On Fridays at 365 Less Things I share with you my favourite comments from my wonderful readers and my favourite web finds of the week. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

Favourite Comments. Enjoy!

Here are some wise words from Spendwisemom

Cat’s Meow’s thoughts on skimming the surface of clutter.

Kimberley believes in quality over quantity.

Gotta love this comment from Jane she said it the way I think it. Sadly I feel inclined to be slightly more diplomatic at times ~although I can get a little cheeky ~ but God bless you Jane you just said it how it is.

Cindy particularly like this comment for Ideealistin in response to her post “Don’t let “Value” Fool You”

Favourite Web Finds. Happy reading!

Here is some more simple yet helpful advice from Mohamed at Midway Simplicity.

Just for the fun of it I am adding a link this week to the auctions I have going on ebay. You can amuse yourself by checking there progress occasionally and keep your fingers crossed that I sell everything at higher than the starting price. Please, if you live in Australia, don’t be tempted to buy any of it. 😉

It is good to see I am not the only blogger repeating the same message over and over again. This message is worth being reminded of over and over again.

Here is a great article with tips on how to get rid of your stuff including getting it valued before selling.

Today’s Mini Mission

Round up all your hair accessories ~ These tend to end up scattered all over the place making them impossible to find when you need them. They end up in school bags, handbags, bathroom drawers, bedside cabinets, in the little nooks and crannies in the car, sports/gym bags, coat pockets and even under the sofa cushions. I own four hair clips but at the moment I only know where two of them are and they aren’t my favourite two.

Today’s Declutter Item

This little storage container was no longer needed. It is roughly  9″ x 5″ x 2″ (230 x 130 x 50mm) and was full to capacity with pens. How many pens does one household need. The bulk of the pens were decluttered long ago and this container moved down into the pantry. It wasn’t getting used so off to the thrift store it went.

One more storage item I don’t need

Something I Am Grateful For Today

My little boy turned 21 today (now yesterday). That is almost two more years than we thought we would have him  to love and cherish after his terrible accident in 2010. Words can not describe how grateful I am to be able to celebrate this day.

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow

On Fridays at 365 Less Things I share with you my favourite comments from my wonderful readers and my favourite web finds of the week. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

Due to the fact that we missed last weeks favourites I have included a few extras this week.

Favourite Comments. Enjoy!

I had a good laugh reading this comment from Jean & Wendy. What fun ladies they would be to spend two years on Norfolk Island with.

I loved this comment from Sanna, where she has come to the realisation that once a home is decluttered properly there need never be any more Spring cleaning.

We have a new reader MelD who left this comment, among others, this week. She sure has learned to minimise  what she carries with her on a daily basis and when travelling.

I think Ideealistin gives some good advice about saving toys in this comment.

This comment from Deb J says it all about how we end up cluttered in the first place. I am so glad she has seen the error of her ways.

We got some great comments on the Pick Your Battles… post on Tuesday which deserve repeating in case they were missed. I love how the comments really bring home the point of a post especially when they are generated from genuine experience of the issue. Here are some of those great comments ~ From Katharine and Wendy B and Spendwisemom.

Here is some great advice from Wendy to Moni on what to do with rarely used small kitchen appliances. She said exactly what came to mind when I ready Moni’s comment. Doing a shift at the thrift shop once a week gives me the confidence to declutter items like this because they are very easily replace secondhand and cheaply like Wendy suggests.

Favourite Web Finds. Happy reading!

Both Clare and Laura sent this link to share with her fellow 365ers. I loved the connection made between the amount of general clutter in one’s home to the number of magnets on one’s fridge.

This post from The Change Blog has a few helpful suggestion on how to make small incremental improvements to your lifestyle.

This post has nothing to do with clutter but it holds some interesting tips about clothes washing that may save you a dollar or two.

I have bought this web site to your attention before but it is worth mentioning again and again. I have linked directly to the about page but please explore other areas of the site. People are even branching out to implement dog sitting collaboratives where pet owners can reach each other through a web site to take care of each other’s pets when they are away, saving them the cost of boarding them in expensive kennels.

Here is a great web article Cindy sent me the link to about textile recycling. Thanks Cindy.

Here is a short but straight to the point article about consumption from The Minimalists.

Today’s Mini Mission

Declutter something that you are keeping “just in case” the person who gave it to you notices it missing.

Today’s Declutter Item

Here is another craft bargain that was too good to resist at the time. I bought these for next to nothing on clearance thinking that I would use the beads for a future project. I am sure I could find a use for them eventually but the object of my craft room declutter was to fit all I was keeping into a certain space. These were just one of those things that didn’t make to cut while attempting to achieve that goal. They were donated to the thrift store.

