Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
It’s here! Monday January 5th, the start of a brand New Year (well, officially in terms of Twiddling)
This month we are going to be decluttering. It’s good for the soul, good for Feng Shui followers and good for reducing your housework. You can’t clean around piles of STUFF very efficiently!
So, let’s start in the lounge/living room:
Notepads at the ready…
What do you want to use this room for?
Maybe TV/DVD’s reading, board games, chatting, playing, anything else?
What needs to be in here to achieve that?
Maybe DVD’s, TV guide, remote controls, books, games, toys and anything else connected to the room’s use. NOTHING else that needs to live elsewhere needs to be here, find it a home.
Anyone need to take down the tree and decorations today? Let's do that first!
So, after the tree is down and coffee is drunk let’s start at the door, open a drawer or cupboard and see what’s in there! Go on, you’ll be fine!
Chuck into the laundry basket or box anything that doesn’t belong here. Remember, YOU decided what the room was to be used for so anything that doesn’t fit has to go! Take a bin bag too to chuck things away.
When the laundry basket or box is full, take it out of the room and rehome things. Rubbish is rubbish, some things need to go to the charity shop, some things need a new home elsewhere so put them in that room for now – neatly please, and some things will have you scratching your head as to why you keep them. If you don’t love it, use it or need it then move it along!
Books and magazines – do they live in here? Give them a declutter too.
Ornaments – mys sister once wisely said to me ‘just because you own it doesn’t mean you have to display it all at once’ so now I keep ornaments to a minimum and keep some in a cupboard – or send them to the charity shop 
That’s it! You’re on your way to decluttering your home.
Hints & Tips
Do one drawer/shelf at a time, don’t overdo it or else the whole room will look a mess.
Collate like for like in the same place – keep all bulbs together, batteries together etc.
Stop before you’re bored so you have the energy to rehome things!
Let the rest of us know how you’re doing, us TwiddleTiggers like company! 
Please post any particular problems, someone is sure to have a solution (my solution would be bin it but we'll see what others think too 
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
Also, use the notepad to jot down any things you need to buy - storage boxes, plants that sort of twiddly thing.
Oh and one more thing, we'll be doing the whole house but you don't have to do the same room as me each time if you have other pressing rooms to declutter!
There aren't any rules, honest, it's just that I make them sound like rules
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
Ladies what work - you can use your notepads to visualise your clutter and make notes about it - see, I didn't leave you out!
...but you still have to actually declutter when you get home or at the weekend - sorry!
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
Edited by MrsTwiddle (05/01/2009 09:00)
|
annamezzo
member
Reged: 28/12/2008
Posts: 11
|
|
Sounds great Mrs Twiddle! I often have a skip for my birthday..yes,seriously,and I enjoy nothing more than filling it with the accumulated clutter of a family of 6.Very cathartic!
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
Glad to have you Twiddling with us annamezzo, welcome to the forum! I used to order a skip in January each year and I found it very cathartic.
'They' say you have to get rid of the clutter to make room in your life for new things
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
|
Bluebell35
member
Reged: 25/03/2008
Posts: 470
Loc: Kent
|
|
Dear Mrs Twiddle
Happy new year.......
I have been secretly following your twiddling since you started, and now I would like to publicly join in. I love the daily twenty minute twiddles.
I am one of the workers so I cant do anything during the day, however I will make notes as suggested. There is nothing really in my lounge, not even a picture on the wall, so I will start in another room.
Have a nice day.
Bluebell35xx
--------------------
|
Thimble
member
Reged: 04/12/2008
Posts: 4293
|
|
Good morning MrsT......my lounge is done!! I declutter (or put away) as I go along. Only thing in there that shouldn't be is box with tree in it. Too heavy for me to move and OH still very poorly so it will have to wait Everything else has been moved back to where it belongs now ready for a good dust, polish and hoover this week.
Do I get a gold star now please...............
--------------------
|
lizalou
member
Reged: 01/02/2008
Posts: 675
|
|
I love de-cluttering!!
The problem is.. I have nothing left to de-clutter with.
Took down the decorations yesterday and threw away all the old broken ones
(add that to the list...)
I noticed recently that our local Charity shops are all looking a bit bare, so anything you get rid of will be given a good home elsewhere.
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
Hi Bluebell, lovely to have you with us, your secret is safe with me 
Thimble, well done!
Lizalou, that's my problem I have hardly anything left to declutter myself! Still, a decluttering Twiddle was requested so that's what we'll do!
To all those reading/lurking, take a coffee break, this has to last all week!!
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
My lounge has very little in it, I have a cupboard where we stash 'my' books - girlie ones like Trinny & Susannah and general 'how to be a perfect Mrs Twiddle' and a large coffee table, 2 sofas and a magazine rack.
