MadMechMaster
Well-known member
Good job on freeing up that 1/4 of a room.
Grunge Garage
- Thread starter bczygan
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To be realistic, it's a very small step. All the stuff is still in my possession, even though it is outside near the dumpsters. A lot more work sorting and throwing. But more space in the room. Enough to sort and throw the rest of the stuff in there. To even start on the room I had to sort and move boxes and bins out of the hall and landing at the top of the stairs, so there was access to get in to it. Wife saw it and is happy on the progress since this will be her dressing room and closet. She doesn't really know what has been removed. Just as well...
rickairmedic
Well-known member
Bill if she doesnt know whats been removed then get 3 dumpsters tomorrow first thing and quickly pull from totes and toss into dumpsters " clothing especially " if you havent seen it in 5 years then clothingwise it is just as easy to toss as to find another location to stick it .
Rick
Rick
markviii
Well-known member
It seems she's happy with progress that is going to benefit her. So, if you can get her dressing room/closet squared away (which seems relatively simple compared to the rest), you'll be able to move on to the more important, health-related issues.
It seems as if the basement is the biggest priority right now. With winter coming on, getting heat and water is a necessity and I assume those systems are in the basement. Do you have a gas furnace (forced air or boiler/hot water heat) or electric baseboard heat ? Is there a water heater down there (gas or electric?)? Access to them is what you're working toward, I know. And eventual, once accessible, no other stuff should be stored near them for safety reasons.
Please, please, please wear a mask and gloves in the basement (actually, anywhere you're cleaning in the house!). With the sewage and mold, you're in real jeopardy! You need your health to keep up the progress on the clean-up and for peace of mind.
I've had to clean out many basement apartments after the town's sewage and/or storm water systems backed up. The city was no help, so we had to find a way to get it done ourselves as quickly and efficiently as possible.
It seems that the stuff in the basement is relatively dry after all this time, right (or sodden lumps of goo)? If so, use a shovel to move it into trash bags and then to the dumpsters. Pile the bags in the basement in one corner until you get a bunch filled - make sure they're not so heavy you can't carry them easily up the stairs. You know which day is garbage pick-up - move those bags out the afternoon before. I wouldn't try washing anything down there until you get rid of the bulk of the muck - it would just turn to toxic slime and be harder to clean up anyway.
Is your neighbor generous enough to allow you to run a hose from his spigot to near your door that leads to the basement (or if you have a longer hose, into the basement itself?) Put a sprayer/nozzle on the end so you will only have it running when needed to fill a bucket to complete the cleanup after you get out all the garbage from the basement. Is there a sump pump in the basement (and does it drain appropriately)? It would be helpful during the finally washing up, not before.
Of all the "stuff" in your house, "80% is usable stuff" for someone, but not for your or your wife. You "haven't used anything in that room for 5 years at least", and it's unlikely that you need it (or ever did) and it's probably unusable now anyway. Toss it; free yourself from the anchors that are not allowing you to live. "Things" do not make relationships or a life. You saw some light at the end of what seems like a long tunnel. You initiated the change. Don't get sidetracked for long. Work smart and don't overdo it by trying to do too much at one time (and alone). You're making progress toward your goal and we're all pulling for you. You're even helping some of us get motivated along a similar path!
Chris
It seems as if the basement is the biggest priority right now. With winter coming on, getting heat and water is a necessity and I assume those systems are in the basement. Do you have a gas furnace (forced air or boiler/hot water heat) or electric baseboard heat ? Is there a water heater down there (gas or electric?)? Access to them is what you're working toward, I know. And eventual, once accessible, no other stuff should be stored near them for safety reasons.
Please, please, please wear a mask and gloves in the basement (actually, anywhere you're cleaning in the house!). With the sewage and mold, you're in real jeopardy! You need your health to keep up the progress on the clean-up and for peace of mind.
I've had to clean out many basement apartments after the town's sewage and/or storm water systems backed up. The city was no help, so we had to find a way to get it done ourselves as quickly and efficiently as possible.
It seems that the stuff in the basement is relatively dry after all this time, right (or sodden lumps of goo)? If so, use a shovel to move it into trash bags and then to the dumpsters. Pile the bags in the basement in one corner until you get a bunch filled - make sure they're not so heavy you can't carry them easily up the stairs. You know which day is garbage pick-up - move those bags out the afternoon before. I wouldn't try washing anything down there until you get rid of the bulk of the muck - it would just turn to toxic slime and be harder to clean up anyway.
