2013 Destash- this is the year!

[jenluvs2go2disney]

I was able to get an appt. last minute this morning to take more stuff to the consignment shop. I took a large rubbermaid bin, so more stuff gone.

I have 2 large bins that I am going to go put in my trunk to take tomorrow to another consignment shop, then I have a bag to drop at goodwill along with whatever they don't take.

I am trying to keep moving on cleaning the stuff out, but it's getting busy again with school and kid stuff.

On a busy day, I am just trying to get rid of 10 things in the trash, sell, or donate pile, so far that seems to be working.

 

[rhonda_2003]

Spend several hours in the kids' rooms today. My three year old little boy is a great help at cleaning his room. He helped me find a bag of stuff that he doesn't play with anymore-the huge clear jumbo sized bags like offices use-and another bag half-full of trash. Everything in his room has a place and he doesn't have a massive over-abundance of toys. He likes what he likes and doesn't want the rest in his way.

The daughter is another story.....She's just six but hates to part with anything! She did manage to get rid of about a 1/3 of a bag of stuff that she doesn't play with anymore and I got almost an entire bag of trash (mostly boxes that she had kept from Christmas/birthday new toys and old artwork/coloring pages and broken crayons/colored pencils). We did finally get everything put away.

Oh and combined from the two rooms, we got over fifty books that they have either outgrown or worn completely out. Those suitable for donation will be given the high school's literacy program where books are donated to organizations in the area that serve young children and their families.

Even with all of that, so much more needs to go out of their rooms. I think they would play much more if there wasn't so much to distract them!

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

WOW! Lots of great work and updates since I last posted. Unfortunately working full time and having a child in school takes away the time I'd love to be working around the house

Last weekend my goal was to organize the coat closet so we could then move items that were in the laundry there. We got another bag ready for goodwill and now the coat closet has more room for the jackets my DS leaves in the laundry room and the laundry room was cleaned top to bottom. It's sparkling now and so much nicer walking in from the garage and that's the first thing you see!

My sons bedroom will be next and it's going to be a doozy since new furniture will likely be involved. We are going to Ikea on Monday and we are considering a loft bed to allow something else to go underneath (like a sofa bed, desk, etc) and then he needs a bigger bookcase since he has tons of books. It will likely take a few weekends to go through all his things, move out, then back in but the greatest thing is HE is so eager to help and get it done!

Keep up the great work everyone!

Heather

 

[dsneprincess]

WOW! Lots of great work and updates since I last posted. Unfortunately working full time and having a child in school takes away the time I'd love to be working around the house

Last weekend my goal was to organize the coat closet so we could then move items that were in the laundry there. We got another bag ready for goodwill and now the coat closet has more room for the jackets my DS leaves in the laundry room and the laundry room was cleaned top to bottom. It's sparkling now and so much nicer walking in from the garage and that's the first thing you see!

My sons bedroom will be next and it's going to be a doozy since new furniture will likely be involved. We are going to Ikea on Monday and we are considering a loft bed to allow something else to go underneath (like a sofa bed, desk, etc) and then he needs a bigger bookcase since he has tons of books. It will likely take a few weekends to go through all his things, move out, then back in but the greatest thing is HE is so eager to help and get it done!

Keep up the great work everyone!

Heather

Keep us up to date on the loft bed. We are thinking the same thing for DS. We are quite far from IKEA, tho, so probably won't do until summer. I would like to know how it works out for you. TIA

 

[delmar411]

WOW! Lots of great work and updates since I last posted. Unfortunately working full time and having a child in school takes away the time I'd love to be working around the house

Last weekend my goal was to organize the coat closet so we could then move items that were in the laundry there. We got another bag ready for goodwill and now the coat closet has more room for the jackets my DS leaves in the laundry room and the laundry room was cleaned top to bottom. It's sparkling now and so much nicer walking in from the garage and that's the first thing you see!

My sons bedroom will be next and it's going to be a doozy since new furniture will likely be involved. We are going to Ikea on Monday and we are considering a loft bed to allow something else to go underneath (like a sofa bed, desk, etc) and then he needs a bigger bookcase since he has tons of books. It will likely take a few weekends to go through all his things, move out, then back in but the greatest thing is HE is so eager to help and get it done!

Keep up the great work everyone!

Heather

I'm not sure how old your DS is or how you handle bedtimes but we found lofts beds put an end to bedtime stories because we couldn't sit up there with the girls. It was one of the motivating factors to get rid of the loft beds and get them back into standard beds. Just something to think about that we didn't realize until after it was too late.