We also keep a stash of DVD's in that cupboard as we're mad on movies.
So, I'll be using the week to clean the windows and hoover behind the sofas etc. Anyone else who has decluttered can join in spring-cleaning
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
|
Suee
member
Reged: 21/01/2008
Posts: 2053
Loc: Switzerland
|
|
My tree only comes down tomorrow,so will twiddle elsewhere until tomorrow.Declutter should be my word this year too!!Oh dear Mrs. T,I am a hopeless specimen.Keep up your good work,it motivates me,Suee xxx
--------------------
___________________
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
Jump in when you can Suee, lovely to have you with us, TwiddleTiggers love company!
Good point about the broken decorations lizalou
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
|
MangeTout
member
Reged: 08/07/2007
Posts: 4123
Loc: Oxfordshire
|
|
Mrs T, I'm not going to go on any other thread this week, I have so much to do in my house.
I am starting with my bedroom because my sitting room is clutter free. My main problem is magazines. I know I should throw them but I have a real problem doing so.
I know you're going to tell me to chuck 'em. What does everyone else do?
I will not be back her until lunchtime when I will allow myself a break from cleaning and decluttering.
--------------------
Willows Forum www.phpbbplanet.com/willowskitchen/
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
Morning MangeTout, it's lovely to have you with us! I'm staying over here too as I have a fair bit to do.
Magazines. I used to keep piles of them but I can honestly say I never referred back to them so I chucked them into the recycling bin.
Some people tear out pages of interest as they go along and keep them in a box file but - can I be honest - magazine editors usually recycle the same articles year in year out, just in a different format and with newer adverts so I don't think you're missing too much. Try keeping 3 months worth if you need a fix
Interested to hear what everyone else does too...
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
|
PLASMO
member
Reged: 13/03/2008
Posts: 12492
Loc: FLOUNCELAND
|
|
Mrs Twiddle,
Good Morning to you.
I have been Twiddling most of the weekend, washing curtains, and ironing them - Yuk.
I love my magazines, so always take them to the local hospital, or Health Centre when finished, recycling as you say is the best option.
Just wondered, how often do you decorate your home, and if so, do you do it yourselves, or get someone in?
Plasmo x
--------------------
|
Daffodil
member
Reged: 03/04/2008
Posts: 274
|
|
Morning Mrs Twiddle and All
Magazines are my downfall too, I have piles of them in several rooms of the house so yesterday I decided to declutter and sat down and went through several of them and tore out recipes which looked good. I do then transfer them to a file which I do use and refer to but I would agree that having done this for several years now the same recipes appear over and over again - I just cant help myself though!!!
--------------------
|
Loo
member
Reged: 09/01/2008
Posts: 2355
|
|
Mangetout. Keep W&H January issue cos we are all in that, and it will become a collectors item. Keep any others where there are any forummers that you know. Bin the rest.
Do you seriously use the recipes you cut out? I never do, so its just a waist of time.
I have huge corner cupboards in the lounge, which have toys and games and 3 million vidoe tapes. I have been meaning to sort them out because I bought a new game for this Christmas, and it won't fit in.
I still need the tree to take down and put in the loft too. This twiddle may last several days! And the rest of the house too. It's almost overwhelming Mrs. T. but I will start with the lounge.
Loo
--------------------
...as in Looby Loo
This is me, with Andy Pandy and Teddy.
|
MangeTout
member
Reged: 08/07/2007
Posts: 4123
Loc: Oxfordshire
|
|
Daffodil, I'm glad I've found another magazine addict! Mine are mainly home and lifestyle mags because I'm doing up my house. I find it really hard to throw them out because I look at them for inspiration.
Plasmo, last time I took some to the doctors surgery they were politely declined! Maybe they get too many!
I had a box with recipes torn out from magazines but I rarely used them so I chucked them. It really hurt to do it as some I'd had for years but I never made any of them! Now I scan them and store them in a folder on the computer where they don't clutter me up. One less thing to worry about.
I have also keep all my bottles and potions that I use regularly in a basket on my dressing table. Means I can lift it and take it with me around the house, and it's much easier to dust the dressing table.
Just decanting all the half empty bubble bath bottles into one... What time is lunch?
Back soon.
--------------------
Willows Forum www.phpbbplanet.com/willowskitchen/
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
Slow down everybody! This is declutter one room a WEEK!!
Plasmo, we moved into this house almost 2 years ago and it had been renovated. The whole house had been painted in magnolia emulsion and a few cracks have appeared where the house is settling down into itself.
So, to answer your question, we haven't decorated since we got here - oh, except I did paint the ensuite shower room a couple of months ago and I really like the whole house being magnolia!!
