I really have no idea how I manage to cram so much "stuff" into my very small house. I do know, actually, I just pile things on any horizontal surface until I can't take it anymore. Then it gets moved. These past few months I've been on a possession purge. I've listed items on Craigslist, Freecycle, hobby specific group lists, half.com, e-bay and if I can't sell it, I donate it. I have ready to be donated to a local charity for ther annual tag sale, the old AIO that I could not get to work with my new laptop, my old color inkjet printer that works, but never really printed very well, an old 24" TV with remote that needs a converter box (some one gave this to me and I just don't have the room for an additional TV), a surround sound system that needs all new speaker wires, and a piece of furniture that I hate that never made it to the last charity tag sale. This local group will pick up items and they will be driving by on Friday AM to make this pick up. I also took to the dump an old disgusting IKEA rug, a damaged wicker bathroom shelf, and two cracked plastic bins. I sold a bunch of hobby equipment and am in the midst of scanning in my old paper files to the lap top and then onto the external hard drive.
This goes part in parcel with the clutter clean out I did a couple months ago where I purged a bunch of old clothes that no longer fit (goodwill, consignment and trash), got rid of some extra kitchen items (which in hindsight I could have taken to my weekend job house-oh well), and in general just purged a bunch of knick knacks and junk.
Sounds like a lot, but I still have a lot. My house is small, poorly designed, no garage, attic or basement. I call it the Studio House because it is the size of a medium studio apartment without the benefit of being in cool section of a cool city. I know I have possession issues and I cling to things that really have no meaning or use in my life. Try as I might to adopt the William Morris philosphy to have only things in your life that are beautiful and useful, I seem to come up short. I am in the market for a dresser to use as a TV stand and a place to store my linens, I don't have a linen closet. Now that I will be less that piece of furniture I've hated for years, I can think about finally getting that dresser. I won't have any excuses for not purging the old linens and towels I've had for years as well that are on their last legs as well.
Apartment Therapy featured this studio on it's web site today. I fell in love with it. Granted not everyone will like the wallpaper or the fact that there is a plehtora of books, framed art, etc., but I like the concept of all the built in bookcases, the functional, but small kitchen, and the couch looks like the perfect place to read a book and drink a cup of tea.
I don't think I will every be able to achieve a total Zen like bare minimalist home, I like a certain amount of clutter, but I do think I am slowly making progess and freeing up some space.
Showing posts with label decluttering. Show all posts
Showing posts with label decluttering. Show all posts
Friday, August 28, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Scan Fest
I love my new All In One, printer/scanner/fax machine. I finally got off my lazy arse and purcahsed a unit similar to the one we have at our office and I LOVE IT. One of my goals for 2008 was to scan in my files and clean up the paper clutter. For a variety of reasons, it never happened, but this past month I made it happen. I picked up the unit at the store, took it home and set it up. I then started my Scan Fest.
I have freakishly neat files for all my banking, insurance, hobbies, etc. I have them color coded in my filing cabinet and that cabinet was getting more than a little full. I spent about 5 hours scanning in my files, organizing a system on my computer and feeling oddly enlightened as each file went through the scanner into the box to be shredded.
I set up folders and sub folders broken down by category-banking, each bank, each account, each year. Same for insurance, home, car, health, etc. You get the picture. Right now I have about 20 pounds of paper sitting in a box to be shredded. I still have a lot of files to go through and will probably spend a few hours this week going through the rest of my files. I also purchased an external hard drive and backed up data to the hard drive.
I feel pretty proud of myself for a couple reasons. 1) I finally achieved a goal that I set up for myself from 2 years ago. 2) I'm decluttering my tiny space and 3) Maybe this is the first step in getting out of that stuck feeling I've been having.
Next Step-Shred Fest
I have freakishly neat files for all my banking, insurance, hobbies, etc. I have them color coded in my filing cabinet and that cabinet was getting more than a little full. I spent about 5 hours scanning in my files, organizing a system on my computer and feeling oddly enlightened as each file went through the scanner into the box to be shredded.