 

[dsneprincess]

That was one of the mixed reviews I've heard too. Also, if they are sick in the night, trying to get to them or them trying to get down quickly. I am wondering how pp will make out as well.

 

[Anastasia]

I have not posted in two weeks, and have only gotten a few things done, but I am still very motivated.

I did my closet, which wasn't too tough, but it is always nice to walk into a clean closet!

In the kitchen, I reorganized all of the drawers, and my towels, washcloths, and utensils. It looks so much nicer now.

Today, the office! I love the idea of posting before and after pics, but I wouldn't show anyone a picture of this mess!!! It is REEEEEAAAALLLY bad! How do I let it get like this?

We are going to be replacing all of the flooring in our home in the next few months, so that is definitely motivation to get organized. Also my son graduates in June, so we are planning a big party. I am looking forward to being proud of my neat and organized home!

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Keep us up to date on the loft bed. We are thinking the same thing for DS. We are quite far from IKEA, tho, so probably won't do until summer. I would like to know how it works out for you. TIA

I'm not sure how old your DS is or how you handle bedtimes but we found lofts beds put an end to bedtime stories because we couldn't sit up there with the girls. It was one of the motivating factors to get rid of the loft beds and get them back into standard beds. Just something to think about that we didn't realize until after it was too late.

That was one of the mixed reviews I've heard too. Also, if they are sick in the night, trying to get to them or them trying to get down quickly. I am wondering how pp will make out as well.

Interesting - and good obvious point we hadn't even thought about as far as the book reading and we are big on this! I was planning on getting him
A sofa bed to put under the loft for several reasons including the times he might be sick and didn't want to go up top.

I think you guys are helping me lean towards not doing the loft. We talked about it at dinner and I was already leaning towards thinking no. We will likely focus on more organizational items and a bigger bookcase and updated sheets and duvet set.

BTW he is 9. Another friend mentioned once he goes through another growth spurt he might outgrow it too soon.

Thanks for the thoughts guys and ill kep you posted!!

Heather

 

[mrssmith06]

Some more of my progress in the kitchen...

I did my baking cabinet & my junk drawer in there:

I bought a pan organizer at Walmart for $4 for this-
Before:

After:

And I bought a drawer organizer kit for $8-
Before:

After:

 

[delmar411]

I have been lacking motivation to do much but I did finally have to deal with the boys room and their clothes. I pulled out a huge pile of clothes from their room to donate. They have a crazy amount of clothes and even though I've pulled clothes out over and over there are still too many shirts in their closet. But at least everything is back where it belongs and we'll be able to bless someone else with some nearly new shirts.

 

[Robbi]

Great work everyone! DH just painted the new closet. He's going skiing Thursday for a week and it still looks like it will be good to go for me to organize while he's gone.

Last night I attacked my daughter's room-started at 2:30 am and worked until 5:30am.
She slept at a friend's house and my DH wanted to get an early start, so I slept in her room. Got rid of 2 contractor bags of clothes. She's been supposing to do this for 6 months, so I did it for her.

 

[carebee21]

I haven't got as much done the past few days as I would have liked, but by the time I'm done with work, I've been so tired. DS is over at a friend's house playing today and DH is watching football, so I wanted to get a lot done while they are both busy, but I just am not motivated today.

Over the past few days I did manage to make another donate bag of clothes from DH and my closet. And then this morning, I went through the backyard and tossed all of the yard decorations. It was a windy fall for us here, so they weren't in the best of condition after that and we really don't go back there much, so I figured I'd just toss them and be done with them. Other than that, I'm hoping to get through the arts and craft storage bins we have and then just catch up on laundry and housework. I do have someone who is supposed to come this afternoon from Craigslist and pick up a desk, so hopefully they show so I can free up more space in my house.

Keep up the great de-cluttering efforts everyone!!!

Goals Accomplished So Far in 2013:
Decluttering All of the Christmas Decorations: Got everything down to 1 large tote
DH and My Closet and Dressers: 5 bag of trash; 8 large bags of clothing donated
Coat Closet: Got rid of old jackets and consolidated hats/gloves/scarves
Kitchen: Organized container cupboard: 1 bag of garbage removed
Organized Cup Cupboard: 1 bag of garbage removed
Linen Closets: 2 large bags of linens donated
1 bag of garbage gone
DS's Room: Two large bags of stuffed animals gone
Board Games Missing Pieces Gone/All other board games sorted
One large bag of junk toys gone
One large bag of toys donated
DS's Bathroom Drawers and Cabinet: 1 bag of garbage removed
Backyard: 1 bag of old garden decorations thrown away

 

[StephMK]

I have not been that motivated or had much time lately but I love reading everyone's progress and seeing the pics. DH finally got the Christmas stuff out of the garage and back into the attic today!