I have a couple of decorating projects this year and as with most things, I'm self-taught so it will be a mess - oops - I mean challenge!
Daffodil - that's a great idea for recipes!
Loo, slow down or you'll have nothing to do tomorrow
MT, you're looking good there!
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
|
PLASMO
member
Reged: 13/03/2008
Posts: 12492
Loc: FLOUNCELAND
|
|
Mange Tout,
Strange you should mention the medical centre refusing your magazines, slightly diverting but similar incident, I took a load of clothes to Age Concern, and they told me they had no room and were not interested at all. I had spent an age ironing and making them all look really presentable.
Charity in my opinion sometimes is a word that I dont always understand the meaning of. Is it charitable to accept and be grateful or charitable to refuse and turn away people with good intentions. I wonder.
Plasmo x
--------------------
|
redpoppy
member
Reged: 21/01/2008
Posts: 417
|
|
Your local Primary School might be glad of home magazines for cutting pics out, MT
|
Psyche
member
Reged: 23/01/2007
Posts: 2866
Loc: Bicester OXON
|
|
it can be very difficult Plasmo. We (Oxfam) are under instructions never to say no BUT the health and safrty police would have a field day if they ever saw our back room.
--------------------
Psyche.
So many books...so little time!.
|
Thimble
member
Reged: 04/12/2008
Posts: 4293
|
|
MT Do you have residential homes near you for the elderly or even a hospice. There might be some people in them that would welcome the chance to look at some womans magazines to pass the time.
I pass mine on to anybody I know who would like them, hate to just throw them in recycle bin.
--------------------
|
Loo
member
Reged: 09/01/2008
Posts: 2355
|
|
I took some lovely items of my FIL's to a local hospice shop. They said they had no room for any more. They are full of tat in my opinion, and should have had my quality things.
I was miffed at the time.
Just took them to another place which was very grateful.
Loo
--------------------
...as in Looby Loo
This is me, with Andy Pandy and Teddy.
|
MangeTout
member
Reged: 08/07/2007
Posts: 4123
Loc: Oxfordshire
|
|
Thimble, that might be a good idea too. Though maybe I shouldn't take ones about doing up your home, might be rubbing salt into the wound!
--------------------
Willows Forum www.phpbbplanet.com/willowskitchen/
|
lizalou
member
Reged: 01/02/2008
Posts: 675
|
|
Plasmo, I think that charity shops do genuinely have storage problems sometimes, so dont be put off.
Locally ours are all desparate at the moment, dont know if it's the worrying financial situation.
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
Quote:
Though maybe I shouldn't take ones about doing up your home, might be rubbing salt into the wound!
MT, you are so bad you make me laugh out loud AND do a load of laundry
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
|
Loo
member
Reged: 09/01/2008
Posts: 2355
|
|
Mangetout, we have clothing bins at our Council recycling site, and in a store car park. Clothes that are good quality are recycled. Poor stuff is sold on as rags.
Loo
--------------------
...as in Looby Loo
This is me, with Andy Pandy and Teddy.
|
MangeTout
member
Reged: 08/07/2007
Posts: 4123
Loc: Oxfordshire
|
|
Oh, thanks Loo. I wondered what happened to the stuff in those bins.
Twiddlers, I have had the most productive day since before Christmas.
Just made http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/4251/chicken-cacciatore for dinner while listening to my new Duffy cd.
Now I'm cleaning out the fridge and, what's this, half a bottle of Pino Grigio tucked in there. What do I do with it?? Too late, I drank it.
I'm going to clean up the kitchen now and think about the next job. Paperwork methinks. First I've got to wipe my sides down, whatever that means, Snotty!
No, I didn't drink it, it's still in the fridge. Shucks, you lot really keep me on the straight and narrow.
--------------------
Willows Forum www.phpbbplanet.com/willowskitchen/
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
It's a much more productive forum here in food and homes that's for sure!!
I've hoovered and dusted upstairs, wiped down the bathrooms, hoovered the stairs and decluttered the lounge!
I've washed the lounge windows and am washing the ornaments but popped in here for a chat and to eat an apple.
Must remember to wipe down my sides when I've finished
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
|
MangeTout
member
Reged: 08/07/2007
Posts: 4123
Loc: Oxfordshire
|
|
I just ate my last Christmas satsuma. I'm going to make banana bread with the remaining bananas and a pear pudding with the pears.
We still have the tree up, OH wanted just one more night. I think what he really meant was he didn't want to put the tree away when he gets home from work tonight!
So tomorrow will be spent taking down the tree and cleaning the sitting room. Dishwasher just finished so another job to do. Now to wash the kitchen floor and wipe down the sides.
