blue bins are great.
Here in my country because money is not that easy, whatever unwanted things you have you can post them on the market place of Facebook and sell them. I haven't tried that though because usually when I have unwanted clothes, shoes, bags, curtains etc I just give them to my sister's for I still have three sisters. I have one in particular who has five kids and her husband doesn't have a regular job so all of my son's clothes were given to her and my other nephews as well.
Decluttering is really therapeutic, you get to select which one you want to let go and which one's need to stay and usually the one's that needs to stay are the one's that has a lot of good, happy memories that goes with it. I think that's why it takes quite a while to declutter because it's the story behind, the reason, the purpose why you have them in the first place is why we don't want to let go of them. When I declutter I usually am taken back to the time and place when I had them.
So the ending is sometimes I am happy and sometimes I am not because I remembered the time how I got that particular thing and it was not good so I think decluttering affect a person's emotions.... So, it is in a way therapeutic. It's either having to start something new and fresh or still moping on the things of the past.
Cheers 🥂
I felt good after seeing that the closet became less full of things I didn't even wear. Oh, procrastination, doing it with many things, well if I do one thing, then the other tasks will be left behind, so it's always trying to find the balance, set the priority, and sometimes multitasking (which is not too advisable if we can't handle it truly).
Haha, no! I wish I did lol, but just the opposite. I know it's not much but those few extra kgs make the difference I see, notice and finally my clothes too hahaha. And I have the feeling that others notice too, so it makes the thing a bit worse 😐
I was also giving away the clothes that my son had while he was growing up, and we also got some things. It really makes sense as children grow so quickly, there were items they use just a few times, and they preserve the good condition. Now he doesn't grow anymore (that fast) and the clothes he buys for himself (as that is now his thing and responsibility) he can give away if he wants.
And I completely agree that this is therapeutic. Cleaning the house too hahaha. I so much like to see the results when I finish the cleaning :)) Sometimes decluttering is one of the best ways to release stress 😆 but true, memories and emotions don't let us let go the stuff. Luckily, these clothes were not important to me, so it was easier. :)
So happy that it did all turned out good and you did it finally! I said finally not for you but because for some doing this decluttering this is really hard for them specially the hoarders. Like the mom of my friend and quiet a few of my friends as well because for them they hold a lot of attachment to the things in their home.
For Others decluttering is one of their New Years resolution but for many years it is still on their list.... Haha.
Yeap, when kids grow older it is their responsibility to take care of their things which is helpful for us parents at least we don't have to think about their stuff as well.😊
Bravo!! I am in a constant state of decluttering! I like the house without the extra, but, I do like things so I am failing at being a minimalist. Less is best.
I go through the closets every season, it is so much easier than doing one sweep. (for me) I give some things to people I know that need them and the rest go to one of the church charities or the shop that send the proceeds to the National Leukemia Foundation. All good causes and I am so happy to see your son taking advantage of sorting and making a little money.
Great job!!!
You don't look any different! It is in your head! :))
You like both having things and being a minimalist. Nice fusion :D
I do understand what you want to say :) I think I like it too and compared to my family, and all that I was surrounded with I always feel that I have so little stuff. But on the other hand, I like to see the home clean, neat and organized.
Oh, it's not just in my head. The weighing scale shows a different reality.
And the trousers! For the last two decades, I have been almost always the same (just not when I was pregnant with my boy) but now I see it will not be good if I continue to go in the same direction. 😅 Growing out the clothes, like when a child is growing them out 🤣🤣🤣
Thank you Denise for visiting my post, I think you have been away, well I will have to check out your blog these upcoming days 😇 🤗
I wish we have that charity shop so it would be easier to dispose of unused clothes...
It can be given away, if there are those who want to receive used clothes. But true, if nobody wants them and no place to leave them for further use, or reuse them in any other way, making something different from the textile, then throwing it to the garbage is the option. But that's a shame if the items are still in good condition.
How wonderful @mipiano 😊 decluttering in the house does feel good ones you start.
We are doing that too, now a big move is coming up.
I went also through my wardrobe.
I have no charity shop close by but those containers are next to the supermarket. I will put them in there. So other people can use them.
