Cindy's Weekly Wisdom The shopping is done. The wrapping paper is all recycled. You may have even packed away the ornaments until next year. (Were there any you decided to declutter?) But I bet there’s still one task you haven’t tackled, one that goes on all year long: Returns. Returns are a vital part of a well-organized and decluttered home. You can return practically anything to practically anywhere. Even if you’re outside the store’s stated time limits for returns, you can still request a return. Speak to the manager. Really and truly, it doesn’t hurt to ask. (This is more … [Read more...]
Tricky situation
I received a comment from one of my readers last week who found herself in a tricky situation in regards to decluttering a certain object. Read the comment below to understand the dilemma. I have edited it so that the artist involved wouldn't recognise it is about them if by some weird twist of fate they should happen to read it. I have a tricky one for you and your readers! A very good friend who comes to my house regularly created a painting AT MY REQUEST for my birthday. That was 4 years ago, and to be perfectly honest, I didn’t really love the painting then, and I like it less … [Read more...]
Day 364 Sentiment v Obligation
I know I have written about this subject before but it is one of those issues that are worth revisiting every now and again. Especially for those struggling with it or who have only recently started reading my blog and don't have the time or inclination to start at the beginning. I know I wouldn't have that sort of time up my sleeve. I think most people who read my blog would have a certain number of true sentimental items in their home. These items are often things like baby ID bands, a child's old teddy, the glasses you toasted with at your wedding, Grandma's engagement ring... We all have … [Read more...]
Day 343 An uncluttered Chirstmas
In the spirit of giving at Christmas I have compiled a list of non cluttering gift ideas. This list can also be used throughout the year for birthdays and other gift giving occasions. I have cut and pasted a list I compiled back on Day 199 and added some more ideas. If you have any other great ideas to add to the list I will be happy to include them and then make a page out of it that we can refer back when ever we feel the need. So get those good idea to me via a comment I am looking forward to your contributions. Edible Treats Chocolate/Candy Cake (provide a cake for someone's happy … [Read more...]
Day 342 Buy Nothing Christmas
Cindy Bogard's Weekly Post There is a group of Canadian Mennonites who, along with AdBusters, promotes a Buy Nothing Christmas www.buynothingChristmas.org. While my family will not be having a Buy Nothing Christmas, we will be having a Buy Not A Lot Christmas. Each year, I’ve tried to cut back, usually with only moderate success. One memorable year, the kids got so overwhelmed by the number of gifts that we had to take a break from opening them. Good grief! Can you say “enough already!†This year Christmas comes very close to my half-year of decluttering anniversary. Having looked … [Read more...]
Day 252 Kids Birthday parties
Family Birthday Parties without Clutter A guest post by Cindy Bogard On Day 209, Colleen wrote about having a clutter-free birthday for her 19 year old son. For those of you with younger kids who thought, “Sure, that worked for her; he’s 19 after all,†this post is for you. My daughters are 8 and 10 (just beginning 3rd and 5th grades), and I’m here to tell you it is possible to reduce their birthday haul without reducing their birthday happiness. First of all, if you’re going to make any drastic changes to the way things have been, you need to prep your kids in advance. With my … [Read more...]
Dy 235 More on yesterday’s post
In response to yesterdays post I received this comment from Deb J... I don’t recommend white lies and they are still lies and can often come back to bite you. What I have done to take care of this is to say up front with people who are gift givers that I love receiving gifts but I am not sentimental about them. So if some point comes along when I no longer feel they suit my taste or have a purpose I may give them away of sell them. I think that most people who know me now know this about me. I don’t have to worry about being asked about something. I also try to make it clear … [Read more...]
Day 229 The measure of your clutter
After a rather hard day I wasn't feeling very inspired to write a post today but that would just not be good enough. So I decided to annoy my son again with his clothing clutter and I quickly got the short shift there. So then I had to move to plan B. There wasn't actually a plan B in place but I have a method that doesn't usually fail me. I just picked a room and opened a cupboard and a couple of drawers and sure enough I found something I had passed over before. As it turned out it was a couple of pieces of sentimental clutter hidden away in a drawer in my daughters bedroom. Funnily enough … [Read more...]
Day 194 Too good to use
I received an email from Cindy recently with a list of topics she thought would be good to address on my blog. The one I chose for today is an issue I am sure we have all come across during our decluttering efforts. This is one of those dilemma decluttering issues. Here is some examples Cindy had to share with us... The trouble with owning something "too good to use" One on my friends started using her "good" dishes after hearing this story: A woman who had married a widower was using the good dishes of the previous, now deceased wife. She (the first wife) had never used the dishes, … [Read more...]
Day 189 Communicating feelings
One thing I have observed during the process of writing my posts, answering comments and emails, and reading other decluttering blogs is that lack of communication is a real problem when it comes to clutter. It causes clutter in the first place by people giving well meaning gifts that are not wanted by the receiver. Also because we try to protect others feelings people keep items they no longer want. Although it is commendable to try to be thoughtful about others feelings, sometimes your own personal needs should take precedence when the result effects your new sustainable way of living. … [Read more...]