Haven't I been a busy bee today.
--------------------
Willows Forum www.phpbbplanet.com/willowskitchen/
|
lynn123
member
Reged: 29/06/2008
Posts: 244
|
|
Dear Mrs Twiddle
thanks for you advise, did most of it yesterday and seem to have done most of your suggestions - just the rest of the house to go...............!!!
|
blossom97
member
Reged: 02/02/2008
Posts: 4497
|
|
Wow....everybody is just soo busy!!( including me)...not sat down all day....Twiddled in every room in the house...if I took all week to declutter my living room it would be cluttered again before I had finshed (i really AM that untidy!)
Anyone know how to prevent streaks on th shower door?Tried that spray on stuff, but it doesn't really work.
--------------------
|
dec
member
Reged: 29/01/2008
Posts: 1753
|
|
I can't believe it.I've finally joined the Twiddlers!
I took your advice to declutter the lounge.I emptied the drawers of the lamp tables and I've finally thrown away cards and letters that were in there.Some of them were 20 years old.I had a lovely time reading them but have finally let them go.They are in the bin now so that I wont be tempted to return them to the drawers.
I'm crying now thinking about it,what have I done?I've become a twiddler and destroyed my life.Lol
Decx
|
Foxie
member
Reged: 09/08/2007
Posts: 7838
|
|
Mrs Twiddle
I don't know how to tell you this, but Mr F. and I decluttered the lounge on Sunday after packing away the Christmas decs!
It looks so nice and makes me want to get the rest of the house to match!
Foxie x.
--------------------
I've learnt that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Maya Angelou.
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
lyn123, we'll do the rest of the house, stick around it's good to have you here!
blossom, the only way I know is to squeegee it after every shower or dry it off with a towel. Squeegee is easier and doesn't add to the wet towel pile
dec, I really didn't mean to ruin your life, doesn't it feel good - letting go
foxie - we'll get the rest of the house in order soon
Thanks everyone for joining it, it made the day go by in a smiling flurry!
I may have to include another room for this week, you're all doing so well!!
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
|
Thimble
member
Reged: 04/12/2008
Posts: 4293
|
|
MrsT .... I did all but 2 jobs on my list today. I couldn't do my 30 mins walking as I have to be careful walking in the bitter cold, as for the ironing. Well I was just about to do when a friend of ours (lady of 82 with nonhodgkinsons lymphoma) called in a bit of a worried state. She had had a nose bleed this morning which eventually stopped, then she went out for lunc with the business ladies club, got home and 10 mins later it started again. She just could not stop it so phoned us to ask what to do...
Doctor told her to get to a&e. Well OH could not take her as too poorly with severe chest infection so I put iron away and took her. Didn't get home till 1730.
Am I forgiven for not finishing my jobs........please....
Tomorrow is going to be spent doing ALL the ironing that has accumulated as well as hoovering the downstairs.
--------------------
|
bunnylugs
member
Reged: 27/10/2008
Posts: 8
Loc: oxfordshire.england
|
|
hi, are you doing the Blenheim walk? I/m thinking of doing it. I was diagnosed in 2006, and just feel I want to take part, and would like to do 20 miles, but don't know if i'm fit enough! I would like to hear from anyone that has done it and how they got on.
Oh i decluttered my lounge, and it felt really good. Nice and tidy, and we can have the radiator back on, now the tree has gone!
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
You get the evening off Thimble - you did a very good deed, well done you!
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
|
ButterflyBlue
member
Reged: 19/05/2007
Posts: 2650
|
|
I did mine yesterday because I knew I'd be driving back to Oxfordshire today and will be here the rest of the week. To be honest though I didn't have much in my sitting room to declutter in the first place.
--------------------
So far so good,so far so good (Magnificent Seven)
|
bunnylugs
member
Reged: 27/10/2008
Posts: 8
Loc: oxfordshire.england
|
|
I find my e.cloth works well. I swear by them. no nasty chemicals in the air from sprays,
|
whitleybay
member
Reged: 09/08/2008
Posts: 1146
|
|
Mrs Twiddle, I started small, my bedside table. OMG the stuff I had collected on there had to be seen to be belived. Now I have a minamalist, working bedside table. My OH nearly fainted when he came in from work this evening. LOL
--------------------
|
cupcake
member
Reged: 15/02/2008
Posts: 5982
Loc: On top of the world!!
|
|
Quote:
Now I'm cleaning out the fridge and, what's this, half a bottle of Pino Grigio tucked in there. What do I do with it??
I'm sorry. This sentence doesn't make any sense.
--------------------
|
blossom97
member
Reged: 02/02/2008
Posts: 4497
|
|
Whiteley Bay...my oh nearly fainted too, when he saw how much twiddling I had done today!!
