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Thread: House clearing / de cluttering

  1. #1
    Grand Master seikopath's Avatar
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    House clearing / de cluttering

    Been living in the same place for nearly twenty years. Kids all but nearly flown the nest.
    Fancy a bit of a change and will be renting the pad out next year.
    This means getting rid of a houseful of stuff.
    Quite happy to charity shop most of it /take it down the local auctions / etc etc etc. Can't really be arsed with eBay.
    Having trouble getting stuck in to it though, anyone been through the same thing and got any useful tips?
    Good luck everybody. Have a good one.

  2. #2
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    Now is a particularly good time. Put everything on the front lawn and the local council kids will have it away for bonfires. Quick, easy and free!

  3. #3
    Master
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    Freecycle?

  4. #4
    Master -Ally-'s Avatar
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    No tat too tatty

    Phone Sweepinghand and Weirdfish round. Gone in 60 seconds.

  5. #5
    Master Omegary's Avatar
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    Moved house 2 years ago having been in the previous one for 25 years. Lord knows how many charity shop/tip runs I did but we still ended up bringing a load of crap with us, most of which is in the attic. We're thinking of moving again and the thought of sorting it out is not a good one.

    My only advice would be to be clinical and ruthless. Unfortunately we tend to attach emotions to inanimate objects and breaking those links can be very stressful and extremely time consuming. You can easily waste a few days going through old photo's, school reports etc

    Personally I'd love to downsize quite dramatically but I know the other half has other ideas.

    Hope it works out for you Dave.

    Cheers,
    Gary

  6. #6
    Similar situation. Still have loads of stuff to go but :

    Furniture / big items - Gumtree or local churches / charities

    Junk - car boot sales.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by seikopath View Post
    Been living in the same place for nearly twenty years. Kids all but nearly flown the nest.
    Fancy a bit of a change and will be renting the pad out next year.
    This means getting rid of a houseful of stuff.
    Quite happy to charity shop most of it /take it down the local auctions / etc etc etc. Can't really be arsed with eBay.
    Having trouble getting stuck in to it though, anyone been through the same thing and got any useful tips?
    Yes I gave up to be honest.

    I live in a large 4 bed house with a large double garage and I have a split set of stairs with two landings full of book cases and grandfather clocks. We had three sons who have flown the nest and the house is way too big for us. The place is full of antiques and I cannot ever imagine downsizing because our stuff would not fit in. We could flog the stuff off but the effort would be enormous and we just cant be bothered, so we have a ludicrous case of an elderly being trapped in an oversize house which is ridiculous.

    My garage holds a car, one vintage motorcycle, 3 bicycles and tools and stuff I have collected over the years. I even have a hydraulic jack that lifts tractors and that by itself takes up a load of space. I haven't even used that in over 30 years. I got ladders galore and my shed is full of gardening stuff. Even my garden is full of teak garden furniture which ways a ton. 40 years of acquiring stuff has come back to haunt me with a vengeance. I actually have nightmares of how to get rid of the bloody stuff.

    We had the loft emptied about 10 years ago to enable it to have some insulation put in. The loft is 55ft long and boarded and it was stuffed with all sorts of junk. It took 3 months and 3 skips to gradually empty it out and I couldn't go through all that again. We have disciplined ourselves to keep it empty and so far have succeeded.

    Even our kitchen cupboards are full up and if we ever moved half of it would have to go. It is a ticking time bomb of when to start getting rid of some of it.

    Our house in Spain is just a modest two bed place and we actually manage quite well out there with only one of anything we want and we quite like living modestly now a days.

    We will probably drop dead and then our sons can flog it all off.

  8. #8
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    We had to sell and clear out my mother in law's house/our second home in North London a couple of years ago. A local auctioneer handled it all. Took the stuff away and sorted it for the skip, charity shops and auction lots. There wasn't much raised but it more than covered the labour/transport costs of their work (not cheap). No doubt sorting everything ourselves would have saved money, but this was very convenient and it would have been very time consuming.

    ATB

    Jon

  9. #9
    Master luckywatch's Avatar
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    I use Freecycle great for getting shot of stuff. Only problem is I collect as much as I give away......................

    https://www.freecycle.org/

  10. #10
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    The problem is that people expand to fill the space available.

