We met with a realtor this week and now the idea of selling our house is getting real!
The "one in, one out" rule doesn't work for us since we're trying to clear our house out as much as possible...less clutter looks like more space, right?
My 'thrifty and frugal' blogging friend Laura, over at Harvest Lane Cottage, claims she regains a square foot of real estate space for every shopping bag full of stuff that goes out of her door. We all can use more space right?
Now seldom does illness come with a benefit, but a weight loss of 70 pounds has been one Wild Bill appreciates. Some of his dress clothes just had to go!
We started with Bill's closet and also cleared off some shelves in the garage. I estimate we regained 9 square feet of real estate.
Out this week:
- Eight men's button up dress shirts (3 sq feet)
- One barely worn sports coat (1 sq ft)
- Two large boxes of garage stuff -- work gloves, boxes of nails, power drill, etc. (4 sq feet)
- Bag: women's clothes, household goods, a 3-tier shelf (1 sq ft)
Where Did It Go?
We have a friend, Henry, who is heavily involved with local chapters of military veterans' service organizations like the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) to name a few.
- For the clothes: We asked Henry if he knew any vets (short on cash) who might be in need of 'Big and Tall' dress clothes. Sadly, Henry assured us there are more than a few in the local area.
- For the tools etc: We had lots of rain a year or so back and one of the veterans' organizations was flooded twice! They are working on repairing the facility. Henry also took the two boxes of garage stuff to help in the rebuilding.
- Everything else: Went to the Goodwill.
If you need inspiration on recovering your space, check out Laura's blog and start tracking how much space you regain in your home.
If you're interested in saving money, check out Laura's post called Forty Ways To Use It Up And Wear It Out.
If you're interested in saving money, check out Laura's post called Forty Ways To Use It Up And Wear It Out.
Thanks for dropping by!
Wow! What a terrific surprise to find that you mentioned me and my blog. What an honor. Thank you! It seems like you're doing some great things. I've been decluttering more while I'm recovering from the last surgery. I think I'll begin writing more starting next week. Thanks so much for sending some blog love my way. Praying for you and your man tonight.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage
You are inspirational! I need to work on clearing up some space too.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Sugar! You go, girl!!! I am in the same spot and trying to divest myself of STUFF as we wait out these next few months in the rental. I took tons of stuff to GW and donated to the kids and other causes, too. Feels good, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend. xo Diana
Good luck with the clearing and moving. Having moved with my possessions into an already full house I have been getting rid of STUFF ever since and now that we are redecorating more will go. It does feel good.
ReplyDeleteI've read Laura's post and I totally agree. I've actually been doing the same lately, too. This morning we took two huge boxes to our local thrift shop, they were full of twin sheets and comforters. Don't know why I've been hanging on, we haven't had twin beds around here in years!!
ReplyDeleteLaura is always inspiring in thought and deed.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are de-cluttering for future sale and what WONDERFUL places to donate to.
Take care.
Decluttering as a massive task for us when we downsized to move here and the furniture we did have was too large for our little cottage. I will try to get a post done next week about living the dream and moving to our new Island home.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I felt bad asking you to add to your busy schedule, but I really am needing some of your inspirational story right now.
DeleteWith every move we've made, I've cleared out more things...I make it a goal to reduce as much "stuff" as I can. This house is much smaller, so we were able to get rid of quite a few more things when we moved in. It makes me feel so accomplished to clear out. I also love donating to our local Manna House! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued with some of the minimalist lifestyles these days. A while back I read a post about a woman who limits herself to 35 hangers. Her theory is all her clothes must fit on 35 hangers. My problem is not clothes, it's projects! I think I have 35 boxes of projects.
DeleteI can't think of any better place to donate those clothes and tools than to the VFW and DAV. That's wonderful! I need to get busy again and add more square feet to our little place. I've just read Laura's post. It was great. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou're moving? Are you planning to downsize? Several friends have moved in the last couple years, usually to smaller, one-floor homes. We're talking about a move in a few years too.
ReplyDeleteWe are moving to get near better oncology treatment. Our current house is one floor and a good size that we will probably duplicate. We have been wanting to move out of state for 5 years, but stayed for my mother-in-law. My father-in-law (even at 95) is more than ready for a new adventure.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to see the shout-out to sweet Laura in this post! I love her concept of square foot real estate with giving away things you no longer need, it feels soo good! After downsizing to a 780 sq ft home several years ago, I can tell you it is such an incredible blessing to live simply. Much less to clean and care for, and more time to do the things you love. My rule of thumb living in a small space of course is anything new in, something old must leave, and I often make trips to the thrift stores to donate. Praying for you and your husband that the Lord will help you as you prepare to make this move. Blessings and hugs!
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting decluttering concept, and I am going to look at it! I am sorry a family member is sick. I hope it sells quickly. It should. It's a beautiful home. xoxo Su
ReplyDelete