I set up folders and sub folders broken down by category-banking, each bank, each account, each year. Same for insurance, home, car, health, etc. You get the picture. Right now I have about 20 pounds of paper sitting in a box to be shredded. I still have a lot of files to go through and will probably spend a few hours this week going through the rest of my files. I also purchased an external hard drive and backed up data to the hard drive.
I feel pretty proud of myself for a couple reasons. 1) I finally achieved a goal that I set up for myself from 2 years ago. 2) I'm decluttering my tiny space and 3) Maybe this is the first step in getting out of that stuck feeling I've been having.
Next Step-Shred Fest
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Decluttering the Furniture
I posted before about how I've been doing a decluttering of my possessions. I also have this piece of furniture that I just don't like and want to get rid of. It holds my TV right now, has a few drawers that I store stuff in, but I've never liked it and have wanted to get rid of it for a while.
A relative that I have a bad association with gave it to me many moons ago. At the time, I took it because I was told I had to by other family members. Like I said, I've never liked the darn thing. I'd like to get rid of it so I don't have to think about the family member.
Posting it on craigs list got me nowhere. I did not want to give it away, I wanted some cash for it. I opened up my e-mail today and I had a forward from one of my former social club friends. An organization she belongs to is having a tag sale and looking for donations. Not only will I be able to get rid of this piece of furniture that I can't stand, I'll be able to get a donation form and claim it as a charitable donation.
I look at it this way, the universe sees a void and will fill it. I want a specific replacement for that piece of furniture, now that it is on it's way OUT of my house, what I really want can come on IN to my house.
I call this a win win.
A relative that I have a bad association with gave it to me many moons ago. At the time, I took it because I was told I had to by other family members. Like I said, I've never liked the darn thing. I'd like to get rid of it so I don't have to think about the family member.
Posting it on craigs list got me nowhere. I did not want to give it away, I wanted some cash for it. I opened up my e-mail today and I had a forward from one of my former social club friends. An organization she belongs to is having a tag sale and looking for donations. Not only will I be able to get rid of this piece of furniture that I can't stand, I'll be able to get a donation form and claim it as a charitable donation.
I look at it this way, the universe sees a void and will fill it. I want a specific replacement for that piece of furniture, now that it is on it's way OUT of my house, what I really want can come on IN to my house.
I call this a win win.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Moving "Stuff"
One of my on going goals has been to reduce my clutter, sell excess "stuff" and generally streamline my life.
I've sold a bunch of books on Half.com, but I still had a lot left in my inventory. Today on my lunch break, I put them in the Goodwill box. I had a patio table that I've listed on Craigslist for about a month and no one has wanted to buy it. I popped it on Freecycle on Monday,-it got picked up on Tuesday. The patio table was a freebie to me and I'm happy it has a new home. I just got tired of staring at that pile of books, they needed to go. One less bag of clutter. I'm slowly working on weeding out my clothes, (the better items go to a local consignment shop or donated to Goodwill), and general stuff.
I don't have that many items I can sell to earn extra cash, plus Craigslist/Ebay/Half.com are full of things for sale. Lots of people are trying to get rid of extra items for the much needed cash. For me the cash would be nice (think ever growing E fund), but really I just want to purge my possessions. My neighbors and I never got organized enough for a tag sale this summer, time flew by for all of us.
There was something very freeing about seeing that load of books go into the donation center....
I've sold a bunch of books on Half.com, but I still had a lot left in my inventory. Today on my lunch break, I put them in the Goodwill box. I had a patio table that I've listed on Craigslist for about a month and no one has wanted to buy it. I popped it on Freecycle on Monday,-it got picked up on Tuesday. The patio table was a freebie to me and I'm happy it has a new home. I just got tired of staring at that pile of books, they needed to go. One less bag of clutter. I'm slowly working on weeding out my clothes, (the better items go to a local consignment shop or donated to Goodwill), and general stuff.
I don't have that many items I can sell to earn extra cash, plus Craigslist/Ebay/Half.com are full of things for sale. Lots of people are trying to get rid of extra items for the much needed cash. For me the cash would be nice (think ever growing E fund), but really I just want to purge my possessions. My neighbors and I never got organized enough for a tag sale this summer, time flew by for all of us.