Also most of our furniture is going. We will travel lighter this time. We have to get new on the other side. But it won’t be as much as we had. We want to live with less things. And being more in nature. 😊
The book library are such a great things. Bring some books and maybe take some new ones to read.
Have fun further…
Good evening, sleep well 😴😴🥱
I was also thinking of that, if moving, one should not have a lot of unnecessary things ;) I guess you are an expert already in reducing the stuff you are buying. Fewer things - fewer boxes to move 😂
And great you will travel light this time, if you change the place and the climate (❄️?) then not many benefits from summer clothes used in the south of Spain 😁
Good morning, and I hope we should all have a good week ;)
Yep… been reducing things since a few moves to be honest. We want to move light this time.
But light still means 20m3 hahaha 🤣 funny actually. But to dress up a whole house we can’t with it. Most is hubbies hobbies (including 8 guitars that take up space) and my art materials.
But all good. New beginnings new starts. 😊😎
Yep… moving right towards winter wonder land ❄️☃️❄️☃️❄️☃️ I’m sure it will take some getting used for a while. As it will be cold for sure. Bbbrrrrr but… the houses do have heating.
I had none in the last places we lived.
So on the other side we need to get some proper winter clothing, and rain clothing very very soon… 🤓
Good morning @mipiano 👋🏻☀️ Thank you so much. Hope it too!
To an amazing new week 🥰🤗
Hahaha, that is light? 20m3? 😂
OK, ok :)) the guitars and art materials have to go, there is no doubt.
Winter land, I just know that your will be enjoying some cold weather and snow... though the country is still a mystery, I will wait with patience to find it out :))
Proper winter and rain clothing, will be so different from the current wardrobe :D
Nope not light but if you think we reduced a 4 bed house to that size… it’s ok 😁😊 hahaha 🤣
I know, if anything needs to go, that’s it 😎
I think it will take a lot of adjusting to it. It’s not the North Pole hahaha ❄️☃️
And new outfits too 😉😁💃🏻🕺🏻
Trying to get a rental now remotely… hope we find something this week. It’s hard to get between the people that are looking. The market is very tough. Not many rentals available but many people are searching.
We will find something 🤞🏻🤞🏻
Have a wonderful Tuesday @mipiano
Fingers crossed you find something 😇
Not the North Pole... hmmm, what it will be, what? :D hahah
Oh, stuff from a 4-bed house. Well, you reduced very well then :))
Yep… we hope to hear something tomorrow on a cute house… 🤞🏻🤞🏻🍀🍀😎😊
Nope… but we can see the northern lights 😉😎
Yep, think we done well to reduce it that much.
Still trying to sell a few more things. Like a large 4 persons sofa. We will see… always hard to sell sofas, been there done that hehehe toooo many times.
Have a lovely evening 👋🏻😴😴 night night!
Greetings! I really liked your post, I wish that here in the city where I live there was a place like this, where I can put a book and take another of my choice. I love reading very much. 🤗❤️
That book shelf is a great idea, I was also amazed when I saw it. No need to throw away the old books, leave it there and someone will read it maybe. :)
Thank you for checking out this post 😇
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Thanks for the heads-up!
I didn't know there are daily themes, that is great. Well, I will have to check these pinned posts and learn more about the community :)
Thanks for the welcome 😉
You're most welcome!
It would be great to see more of you here:)))
one should say 'Bravo!', indeeed. and a !PIZZA ;)
Thanks :)
With the pizza, I would need again some bigger size clothes :)
We used to declutter our closets every quarter and same as you, we also give our old clothes to some charity. i tried to sell some to the thrift shops but some of the clothes are not really appreciated much.
Every quarter, that is good. Sounds like a way to maintain the closet organized 👍 and if you could give to charity too, that's great :)
Donating old clothes to the needy is a very noble deed, unfortunately in my city there is no special place like in your country, I only go directly to the orphanage if I want to do so
But giving it to the orphanage is great. Even better! I don't know about any orphanage nearby, but if I would know, then I would go there first. :)
Yes, that's right, the problem is that it's hard to find the right time to do that.
I love this. It's so refreshing to see people unplugging from all that -no more necessary things - and just enjoying the simple things in life. I think it's so important to remember that there are other ways of living besides the usual, consumer way and that if we choose to take a different path, we're not alone.
