Journal Entry 1 by AngelChild from Rochester, Kent United Kingdom on Thursday, August 26, 2004

Does yor paperwork pile up?
Is your living room littered with newspapers?
Is your wardrobe full of clothes that you never wear?
Do you feel you need a new start?

Then its time for you to give your life a serious spring clean. Evryone has clutter in their home - but what we dont realise is the huge emotional impact it can have on our lives and what an energizing experience it is to clear it away. More often than not we allow clutter to build up bcause were not very good at letting go of things - whether its possessions we no longer use or emotions from the past. Using her years of experience helping people to sort out their lives, Dawna Walter helps you get to the heart of why our clutter has built up and then shows how you can start to deal with it. Packed with invaluable advice, practical exercises and a questionnaire to help you identify your problem areas, Dawna will take you every step of the way, motivating you to let go of the things you've collected but never use and clean up your life....
 

Journal Entry 2 by AngelChild from Rochester, Kent United Kingdom on Tuesday, June 07, 2005

Ok, so this was in my PC but i think i know it off by heart now! lol. This book is not just about sorting your house out though (you'd know that if you've watched the TV series).

There's been a lot of talk recently about de-cluttering so i'm gunna offer this up as a Europe Only Ring....

RULES:

Please send the book to the next person on the list (PM'ing them for their addy) within 1 month. If you are unable to finish the book in that time(which may be the case due to the nature of the book lol) please let me know so i can keep everyone updated.

Journal the book when you receive it and again when you send it on so we can all see where it is :o) Do put in your journal entry how you got on......

Participants:

chelseagirl (uk) 1st
laura0141 (scotland)
niccijl (uk)
caroline2 (uk)
YowlYY (uk)
AnglersRest (uk)
PrincessJCM (ireland)
Sterile (uk)
Gembear (uk)
Fire-Dragon (uk)
MarianFrench (uk)
MyopicMeringe (uk)
tutleymutley (uk)
etripney (uk)
KittyNic (uk) last
Back to me :o)
 

Journal Entry 3 by AngelChild at Bookray in Bookray, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases on Monday, June 13, 2005

Released 6 yrs ago (6/14/2005 UTC) at Bookray in Bookray, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases

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Sending to chelseagirl as first participant on this ray.....

Hope you enjoy it :o) 

Journal Entry 4 by chelseagirl from Faringdon, Oxfordshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, June 15, 2005

this arrived safely this morning and I've had a flick through - considering i hate doing any sort of houseworky stuff I actually feel quite excited about reading this!

We're moving house in a couple of months and have to do a serious amount of de-cluttering to fit all our stuff into my fiancé's house, which is already bulging at the seams!!! Fingers crossed this helps, because I don't know where to start at the moment! 

Journal Entry 5 by Kleptokitty on Tuesday, June 21, 2005

I've been very sneaky & snaffled this from Chelseagirl's reading pile. I'll flick quickly through the bits that look interesting & then get it back on track asap. 

Journal Entry 6 by Kleptokitty on Saturday, June 25, 2005

Sorry, but this really did nothing to get me inspired. It's just a book that's been produced on the back of a popular TV show. The TV show was mildly amusing because you got to gawp at the poor victim's old junk, but the book has few redeeming points at all & the green pages particularly are really pretty patronising.

I think my problem is that I know how to declutter, I just need the motivation to actually do it.

Will pass this back to Chelseagirl shortly. 

Journal Entry 7 by chelseagirl from Faringdon, Oxfordshire United Kingdom on Monday, July 04, 2005

back with me, I'll read it asap and pass it on. 

Journal Entry 8 by chelseagirl from Faringdon, Oxfordshire United Kingdom on Friday, July 15, 2005

Hmm. Thanks for setting up the ring, caffcaff, but i can't say I was overly impressed with this. I guess there's only so much you can say about decluttering and I didn't find that this book brought anything new to the arena - in faqct, with its endless exhortions to make lists, it seems to want to make the decluttering process as long as possible. If you need to write lists of reasons why you are getting rid of something, that says to me that you shouldn't be getting rid in the first place - if you have to think three times about whether to keep something or not it should go back in the cupboard, IMHO!

Like KleptoKitty, I think I know how to declutter, just need the motivation to do it. I'd be far better off with a weekly plan than a book like this (though NOT Flylady!!!).

thanks for the loan anyway. I'll send this on to laura0141 asap. 

Journal Entry 9 by laura0141 from Glasgow, Scotland United Kingdom on Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Received with thanks and apologies for late journal entry.

Mt TBR #2 

Journal Entry 10 by laura0141 from Glasgow, Scotland United Kingdom on Thursday, July 28, 2005

Just about to start reading. 

Journal Entry 11 by laura0141 from Glasgow, Scotland United Kingdom on Wednesday, August 03, 2005

In parts, this book seemed like 'FlyLady: Advanced.' In parts, pointless. And in yet other parts impossible.

I strongly disliked the 'types of hoarders' steriotypes at the beginning (possibly because I don't fit nicely into any category!) I really liked the self-assessment exercise and the instructions for getting rid of things. However, if I tried to (say) gather all my clothes into one place and deal with them for a few hours or a weekend I'd be totally overwhelmed and leave them in a guddle on the lawn. I also wasn't very comfortable with the idea that the (say) clothes should be decreased by 50% or 25%. Surely we all have different amounts of clutter?

I skipped the bits on childrens' clutter and selling things as I wouldn't use them.

All in all - it's true to the programme but not the decluttering book for me.

Thanks for sharing. Will PM niccijl for address. 

Journal Entry 12 by laura0141 from Glasgow, Scotland United Kingdom on Thursday, August 04, 2005

On way to next reader. 

Journal Entry 13 by niccijl from Bradford, West Yorkshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Received in the mail today. Will read as soon as I can. 

Journal Entry 14 by niccijl from Bradford, West Yorkshire United Kingdom on Saturday, September 10, 2005

Quite enjoyed this, I wanted to read it as a fan of watching the tv show (have to confess that is probably because I like seeing other people's houses more cluttered than mine!). Managed to get it read in a couple of short reading session, much of it was irrelevant to me so I could skip over quite of bit of the book. Yes I hold my hands up I do have a problem with books cluttering the place, but I think it'll take more than Dawna Walter to cure that - not that I want to :>).

Sent out to Caroline2 on 19 September. 

Journal Entry 15 by caroline2 from Chelmsford, Essex United Kingdom on Tuesday, November 22, 2005

First of all apologies to everyone further down the ray for hanging onto this book for so long.I received it in mid September. According to the life laundry survey on page 20, I’m teetering at the top of a downward spiral…. Actually, the reverse is true, I’ve conquered the kitchen, study, bathroom and showerroom, and I joined bookcrossing to let go of books, - it‘s just everything else! I think sometimes I delude myself into thinking that just by having a book on a subject in my possession that I’m going to absorb its contents and instantly change my life – ridiculous! Having said that, there are some useful ideas in this book, perhaps the most important is the facing up to the reasons clutter can become an issue in one’s life. I think I knew them anyway but its good to be reassured that you're not alone. (I haven't seen the TV series).The wardrobe section has certainly motivated me to some radical action. I must pass this on now, and borrow it from the library if I feel the need to remind myself of its message! 

Journal Entry 16 by caroline2 from Chelmsford, Essex United Kingdom on Thursday, November 24, 2005

Caught first post yesterday, and winging its way to YowlYY in Nottingham. 

Journal Entry 17 by YowlYY from Nottingham, not specified not specified on Thursday, November 24, 2005

Arrived at midday in a very wet jiffy bag...the postie told me "This may be a bit wet!" and recognising the typical BC shape of the envelope, first thing I did was to cut open the bag in the best C.S.I. forensic way and expose the potential victim...but no, all is well...book was dry as a bone .
It is now, hmm..let me see... No.7 on my Mount TBR of rings and rays, but because of the nature of this book I am confident to be able to read it in between and very quickly...I've already noticed it's written in a very generous way, and plenty of pictures, so it should resume its journey some time next month, well before the holidays...
By the way, I wonder if it is going to help me in decluttering the garage before Christmas?? 