There was something very freeing about seeing that load of books go into the donation center....
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Before E-Bay and Craig's List, There was the Garage Sale
Or Tag Sale, or Car Boot sale or what ever you want to call it. My neighbors have been using E-Bay to sell items, sometimes with success sometimes without. Lots of folks are selling on E-Bay to earn extra money. My neighbors like many folks in the blogsphere are not having tons of success on E-Bay. My suggestion, have a tag sale.
In my case as I’ve stated before, I just want to get rid of stuff. Right now I’m too lazy to keep on top of E-Bay Auctions and the consignment shop sales have been slow (I did however pick up some great stuff animals for the dogs to tear up, a nice small Faberware frying pan with a lid and a little covered dish perfect for the toaster over or microwave and one person portions all for $3).
My neighbors and I are planning a tag sale for mid July. We both have weekend events and the only weekend we are both free is the weekend AFTER July 4th. This gives us both time to sort through our possessions, give E-bay one last chance, then we are trying a Tag Sale. A Tag Sale obviously works best if you live in an area conducive to hosting one, folks that live in apartments may not have the luxury of a location for a tag sale.
As I posted previously, my goal is to declutter. I am looking forward to a tag sale not only for the chance to get a little extra cash, but to get rid of some STUFF.
In my case as I’ve stated before, I just want to get rid of stuff. Right now I’m too lazy to keep on top of E-Bay Auctions and the consignment shop sales have been slow (I did however pick up some great stuff animals for the dogs to tear up, a nice small Faberware frying pan with a lid and a little covered dish perfect for the toaster over or microwave and one person portions all for $3).
My neighbors and I are planning a tag sale for mid July. We both have weekend events and the only weekend we are both free is the weekend AFTER July 4th. This gives us both time to sort through our possessions, give E-bay one last chance, then we are trying a Tag Sale. A Tag Sale obviously works best if you live in an area conducive to hosting one, folks that live in apartments may not have the luxury of a location for a tag sale.
As I posted previously, my goal is to declutter. I am looking forward to a tag sale not only for the chance to get a little extra cash, but to get rid of some STUFF.
The Decluttering Continues With Modifications
I’m on the slow but steady path to decluttering my life. I got back from the consignment shop my clothes that did not sell. I trucked them right to the Goodwill donation center. I have a load of books on Half.com that are not selling, so I pulled them out of my inventory and dropped them off at the library donation center for their book sale, I’m still working on meal planning from my cupboards, I’ve purged the sock and underwear drawer, I’ve still got a way to go. I’ve listed a small pile of stuff on Freecycle and folks are coming to pick it up. I like a certain amount of clutter around me, I can never go totally Zen in my house and decorations, I like some “stuff”, but I am getting better about getting rid of “stuff”.
I am also working on my paper clutter. One goal for this year is to scan my paper documents and keep e-files instead of paper files. While going through the wads of paper I have, I found an envelope from Dell. I financed my laptop through Dell and I sort of remember that I was supposed to get some sort of a discount that was never applied to my account. My Dell account was paid in full and closed out way before the BK, so I think that was one reason why I never really read the contents of the envelope. I should have. Dell was offering to customers who financed computers during the time I did, a $75 credit to your account or a $75 check if you had closed your account. Since my account was closed, all I had to do was fill out this from and drop it back in the mail. BUT IT HAD TO BE INTO DELL IN MID 2007, NOT 2008. Crickets, practically “free” money, but I did not read my freaking mail and have lost out on $75.
I read all my junk mail. I shred most of it, especially the credit offers I’m still getting in the mail (yet another one today for a car loan). Point to this, even though you may think you are getting junk mail, it could very well be money coming to you. Just take a few minutes to READ instead of just to STUFF the envelopes in a drawer or in the trash.