I recently got rid of a lot of things in my house by selling them and some things I threw in the clothes donation boxes in the city. It makes you feel cleansed. Now my closet is half empty too :D
Yes, that's the word - it makes us feel cleansed! The right feeling I also have after this decluttering action :D
I also like when I have that unstoppable urge of cleaning the entire apartment, and seeing the result later is so good! 😌
Unfortunately, it doesn't stay clean forever hahah, so I am waiting right now for that urge to hit me again 😂
Sometimes I made something kids would like(flush keycahins for example) out of my old shirts That I can't fit anymore and give them away when Christmas comes..and the kids and even adults are so excited to receive them..I donated my old books too..
When one can reuse old clothes and make new creative this out of them is great. To sew a bag out of denim trousers, or similar is giving a new chance for the old item to serve a new purpose :)
You are doing well 👌
EXTRA? Where zeno, where is that extra?:D
Will I ever read one of your posts without you being in action?
Like @mipiano on vacation or so..:D
Last time was 6 months ago, when I was moving and soon I will repeat it.
Unfortunately (as you know), we have nothing similar like charity shops except for the Red cross or some non government organization. Tried few times to donate there but their criteria literally require new things, in which I don't see the point, so I gave up on all organizations and everything I ever wanted to give was packed in bags and hung on containers.
Searching through social networks also led me a couple of times to people who welcome this kind of help. Some people would be offended if they were offered a used item (but you also knows that).
This time I won't checking you out. (:
Happy giving!
Oh, you didn't see? Maybe you should get your eyesight checked 😂
🤗
No, no chapter of Mipiano on vacation, and I made myself a new complication, I am really talented at finding gazillion new tasks you could not even imagine. Well, probably a new rant kind of this will come these days hahaha, but now I have to practice like crazy until tomorrow 😑
I remember when you moved the last time, but now it will happen again? Where? A secret still?
Oh no, clothes in bags hanging on containers as nobody wanted the things?
Yes, I think I know that there are people who get offended when offered second-hand stuff. So weird 🤷♀
I have a friend who sometimes gives me her good clothes, and I give her those from my closet that the ghost makes smaller 😂 (she is very thin...once, I was too lol).
But but but, please, check on me sometimes haha :))
🤓 I do require some glasses, dont wanna lie, but still have no idea what are you talking about.:p
Woman of many talents, do not burn yourself out, remember that holidays are coming!
Ah, wait for it! Even tho I really suck at keeping my own secrets.:D I promise its not far away!
Red cross refused many things, and lets be honest none of them was ripped not stained, mostly the wardrobe I'm not into anymore, or I can not fit in anymore. Their reaction actually surprised me a lot. That's why I gave up on them and turned to pack all the things properly and hang them on container, mostly everything disappear in a few minutes, sometimes I even saw few people (local homeless) wearing them (and that's a very nice feeling)
You know I will (: rock that practice!
Thanks :)
All went well 😇 🎶🎶
cleaning the rooms and replacing old stuff with the new ones will make us feel nice in a way we never been, because at those times one could not finds the right time to declutter the room, it will partially be a disturbance to the person.
But Immediately, one have finished cleaning, it will seem like a relief.
The charity organization are doing the best thing, helps in giving those clothes to the people who needs them.
Yes, it feels like a relief, a clean and organized feeling that makes me actually happy :D
I am glad these organizations exist, and I hope they are doing a good thing, and that the funds finish indeed in good hands and for good purposes :)
True, it is a good thing to have a good organization like this in our society.
Ehhhh, I haven't check yet my drawer but there's a lot of shirt in there that I just stoo using. And I'm sure that the ghost here in our house touched my drawer again, lol. They can really be so mean sometimes, lol. Anyways, my old clothes before was given to other people. We dont have that charity shop here so we are the one who will find some people who's in need of clothes. I let my Mama do that for me. Hehe
Yeah, the ghosts can be really mischievous and make our clothes smaller... so I am not the only one who noticed that 🤣
It's nice if you can give away, you know someone would be happy. And great your mom can find the new owners for the clothes 😉
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