--------------------
|
Loo
member
Reged: 09/01/2008
Posts: 2355
|
|
I use a squeegee on the shower screen and the tiles and buff up taps and door with an e-cloth. Works wonders and is soooo absorbant.
OH uses flannel. YUK!
Loo
--------------------
...as in Looby Loo
This is me, with Andy Pandy and Teddy.
|
Splash123
member
Reged: 04/05/2008
Posts: 4096
Loc: South Glamorgan
|
|
No No No PLEASE dont recycle magazines... take them to the doctors surgery or the local dentist or hair dressers or Health Club......clean recent magazines are always welcome i have found. Or sometimes i pass them on to friends or DILs. I could never put mine in the bin I have trouble getting rid of as it is. As for decluttering I do that on a daily basis as I go along . Papers are in the recycling bin before the end of the day.....OH sometimes upset cause he hasnt read it yet!! Every thing goes with me and everything is put away pronto after use!!! I am sounding very smug! ....Sorry ladies and Happy twiddling!
--------------------
www.cardiff.hilton.com/womenandhomelunch.
http://www.bellinisitaliano.com/gallery.htm
http://www.visitcardiff.com/What-to-do-and-see.html
http://www.visitcardiff.com/What-to-do-and-see.html
|
jantrigano
member
Reged: 05/08/2007
Posts: 340
Loc: Scottish Highlands
|
|
Can I join in Mrs Twiddle ? Loved your photo on another thread - you are far younger and glamourous than your name conjures up !
I have downsized every time I have moved house and been ruthless on each occasion. so I have very little clutter, or belongings for that matter.
But all my magazines are passed firstly to my neighbour, then to my mum, then to the staff and guests at her day centre and finally to the paper recycling - so all well read and appreciated along their way.
Keep up the good work - off for a coffee. Have a good all. Jan x
|
billie
member
Reged: 21/11/2007
Posts: 149
Loc: Derbyshire
|
|
Hi Mrs T, Foxie & Girls
I'm making notes as I'm back at work will start on living room at the weekend. I sat last night and thought well there's not much to de-clutter in here but have decided to empty bookcase and go through all video's and dvd's see what I don't really need or watch. Magazines as well as I hoard them like so many other people. Billie
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
Morning everyone! A huge welcome to the new Twiddlers! The more the merrier
Today I have MIL and SIL visiting but I'll be here in spirit and I'll pop back this afternoon when they've gone. In the meantime, since you're all doing so well so far, feel free to add any other rooms to your decluttering week if you're on a roll. Don't burn out too fast though, little and often are our key words!
Starting small is good whitley bay, after a while your whole house will look like that!
I like ecloths too bunnylugs, I use them for everything.
Welcome, welcome, welcome
What's on your list for today?
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
Magazines and books tend to be a recurring problem don't they? Good ideas on this post about the magazines already Billie - as for paperbacks, I have never re-read a fictional paperback in my life so I'm good at moving these along swiftly to the charity shop!
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
|
ButterflyBlue
member
Reged: 19/05/2007
Posts: 2650
|
|
I'm glad I'm not the only Mrs T who doesn't re-read paperbacks. I don't keep them either.
--------------------
So far so good,so far so good (Magnificent Seven)
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
BB, I'm loving your minxier logo but I can tell you're a twiddler at heart
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
|
Psyche
member
Reged: 23/01/2007
Posts: 2866
Loc: Bicester OXON
|
|
I'm a natural Twiddler - I hate things being in a mess and I had a good sort out over Christmas BUT what do I do with my sons Futon?
He lives in spain and visits twice a year. It's too big to go in the airing cupboard, looks awful on top of the wardrobe, can't get it into the loft on my own. It's the one thing that blights my otherwise tidy house and however I twiddle I can't think what to do with it.
--------------------
Psyche.
So many books...so little time!.
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
Could you put it in on of those vacuum bag doodahs? Then put it under a bed or in the garage maybe? It would suck out all the excess air and make it less bulky. I do this with spare duvets and pillows. The gap under my bed isn't high enough to accommodate them in a storage box but with the vacuum saver thing they fit perfectly!
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
|
Psyche
member
Reged: 23/01/2007
Posts: 2866
Loc: Bicester OXON
|
|
That's the difficulty, no garage (on the plans but never built!) and the bed is a drawer divan - full of my summer clothes. I have got some vacuum bags and I'll give it a try but at the best it can only make the top of the wardrobe tidier.
--------------------
Psyche.
So many books...so little time!.
|
Bett
member
Reged: 06/01/2009
Posts: 82
|
|
I'm new to Twiddling but I've already got the motivation to start thank you. I'm at work but taking notes.