I am also working on my paper clutter. One goal for this year is to scan my paper documents and keep e-files instead of paper files. While going through the wads of paper I have, I found an envelope from Dell. I financed my laptop through Dell and I sort of remember that I was supposed to get some sort of a discount that was never applied to my account. My Dell account was paid in full and closed out way before the BK, so I think that was one reason why I never really read the contents of the envelope. I should have. Dell was offering to customers who financed computers during the time I did, a $75 credit to your account or a $75 check if you had closed your account. Since my account was closed, all I had to do was fill out this from and drop it back in the mail. BUT IT HAD TO BE INTO DELL IN MID 2007, NOT 2008. Crickets, practically “free” money, but I did not read my freaking mail and have lost out on $75.
I read all my junk mail. I shred most of it, especially the credit offers I’m still getting in the mail (yet another one today for a car loan). Point to this, even though you may think you are getting junk mail, it could very well be money coming to you. Just take a few minutes to READ instead of just to STUFF the envelopes in a drawer or in the trash.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
A Paper Clean Out
One of my goals for 2008 is to put my files in a pdf format and save them to either a disc or hard drive. I want to eliminate as much paper as I can.
I went through my files and shredded old and unneeded credit card statements, really old tax returns (from the 1990's), old insurance policies (cancelled, no longer use that company,no claims to that company) that were more than 5 years old. Piles of old household receipts for things like potting soil (I kept any receipt for a large repair), home improvement quotes etc. I borrowed a paper shredder from work and spent a happy couple of hours shredding the paper.
It then went neatly bagged to the neighbors who will use it as bedding for their pet ferrets and the soiled bedding will eventually make it's way to their compost pile. They have a compost pile that is just used animal bedding (shredded paper, sawdust), leaves and grass. At some point all those old papers will come to some good use as mulch for the garden.
I then re-organized my files and took the first two months of 2008 papers and sorted them. I had previously set up a file box with about 4 sections for different items, but until I can find an inexpensive scanner, I'm still feelig the urge to file everything in it's own file. It was nice to have a bit of a paper purge AND to be able to see the top of my desk and the bottom of my in box. Yes a little obsessive, but I can see my desk top!
I went through my files and shredded old and unneeded credit card statements, really old tax returns (from the 1990's), old insurance policies (cancelled, no longer use that company,no claims to that company) that were more than 5 years old. Piles of old household receipts for things like potting soil (I kept any receipt for a large repair), home improvement quotes etc. I borrowed a paper shredder from work and spent a happy couple of hours shredding the paper.
It then went neatly bagged to the neighbors who will use it as bedding for their pet ferrets and the soiled bedding will eventually make it's way to their compost pile. They have a compost pile that is just used animal bedding (shredded paper, sawdust), leaves and grass. At some point all those old papers will come to some good use as mulch for the garden.
I then re-organized my files and took the first two months of 2008 papers and sorted them. I had previously set up a file box with about 4 sections for different items, but until I can find an inexpensive scanner, I'm still feelig the urge to file everything in it's own file. It was nice to have a bit of a paper purge AND to be able to see the top of my desk and the bottom of my in box. Yes a little obsessive, but I can see my desk top!
Monday, January 7, 2008
The Purge of Items Continues
As part of my goal to de-clutter, I've been taking a number of items to my local consignment shop. Not only am I able to sell clothes, but furniture, books, etc. I just don't have it in me right now to list items for sale on E-Bay or Craig's list. I can barely keep up with the few items I've listed on Freecycle.
This particular store will give me a flat fee on books, movies, kitchen items, and a regular consignment account for clothes, furniture, linens, etc. Once a quarter you get an inventory update and a check.
Here is a partial list of things that have either been Freecycled, Goodwilled, Consigned, since the middle of the summer:
Numerous books on Half.com, an older model women's mountain bike, a fur coat, new sheets (still in wrapper), old sheets and towels, a rope hammock, a bunch of DVDs and old VHS tapes, plates, dishes, serving bowls, mixing bowls, extra old dog crates and gates, an old VCR, a picnic basket for two, plants split from my garden, a new small garbage can (I got a small can as part of a set), extra 4x4 posts for fencing, extra mesh fencing, an old 35MM film camera and lots of clothes I no longer fit into or want.