    My wife and I also like antiques and we live in a large old house. We both have a wide range of interests and have traveled quite widely. And we are both prone to “collecting”...

    When we moved to our current house seven years ago We had a major clear out before we did. I was frankly astonished and somewhat ashamed that it still took a team of eight men, three days and three full loads of the largest removal lorry they had to move us. And on top of that we had also already put a load of stuff into store.

    It was actually quite shocking.

    Since then we have tried to be much more disciplined, and have done one thing right at least - we have three separate lofts in the main house and have avoided putting anything in any of them. If we do, I feel it will be the thin end of the wedge (not to mention stuffed attics are a total fire hazard).

    I actually rather like getting rid of stuff these days, and hate having junk about the place.

  11. #11
    Grand Master mart broad's Avatar
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    Just in the process of buying and selling again we are downsizing again and you need to be brutal furniture to charity, clothing in our case the Sally Army ( not the SC) if you have not used,worn it and it is not an antique get rid
    Your kids will probably thank you

  12. #12
    Master PhilipK's Avatar
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    We're in a similar position (both collectors/hoarders) and will be downsizing some time in the next few years.

    It seems to me that there are 4 categories of "stuff";
    1) Stuff you want to keep - simples.
    2) Stuff that's reasonably valuable, but you don't want to keep - sell it
    3) Stuff that's too good to throw/give away, but not valuable enough to spend the time photographing/listing/posting <= This is the big problem area
    4) Stuff that can be given or thrown away - charity shop, recycling centre, freecycle, etc

  13. #13
    I’m doing exactly the same this weekend. So boring. I’ve chucked most of my old stuff away.
    Found 3 men’s trench coats in the loft my uncle gave me about 25 yrs ago.
    Andy

  14. #14
    Grand Master Chinnock's Avatar
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    These guys have been inspirational in my current quest in de-cluttering my life. Their book is fantastic and worth a read.

    https://youtu.be/GgBpyNsS-jU

  15. #15
    Grand Master Chris_in_the_UK's Avatar
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    As previously mentioned, we have had some success with freecycle.
    When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........

  16. #16

    Hello

    I’ll have it. Just send it all to me!

  17. #17
    Grand Master thieuster's Avatar
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    I am reading this with a lot of interest. When we moved into our current house in 04, we thought... that this house with 6 bedrooms, attic and a large garage would be large enough for 4 people (coming from a much smaller house). It's true that people expand to fill the place. Over the years we've taken a lot of stuff to the skip, to 'Phoenix' as it's called here (recycling) and we sold a lot of stuff. Despite these actions, we're still filled to the brim with stuff.

    As said reading this with interest: my boys will leave the house within a foreseeable time and one thing is for sure: we will move asap after they've left the house; the garden is very large, the house is too large for two people and I want to return to the sea (currently living in a park, with the Royal Gardens, Woodlands & Moors within walking distance...).

    So yes I will start decluttering asap and reading this, it is time to start doing so.

    One thing: when you come across Lego, be aware of the fact that you can sell it for silly money! My youngest sold his and it financed 80% of the purchase of a powerful game laptop.

    Menno

  18. #18
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    Be brutal.
    If you haven't looked at it, used it, and enjoyed it in a year. Get rid of it.

  19. #19
    Master Pitch3110's Avatar
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    Mrs P sticks everything that’s isn’t getting or not needed I one side off the loft. Once a year we car boot for a laugh and end up flogging stuff at 10p.

    Life’s clutter secret is travel light and ditch as much stuff as you can weekly.

    When our big two legged it we boxed all their stuff and dumped it on their doorsteps, that was proper liberating.

    Amazing how it feels though Dave as you start tipping stuff.

    Good luck

  20. #20
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    I actually find the process quite therapeutic occasionally and try to have a look through my stuff every year. Until recently, I also moved around quite a bit which forced me to do it anyway!

    Aside from clothes, shoes and bags/luggage(!) of which I have quite a lot and have convinced myself I need, I don't think I have too much extraneous stuff. I have a box which is about 60x40x30 cm which I keep all my random stuff in which might come in useful sometime and if I wish to add anything, something else has to come out!

