2025 Decluttering Thread

[disneysteve]

DW cleaned out the bar last night and got rid of several coasters, a bar spoon, a cocktail shaker, and some recipe books. A lot of swag accumulates from tastings we attend and we just don't need most of it. We've gotten pretty good about either not taking it at all or putting it in the donation box as soon as we get home, but there was still a bunch in the bar.

[disneysteve]

I worked in our living room/Disney display room/DW's craft room for a bit today. I went through one big shelf of books and videos and removed a big stack of items to either list on ebay or donate. There were also numerous books on the floor next to the bookcase. The ones we're keeping are now on the shelf since I freed up space, so that floor space is now clear.

[disneysteve]

I did a bit of work in our computer room tonight. I went through everything on the shelf under the printer that holds every type of paper known to man. I tossed a bunch of stuff we will never use and better organized what remained. I was also able to get a couple of reams of printer paper onto that shelf that had been taking up space somewhere else.

I went through one shelf under the desk and tossed a bunch of random tech crap like cables and manuals and such that we have no use for. Or if someday we actually need one of those things, they are easily obtainable.

[disneysteve]

I spent about 2 hours in the garage today. I broke down a bunch of boxes, some for recycling, some to keep for shipping but stored flat. I condensed and better organized some shipping supplies (packing paper, peanuts, air pillows). I listed one item on Marketplace (a giant Jenga set we won at a liquor store event). I packed two boxes of stuff for donation. When I was done, I could actually access the shelving against the far wall which allowed me to get to my bowling ball which I needed because I'm going bowling tomorrow. There's still much to be done in there but the debulking done today will make it much easier to take the next step.

After dinner, I did a quick stop in my closet and got rid of 3 dress shirts. I've been trying to trim down the wardrobe since retiring. I simply didn't need 40 dress shirts anymore. I've gotten it down to 25 which is still way more than I need but it's hard to decide what else to get rid of as they are all different colors, patterns, and styles so there's not a bunch of duplication (e.g. 10 white shirts). I do put on a dress shirt if we go to a nice dinner or a show or a party so I'll probably keep what's left unless at some point I go to wear one and find it just doesn't fit that well.

[disneysteve]

Did some work in a few different places today. Our computer room. Our living room/Disney display room. I hung 3 framed art items that have been sitting around for ages. I listed something on ebay and found a couple more that I need to list. Added a few things to the donation box. Listed one thing on Buy Nothing. Unpacked and organized a bunch of packing tape after cleaning off the shelf where I keep it.

One thing I tossed today was old checkbook registers. I don't know why I ever saved them. I can't imagine ever needing them but I had them going back to 2011 (I do single line entries so that only amounted to 8 or 10 little books). Out they went.

I'm trying to get more and more ruthless in my decluttering. I feel like even though we have thrown out so much and donated dozens of cartons of stuff, we're still buried in so much of it. Little by little I feel like I might actually be making progress.

[disneysteve]

Listed one thing on Buy Nothing.

A stack of 33 old Disney magazines got picked up a few minutes ago. They have some resale value but not enough to be worth the effort. I was happy to find them a good home.

[disneysteve]

Cleaned up some shipping supplies in our home office. Cleaned out some items from our stationary shelf like folders, extra clipboards, ledger books ,etc.

[disneysteve]

The decluttering continues. I realized I didn't report on my garage day. A week or so ago I spent about 4-1/2 hours in the garage. I took 11 boxes of stuff to Goodwill plus all of the trash and recycling that went out.

Today I gave away a set of dishes and a George Foreman grill.

We're busy cleaning the house for Passover as well as keeping the upcoming kitchen remodel in mind so we are continuing to purge things as we come across them.

[disneysteve]

One more decluttering item for today. As I buy and sell china, I accumulate items that are damaged and can't be sold. I posted in our local FB group a while ago and connected with 2 people who use china for crafts and artwork so I've been alternating between them. I gave away a carton full of china today from that.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

One more decluttering item for today. As I buy and sell china, I accumulate items that are damaged and can't be sold. I posted in our local FB group a while ago and connected with 2 people who use china for crafts and artwork so I've been alternating between them. I gave away a carton full of china today from that.

thats amazing good thoughts

[disneysteve]

thats amazing good thoughts

Yeah, I had been trashing it all which I hated doing but I can't sell it damaged and won't donate it damaged either. I finally thought to ask if anyone repurposes it. They don't care if it's chipped because they're breaking it apart anyway to make pendants and mosaics and such.

[disneysteve]

We celebrated Passover this past weekend and started putting all of the holiday china and accessories back in the basement closet. Tonight we went down there and went item by item through 3 of the shelves and eliminated a bunch of items. Some went in the trash and I've got a pile to give away. I might donate them or I might set up a free table outside one day this week. We need to do the other 2 shelves but didn't feel like doing it all at once tonight.

Yesterday we gave away a nice covered basket and today a Pfaltzgraff mug set - both on our local Buy Nothing group.

I really feel like we're finally making real progress. We've gotten rid of so many items that we've had for 20-30 years or more.

[jonelvinnaorbe]

You're making amazing progress! Decluttering can be such a freeing experience, and it’s even better when those items find new homes. Setting up a free table sounds like a great idea—someone out there might really appreciate what you’re giving away. Keep going at your own pace, you’re doing great!

[jenn_jenn]

I love reading this thread. Great progress, DS!

I had a small (but big to me) decluttering win, I arranged for bulk trash pickup last week and got rid of two stained area rugs & an old ceiling fan that the dump previously denied. We’ve had these in the back of our “storage room” for forever. I was so excited to finally have them gone!

We’re nearing the end of our remodel and I’m looking forward to more decluttering once we can finally put our house back together!

[disneysteve]

I love reading this thread. Great progress, DS!

I had a small (but big to me) decluttering win, I arranged for bulk trash pickup last week and got rid of two stained area rugs & an old ceiling fan that the dump previously denied. We’ve had these in the back of our “storage room” for forever. I was so excited to finally have them gone!

We’re nearing the end of our remodel and I’m looking forward to more decluttering once we can finally put our house back together!

That's great. It feels especially good to get rid of stuff that's been taking up space for a long time.

Last night, I spent a short time in the garage. I want to start doing that regularly to go through boxes one by one. Last night it was a box of Disney ephemera. I didn't get through the entire box but I did toss a bunch of stuff in the recycling bin, threw out a few little things, made a pile of items I need to check values for, and another pile of stuff to give away. Maybe I'll finish that box tonight if I can.