Thanks MangeTout for the magazine advice. I don't have a scanner but have access to one. My magazine rack is full to the brim and it's mostly recipes I hoard but admittedly don't refer to at all.
I don't throw/give away DVDs but we don't often watch many we own so I take them upstairs in batches to put in a box under the bed in the spare room. Is that more hoarding or sensible?
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
Morning Bett! Glad to have you here, welcome to the forum.
I would say holding onto anything you don't use is hoarding but I'm a bit rude like that
Is there any reason you don't want to give them away? Are they blockbuster movies or the freebies from newspapers? Also, if they are in bulky covers you could put them into pocket sleeves instead, like the ones they make to hold CD's for cars maybe?
Gosh, now we've got your brain twiddling too with all these questions!!
Welcome again - dive straight in
Psyche, short of decluttering your summer clothes I'm at a loss! Understairs cupboard? Underneath wardrobe? Underneath any furniture? Behind the sofa? Boot of the car? It's a bulky thing to have for just a few uses I agree. Maybe others will have fresh ideas for you.
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
|
Thimble
member
Reged: 04/12/2008
Posts: 4293
|
|
Mornng Mrs T and all girls...........today I am doing the HUGE load of ironing that has accumulated. At the moment there is a small chicken carcas simmering on stove with vegetable ready and cut to go in. I am making some nice homemade chick and veg soup!!! Just ordered my mums shopping on line and her dinners for the week. So I am signing off now to go and iron and do other daily jobs.
You all seem keen on these ecloths which are obviously good but where do you get them from? Are they another Lakeland item?
Well will be back to night.............don't get up to any mischief whilst I am away as I like to be involved. Mischief and little miss devil are my middle name..............
--------------------
|
Bett
member
Reged: 06/01/2009
Posts: 82
|
|
Please be objective
I do agree it's hoarding but the DVDs aren't the freebies they're either blockbusters of series of things that are often on TV. We dig them out every now and then to watch.
The only thing I really to declutter in the lounge is the magazine rack and the bookcase which houses recipe books (our kitchen is quite small), coffee table books, paperbacks and a few small baskets - yes they will be decluttered and those embarrassing CDs hidden in there sent to the charity shop.
As far as cleaning goes I have leather wipes for our 3 piece suite. How often should I be using them? I mop up spills immediately but I seem to go through at least 10 when I do the lot.
|
MangeTout
member
Reged: 08/07/2007
Posts: 4123
Loc: Oxfordshire
|
|
Psyche, if you laid it flat would it go under your mattress?
--------------------
Willows Forum www.phpbbplanet.com/willowskitchen/
|
annemari
member
Reged: 07/03/2008
Posts: 3102
Loc: Gloucestershire.
|
|
Hi Mrs Twiddle,
I'm exhausted,so I went back to work after yesterdays' twiddle,the poor dustman nearly fainted when he got to our gate this morning as there were FOUR BLACK BAGS instead of the usual ONE.
I now have 2/3rds of the spare room showing and not just standing room only.
Am I chuffed or am I chuffed. lol
I have looked at the dates on my issues of 'hoarded' magazines as well,I daren't look inside or I will be side-tracked,any of over three months old are destined for the bonfire,all others will be passed on to G.P's and neighbours.
--------------------
Annemari xx
 The Three Musketeers were together again at Cardiff. Summer, ChattyCathy and my 'Mum' Auntie Annemari"
|
Psyche
member
Reged: 23/01/2007
Posts: 2866
Loc: Bicester OXON
|
|
probably but it's a single and the mattress is a double - wouldn't be very comfy. I shall have twiddle with it tonight though.
--------------------
Psyche.
So many books...so little time!.
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
Annemari you're a STAR! You should be very chuffed even if the dustman isn't.
Bett, re leather sofas, I have cream ones and have never used a leather wipe. I just use an E-cloth! Maybe I'm very bad.
Are you doing your tree and lounge today MT?
My MIl just left and I'm going to knit for a bit as she showed me how to cast on. Woohoo!
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
|
Bett
member
Reged: 06/01/2009
Posts: 82
|
|
Mrs Twiddle - probably more environmentally friendly then me! I've found ecloths online and they seem to be a good investment. How often do you 'ecloth' your sofa then?
I think I'm going to enjoy Twiddling. DH will take down the tree tonight and it's the perfect opportunity to have a good clean out. I think I'll wash the curtains and clean the windows on Saturday too.
annemari I also have a room upstairs full of junk and the time will come soon when I'll have to embrace and declutter. I'm actually looking forward to it a bit more now. It's a good point not bothering to look at the magazines that you've hoarded. I can easily get side tracked for a good hour.