  21. #21
    Grand Master JasonM's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mart broad View Post
    Just in the process of buying and selling again we are downsizing again and you need to be brutal furniture to charity, clothing in our case the Sally Army ( not the SC) if you have not used,worn it and it is not an antique get rid
    Your kids will probably thank you
    Blimey Mart, it seems like yesterday you moved!
    Cheers..
    Jase

  22. #22
    Master -Ally-'s Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mick P View Post
    full of teak garden furniture which ways a ton.

    Which way ?

  23. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by -Ally- View Post
    Which way ?
    S*** - It's a good job I am only retired rubbish, I would have once had a right bollocking over a mistake like that.

  24. #24
    Grand Master Griswold's Avatar
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    Stick it on Sales Corner. Seems that's what most people do around here....
    Best Regards - Peter

    I'd hate to be with you when you're on your own.

  25. #25
    Master
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    I’m a bit OCD with tidiness and cleanliness which is easier said than done with 3 children sometimes. However at least twice a year I have a mini clear out and I try and aim for the equivalent of 10 bin bags. No real idea why that amount except that it ‘feels’ like a job well done.

    It’s amazing the feel of satisfaction you get seeing it all gone. Two years ago my father in law died of cancer so I shaved my hair off doing the ‘brave the shave’ and raised 4K. Half went to MacMillan and half to our local hospital cancer unit. I now try and make sure everything that we get rid of goes to charity in some way, either shops or selling things and donating.

    P.S. just clearing out a few things little and often is easy but will have a big effect long term.

  26. #26
    Master Tifa's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by seikopath View Post
    Having trouble getting stuck in to it though, anyone been through the same thing and got any useful tips?
    Yeah...just do it.
    Be brutal.
    If you're unsure of if you need it....get rid.
    S/h charity shops.
    ebay takes too long...by the time the auction is ending, you'll have decided that you want to keep it...so no ground gained.

    Once done, it's like a breath of fresh air.
    Almost cathartic.

  27. #27
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Chinnock View Post
    These guys have been inspirational in my current quest in de-cluttering my life. Their book is fantastic and worth a read.

    https://youtu.be/GgBpyNsS-jU
    The Minimalists, me too. I’ve enjoyed and been inspired by many of their blogs/essays. They have certainly helped me become less dependent on ‘stuff’, even watches dare I say.

  28. #28
    Wait until you move. Then you can decide what your'e keeping/storing and get a house clearance/man with van to take the rest away for you.

  29. #29
    Master Wolfie's Avatar
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    William Morris is one of my favourite designers and also a notable philanthropist/ socialist (my kind of guy!). He also has the perfect quote to define how to approach ‘clutter’


    Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.

  30. #30
    Grand Master mart broad's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JasonM View Post
    Blimey Mart, it seems like yesterday you moved!
    Well SWMBO wants to be nearer the sea also we are going to a bungalow as she is finding the stairs a lot harder ( should have got the younger model)

  31. #31
    Master -Ally-'s Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mick P View Post
    S*** - It's a good job I am only retired rubbish, I would have once had a right bollocking over a mistake like that.
    Mick, I was just using the opportunity to demonstrate even the experts can make mistakes. I trust you understand.

  32. #32
    Grand Master Chinnock's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by oiljam View Post
    The Minimalists, me too. I’ve enjoyed and been inspired by many of their blogs/essays. They have certainly helped me become less dependent on ‘stuff’, even watches dare I say.
    Haven't quite mastered the watches yet lol!

  33. #33
    Master Alansmithee's Avatar
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    I couldn't be bothered with the faff the last time we moved, I just got a skip and tipped anything that I couldn't immediately think of a reason to keep - it was very liberating.

  34. #34
    Master MFB Scotland's Avatar
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    My Mum passed away two weeks ago today. Took me just over a week to clear a two bed flat.

    Managed to get a lot of her things to charity shops (she would have wanted that).

    A local furniture recycling charity took away the majority of her furniture and found a neighbour who needed some new white goods.

    Could not believe how long it took me

  35. #35
    Master W124's Avatar
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    British Heart Foundation will collect any decent furniture and white goods, for sales in their upcycling stores.

    We got rid of a full height fridge and freezer that were maybe 8 years old but in good condition.
    It took two of them to move each one, glad we didn't have to take them to the tip.

  36. #36
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    I’m on a constant de clutter. I honestly find it very therapeutic. If I was to move house I’d do it in 1 day, not including furniture.