Is your neighbor generous enough to allow you to run a hose from his spigot to near your door that leads to the basement (or if you have a longer hose, into the basement itself?) Put a sprayer/nozzle on the end so you will only have it running when needed to fill a bucket to complete the cleanup after you get out all the garbage from the basement. Is there a sump pump in the basement (and does it drain appropriately)? It would be helpful during the finally washing up, not before.
Of all the "stuff" in your house, "80% is usable stuff" for someone, but not for your or your wife. You "haven't used anything in that room for 5 years at least", and it's unlikely that you need it (or ever did) and it's probably unusable now anyway. Toss it; free yourself from the anchors that are not allowing you to live. "Things" do not make relationships or a life. You saw some light at the end of what seems like a long tunnel. You initiated the change. Don't get sidetracked for long. Work smart and don't overdo it by trying to do too much at one time (and alone). You're making progress toward your goal and we're all pulling for you. You're even helping some of us get motivated along a similar path!
Chris
rickairmedic
Well-known member
Bill although it will most likely over run the capacity of the dumpsters . I would plan to get up as soon as SWMBO leaves for work tomorrow and have that room empty by lunch . You said you already emptied 1/4 of it today so you are well on your way .. I agree that once that room is empty " and cleaned " I would head for the basement and get moving down there quick .
Rick
Rick
Kevin54
MEMBER EMERITUS
I really wasn't going to comment anymore, but MY GOD MAN!!!!!! YOU HAVE NO RUNNING WATER!!!!!! And here it is almost October and you've been dicking around going to garage sales and cleaning up here and there. From the garage to the yard, to a room in the house, to the garage, and back and forth a little at a time. YOU HAVE NO RUNNING WATER FOR CRYIN' OUT LOUD!!!!!!!!
Have you ever thought about what your neighbor THINKS, even though he is gracious in letting you borrow some water for all of these months? I would say that he is really talking behind you guys backs.
No water=no real good hygiene=no shower=no bath=no frickin' toilet to use. WTF!!!!!!!
Bill......get a path through to the basement and get your water and pipes fixed. This isn't the early 1800's. People NEED running water.
Priorities man, priorities!!!!!!!! Try to get them in order. One good day at a garage sale would equal time spent to be able to flush a toilet or turn a sink on.
Priorities Bill. Remember that. A garage or rummage sale is NOT A PRIORITY. Again, PULL THE BIG BOY PANTS UP!!!!!!
You've had offers for help. I think you should accept them. Really I do. I'm pullin' for ya as are all of the others. Just don't push back. I really can't see you doing this alone as it sounds like it is already overwhelming. By the description I can imagine what the house is like. I've been in quite a few like it. Friends that help will overlook that. And remember Bill....no running water, rat urine and feces, tons and tons of clothes covered with it. You are living in a place that officials would probably condemn if found out exactly how it is. You need to get back to a normal life without all of the posessions. And get back to a life without the risk of disease above all!!!!!!
Have you ever thought about what your neighbor THINKS, even though he is gracious in letting you borrow some water for all of these months? I would say that he is really talking behind you guys backs.
No water=no real good hygiene=no shower=no bath=no frickin' toilet to use. WTF!!!!!!!
Bill......get a path through to the basement and get your water and pipes fixed. This isn't the early 1800's. People NEED running water.
Priorities man, priorities!!!!!!!! Try to get them in order. One good day at a garage sale would equal time spent to be able to flush a toilet or turn a sink on.
Priorities Bill. Remember that. A garage or rummage sale is NOT A PRIORITY. Again, PULL THE BIG BOY PANTS UP!!!!!!
You've had offers for help. I think you should accept them. Really I do. I'm pullin' for ya as are all of the others. Just don't push back. I really can't see you doing this alone as it sounds like it is already overwhelming. By the description I can imagine what the house is like. I've been in quite a few like it. Friends that help will overlook that. And remember Bill....no running water, rat urine and feces, tons and tons of clothes covered with it. You are living in a place that officials would probably condemn if found out exactly how it is. You need to get back to a normal life without all of the posessions. And get back to a life without the risk of disease above all!!!!!!
