More Decluttering

[kerravonsen]

Besides procrastinating by making a bracelet, I actually did do some sorting and moving and preparing-of-stuff-to-be-thrown-out. The alcove near the fireplace now has the table-thing which was in the front hall, with two sets of plastic drawers underneath it. This is a much better situation than the drawers had been in before, where they had been in the far corner of the lounge with a plank on top of them, and that plank was piled high with boxes. I noticed as I was moving them, that the top parts of the drawers had bent, probably due to the plank. Oops. Well, now they're under the table-thing, there is no pressure being put on them. I'm calling it a "table-thing" because it isn't a table, and it isn't a desk, and I'm sure there's a proper name for it, but I can't remember what it is. It's more like a desk than a table, really.


What had been under the table-thing in the front hall, were two overflowing boxes. One with stuff from my late Aunt (and I didn't get to it, I just moved the box a few metres away) and the other with my "free to a good home" books etc in it. So too late, too late, any of my visitors who were eyeing them, they will be gone very soon. Some to recycling, some to Fishpond, and one to a Certain Person whom I realised in a flash of enlightenment, would probably like it. I hope. The origins of the book are mysterious. I found it at the back of the top shelf of the linen closet, when I was standing up on a stool to see what was actually there and if there was room and if I could remove any of it. And there was this green hardback book sitting there behind everything. Given that it was printed in 1975, and I'd never seen it before, I suspect it might have belonged to a previous owner of the house (or, more likely, a daughter of same)... but what it was doing at the back of the cupboard, I have no idea.

So, there is a space in the front hall, and I think I will put some of my video drawers there. Which means I need to thoroughly winnow my VCR collection - which I haven't looked at in years, I admit, but I don't feel I can indiscriminately throw them all out, because there are things there which are irreplaceable. And there are other things there which I have since bought on DVD, so I definitely don't want to keep those.

But there will be throwings-out of some video tapes, yes. Because I don't expect anyone to actually want them. I'm one of the only people I know who still has a working VCR! However, I am facing somewhat of a dilemma: do I throw them out, or do I recycle the tape by using it for plarn (plastic yarn)? Usually plarn is made by cutting up plastic bags, but one can also use the tape part of video tapes, and it's already cut and coiled for you! What does one do with plarn? Usually crocheted or woven items that need to be hardwearing, such as mats or baskets or soles of sandals (though I think the last one would be rather uncomfortable). I would certainly like to try, at least, to see whether it's feasible to make stuff with it; if nothing else, to satisfy my curiosity. But, on the other hand, it could end up being a fuss and a bother and not worth it. I don't know. Argh!

Comments

[suenicorn]

My VCR died last year, alas. So I'm sorting through the huge collection, putting some on DVD - the ones you can't buy on DVD, I mean. If you can, I'll do that. And some are on YouTube. There will be a large throw-out of everything replaceable.

My oven died on me and I can't replace it for complex reasons to do with new laws about range hoods, so I have a small benchtop oven given me by a friend and the old oven now has some pots and pans in it. For now, the stove top works. Don't know what I'll do if that goes!

[kerravonsen]

If your VCR died, how are you putting your tapes on DVD?

[(Anonymous)]

I'm using the work facility for that. Of course, I can't do that forever - I'm leaving at the end of the year!

[kerravonsen]

I'm using the work facility for that.

Lucky you.

Of course, I can't do that forever - I'm leaving at the end of the year!

Oh? What plans are in the offing?

[fred_mouse]

I really like the idea of using the old VCR tape to make door mats. I've recently been making them out of old sheets, but there are certainly a couple of places where a plastic mat might be better -- I might have to find a small supply of tapes!

[kerravonsen]

Alas, I have since discovered that the tape in VCR tapes is toxic! So no recycling for me.

[fred_mouse]

Oh. Thank you for letting me know. :{ Back to the old sheets it is.

[reapermum.livejournal.com]

At least test the tape, it may be that it's too stiff, given it's width, for many of the uses you would put it to

[kerravonsen]

*nods*

If there was a way I could twist it easily, that might work better. But as for the width, it's not an unusual width for plarn.

[jaxomsride.livejournal.com]

Plarn sounds a good idea but don't forget to use gloves as what coats them isn't good for health if handled a lot.

[kerravonsen]

Oh ugh! I didn't know that! The site that talked about using VHS tape for plarn didn't mention that at all.
There's no point in recycling the tape if it's toxic.