  37. #37
    Well Dave, there’s the auction house and plenty of charity shops in Fakenham! - I think it’s a much easier job once you get started - lots of trips to the dump ahead of you, but it’s amazing how quickly it clears in my experience - good luck mate!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  38. #38
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by -Ally- View Post
    Mick, I was just using the opportunity to demonstrate even the experts can make mistakes. I trust you understand.
    I always accept constructive criticism. There is no excuse for stupid mistakes and lately my typing has become atrocious which makes me wonder if I am losing the plot.

  39. #39
    Master
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    Our local council tip has a shop that sells all sorts with proceeds going to various charities. The range is extraordinary. You could see if your council tip has one too?

    Other than that, charity shop and a skip. Be brutally honest and soon you'll start enjoying it. It'll be a very therapeutic process! I'd love to do similar

  40. #40
    One room at a time.

    R
    Ignorance breeds Fear. Fear breeds Hatred. Hatred breeds Ignorance. Break the chain.

  41. #41
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Alansmithee View Post
    I couldn't be bothered with the faff the last time we moved, I just got a skip and tipped anything that I couldn't immediately think of a reason to keep - it was very liberating.
    I'm A bit greener. When I last moved, I did everything I could to get stuff reused (Freecycle) or recycled. Amazing what people want and will collect if you offer it to them for nowt.

  42. #42
    Master
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    This lady has some good views and practical steps you can take to declutter / tidy - http://tidyingup.com

    The book also has a clear list of what to tackle first....

    I've been on a bit of a declutter mission and still have a long way to go, but its liberating to get rid of things that you no longer use, will probably never use. Good luck.

  43. #43
    Quote Originally Posted by Chinnock View Post
    These guys have been inspirational in my current quest in de-cluttering my life. Their book is fantastic and worth a read.

    https://youtu.be/GgBpyNsS-jU
    That's a decent video, I'm not a hoarder or collector so don't feel too badly about the stuff I've got.

    There's not much storage space at home so don't tend to hold on to stuff I don't use.

  44. #44
    I decluttered the house at the beginning of the year, I started in the loft and then did every room in the house, then garage, then sheds, the rule I wanted to use was, if I haven't used it for six months I didn't need it, I bottled out and went with 12 months.

    you wouldn't believe the stuff that got punted out on Ebay or taken to the tip.

  45. #45
    Master Pitch3110's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Wolfie View Post
    William Morris is one of my favourite designers and also a notable philanthropist/ socialist (my kind of guy!). He also has the perfect quote to define how to approach ‘clutter’


    Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.
    A whole new side, you never cease to......

  46. #46
    Master Alansmithee's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by David_D View Post
    I'm A bit greener. When I last moved, I did everything I could to get stuff reused (Freecycle) or recycled. Amazing what people want and will collect if you offer it to them for nowt.
    I could understand that - I simply could not be arsed to hang about for people to pick stuff up. Next thing you know you are starting to do car boot sales.

  47. #47
    Master
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    How to de-clutter.

    My Mum, now 86, lived in a thatched cottage in mid Dorset surrounded by 50years of , well, junk!
    House caught fire thanks to a neighbour with a porous chimney stack.
    Both houses gutted, junk now gone !!!
    One way to declutter if perhaps a tad harsh.

    She is now happy living near us at Lancaster in a small, well managed home.

  48. #48
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Alansmithee View Post
    I could understand that - I simply could not be arsed to hang about for people to pick stuff up. Next thing you know you are starting to do car boot sales.
    This was a while back and I didn't have any problems. You just say it's yours if you collect it, say, tomorrow. Failing that, someone else wants it and it's same rule for thwm. As I said, the "free" part seemed popular and motivates people to get on with it. I didn't have any hassle or nonsense from anyone.

  49. #49
    Master Wolfie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Pitch3110 View Post
    A whole new side, you never cease to......
    … disappoint???

  50. #50
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by David_D View Post
    This was a while back and I didn't have any problems. You just say it's yours if you collect it, say, tomorrow. Failing that, someone else wants it and it's same rule for thwm. As I said, the "free" part seemed popular and motivates people to get on with it. I didn't have any hassle or nonsense from anyone.
    Same here. The free part motivated people to get on with it and if they couldn't do it at a time convenient to you then you can just move on to the next person.

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