LIFESTYLE

40 bags in 40 days de-cluttering challenge!

Hello there!

So today was the final day of my 40 bags in 40 days de-cluttering challenge!! After seeing this idea on an Instagram feed I decided to give it a go.  I didn’t look into the ‘proper’ way to undertake this challenge and thought I would make up my own rules as I went along!  Instead of giving up chocolate, fizzy drinks, sweets etc for lent (lets face it as a new Mum I need all the sugar I can get to make it through the day!!!!) I decided to attempt to de-clutter my home/life!  My goal was to fill 40 bags, one per day, concentrating on a different area each day.  So here’s my list:

Day 1: My Clothes – Trousers

Day 2: My Clothes – PJs

Day 3: My Clothes – Boots

Day 4: My Clothes – Maternity Wear

Day 5: My Clothes – Pumps and Trainers

Day 6: My Clothes – Coats

Day 7: My Clothes – Scarfs

Day 8: My Clothes – Belts

Day 9: My Clothes – Underwear

Day 10: My Clothes – Tights and Socks

Day 11: My Clothes – Tops and Shirts

Day 12: My Clothes – Jumpers

Day 13: My Clothes – Skirts and Shorts

Day 14: Jewellery

Day 15: My Clothes – Bags

Day 16: Christmas Decorations – Indoor

Day 17: Christmas Decorations – Outdoor

Day 18: Newborn Clothes

Day 19: Hubby’s Clothes

Day 20: Hubby’s Shoes

Day 21: Home Items – Kitchen

Day 22: Home Items – Bedrooms

Day 23: Home Items – General

Day 24: Nail Varnishes

Day 25: Beauty Products

Day 26: Hair Products

Day 27: Make up and Make up Brushes

Day 28: Bedding

Day 29: Magazines

Day 30: Receipts

Day 31: Cards

Day 32: Paperwork/Post

Day 33: Photos

Day 34: DVDs

Day 35: Pets Items

Day 36: Towels

Day 37: Craft Items

Day 38: Food Items

Day 39: Books

Day 40: CDs

Now don’t let this list scare you off! As you can see from my pictures below some of my bags were smaller than others, depending on the area I was doing.

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I tried to upload a photo of my bag each day onto my Insta stories to keep myself accountable, but to be honest with a newborn in the house I found it almost impossible to do a bag each day so sometimes done 3 or 4 in one day when I had a spare hour.  I found this was a really feel good exercise, allowing me to free up much needed space in my home as well as being able to see exactly what I stuff I have.  I also was able to make some money along the way which was a big bonus!!

Some of my bags went into storage, some went to friends/family, I sold some items (online via webuyanybooks.com and set up an Insta selling page), hoping to do a car boot sale this month with some items, and some went to the skip.

At the end of my 40 days I can say I feel a lot better and my home is so much more organised.  So why don’t you give it a go?? Remember your home is for living space, not storage space! Would love to hear how you get on!

Hope you enjoy reading, as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill

LIFESTYLE

What’s in my changing bag?

Hello again!

I thought I would give you a look inside my changing bag today…

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I think the key to a successful trip out is a well organised changing bag.  I like to pride myself in being a super organised person who brings anything and everything in her bag to cover any and all situations!  Becoming a mummy has meant this bag organisation has moved from being my handbag to the changing bag!

I am currently just using the changing bag which came in the bundle with my pram – but I actually really like this wee bag.  It is easy on the eye, goes with everything and hooks onto the pram meaning I don’t have to carry it about.

So here’s what I keep inside:

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Yes I really fit all this into my changing bag!  I use the changing bag as my handbag as well, as lets face it who wants to kart about 2 bags!

So here’s a list of Harry’s items which go into the bag:

  • Nappies – I have tried out lots of different brands of nappies over the last 10 weeks but always seem to come back to Pampers.  Im not sure if its because they really are the best nappy or its just the brand name.  Harry is currently wearing size 2.
  • Wipes – Im not too fussy about what brand of wipes I use and normally just buy whichever ones are on offer!
  • Nappy bags – I bring lots of these out with me as they can have a few different uses.  If Harry is sick or has a big explosion I would put the dirty clothes into a nappy bag to bring home.
  • Changing mat – I don’t like the idea of putting my wee man onto one of those pull down changing tables without this mat, so I always use this when changing him in public.
  • Bottles and formula containers – I always bring at least 3 bottles out with me no matter how long I intend to be out for.  Ive got locked in an underground carpark because of a bomb scare before so you can never be too prepared!!  These little containers are so so handy and the little top prevents any spillage with formula powder.
  • Muslin Cloths – I normally just bring one large one out with me.  Has many uses – sick catcher, cover for breastfeeding, blanket for swaddling, or if you’ve forgotten your changing mat.
  • 2 bibs
  • Spare vest and babygrow – I would recommend bringing a baby grow as the spare outfit as lets face it when your flapping about after a huge explosion who wants to be faffing with putting an awkward outfit on a screaming child!

My items which go into the bag:

  • Purse – this one is from Cath Kidson and has a handy little pull out compartment when you don’t want to bring the whole thing.
  • Phone – lets be honest going out without this is like losing a limb!
  • Vanity bag – I fill a little makeup bag with a few comfort items for myself which includes a comb, lipgloss, tissues, sanitary products, hand gel, wipes, hair bobbles and clips.

Would love to hear what you yummy mummies keep in your changing bags?

Hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill