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Declutter a wad of papers ~ out of date bills, tax papers, manuals or warranties…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

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 this week and I do apologise if I missed some of them. They come in thick and fast these days and I have trouble keeping up at times. I know though that if I don’t get a chance to respond one of my wonderful 365ers will step in and encourage or give advice. Thank you all for making 365 Less Things such a great community.

Loved these two comments (here and here)  from Deb J. She has taken her mom along on the ride to declutter and has not only changed herself along the way but has transformed her mother altogether when it comes to letting go.

Wendy B is not only decluttering her own home but has transformed the local Seniors Centre as well recently. She proves in this comment that communication is key to a good declutter. You can read the condensed version of Wendy’s Senior Centre declutter in the comment strand starting here.

Jude tells us in this comment how she applies the simple approach to all the bigger tasks she tackles.

Loved this comment from Wendy B on Fewer v Less. She makes me laugh on a regular basis.

In this comment Maggie asks for help about what to do with her much loved popcorn tins. If anyone has any suggestions please help Maggie out.

Favourite Web Finds. Happy reading!

Gemma from Miami has developed a site dedicated to thoughtful gift giving. Although not all of the gifts are entirely clutter free there are a vast number that are the perfect way to say I love you, happy birthday, Merry Chirstmas… without the clutter but jam packed with fun, indulgence or adventure. Take a look for yourself here at www.meaningfulgiftideas.com

Katharine sent me this link to share with you. It deals with more than just material clutter. Enjoy! well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/30/making-progress-against-clutter/

Here is a link to a TEDx Tacoma video that enforces the idea of one small step makes a big difference. My husband and I actually attended TEDx Tacoma while on our vacation in April.

I had to share this post from Spendwisemom as she is really speaking my language here. A bargain is only a bargain if it is useful to you or exactly what you want or need. Settling for second best just because it is cheap is often a recipe for discontent. I still love a bargain but only on things I really need.

Today’s Mini Mission

Declutter rarely if ever used craft items.

Today’s Declutter Item

When I wrote today’s mini mission I really had papercrafting items in mind but then I had some mending to do and while choosing thread for the task I suddenly came to the realisation that I had far too much thread. Considering the amount of sewing I do these days I really don’t have to keep multitudes of the same colour tread or colours I have no fabrics to match. I will give a friend first choice at these and then the rest can go to the thrift store.

Cotton Reels

Something I Am Grateful For Today

Getting some items crossed off my to do list. Things backed up while  I wasn’t around and it is nice to feel like I am getting on top of it.

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

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

We’ve discussed minimalism in decorating, but not everyone here is a minimalist. Here are two decorators’ take on the style.

This post about a family of four camping out of a Prius really spoke to me. We camp several times a year, and I’ve insisted that our van is a necessary component to success. Maybe not.

Zen Habits has 15 tips for decluttering that are great.

On the front page of her blog, Gretchen Rubin has written 5 Tips for Resisting Impulse Shopping. Sounds good to me!

Today’s Mini Mission

Declutter an area where your items may have spilled over into someones else’s space. For example ~ Your clothes in your husbands side of the closet.

Today’s Declutter Item

Before sending this crossword dictionary off to the thrift store I had asked my dad if he would like it because his copy of the same book was getting very tatty. He said no as he didn’t mind his tatty and beside he had a lot of extra info written in the margins of his. So guess what? He called me the other day asking if I still had it because his had fallen apart. Too late dad that window of opportunity was already closed. I had already decluttered this book ahead of my scheduled vacation and he was about a week or two late.

Crossword Dictionary

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