My decluttering goal for October was 10 items a day for a total of 310 items. Unfortunately, I fell behind almost right away, because I couldn't just pull out things, such as books, without wanting - no, needing - to at least look through them if not actually read them, again! Then, I ran out of steam about halfway through and sadly couldn't meet my goal! However, I made some progress and I am happy with that.
Past October decluttering posts:
Part 1 (Days 1-5)
Part 2 (Days 6 - 11)
Part 3 (Days 12 - 15)
Day 16: 1 book, 5 CDs, 2 items of clothing, 1 cookie tin, 1 spray on sunblock that a guest left behind after a pre-Covid weekend stay!
 |
| Day 16: 1 book, 5 CDs, 2 clothing items, 1 cookie tin, 1 sunblock |
Day 17: Blue and White China - Currier and Ives tea cups and a broken bowl.
 |
| Day 17: 9 tea cups and 1 broken bowl |
Day 18 - 1 stand fan
 |
| Day 18: 1 stand fan |
Days 19 - 29: Tossed and not photographed:
1 old overhead garage door opener mechanism and sensors, etc.
1 old car security device
1 old mop head
Several leftover roofing "shingles" (not wooden shingles)
1 foil covered cardboard box that Mama Cat used to sleep in
3 bowls
Several leftover pieces of floor board trim
Multiple bags of paperwork, some shredded, the rest recycled
Several pieces of brown paper, bubble wrap, etc. that I had been keeping
Day 30: 1 dead persimmon tree (the patio umbrella couldn't save it - it got too scorched and dried up)
 |
| The Persimmon Tree Earlier this Summer |
Day 31: Do the 4 vials of blood samples I gave at the clinic count? No, I didn't think so!
So, I was consistent and decluttered 10 items a day for the first 17 days of the month and then, averaged about 1 item a day for the rest of the month. According to my calculations, I decluttered over 180 items. Not as many items as I had initially set out to declutter, but, I am content with what I did declutter. I focused more on visual clutter this month and I feel that I have made a dent.
Some progress is still progress, and I think you've done amazingly well.
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I have noticed about decluttering, is that I have a new found reluctance to bring anything new into the house, which will save me from any future decluttering. Xx
Thank you, Jules. Yes, some progress is better than no progress.
DeleteI agree with you about not bringing in anything new that would have to be decluttered, later. :)
Decluttering is a difficult task and I admire you for what you have achieved. I did take some out of date items back to the pharmacy yesterday.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Eileen; I will be chipping away at the rest of the stuff. My main goal is to leave less stuff for my daughter to deal with when that time comes.
DeleteYou did well to take those out of date items to the pharmacy. :)
Congratulations on achieving so much with your October decluttering. I did get a lot given away but not nearly as much as you. My November decluttering will probably begin nearer the end of the month as we start our Christmas preparation as I need to lessen that load! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary-Lou. It's not a competition to see who can declutter the most. We are all progressing at our own paces. :) Oh, yes, Christmas decorations! I have so much of it! Will definitely be decluttering much of it, this year.
DeleteI think you are doing brilliantly! I have just realised there were 30 pieces of crockery in the box I donated on Monday (plus half a dozen hats, gloves and other winter garments) . So October wasn't too bad after all. I am sorry about your persimmon tree
ReplyDeleteThank you, Angela. I'm sure you did really well with your October decluttering. Yes, the poor persimmon tree; but, I'll plant something else, instead. :)
DeleteI need to do something and will but as most of what's to go in the end bed room I shut the door so can't see it!
ReplyDeleteI, too, have a spare bedroom where I keep all the extra stuff and close the door so it stays hidden! :D
DeleteI think that’s a lot of declutterring! I completely fell off during October, but now I’m excited to declutter some items in November.
ReplyDeleteI’m not going on social media much anymore, so I have missed you and your adventures! I hope your health is good and hope the critters are doing well and keeping you amused with their antics! ☺️😘
Thank you, Taconix. You had other, more fun, things to do during October. :) I've missed your comments, but, social media can be a time stealer and it can be a good thing to cut back on time spent online. I hope you and your family are keeping well. Will your daughters come home for Thanksgiving?
Delete180 items are still a lot, especially on top of previous efforts. I think a slower pace will still add up more than you think. (I should bear that in mind when it comes to editing and backing up my vast photo archive, but instead I do a massive burst and then forget about it for months on end...)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lady Ella. I've let go of quite a few items, recently, haven't I? My mother used to say, "Slow and steady wins the race", but, it's good to take advantage of a burst of energy or motivation to accomplish a bit more. Then, we can sit back and relax for a few days, or weeks, or months. :D
DeleteMy final total for October was around 65. I've started a new list and have 6 items on it so far!
ReplyDeleteThat's great, Bushlady, especially since you had other things to do in the early part of October. And look at you go with 6 items in just 2 days in November! Well done!
DeleteI worried when I saw the fan on your decluttering list since you don't use your AC very much. I assume you have others you can use? I think you're doing great with your decluttering. It's hard work, especially the decision part.
ReplyDeleteYes, June, I have other fans. There are two older ones and I bought two new ones earlier this year. The family room has a ceiling fan and the bedrooms, too. :)
DeleteYes, the decision making part of decluttering got a bit overwhelming for me and I needed to take a little break from it. But, I still have a lot of decluttering to do, so, "watch this space" as they say. :)
Ok, first of all - that's the best decluttering question in the history of decluttering questions - do the 4 vials of blood samples count!
ReplyDeleteLOL!! I got a good chuckle.
You did great in October! 180 items is really good. Adding that to September and you've really gotten rid of quite a few things.
My October was 33. November is going really well as I'm already to 31.
Thank you, Debra. I am pleased with what I managed to declutter. You are still finding things to declutter! It's never ending, is it?
Delete