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
Usually after I've spilt my wine on it Bett and only after I've licked up most of it!
Sorry, feeling minxy today
I spot clean it as I need to rather than do the whole thing regularly. I'd do it as part of my spring cleaning though.
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
|
Bett
member
Reged: 06/01/2009
Posts: 82
|
|
Well there's no reason to waste wine
|
Foxie
member
Reged: 09/08/2007
Posts: 7838
|
|
Mrs Twiddle
We have just bought a new leather suite and were told to dust it regularly and wipe it down occasionally with a damp cloth. Apparently a lot of the 'dirt' on leather suites is actually dust. Do you have any comments or suggestions?
Foxie x.
p.s so pleased you have started knitting!
--------------------
I've learnt that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Maya Angelou.
|
Pixie
member
Reged: 30/12/2008
Posts: 195
|
|
I can't put it off any longer. I need to become a TwiddleTigger. You were right Mrs T - moving clutter from one room to another only works temporarily. Having cleared the study/spare room for decorating and put it all in the dining room, I now have to decide what to put back and what to dump. It is going to take me all day. My usual modus operandi in this situation is to make three piles. 1) to dump, 2) to keep, and 3) (the largest) can't decide. The can't decide pile is then added to the keep pile and finally some of the to dump pile is retrieved. I end up with about 3 things to throw away and am back where I started. As for magazines - you will not be surprized to know I have loads of them which I keep meaning to go through and cut bits out which of course I will never refer to again. However I have discovered one use for old WH mags. Keep all of last year. Each month re-read the appropriate edition. Apart from the fashion pages (which I never look at anyway)you will never know the difference and save yourself some money. This is my credit crunch tip of the year.
Happy twiddling everyone.
--------------------
Pixie
|
billie
member
Reged: 21/11/2007
Posts: 149
Loc: Derbyshire
|
|
Hi Foxie
I've got a leather suite which I've had for several years and have just cleaned it with a small amount of white vinegar on a damp cloth and I think it looks really good. I've got one of those books 1001 practical uses for vinegar and it's turning out to be very useful. Billie
|
Psyche
member
Reged: 23/01/2007
Posts: 2866
Loc: Bicester OXON
|
|
SUCCESS - I put the winter quilt on the bed put the summer one in the washing and put the futon where the winter quilt was. Only 1 problem - to find a home for the summer quilt when it's dry.
--------------------
Psyche.
So many books...so little time!.
|
blossom97
member
Reged: 02/02/2008
Posts: 4497
|
|
Pixie ..I had to laugh at your comments about the w and h mgazines...they probably do recycle the same old stuff each tear!
--------------------
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
Nice one Psyche Although I think Mange's tip of putting it under your mattress will work in this instance.
Foxie, I probably should treat the leather sofa but I just flick-flack my static duster at it and hoover between the gaps in the seat. I then just use a damp cloth over it.
Pixie - oh yes! Welcome to the TwiddleTiggers Good magazine tip too!
What's everyone doing today? I'm off to the dining room to clean the windows and redeclutter (is that a word?) it after Christmas plates and things were put away.
Happy TwiddleTiggering
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
Edited by MrsTwiddle (07/01/2009 09:04)
|
Bett
member
Reged: 06/01/2009
Posts: 82
|
|
I recycled all old magazines in the rack last night not even bothering to give them a second glance. I began decluttering the CD rack and Pixie I too have 3 piles: keep, can't decide and dump. The can't decide pile is the largest but only due to DH needing to go through them.
Completely decluttering got sidelined for clearing away all of the Christmas decorations and the tree - which we found a bird's nest in! I'll do more tonight along with a pile of ironing.
|
Pixie
member
Reged: 30/12/2008
Posts: 195
|
|
Bett you are making my head spin. Slow down girl. I've just stopped for a cup of coffee and I am not making much progress. I have sorted the piles into piles i.e hundreds of books, files, old letters and cards, holiday memorabilia/guides, theatre programmes, cuddly toys. I won't go on because I don't want to be responsible for Mrs T having a heart attack. Sshh - I've hidden the magazines behind the sofa in the sitting room.
--------------------
Pixie
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
Can't decide piles:
Redistribute that pile into smaller piles:
Need but never use
Need but don't know why
Need and use
Now go trash the first two and keep the last pile
Seriously, what is it that you can't decide on? Did you already appraise it for love it, need it, use it?
Share your pile with us and we'll help you decide
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
|
Psyche
member
Reged: 23/01/2007
Posts: 2866
Loc: Bicester OXON
|
|
ironing for me tonight - not much but it's been hanging around too long. Then I need to re-twiddle the kitchen draws it's amazing how quickly they get minxie!
--------------------
Psyche.