“Bargain” Beads

Something I Am Grateful For Today

 A little alone time.

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow

On Fridays at 365 Less Things I share with you my favourite comments from my wonderful readers and my favourite web finds of the week. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

Favourite Comments. Enjoy!

I like this little story from Debbie in Alberta about her Freebie decluttering effort. It just goes to prove you don’t know how things will work out until you give it a shot. Nothing ventured nothing gained as they say.

I loved how Jane’s kindness reaped an unexpected reward in this comment that she left on Friday. Seeing how other people live can be food for thought about your own surroundings.

I think Sanna found her own solution to or at least cause of her messy kitchen in this comment she left in response to Cindy’s Weekly Wisdom. If laziness is the cause the solution is obvious.

The readers had a lot of fun in response to Moni’s Tea Chest Challenge on Tuesday. It was Holly’s answer that I liked the most because she is almost living this situation at the moment and yet her answer was so simple and that is what it was all about I thought. Keep it simple. If I were to find myself in this situation I would use it as an opportunity to see what I could do without.

Favourite Web Finds. Happy reading!

Here is the latest interview from Mohamed Tohami @ Midway Simplicity

People often think that minimalist living means boring spaces but that isn’t the case. Here is an article with 5 tips for stylish minimalist décor.

If you ever need a reminder that you shouldn’t over consume this is it.

20-Quick-Ways-to-Get-Clutter-Free

Today’s Mini Mission

Declutter a wad of papers ~ out of date bills, tax papers, manuals or warranties…

Today’s Declutter Item

Here is a little more of the craft clutter that left my house last month. This lot went straight into the recycling bin.

More Craft Clutter

Something I Am Grateful For Today

Feeling more normal every day. The side affects of having an operation are beginning to wear off. I hate to think about the cocktail of drugs they pump into a person’s body to keep them oblivious to what is going on during an operation but my goodness it is better than the alternative. Ether or a good swig of whisky really wasn’t all that effective. 😉 Modern medicine, now who isn’t grateful for that!

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow

On Fridays at 365 Less Things I share with you my favourite comments from my wonderful readers and my favourite web finds of the week. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

Favourite Comments. Enjoy!

In this comment read Kimberley’s story of how here mum saved everything for good and at 83 is still doing it. What a shame.

Rebecca B.A.R. made some good points in this comment in relation to heirloom clutter as did GreyQueen in this comment.

There were many more great comments than this but I have been so busy this week preparing everything for my medical time out that I haven’t had as much time to dedicate to my blog. Sorry folks.

Favourite Web Finds. Happy reading!

A couple of our newer 365ers have been blogging about simplifying and/or decluttering lately so this week I am linking to a couple of their posts. First here is one from Donne of www.gagasisterhood.com ~ The incredible lightness of decluttering . And here is one from Larry of www.cagefreeology.com ~Happiness simplicity

Here is a cute organisational project from Martha Stewart that Cindy thought we might enjoy. It looks so gorgeous anyone would be inspired to file on a regular basis.

This link is a little bit of fun. It is a clutter symptom checker ~ a check list to decide which areas of your home have a clutter problem.

Today’s Mini Mission

Declutter something that was given to you by someone else. If you no longer want or need it offer it back to the person who gave it to you, sell or donate it. You don’t have to keep things just because they came from someone else. I might seem a little repetitive on this advice but that is because people get very stuck on keeping this kind of stuff.

Today’s Declutter Item

This collection of beads and buttons that I donated to the craft shop fit with today’s mini mission. Some of them were given to me by my mother and my mother-in-law. I have had them for a few years but not used them yet so time to move them on.

Craft Clutter

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow

On Fridays at 365 Less Things I share with you my favourite comments from my wonderful readers and my favourite web finds of the week. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

Favourite Comments. Enjoy!

Here is a great comment from Larry who had never commented here before. It seems he has some good wisdom to share so I hope we hear from him more often.

This comment from Deb J is short but says a whole lot about why people buy stuff in the first place. I have also made the mistake of buying stuff because I thought it would make my life easy but often find the opposite. Then there are the pretty things that are hard to resist, I don’t suffer from that problem any more either. All proof that you can change your thinking.

This comment from Kirsty is also short but sweet. I loved her optimism that even though her house wasn’t there yet she wasn’t discouraged. Good for you Kirsty!

Moni brought up an interesting declutter subject in this comment. I responded with my ideas on the topic. If anyone out there has some expertise of an opinion please feel free to share.

Favourite Web Finds. Happy reading!

Di reminded me of this video I once linked to and I enjoyed it so much again the second time around that I thought I would share the joy and link to it again today. http://youtu.be/MvgN5gCuLac . Enjoy!

I loved this post from Joshua Becker from Becoming Minimalist.