I'm being pretty good (ie-ruthless) about my possessions. Last week it was 4 or 5 bags of items that left the house. This weekend it's two boxes of items to be freecycled and consigned.
As I emptied one kitchen shelf, I realized I have these very four pretty bowls that I never use. Granted, I don't entertain like I used to, but these bowls have been sitting on my shelf gathering a lot of dust. I washed the bowls, picked out two that I liked best and put the others in the to be removed from the house box. I also did the same with some baking pans. Why do I need two loaf pans? I can't even remember the last time I used a loaf pan. If I need more than one loaf pan, I can buy some disposable pans at the grocery store.
I'm still finding it hard to part with certain possessions (my books for one) and I have to go through old photos and cards and toss the ones that I don't even remember where those places are or who gave me the card. Don't remember, can't remember, out it goes.
I still have a couple boxes of items from my move to the North East from 7.5 years ago that I've not fully gone through. Yikes, I'm sure at this point ANYTHING in those boxes can be taken straight to Goodwill.
This is actually turning into a good winter project......
This particular store will give me a flat fee on books, movies, kitchen items, and a regular consignment account for clothes, furniture, linens, etc. Once a quarter you get an inventory update and a check.
Here is a partial list of things that have either been Freecycled, Goodwilled, Consigned, since the middle of the summer:
Numerous books on Half.com, an older model women's mountain bike, a fur coat, new sheets (still in wrapper), old sheets and towels, a rope hammock, a bunch of DVDs and old VHS tapes, plates, dishes, serving bowls, mixing bowls, extra old dog crates and gates, an old VCR, a picnic basket for two, plants split from my garden, a new small garbage can (I got a small can as part of a set), extra 4x4 posts for fencing, extra mesh fencing, an old 35MM film camera and lots of clothes I no longer fit into or want.
I'm being pretty good (ie-ruthless) about my possessions. Last week it was 4 or 5 bags of items that left the house. This weekend it's two boxes of items to be freecycled and consigned.
As I emptied one kitchen shelf, I realized I have these very four pretty bowls that I never use. Granted, I don't entertain like I used to, but these bowls have been sitting on my shelf gathering a lot of dust. I washed the bowls, picked out two that I liked best and put the others in the to be removed from the house box. I also did the same with some baking pans. Why do I need two loaf pans? I can't even remember the last time I used a loaf pan. If I need more than one loaf pan, I can buy some disposable pans at the grocery store.
I'm still finding it hard to part with certain possessions (my books for one) and I have to go through old photos and cards and toss the ones that I don't even remember where those places are or who gave me the card. Don't remember, can't remember, out it goes.
I still have a couple boxes of items from my move to the North East from 7.5 years ago that I've not fully gone through. Yikes, I'm sure at this point ANYTHING in those boxes can be taken straight to Goodwill.
This is actually turning into a good winter project......
Just a Few More Updates
I've been busy doing a bunch of little things and posting has taken a back seat to me getting my self and life back in order for the New Year.
1) I had my first no spend day of 2008! Yesterday was no spend day #1-I stayed home and started to paint my kitchen(tada-a start on one of my goals for January).
2) I've been getting organized for my income tax preparation-remember the Trustee wants my income tax statement for 2007 and any refunds I might get. So I started on organizing myself to get my taxes done as soon as I get my w-2. The sooner this is done and processed, the better. I just want to move on with my life and this is the last hurdle.
3) Painting the kitchen: In December I bought a gallon of paint (Desert Lily) to paint my kitchen. I got my self organized over the weekend and started to paint. For such a small kitchen, it's going to take three days. Why, because I have no room in my house to rip apart the kitchen, spackle, sand, clean walls, then paint without it becoming a total disaster zone. Right now, it's only half a disaster zone. I've taken a two shelves off my wall, did all of the above and got two coats of paint on the wall. I will touch up the trim work this evening and then figure out, try to decide if I want to put up the same shelving or change it around. My storage options are limited, but I'm working with what I have. I did gather up another small load of items to go on freecycle and to the local consignment shop. I'm really pleased with the color and the kitchen already looks lighter, brighter and much more peaceful. And the other upside is I'm really being diligent about decluttering my possessions (it's getting easier as I convince myself to just let go of stuff, I mean, so I really need 5 Pyrex mixing bowls?).