So many books...so little time!.
|
Bett
member
Reged: 06/01/2009
Posts: 82
|
|
My contribution to the can't decide pile is too embarrassing and will almost certainly be dumped in it's entirety.
Pixie it's all I've done. I work and DH has insisted all housework is stopped at 8pm so we can spend quality time together.
I'm dreading getting to my junk room. I hoard old birthday and christmas cards too - it it worth keeping any?
|
Pixie
member
Reged: 30/12/2008
Posts: 195
|
|
Bett I hope OH is sharing that housework which has to be finished by 8pm lol. yes I have old birthday and Christmas cards (but that is so that I can bring them out again if I don't get any this year.
Mrs T
I am going back now to evaluate on the need/use/love theory.
But I have made a couple of decisions.
Books - cannot get rid of any. They are like old friends (not paperback novels)
Travel/theatre memorabilia - memories of good times with my late husband. Perhaps I will keep one or two special items and dump the rest - or maybe not.
Files - this is serious stuff (finance/business) and needs pruning.
There - that's not bad is it for a beginner who has a lifetime of hoarding to overcome.
--------------------
Pixie
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
Birthday/Christmas cards - I kept every single on from my Mum, Sister, DH and Dad and the boxes were bulging. I decided this year that it's ridiculous keeping them since I never look at them again. I had this notion that after they'd 'gone' I'd read them and know I was loved but I know that without reading a shop bought card right?
Handmade ones I keep because I appreciate the effort involved. I threw 5 years worth of cards out this year and will endeavour to do the rest as soon as I can get to them.
Travel and memorabilia - I have a big box labelled mementoes. I stash all my tickets, maps and connected things in here with a view to making mini scrapbooks at some stage - so maybe keep them for now Pixie.
Books - keep them if you love them, but treat them with kindness and find a neat and tidy home for them. Stuffed under the bed is not it
Hope that helped a bit, you're doing great. Hoarding is a hard habit to break. I salute you for your efforts Pixie!
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
|
Loo
member
Reged: 09/01/2008
Posts: 2355
|
|
As soon as you find an interesting article or recipe in a magazine, fold the corner over of the next page several times, so it is nice and lumpy. Then, when you have finished the mag. it's easy to cut them out, and you don't need to keep, the whole magazine.
Loo
--------------------
...as in Looby Loo
This is me, with Andy Pandy and Teddy.
|
Bett
member
Reged: 06/01/2009
Posts: 82
|
|
Pixie he does indeed. The kitchen is his territory and he'll cook diner then do the washing up afterwards while I twiddle.
I'm going to send some books to the charity shop and going to store away some ornaments as there are too many on display.
Good thought re the cards and I don't think I have too many handmade ones to keep anyway.
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
Good idea Looby Loo!
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
Glad to be of service Bett!
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
|
Chickadee
member
Reged: 28/03/2008
Posts: 4027
|
|
I'm not physically up to decluttering on a large scale, but I decluttered my desk (which is in the lounge)yesterday, paid outstanding bills and threw away outdated corresondence. Today I sorted my car insurance and tidied the car file. I've also read all of this thread and can honstly say it leaves me feeling exhausted! 
Will that do as a mini-twiddle by an invalid? A sort of virtual twiddle?!!
|
Pixie
member
Reged: 30/12/2008
Posts: 195
|
|
Mrs T - Thank you for your help. Here is my end-of-day report.
Birthday/Christmas cards - I have kept the last ones I received from my husband and Mum, plus some special Birthday and Valentine's Day cards. The rest will be re-cycled.
Memorabilia - I am going to buy some pretty boxes at the weekend and keep everything in one place (NOT in shoe boxes under the bed and in drawers and cupboards in different rooms.) Love your idea of scrapbooks at some stage.
Books - these are already well-cared for and have a proper home on their shelves and bookcases.
It has been a good and productive day and I am looking forward to arranging everything back in the freshly painted study tomorrow.
Phew. Long soak in bath and large glass of wine now. Cheers! Think I may now be a fully-fledged twiddletigger. (Don't think I want to try saying that after a glass of wine) By the way, how is Happytigger?
--------------------
Pixie
|
Bett
member
Reged: 06/01/2009
Posts: 82
|
|
I have finally decluttered the lounge I have a pile of books ready for the charity shop and found a number of books I've bought and not read so I've got my reading sorted until March. It's ready for a good spring clean on Saturday when DH will be decluttering under the stairs - you can barely shut the door!
|
Twiddledout
member
Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
|
|
Well done Pixie and Bett, we'll make regular Twiddlers of you yet
Chickadee you surpassed yourself - well done you
--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com
Edited by MrsTwiddle (08/01/2009 10:29)
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Edit
Reply
Quote