I have had a busy week and haven’t had time to read much in cyber space. I did find this post and I have to confess I haven’t read right through it but I feel sure it is full of great tips for going paperless. bemorewithless.com ~ The-possibility-of-paperless

Although I don’t agree with this entire article because I don’t subscribe to the idea that everyone is capable of giving up all their bad habits in one fell swoop there are still many good points made.

That is all I have for you today. Sorry.

Today’s Mini Mission

What about decluttering the remnants of a unhealthy habit you once had like smoking ~  have you kept a couple of ashtrays just in case a smoker comes to visit. Why not make you home a smoke free zone it is your right to after all.

Today’s Declutter Item

This item kind of fits with today’s mini mission. In fact just about everything that I have decluttered does. They are mostly examples of my previous habit of buying things I didn’t need or worse still, like this framing kit, things I didn’t even end up using. That is one big chunk of guilt come aspirational clutter gone from my life.

More of my decluttered craft supplies

Something I Am Grateful For Today

My husband ~ for earning all the money in our household while I dedicate my time to running the home and volunteering my time to help others. What a privileged life I lead.

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow

On Fridays at 365 Less Things I share with you my favourite comments from my wonderful readers and my favourite web finds of the week. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

Favourite Comments. Enjoy!

I like Spendwisemom’s outlook in this short comment.

It always warms my heart when I hear of a young person seeing the error of there ways, in relation to materialism and consumerism, at such a early age like Amanda in this comment. I sincerely hope some of her friends follow her example.

I loved this comment from Mary about how she has gently encouraged her husband to declutter boxes of books he has been hanging on to. Well done Mary and to your husband too.

Sanna has a good approach to decluttering in this comment. I also like her attitude to donating stuff to the thrift shop, I feel the same way myself.

I had to share this comment, it’s from my baby girl. She will be 23 in a weeks time but she is still my baby girl.

Favourite Web Finds. Happy reading!

Loved this post from Leo Babauta at Zen Habits

Here is a link sent to me by Cindy that she thought we might enjoy.

Here is a link to Rick Steves’ ~ Pack Smart and Travel Light article. Rick is the Guru on travelling in Europe and knows a trick or two on travelling light. I taught us all we needed to know.

Found this summary at The Simplicity Collective quite interesting and am looking forward to reading the full paper on the subject.

Today’s Mini Mission

Do you have too many publications ~ novels, magazines, cookbooks, newspapers, non-fiction books…? If so now is the time to weed out a few.

Today’s Declutter Item

These are a batch of craft magazines that didn’t make the cut during my latest flurry of getting my craft room declutter completed. There are more craft decluttered items that will come up soon. I have been decluttering in advance of being physically out of action for a month from the 21st. Don’t worry I will still be blogging, I’m not letting you off that easily. No rest for the wicked as they say.

Craft Magazines

Something I Am Grateful For Today

Lots of errands complete and dinner with a group of friends. A pretty great day all round really.

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow

On Fridays at 365 Less Things I share with you my favourite comments from my wonderful readers and my favourite web finds of the week. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

Favourite Comments. Enjoy!

This comment shows how Lena had no problem outlining her items for this week’s mini missions on Monday. Clearly she has a good imagination and a clear knowledge of what remains in her home that is needing decluttering.

I enjoyed this comment from Jez it is almost sounds like a minimalist evolution in progress. She went from accepting free items she never got around to using to decluttering them to realising avoiding even the most harmless clutter in the first place is the smart strategy.

In this comment Ideealistin tells us how borrowing works for her.

In this comment Willow adds some tips on choosing good quality knitted garments to my “Choosing Quality Clothing” post. Thanks Willow they were very helpful to our readers.

Favourite Web Finds. Happy reading!

This post from The Minimalists tells us a lot about how homes become cluttered.

See how you can relate the ideas in this blog post from The Change Blog to your decluttering goals.

This TV advertisement always makes me laugh so I googled it to share with you.

Here is a post I stubbled upon with some good craft supply donation points for our American readers.

I found this take on the absurdity of modern day kitchen gadgets amusing although I did start to wonder if it wasn’t bordering on being a little racist. Please ignore that side of it if you think it does exist.

Today’s Mini Mission

Declutter something that comes to mind when you read this question ~ At what point did I find this attractive?

Today’s Declutter Item

I have four of these bowls but I have several other sets of bowls as well, since these take up the most room I have chosen them to be declutter. I used to find these bowls visually pleasing but now I find minimalism more appealing.

Vintage Dessert Bowls

Something I Am Grateful For Today

Giving away some craft items that have lingered too long in my home. The please response from the person I offered them to only added to my joy.

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow

On Fridays at 365 Less Things I share with you my favourite comments from my wonderful readers and my favourite web finds of the week. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

Favourite Comments. Enjoy!