4) I organized a section of my desk and files for real estate only. More on my "first day" in another post.
5) I made a bunch of corrections/updates to my personal web site. I just have to upload them and that will be a good thing. Lots of my information is old and out of date, and I've been able to spend some time updating the site.
1) I had my first no spend day of 2008! Yesterday was no spend day #1-I stayed home and started to paint my kitchen(tada-a start on one of my goals for January).
2) I've been getting organized for my income tax preparation-remember the Trustee wants my income tax statement for 2007 and any refunds I might get. So I started on organizing myself to get my taxes done as soon as I get my w-2. The sooner this is done and processed, the better. I just want to move on with my life and this is the last hurdle.
3) Painting the kitchen: In December I bought a gallon of paint (Desert Lily) to paint my kitchen. I got my self organized over the weekend and started to paint. For such a small kitchen, it's going to take three days. Why, because I have no room in my house to rip apart the kitchen, spackle, sand, clean walls, then paint without it becoming a total disaster zone. Right now, it's only half a disaster zone. I've taken a two shelves off my wall, did all of the above and got two coats of paint on the wall. I will touch up the trim work this evening and then figure out, try to decide if I want to put up the same shelving or change it around. My storage options are limited, but I'm working with what I have. I did gather up another small load of items to go on freecycle and to the local consignment shop. I'm really pleased with the color and the kitchen already looks lighter, brighter and much more peaceful. And the other upside is I'm really being diligent about decluttering my possessions (it's getting easier as I convince myself to just let go of stuff, I mean, so I really need 5 Pyrex mixing bowls?).
4) I organized a section of my desk and files for real estate only. More on my "first day" in another post.
5) I made a bunch of corrections/updates to my personal web site. I just have to upload them and that will be a good thing. Lots of my information is old and out of date, and I've been able to spend some time updating the site.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Cleaning Out Clutter and Cleaning Up
I've been absent from this blog for a few days as I've been de-cluttering, cleaning, enjoying the company of friends, etc.
Just an update.
I filled up 5 large black contractor bags of garbage Friday night, yup five bags. One bag was nothing but paper (and yes I dumped the paper in the paper recycling bin at the town transfer station). One was old rags,towels, etc (gave those to my mechanic he uses them as dip stick rags), one was clothes to go to Goodwill, one medium sized bag of clothes to go to the consignment shop and one was trash.
It barely made a dent in my possessions, barely, Not Good. I have to go back through my things again this weekend. I'm having separation anxiety with some of my possessions.
The upside is my desk is back to being a desk and not a level flat surface in which to place papers. I did spend some time sorting out receipts and tax information and filed all the piles of paper that had accumulated on my desk.
I started a new and easier filing system. I have a small file cabinet that holds the major files such as all my insurance files (home, car, medical), anything relating to the house, etc. I used to have a file for each credit card, each utility, etc. And I used to color code the files by type and year. Sick I know. I have consolidated all my files into 4 folders 1) Utilities-gas, electric, phones 2) Mortgage and Bank Statements 3) Insurance-home, car, medical 4) Anything else-student loan and misc. Yup 4 folders instead of the multitudes I had before. I will probably add one more file for any recipe ts I need for tax purposes. All in one file box sitting under my desk. I'm going to look into a scanner this year and will seriously consider scanning all my paper statements quarterly and filing on a disc. I don't do well with e-statements. I need to have a piece of paper in my hand to pay my bills, the problem is what to do with the paper once it's no longer needed. I have to find the link to the post, I stole this idea from another blogger and modified it for my own use.
I bought a new small canister vacuum cleaner at K-Mart (more on my major slip in shopping habits later), the Shop Vac I bought as a new vacuum cleaner spews just as much dust as it takes in, not a good or smart purchase. I spent early New Years Eve vacuuming my house and washing my floors. I do have to say, ringing in the New Year with really clean floors was kinda nice. I ran over to the neighbors house for a celebratory drink at 9:30 PM, and I was home and in bed by 11:30 PM (I'm such a lightweight now a days, ).
