Source
r/declutter•
EngrProf42

Pre - de-cluttering?

I posted here a few days ago about my downsizing/decluttering project. Still working on that. I think it's starting to affect the way I think in good ways.

Today, I found myself pre-emptively decluttering. I'm still working on how best to arrange my living room/second guest room. I need a place to store pillows and blankets for when we want to sit on the floor or sleep in the daybed. The cedar chest I have now has too big of a footprint in the room. I had my tape measure in my pocket to head to my favorite consignment store to look for something that would work. Then I realized I have a beautiful 2 drawer oak file cabinet that turned out to have trouble with the weight of the files when it got full. I was planning to get rid of it but it will be perfect to hold blankets and pillows and will look good in the living room. So, I didn't go to the store to buy something to get rid of later.

I'm not sure what you call that. But I want to keep it up!

Posted Aug 17, 2019, 9:44 PM UTC

10026
SmileFirstThenSpeak•

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

I love finding alternative uses for things I already own. Good job 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

35
EngrProf42OP•

Thanks!

4
glimmeringsea•

There's a channel on YT called Hoarder's Heart. The woman who runs it is a true-blue acknowledged hoarder, and she does stuff like this as often as possible. Also, she just posted a video where she went "shopping" for her kids' school supplies from her hoard.

I think many of us can make do with what we already have if we open our minds.

24
EngrProf42OP•

Great idea whenever possible!

3
ACNLGal2016•

high five

Another hoarder heart fan!!!

2
LilJourney•

Whoot! Great idea! I wouldn't have thought of that.

I haven't been able to fully implement it, but I did read of the concept in an organizing book about not buying any storage containers until you've finished decluttering for just this reason (having to then get rid of containers that don't work for what you need them too, or containers you now no longer need).

14
EngrProf42OP•

I'm sort of doing that. I have a pile of containers in the kitchen I keep raiding.

3
[deleted]•

[deleted]

14
EngrProf42OP•

Nice. It sounds lovely.

3
PlaysWithPaint•

That’s amazing. I found that for the vast majority of my little details like that, I was able to make do with things I already owned. Of course, in order to discover that, I had to refamiliarize myself with all my stuff! It’s always such a great moment when you are in one room mulling over a “problem” and think “omg, I have just the thing for this!” Congratulations and good luck on your declutter!

7
EngrProf42OP•

Thanks!

2
msmaynards•

That is so perfect! Useless as intended and perfect for lightweight stuff.

I love good filing cabinets. My last one was no longer needed for paper and has been reassigned duty as a mouse proof pantry.

I put a couple of chair beds in the spare room. They are something like 40" deep front to back and a cedar hope chest is exactly right as an end table. Had inspiration, found one and it was in the garage waiting for its makeover inside 2 hours.

6
EngrProf42OP•

Nice! The file cabinet will double as an end table for the daybed.

2
therealmrsbrady•

I don't know what to call that...

Repurposing and it's great imo! I have converted so, so many things into different uses than originally intended, saves money and also saves things from ending up in a landfill too. Nicely done. :)

6
EngrProf42OP•

Thanks!

2
[deleted]•

[deleted]

4
EngrProf42OP•

It's great to have quality pieces that will last through the different uses.

1
TootsNYC•

way to go!

​

That's smart. And it gives you a good reason to hold onto that filing cabinet.

2
EngrProf42OP•

We're taking some furniture to the consignment place but they didn't want the filing cabinet so that worked out well.

1
Kairenne•

Also pick up those bags that you suck the air out of to mash them down.

2
EngrProf42OP•

I'll think about that. Not sure how often we'll use them. Thanks

1
goliad67•

Black garbage bags can also be used to suck the air out of. Very cheap alternative.

2
EngrProf42OP•

Good idea.

2
Noticer77•

That's fantastic! It's called "repurposing" an item.

2
EngrProf42OP•

Nice. Thanks

1
KaitB2020•

Repurposing! 😀I do it all the time. I often get weird looks when I pull a piece of gum out of an old cigarette case. I don’t smoke but I picked it up some where. It’s a sturdy little plastic thing. I don’t think it’s ever held cigarettes. Just last week I decided to put a few bandaids in it too. My mom & fiancé ate often surprised when I use things for purposes other than the original intended. I’m so glad I’m not the only one 🥰

2
EngrProf42OP•

That's great!

1