Journal Entry 18 by YowlYY from Nottingham, not specified not specified on Wednesday, December 14, 2005

I went through the book quite quickly, once read the introductory bits, made the test and skipped the parts I wasn't interested (like the childrens clutter,kitchen, bathroom and loft, and the advise for selling things).
I didn't find much patronisation in the green pages, unlike Kleptokitty (maybe I am not good enough in reading between the lines?), but I thought that they were at times a bit too specific to be generalised to everyone, and surely I don't think I would be able to reduce the clothes by half, or my shoes!
I found quite true the issue raised with clutter born out of hobbies, etc. Some of the things I used to do in London I haven't yet time to catch up with since my move, like my sewing and quilting, but this doesn't mean that I am going to give away all my sewing stuff. I have stopped buying fabrics, though...so I guess I've recognised where to stop...LOL!
I won't go even nearer the issue of considering books as clutter, as I am obviously in denial and tend to overhear any comments that my BF makes about books taking over the house :)

Surely I am in need of more free time and not a book to get rid of my clutter...maybe it is really time to change job,huh?

Thanks to caffcaff for launching this ring - the book is going next to AnglersRest, so I am waiting to hear from her whether I should ship it or hand it on to her next week in person.


 

Journal Entry 19 by AnglersRest from Teignmouth, Devon United Kingdom on Thursday, December 22, 2005

Thanks YowlYY, the book was at home when I arrived back from Derby. Good to see you on Tuesday evening. I'll have a read of this over the Christmas break.

Happy Christmas everyone! 

Journal Entry 20 by AnglersRest from Teignmouth, Devon United Kingdom on Saturday, January 14, 2006

An interesting book, to someone whose study is full of piles of papers and books. (Its one of my resolutions for 2006 that I clear, file, tidy my study!) My only horror was, as someone who is researching their family history, was the scan and get rid of view for various items that are potentially genealogical. I shall ignore that chapter! In fact I have the rent books that belonged to my grandparent's from 1940 to 1995! how is that for hoarding?!

Just about to PM dutch-flybaby then the book will be on its travels again. Thanks caffcaff for sharing. 

Journal Entry 21 by AnglersRest from Teignmouth, Devon United Kingdom on Sunday, January 15, 2006

dutch-flybaby has asked to be skipped. Just PMing PrincessJCM for an address.
 

Journal Entry 22 by PrincessJCM on Friday, January 20, 2006

Arrived today! Looking fwd to reading it. I'm actually trying to de-clutter my bedroom and office right now *grins* 

Journal Entry 23 by PrincessJCM on Thursday, February 09, 2006

I agree with previous journalers that a lot of the info was common-sense. I was hoping to find more tips on storage and making good use of your space. Thanks for sharing this book and I've just PM'ed the next person. 

Journal Entry 24 by PrincessJCM at Bookcrosser in Burnley, Lancashire -- Controlled Releases on Friday, February 17, 2006

Released 6 yrs ago (2/17/2006 UTC) at Bookcrosser in Burnley, Lancashire -- Controlled Releases

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Mailed today to Sterile - Happy Reading :-) 

Journal Entry 25 by Sterile from Burnley, Lancashire United Kingdom on Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Received in the post this morning and already hubbie is looking at the section all about book hoarding! He swears it fell open to that page when he picked it up. I don't really see myself as having any problems of the emotional variety with possesions, but it would be interesting to see what Ms. Walter has to say. Thanks for passing this on to me, TBR quickly I think then shipped off. 

Journal Entry 26 by Sterile from Burnley, Lancashire United Kingdom on Sunday, February 26, 2006

This book relates closely to the series where the 'participants' have some emotional problems or, dare I say, just plain dis-organised and lazy to boot!! We all like to spy on other people and their oddities I think it is down to human nature - that's why the series was so popular. Now, back to the book. I looked at some chapters more closely than others, books and paperwork were the main ones. I do hoard clothes as well as books but never have they been in such a state that you cannot use the room! Interesting but not crucial reading. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

I am about to mail Gembear for an address and hopefully pass on within the next couple of days. 

Journal Entry 27 by Sterile from Burnley, Lancashire United Kingdom on Monday, February 27, 2006

Releasing to Gembear Today in the post - 2nd Class. Happy reading! 

Journal Entry 28 by Gembear from Banbury, Oxfordshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Received in the mail today, thank you. An interesting mix of thoughts in all the previous journal entries. I look forward to adding my own. 