It feels good that some areas I organized are still in good shape but others have stacked up again. I am constantly fighting piles on the desk area in the kitchen! Mostly things that just belong other places so I need to force myself to put things away instead of setting them there to take elsewhere.

I don't know why I never thought to do this before but I'm putting a paper recycling box under the desk. It usually piles up on the counter near the garage door.

I love opening the drawers and seeing things where they belong. Now when I have mail or bills, I have an envelope in a drawer that they go into. I bought a planner so I can write stuff down and throw away the other reminders. My makeup is staying where it belongs in the drawer organizers. I love having places to put things away & not sifting through other stuff to find things!

Has anyone else started to get more minimalist in their decorating? It is starting to bug me to have to move stuff to clean. I used to have a small bowl with stones, candle & jar in my bathroom. They didn't really serve a purpose, just looked pretty on the counter. Now I've gotten rid of them because I hate picking them all up to clean. It feels so nice to have things streamlined that I don't even want much out.

Still have yet to tackle the rest of the basement and need to take a donation to Goodwill this week. I'm going to try to set some mini goals because I usually feel like I can't get it done if I don't have a big chunk of time available.

 

[jenluvs2go2disney]

I worked on the basement today for a bit.

I now have an organized garage sale pile. I pulled a few more things to take to the consignment store. I got rid of a bag of trash from it and have 2 bags of stuff to drop off to donate. I had been putting stuff done there for awhile.

I still have more stuff in the basement to go through, but now it's easier to see what i have done with neat piles and stuff consolidated in boxes. I will definitely be having a garage sale in the spring. It's my disney money.

 

[littlezar]

Making progress a little bit at a time! Still want to get in the boys' room soon (the younger 2 share) and really get through their clothes and toys. I've been discarding some undies and socks as they come into the wash. I need to do that with pj's too - last night my youngest wore a pair with a huge hole in the knee and stretched out neck and insists that particular pair is still good.

Interesting - and good obvious point we hadn't even thought about as far as the book reading and we are big on this! I was planning on getting him
A sofa bed to put under the loft for several reasons including the times he might be sick and didn't want to go up top.

I think you guys are helping me lean towards not doing the loft. We talked about it at dinner and I was already leaning towards thinking no. We will likely focus on more organizational items and a bigger bookcase and updated sheets and duvet set.

BTW he is 9. Another friend mentioned once he goes through another growth spurt he might outgrow it too soon.

Thanks for the thoughts guys and ill kep you posted!!

Heather

My younger 2 have this: All in One Loft Bed and my 11 yr old uses the large under desk drawer and 3 smaller ones for clothes and hangs the rest in the closet. The 6 yr old has a 5 drawer chest for his clothes (non matching...it was the one that matched my 17 yr old's crib back in '95, LOL) The other 2 drawers have school supplies, card games and whatever random crap gets thrown in there when I tell them to clean the room. The back part has their blanket/quilt when it's too warm to use, the big, odd shaped Imaginext playsets, a tote with Lincoln Logs and a couple totes with legos. Until this past May, my 15 yr old had the loft system in his room and usually slept on the top bunk. (He's 5'8") The 15 yr old now has this: Captain's Bed with Trundle & Storage Drawers Maybe one of those would be a good option for you? We bought both on Craigslist - $300 for the loft, $100 for the Captain's bed with a night stand (and no, we didn't take the mattresses that were offered with either of them!)

Not planning on getting a whole lot done this week - co-chair for an event at school and will probably be there all day, every day this week prepping for it since the chair bailed the other day. Then going out of town Friday til Sunday.

 

[carebee21]

My younger 2 have this: All in One Loft Bed and my 11 yr old uses the large under desk drawer and 3 smaller ones for clothes and hangs the rest in the closet. The 6 yr old has a 5 drawer chest for his clothes (non matching...it was the one that matched my 17 yr old's crib back in '95, LOL) The other 2 drawers have school supplies, card games and whatever random crap gets thrown in there when I tell them to clean the room. The back part has their blanket/quilt when it's too warm to use, the big, odd shaped Imaginext playsets, a tote with Lincoln Logs and a couple totes with legos. Until this past May, my 15 yr old had the loft system in his room and usually slept on the top bunk. (He's 5'8") The 15 yr old now has this: Captain's Bed with Trundle & Storage Drawers Maybe one of those would be a good option for you? We bought both on Craigslist - $300 for the loft, $100 for the Captain's bed with a night stand (and no, we didn't take the mattresses that were offered with either of them!)