Time for some photos. The first 2 show the upstairs hall. This is AFTER cleanup to allow access to the spare bedroom. The rest (Except the last 2) show the room after the first bout of cleanup. Before this, you couldn't see the green cabinet. The last 2 photos show the stacks of removed bins.
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hotrodjeep
Active member
Just here for Support.
What would it take to get a real dumpster at your house?
If it's just money, I'm sure I'm not the only one who will pitch in.
Is there anything else standing in the way?
Those who want to help can get together and call your local dumpster company,
pay for it and they'll deliver and take it awy when it's full.
Jeff
What would it take to get a real dumpster at your house?
If it's just money, I'm sure I'm not the only one who will pitch in.
Is there anything else standing in the way?
Those who want to help can get together and call your local dumpster company,
pay for it and they'll deliver and take it awy when it's full.
Jeff
Kevin54
MEMBER EMERITUS
You can count me in also.
Bill....would it be an option for you to accept some REAL help?
2fat2fly
Well-known member
I'm in for $20. Give me a Paypal address.
fergus
Well-known member
No running water or HEAT? In MICHIGAN? Are you serious?
Get out there and fix that stuff.
There should be no other priority until then.
4 days on yard sales...no days spent on fixing necessities?
You do laundry once a YEAR? Most people do laundry once a WEEK or so. That means you have about 50X too much clothing laying around. Why try to hang onto any more clothing? Pick out your 10 nicest items of each type of clothing and throw the rest out.
No more Mr Nice Guy from me my friend. You need to hear this. I will not sugar coat anything anymore. If you wish me to refrain from posting, I will, but otherwise...
Get out there and fix that stuff.
There should be no other priority until then.
4 days on yard sales...no days spent on fixing necessities?
You do laundry once a YEAR? Most people do laundry once a WEEK or so. That means you have about 50X too much clothing laying around. Why try to hang onto any more clothing? Pick out your 10 nicest items of each type of clothing and throw the rest out.
No more Mr Nice Guy from me my friend. You need to hear this. I will not sugar coat anything anymore. If you wish me to refrain from posting, I will, but otherwise...
98TJ
Well-known member
From post 283...
and then...
See the pattern here?
It's time to stop fawking around, Bill. People want to help.
Here's a question: If someone arranged for a roll-off to be at your house to go to the dump, would you use it? The little curb-side cans are one thing, but the amount of stuff you could clear out with a roll-off would really make a dent in your cleaning process.
The trick is that you have to be willing to part with things you previously bought and set aside because you might have a use for it.
If you're willing to make use of a roll-off dumpster (you can fill that, we won't mind), find out how much it will cost to have one dropped at your place so you can clean up and how much it would cost to have it hauled/dumped.
I have paypal funds ready to be sent to you to make it happen.
I'm sure others will chip in as well - just let us know.
and then...
See the pattern here?
It's time to stop fawking around, Bill. People want to help.
Bronson
Well-known member
Bill, not to Dog-pile You, I am pulling for You.....I cannot comprehend living in those conditions. Safe heat, and running water must be you highest priorities......
Bronson
Well-known member
Hang in there, Bill!
Bill, like the others said, focus on the basement. You can deal with this, don't get too disheartened. Also, clearing out the basement, getting your plumbing fixed will also give you a clean room to sort things in...making it much, much more important than that bedroom.
clkimmel
Well-known member
Count me in also for a financial contribution. Heck, I would consider comming to Detroit to help if I could. I still have a few relatives that live there so I would have a place to stay.
You have to get your water and heat working!
Get a container and take everything that is in the way of fixing the pipes out and let it go. You can't use it now anyway.
Seriously, If you would allow it, I know there are many on this board who would volunteer to come and help.
You have to get your water and heat working!
Get a container and take everything that is in the way of fixing the pipes out and let it go. You can't use it now anyway.
Seriously, If you would allow it, I know there are many on this board who would volunteer to come and help.
ibedayank
Well-known member
to be happy a man needs a place to **** shower shave eat and sleep
can't be hauling water when it freezing outside
GETRDONE
we here have faith in ya
can't be hauling water when it freezing outside
GETRDONE
we here have faith in ya
JC23
Well-known member
Bill, you do see some patterns here, don't you?
Number one, EVERYONE is on your side and wants to help - even to the point of contributing money for a dumpster.
Number two, we all see the priority list and maybe a little easier than you. Imagine how good you'll feel with your own water and heat!
