Comments on: Break it down, get it done https://lauravanderkam.com/2021/02/break-it-down-get-it-done/ Writer, Author, Speaker Fri, 24 Mar 2023 14:42:07 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 By: Kate Sanchez https://lauravanderkam.com/2021/02/break-it-down-get-it-done/#comment-443315 Fri, 24 Mar 2023 14:42:07 +0000 https://lauravanderkam.com/?p=17937#comment-443315 I completely relate to the overwhelming feeling of trying to downsize and declutter before a move, especially when you’ve accumulated so much stuff over the years. Breaking the cleaning process down into smaller, more manageable tasks is definitely the way to go, and I love the idea of creating a detailed list of every area that needs attention.

As for old soft toys, there are a few options depending on their condition. If they’re in good shape, consider donating them to a local children’s charity or shelter. Some animal shelters may also accept gently used stuffed animals to comfort their furry residents. If the toys are too worn or damaged to donate, consider repurposing the fabric for a DIY project or recycling them if possible.

Overall, taking the time to declutter and streamline your belongings can be a refreshing and cathartic experience, and it’s worth the effort to lighten your load before a move. Good luck with your cleaning projects! https://petspy.com/products/petspy-m686-remote-dog-trainer

]]> By: Saturday Seven 172: Lifestyle & Inspiration for Quilters | A Quilting Life https://lauravanderkam.com/2021/02/break-it-down-get-it-done/#comment-198392 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 11:30:28 +0000 https://lauravanderkam.com/?p=17937#comment-198392 […] my week. So I thought this article on simplifying meals had some interesting ideas. And I think the “Break it Down, Get it Done” method is the most simple way to approach big […]

]]> By: Caitlin https://lauravanderkam.com/2021/02/break-it-down-get-it-done/#comment-195405 Sat, 27 Feb 2021 19:58:18 +0000 https://lauravanderkam.com/?p=17937#comment-195405 I’m so glad to hear that you break things down granularly, too! I love making lists and checking things off, but like you said, “clean out garage” is a big job. It would just stay on my list for a while even if I was actually working on it. I use tedious toddler-watching time or other times when I’m not really able to do something to plan these types of things out in my head and add them to a list.

]]> By: Lindsey Y https://lauravanderkam.com/2021/02/break-it-down-get-it-done/#comment-195357 Sat, 27 Feb 2021 14:27:59 +0000 https://lauravanderkam.com/?p=17937#comment-195357 Another good way to donate stuff is through local buy nothing facebook groups. I donated a ton of craft supplies and books this summer when people were bored at home and baby/kid stuff goes fast! Some organizations like goodwill and Salvation Army actually trash a lot of the things they get (because they get too much!)

]]> By: Alba https://lauravanderkam.com/2021/02/break-it-down-get-it-done/#comment-195137 Fri, 26 Feb 2021 14:28:21 +0000 https://lauravanderkam.com/?p=17937#comment-195137 In reply to Calee.

Laura,
I really like this approch. I often feel paralised with the tought of clesning up the garage or the kitchen. Too big to tackle. What i have done lately is to make a daily clean of 15-30min every day. And then i go by areas and put a time behind. One week i would do the bathroom starting Monday morning 15 min and having the weekend for a potential longer session. Next is the washmachine room and i give myself 2 weeks and so on. It makes it more manageable.

]]> By: Maggie https://lauravanderkam.com/2021/02/break-it-down-get-it-done/#comment-195124 Fri, 26 Feb 2021 12:49:15 +0000 https://lauravanderkam.com/?p=17937#comment-195124 People make fun of me for having decluttering/purging as a hobby. It is true though! I don’t see why I would want to have things I don’t use or love just because they at some point entered the house. More stuff also means needing more space which eventually comes down to a money issue.

About breaking up projects: so true. I kept procrastinating a larger writing project but finally now put it on my list as very small to dos. I am still not super motivated, but at least I get it done. 😀

]]> By: Kate https://lauravanderkam.com/2021/02/break-it-down-get-it-done/#comment-195068 Fri, 26 Feb 2021 05:00:00 +0000 https://lauravanderkam.com/?p=17937#comment-195068 In reply to Laura Vanderkam.

There are some places that will accept ones that are in good/like new condition.

]]> By: Kathleen https://lauravanderkam.com/2021/02/break-it-down-get-it-done/#comment-195049 Fri, 26 Feb 2021 01:36:48 +0000 https://lauravanderkam.com/?p=17937#comment-195049 In reply to KGC.

KGC and Louise, you speak my language! No “just in case.” Streamlined. Simple. Spend time on people and experiences, not managing stuff!

]]> By: Joy Whitney https://lauravanderkam.com/2021/02/break-it-down-get-it-done/#comment-195023 Thu, 25 Feb 2021 23:04:31 +0000 https://lauravanderkam.com/?p=17937#comment-195023 You can donate old stuffies to Glad Dogs Nation
https://gladdogsnation.com/pages/toy-drop-off-locations

]]> By: Diane C. https://lauravanderkam.com/2021/02/break-it-down-get-it-done/#comment-195014 Thu, 25 Feb 2021 22:15:24 +0000 https://lauravanderkam.com/?p=17937#comment-195014 When we moved a few years ago we discovered that I was a “purge before the move” and he was a “move everything then see what you don’t want.” And three years later he is still unpacking boxes. I definitely went a little “scorched earth” the closer we got to moving day.
When my husband’s parents died, we had to go through their house that was full of forty years’ worth of stuff and decide what to do with it all. Most of their things were in pristine condition- they just very rarely threw things out. Figuring out what to with their stuff was a really heart wrenching and taxing process. A lot of it just went into the trash- our things are not as valuable as we want to think. (Adam Minter’s book Secondhand is so eye opening about this issue.) Now when I am decluttering, one of the questions I ask myself is, “Do I like this enough to want my daughter to have to figure out what to do with this when I die?” I also ask myself this when I am tempted to buy something frivolous.

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