Do your 11 year old and 15 year old both have twin beds? Do they fit comfortably in them? DH and I are debating right now if we should take DS's bunk bed with us when we move, or just sell it and get a new bed for him. DH seems to think that DS is going to outgrow a twin bed in the next couple years and need a full or queen, so moving it just doesn't make much sense. DS is going to be tall (dh is 6'1 and DS is the tallest in his class by a couple inches) but I'm just not convinced that he's going to "need" a bigger bed.

I did manage to find the motivation to get through our arts and craft supplies yesterday. I tossed a bunch of old stuff and things like Christmas stickers or halloween stamps that won't be used again before we move. I managed to fill a small grocery bag with unused ribbon and sewing supplies that can just be donated. I also did a few of the smaller tasks, such as going through the cabinets on the TV stand and straightening my laundry room shelves. But I only got rid of a couple of handfuls of garbage and clutter, since those weren't bad. I'm going to try and do a few small projects in DSs room today, but again, I'm not motivated and have a few other things I need to get done today, so de-cluttering is at the back of my list.

 

[littlezar]

Do your 11 year old and 15 year old both have twin beds? Do they fit comfortably in them? DH and I are debating right now if we should take DS's bunk bed with us when we move, or just sell it and get a new bed for him. DH seems to think that DS is going to outgrow a twin bed in the next couple years and need a full or queen, so moving it just doesn't make much sense. DS is going to be tall (dh is 6'1 and DS is the tallest in his class by a couple inches) but I'm just not convinced that he's going to "need" a bigger bed.

My 17 yr old has a full size bed - he's tall and thin - 6' & 150 lbs. The 15 (5'8" & 110 lbs), 11 (5' & 85 lbs) & 6 (4' & 65lbs) yr olds are all in twin beds. All the mattresses are the standard 74 or 75" length, so my oldest only has more room side to side, not head to foot if you know what I mean. No complaints from any of them about comfort.

 

[my3princes]

My boys ages 17, 15 and 10 all have twin beds, no complaints here either.

Do your 11 year old and 15 year old both have twin beds? Do they fit comfortably in them? DH and I are debating right now if we should take DS's bunk bed with us when we move, or just sell it and get a new bed for him. DH seems to think that DS is going to outgrow a twin bed in the next couple years and need a full or queen, so moving it just doesn't make much sense. DS is going to be tall (dh is 6'1 and DS is the tallest in his class by a couple inches) but I'm just not convinced that he's going to "need" a bigger bed.

I did manage to find the motivation to get through our arts and craft supplies yesterday. I tossed a bunch of old stuff and things like Christmas stickers or halloween stamps that won't be used again before we move. I managed to fill a small grocery bag with unused ribbon and sewing supplies that can just be donated. I also did a few of the smaller tasks, such as going through the cabinets on the TV stand and straightening my laundry room shelves. But I only got rid of a couple of handfuls of garbage and clutter, since those weren't bad. I'm going to try and do a few small projects in DSs room today, but again, I'm not motivated and have a few other things I need to get done today, so de-cluttering is at the back of my list.

 

[sherry7]

I haven't posted for awhile. On Friday, we had all of the carpet downstairs pulled up and had oak hardwood floors put in. So, I had to basically pack up most of the downstairs, with the exception of the kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom. I purged a few things as I packed, and I'm purging even more as I unpack. (Yeah, I know that's backwards, lol.) So far I've filled up 2 large boxes for Goodwill with about 40 old computer programs/games, several books, a spare wireless router, CD rack, vases, vacuum cleaner cover, 2 small wooden shelves, decorative fountain, big paper organizer thingy, etc. I just did a major purge of the downstairs about a year ago, but I'm still finding plenty of stuff to get rid of.

In addition, we took down all of the downstairs mini blinds and curtains before the flooring got done. The blinds got scrubbed in a bathtub, dried, and rehung. The curtains got washed, and rehung.

 

[Leader of the Club]

My biggest downfall is holding on to "good" stuff that I'm either going to put on Craig's List or put in a yard sale. and of course, I never get around to either.

I spent 16 hours working in the basement over the weekend. I managed to purge 2 of the 6 rooms. I'm very proud of myself!

Took 5 truck loads to the Goodwill, 2 truck loads to the dump and 4 boxes to Half-price Books--made $30!