Journal Entry 29 by Gembear from Banbury, Oxfordshire United Kingdom on Thursday, March 30, 2006

Thoroughly enjoyed working my way through the book as I'd got into some bad habits since moving to the UK and needed reminding of the important things. Wardrobe cleared, system in place for housework, paperwork being dealt with promptly, husband been assigned piggy box for the clutter he refuses to deal with, ha! Even sent a few snippets to an Aussie mate of mine who needs a bit of direction with decluttering. 

Journal Entry 30 by Fire-Dragon from San Francisco, California USA on Saturday, April 01, 2006

I haven't seen the TV series but I like the concept of the book - I could definitely do with some decluttering in my life. 

Journal Entry 31 by Fire-Dragon from San Francisco, California USA on Friday, June 16, 2006

I've had this for more than two months - definitely time to move it on! The problem is, I'm having difficulty finding the darn thing! I guess that's symptomatic of why I needed to read the book in the first place. If this is the Life Laundry, I've admired the shiny new washing machine, gone back to my dirty clothes pile, pulled out a few random socks and earmarked everything else as handwashing.

I'm going away for the weekend but I promise to dedicate some time this morning or on Monday to trying to find the book. I have MarianFrench's address so it can go straight out once I do.

Sorry, me bad. 

Journal Entry 32 by Fire-Dragon from San Francisco, California USA on Sunday, June 25, 2006

I found it! I unturfed the book under a pile of magazines in the lounge room, while doing a mild bit of dejunking and vacuuming.

I won't keep the book any longer - I think I know what needs to be done, I just need to find the time and make the effor to do it. It was interesting to take a look though.

I have MarianFrench's address so I'll send this out tomorrow. I'm so sorry to have held up the ring for so long. 

Journal Entry 33 by MarianFrench from Buxton, Derbyshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, August 09, 2006

My apologies - I received this a few weeks ago and forgot to register it. Have now read it and will be passing it just as soon as I can get MyopicMeringe's address. I am a fan of the series but I found the book was a bit disappointing. I would really like to get to a better understanding of why we accumulate stuff but I guess that is so individual. I am a also a fan of flylady so (like many others before me) I know what to do - its just getting around to doing it!! Thank you for the opportunity to read it.

update 4th Jan 07 - I am not having much forwarding this - I have had no reply from MyopicMeringue or TutleyMutley. I have just sent another message to TutleyMutley but if I have not heard within a week I will try the next person down 

Journal Entry 34 by tutleymutley from Newton Abbot, Devon United Kingdom on Saturday, February 24, 2007

It's with me - thought I'd journalled it, but obviously not! I am in dire need of decluttering. I am a BAD bookcrosser, she sighs looking at all the books accumulating that I WILL get around to reading. 

Journal Entry 35 by etripney from Glasgow, Scotland United Kingdom on Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Hi, Sorry I got this last month but forgot to journal it. You can tell why I need this book (totally scatterbrained and disorganised). It was okay but as mentioned in entries before was mainly common sense. I think as a totally junk junky my only option left is a magic wand!!!!.

Will get address of next on list and pass it on asap. I have a car now full of book boxes and jiffy bags to go to the post office, so i really need to get up early on Saturday and go. 

Journal Entry 36 by AngelChild from Rochester, Kent United Kingdom on Thursday, December 27, 2007

This book arrived home on Christmas Eve :o) Many thanks to everyone for taking part.....now its my turn ;o) 

Journal Entry 37 by AngelChild from Rochester, Kent United Kingdom on Tuesday, January 15, 2008

I sat in bed last night and re-read this one.... beebarf has set up a De-cluttering group on LJ (i can see at least 1 journaller here is also a member), so we're frantically trying to keep up with her daily challenges.

I did the quiz at the beginning and got 260, which basically means that imnot as bad as i thought i was, but i could try harder lol.... I cant remember what i scored when i first read it in 2004, but im sure things have improved......

Probably gunna wild release this one in Ikea, somehwere in their storage section next time i go....unless someone requests it in the meantime :o)

 

Journal Entry 38 by AngelChild at Controlled Release in Controlled Release, --by post or by hand (ie ring, ray, RABCK, trade) -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, July 03, 2008

Released 3 yrs ago (7/3/2008 UTC) at Controlled Release in Controlled Release, --by post or by hand (ie ring, ray, RABCK, trade) -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

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Going to a fellow BCer 

Journal Entry 39 by frangelle on Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Many thanks for sending this, will read then move on x