I will post later or tomorrow about my major slip up in shopping. Lets just say that the clouds of depression, too much snow, not finding my TV, not enough sun, doubts in myself, etc really got to me late on Monday and I started to spend money and giving half arsed reasons to myself to justify the spending. Yikes, I don't need a slip up/regression at this point. What a way to start the New Year.
Just an update.
I filled up 5 large black contractor bags of garbage Friday night, yup five bags. One bag was nothing but paper (and yes I dumped the paper in the paper recycling bin at the town transfer station). One was old rags,towels, etc (gave those to my mechanic he uses them as dip stick rags), one was clothes to go to Goodwill, one medium sized bag of clothes to go to the consignment shop and one was trash.
It barely made a dent in my possessions, barely, Not Good. I have to go back through my things again this weekend. I'm having separation anxiety with some of my possessions.
The upside is my desk is back to being a desk and not a level flat surface in which to place papers. I did spend some time sorting out receipts and tax information and filed all the piles of paper that had accumulated on my desk.
I started a new and easier filing system. I have a small file cabinet that holds the major files such as all my insurance files (home, car, medical), anything relating to the house, etc. I used to have a file for each credit card, each utility, etc. And I used to color code the files by type and year. Sick I know. I have consolidated all my files into 4 folders 1) Utilities-gas, electric, phones 2) Mortgage and Bank Statements 3) Insurance-home, car, medical 4) Anything else-student loan and misc. Yup 4 folders instead of the multitudes I had before. I will probably add one more file for any recipe ts I need for tax purposes. All in one file box sitting under my desk. I'm going to look into a scanner this year and will seriously consider scanning all my paper statements quarterly and filing on a disc. I don't do well with e-statements. I need to have a piece of paper in my hand to pay my bills, the problem is what to do with the paper once it's no longer needed. I have to find the link to the post, I stole this idea from another blogger and modified it for my own use.
I bought a new small canister vacuum cleaner at K-Mart (more on my major slip in shopping habits later), the Shop Vac I bought as a new vacuum cleaner spews just as much dust as it takes in, not a good or smart purchase. I spent early New Years Eve vacuuming my house and washing my floors. I do have to say, ringing in the New Year with really clean floors was kinda nice. I ran over to the neighbors house for a celebratory drink at 9:30 PM, and I was home and in bed by 11:30 PM (I'm such a lightweight now a days, ).
I will post later or tomorrow about my major slip up in shopping. Lets just say that the clouds of depression, too much snow, not finding my TV, not enough sun, doubts in myself, etc really got to me late on Monday and I started to spend money and giving half arsed reasons to myself to justify the spending. Yikes, I don't need a slip up/regression at this point. What a way to start the New Year.
Friday, December 28, 2007
The Need to Purge Possessions
Like so many folks, I read my horoscope on a daily basis. For a number of years, I have been a fan of Yasmin Boland. I just really like her site and her 'scopes. The following message was on her home page this morning:
Friday December 28 – Moon into Virgo
As we cruise through “Christmas Week” the skies are quiet, in readiness for New Year.
This is a good time to start to work out your New Year’s Resolutions, as the next major astro link is between Mercury and Saturn – the planet of the mind and the planet who makes this stick. It’s also an excellent time to do any end of year decluttering that you want to get done pre-2008. The quick rule of thumb is to go through your pile of stuff, hold each item and ask “Do I love it?” and if the answer is no, throw it in the bin before you change your mind! Decluttering is very good for raising the energy in your home.
Last night I took a good look around my small little space and decided I really needed a good declutter. I'm feeling a little claustrophobic in my space and I know I have a bunch of possessions that just need to go. Plus I'm running out of room in what limited storage I do have! This part of my life is getting out of control. What really bothers me is my desk is becoming a repository for all sorts of things. I'm not using my lap top on a regular basis, so I find I'm just dumping stuff on the desk top and not filing, puttting away, etc.
