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The magic of tidying

DimitySenior Contributor31 Aug 2021, 11:38 pm AEST

The magic of tidying

Decluttering and minimising. Taking control of house and garden, nurturing body and soul. I've read Marie Kondo and read a little on a related Swedish method and feel inspired. I've been a borderline hoarder and lived with depression for too long and want to take the initiative. Has anyone done this? Or is there anyone who'd like to try with me?

I've sorted my books and uni notes. I've decided to sell some furniture when lockdown lifts. But the other papers and STUFF in the house and the jungle outside have me beaten atm. Some mutual encouragement and support is the only thing that's going to get me through. I know I'll have to face some decisions like "will I ever use that fabric stash" or "how many books in the TBR ,pile is too many" or "where do I start in the kitchen". Boxing isn't the answer, it was a temporary reprieve.

It's going to be a contest between my commitment to getting sorted and the looming possibility of having to move and downsize for my health. Having control of my space will be a win in either the old space or a new one.

Setting goals. Celebrating achievements. Sharing life hacks. Is anyone on board?

Dimity.

2239 replies

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In response to: The magic of tidying

DimitySenior Contributor21 Sept 2026, 8:00 pm AEST

Re: The magic of tidying

Hi @Spitfire1 I have a lot of craft stuff too. Well done for sorting bags for the charity. I gave away a lot of unused kits and yarn and stuff.

Are you working on any craft projects at the moment?

In response to: The magic of tidying

DimitySenior Contributor23 Sept 2026, 9:03 pm AEST

Re: The magic of tidying

So I lost my decluttering streak about a week ago, coinciding with tackling folders of notes. It all feels too hard.

In response to: The magic of tidying

GhvstgrlNew Contributor25 Sept 2026, 11:54 pm AEST

Re: The magic of tidying

I love this and I do agree with you on everything you said, I am coming from a more personal POV.

i'll be finished with cleaning my home, clean towels, all the dishes are done, declutttered.

and then this isolated feeling creeps in, and ive been spending all this time and its the sitting alone. sitting alone in my nicely clean home, no one to share it with. in my personal situcation, i'm very alone and i do feel proud of myself for showing up for me and keeping a clean home, however.. to have no one to share this with or no one to witness it.. it starts to feel pointless somedays.

In response to: The magic of tidying

DimitySenior Contributor26 Sept 2026, 10:26 am AEST

Re: The magic of tidying

Well done @Ghvstgrl . You're very welcome to share your achievements here. They're such an important part of selfcare.

In response to: The magic of tidying

DimitySenior Contributor28 Sept 2026, 11:01 pm AEST

Re: The magic of tidying

Old writing projects. Filtering them is tedious.

In response to: The magic of tidying

DimitySenior Contributor03 Oct 2026, 12:06 am AEST

Re: The magic of tidying

In September I reached my daily housework goal only 67% of the time. I'd hoped to get a handyman in but the place is too cluttered. And there's all the stuff offsite I haven't been able to access.

Perhaps I can make a difference in October.

In response to: The magic of tidying

DimitySenior Contributor07 Oct 2026, 10:33 pm AEDT

Re: The magic of tidying

Battling to achieve daily goals. Seeing no real difference.

In response to: The magic of tidying

DimitySenior Contributor09 Oct 2026, 12:03 am AEDT

Re: The magic of tidying

Someone said to me today that starting is the most important thing. Having started, we can stop whenever we choose to.

I've been relying on timers to get me through. Maybe I should think about that.

@NatureLover

In response to: The magic of tidying

NatureLoverSenior Contributor09 Oct 2026, 7:12 am AEDT

Re: The magic of tidying

That sounds good, about starting, @Dimity . It would overcome inertia.

In response to: The magic of tidying

DimitySenior Contributor12 Oct 2026, 11:39 pm AEDT

Re: The magic of tidying

My inertia is still there @NatureLover but maybe I could change my attitude and keep going once I start moving...

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SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.