This comment from GreyQueen adds a lot to the conversation, especially to make a point about the ultimate cost of freebies.

I liked Romney’s simple solution to the buy on get one free offer in this comment.

Jez has realised through experience that the easiest way to stay organised is to reduce. Read her comment here.

This comment from Mary is short and sweet but it sure outline one of the great benefits of decluttering.

Favourite Web Finds. Happy reading!

In this link from ecosalson.com learn five steps to better recycling.

I stumbled across this site while looking for something else and it is definitely worth a read. Sue Rasmussen~ Making room for what really matters ~ How clutter control affects you.

I was looking for clutter quotes when I stubbled across this collection and decided to share it with you rather than dole it out in small doses.

More than one of my readers has mentioned Karen Kingston as a decluttering guru so I looked her up and found this little tidbit to share with you all.

Today’s Mini Mission

Declutter something that you just have too many off.

Today’s Declutter Item

Now that these towels are gone all that is left are towels that get used on regular rotation plus two beach towels should the need arise. I can honestly say I don’t think my linen closet has ever been this decluttered in all my married life.

The last of the excess towels

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow

On Fridays at 365 Less Things I share with you my favourite comments from my wonderful readers and my favourite web finds of the week. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

Favourite Comments. Enjoy!

There were so many great comments for the “Enough! It’s time to get rid of this stuff!” post this week that I didn’t want to single any out. If you haven’t read them go back and take a look and add your story.

This comment from Lena was very interesting and it also shows how far she has come in her declutter and concern and action for environment welfare.

Grace is starting to enjoy the benefits to decluttering. Read about it in this comment.

Toffee made me laugh with this question she said I should add to the Declutter Decision Making Guide. And I did add it.

Judith had a good point with the comment she sent in. My husband uses a similar digital upload site to save our important documents.

Favourite Web Finds. Happy reading!

Here is a short helpful article from moneysavingmom.com on What to do when a gift becomes clutter

Here is a little Feng Shui advice about clutter.

This link isn’t about decluttering but about how hip my town is. Newcastle has a vibrant art scene, great cafes and beautiful beaches. So scroll down take a look at where I live.

Here’s a fun little quiz from fellow Aussie Peter Walsh.

Quite often when I link to The Minimalists their post are not universally well received but I thought this one made some good points about consumerism.

Today’s Mini Mission

Spy and declutter something metallic.

Today’s Declutter Item

I used this wire can rack for years in my pantry but the last time I decluttered in there I decided to set it aside. The design of my pantry makes using this item rather awkward and I don’t stock very many cans anyway. I haven’t missed it so it is out of here.

Wire Can Rack

Something I Am Grateful For Today

 Old reruns of Frasier.

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow

On Fridays at 365 Less Things I share with you my favourite comments from my wonderful readers and my favourite web finds of the week. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

Favourite Comments. Enjoy!

I liked this comment thread started by Sanna but followed up with a conversation with Moni. I love it when someone says one small thing that changes the mindset of someone else in a positive way. Thanks Moni for helping Sanna see her stuff in a new light.

This comment from Maggie shows she is progressing well with her decluttering and learning about establishing new good habits along the way. Well done Maggie!

I love it when my readers have come so far that they are now able to help others with the decluttering needs. Deb J tells us in this comment how she is about to help out her friend.

I likes what Jane had to say in this comment about not having to directly ask people not to give toiletries as gift.

Favourite Web Finds. Happy reading!

The advice is this post is not written but suggested but it is certainly there. Check ing out at www.inoveryourhead.net ~ The-short-16-step-guide-to-getting-rid-of-your-crap

Does anyone know what happened to Tanya and minimalistpackrat.com her posts just stopped. Nevertheless her posts are still worth revisiting. Check this one out How-to-be-a-good-minimalist

I haven’t read much from Leo Babauta of Zen Habits lately but after reading this I think I should pay more attention to what he has to say in future. He is Leo’s tips on How To Live Well.

I am equally appalled and amused by the items feature at unclutterer.com on Unitasker Wednesdays but seriously  this item would have to be the most ridiculous I have witnessed so far.

Today’s Mini Mission

Declutter fiddly little kitchen items that have fallen under the radar but aren’t useful enough to keep.

Today’s Declutter Item

This small group of kitchen items are being decluttered for a number of reasons ~ don’t use, excess to my needs, don’t have a use for and unwanted items brought in by someone else. Most went to the thrift store.

Kitchen items that aren't essential to me

Something I Am Grateful For Today

The off switch on the TV remote control. It get used by me the instant my husband walks out the door in the morning and peace reigns for the rest of the day.

It matters not how fast I go, I hurry faster when I’m slow