I'm hoping to spend an exciting Saturday Night purging possessions so I can take them to the dump or Goodwill on Sunday or post on Freecycle or Craig's list. The stuff just needs to go.
I've given myself a goal this weekend to be fairly ruthless in picking out the things that can stay and the things that can go. And if I'm really good about this, it will help clean out space in my kitchen so I can paint it on New Years Day and start 2008 with a freshly painted kitchen.
Friday December 28 – Moon into Virgo
As we cruise through “Christmas Week” the skies are quiet, in readiness for New Year.
This is a good time to start to work out your New Year’s Resolutions, as the next major astro link is between Mercury and Saturn – the planet of the mind and the planet who makes this stick. It’s also an excellent time to do any end of year decluttering that you want to get done pre-2008. The quick rule of thumb is to go through your pile of stuff, hold each item and ask “Do I love it?” and if the answer is no, throw it in the bin before you change your mind! Decluttering is very good for raising the energy in your home.
Last night I took a good look around my small little space and decided I really needed a good declutter. I'm feeling a little claustrophobic in my space and I know I have a bunch of possessions that just need to go. Plus I'm running out of room in what limited storage I do have! This part of my life is getting out of control. What really bothers me is my desk is becoming a repository for all sorts of things. I'm not using my lap top on a regular basis, so I find I'm just dumping stuff on the desk top and not filing, puttting away, etc.
I'm hoping to spend an exciting Saturday Night purging possessions so I can take them to the dump or Goodwill on Sunday or post on Freecycle or Craig's list. The stuff just needs to go.
I've given myself a goal this weekend to be fairly ruthless in picking out the things that can stay and the things that can go. And if I'm really good about this, it will help clean out space in my kitchen so I can paint it on New Years Day and start 2008 with a freshly painted kitchen.
Books are selling
I listed a bunch of books on Half.com just before Christmas and they are slowly selling. Which is good. Slow is ok for the new ones. I've earmarked any funds from those sales to my DVD purchase allowance. I still have a number of books in my inventory that have not sold. I'm going to bunch them in a bag as see if I can sell them on Craig's List. If not, as part of my decluttering plan, I'll take them to Goodwill or the local library as a donation.
Friday, October 26, 2007
October Goal Update~November Goals
Since I have an extended lunch, I looked at my October Goals and realized I was about 50/50 on them.
I have a much better expectation of what and how I should budget my money. That in and of itself is a huge milestone. My November budget may be a bit tight (and a little tighter now that I need a new Hoover) but it's totally doable and workable. That is one goal I'm very pleased to achieve.
I got the little gig of photographing properties for a mortgage company and I get about 3 properties a week, most of which are easy to get to (next town over) and don't require excess gas and milage. The money from that is earmarked to my ING account. I'll keep looking for another part time job for the holidays, but not sure how that will go in my neck of the woods, most stores close at 5 or 6, just when I get out of work! I'll keep plugging away at it. I'd say that was a 50% of a goal.
November Goals:
Stick to the Budget.
Find an alternative source of income.
Do a massive decluttering of the house.
Make the Christmas present/card list.
Take on line continuing education course.
My goals might not be as grand as some others, but I am getting better and more disciplined about my budgets, goal settings, and it's all part of my relearning curve.
I have a much better expectation of what and how I should budget my money. That in and of itself is a huge milestone. My November budget may be a bit tight (and a little tighter now that I need a new Hoover) but it's totally doable and workable. That is one goal I'm very pleased to achieve.
I got the little gig of photographing properties for a mortgage company and I get about 3 properties a week, most of which are easy to get to (next town over) and don't require excess gas and milage. The money from that is earmarked to my ING account. I'll keep looking for another part time job for the holidays, but not sure how that will go in my neck of the woods, most stores close at 5 or 6, just when I get out of work! I'll keep plugging away at it. I'd say that was a 50% of a goal.
November Goals:
Stick to the Budget.
Find an alternative source of income.
Do a massive decluttering of the house.
Make the Christmas present/card list.
Take on line continuing education course.
My goals might not be as grand as some others, but I am getting better and more disciplined about my budgets, goal settings, and it's all part of my relearning curve.
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