The funny thing about priority lists is that they can change quickly. But, as you have seen here, the water and heat are staying at the top of the list.
Just another way of looking at it. Keep up the good fight!
Number one, EVERYONE is on your side and wants to help - even to the point of contributing money for a dumpster.
Number two, we all see the priority list and maybe a little easier than you. Imagine how good you'll feel with your own water and heat!
The funny thing about priority lists is that they can change quickly. But, as you have seen here, the water and heat are staying at the top of the list.
Just another way of looking at it. Keep up the good fight!
moonpool145
Well-known member
Bill
I congratulate you on your effort and your willingness to share it. Everyone here has offered great advice but I would just leave you with 1 mantra that works for me.
When in Doubt, throw it out.
Saving material for a later project sounds good but in reality you spend more money just storing it and constantly shuffling it around. Keep the tools (all of them) but get rid of 100% of everything else unless you use it every day.
And fix the water and heat PLEASE.
Good Luck
I congratulate you on your effort and your willingness to share it. Everyone here has offered great advice but I would just leave you with 1 mantra that works for me.
When in Doubt, throw it out.
Saving material for a later project sounds good but in reality you spend more money just storing it and constantly shuffling it around. Keep the tools (all of them) but get rid of 100% of everything else unless you use it every day.
And fix the water and heat PLEASE.
Good Luck
rickairmedic
Well-known member
Bill I am quite impresed . You have pulled 2 people out of the bleechers in your thread already . I cant think of another thread that has pulled in that many lurkers 
. Looking forward to your next progress report and yes we are all here supporting you .
Rick
. Looking forward to your next progress report and yes we are all here supporting you .Rick
Bronson
Well-known member
Albert,
A very warm welcome to you from all of us here on GJ. Thank you very much for your encouragement. It helps me more than you will ever know. I know this is NOT the most fun thread on GJ. It is full of ugly truths and realities. Please enjoy all the other useful, interesting and educational threads on this group. There are lots of beautiful garages and tools and all kinds of great advice and help and inspiration here. One day I hope to have spaces clean, organized and even beautiful enough to show what a small garage, house and yard should be for me here in Detroit.
Bill
mdbeck1
Well-known member
Your garage is probably not the nicest, cleanest, or most organized YET!!! That's why we're watching. Because if you can get yours organized and cleaned up there is hope for the rest of us.
simontudor
Well-known member
Very nice! well done mate
Nighttrain
Well-known member
NO GARAGE SALES today Bill, Focus.
Kevin54
MEMBER EMERITUS
C'mon Bill. Don't be sitting back on the sidelines reading. Fess up. You didn't do it didja?
Nighttrain
Well-known member
good job now throw out some stuff while the wife is up stairs sick. Can't be the air quality in the house making her sick can it? If so maybe she will start to see what the issue is and join your fight.
markviii
Well-known member
I'm going to be in the Detroit area on a road trip tomorrow to pick up some equipment hubby had reconditioned (vintage Sun machines). It's supposed to be raining, so I'm guessing you'll be staying inside taking care of your wife and organizing (say yes! to no garage sales). I hope our good vibes help move you along in that quest for the light at the end of the tunnel (or at least to the water pipes and furnace)!
Chris
Chris
markviii
Well-known member
Good on the NO garage sales! Not sure on where we'll be in/near Detroit (my dad taught at Cass Tech HS in the late 50s-early 60s - we lived in Inkster for those 6 years - I've got lots of relatives who live around Detroit and work for or are retired from Ford). I PMd you. Hope Julie gets to feeling better.
Chris
Chris
70Chevy
Well-known member
Bill - where abouts in the Detroit area are you at?
Red Leader
Well-known member
Bill,
I'm glad you are staying focused. Here is the reality - the good deals will always be there, so save them for after the shop is clean. I'm sure you could find some now (we all could), but you will once you are done and you can actually prioritize what you need.
I've known/heard of a lot of old guys dying with piled up mountains of good deals that did nothing for them in the end. What is the point?
Stay strong.
Coyote Red
Well-known member
I don't think can ever go wrong when mark8 is pulling for you.
Omphaloskeptic
Well-known member
I think RL hit the nail on the head with reference to reality. It comes down to how you deal with reality... run away to garage sales or anywhere outside your property to escape or deal with the brutal fact that you don't have the basic necessities of life: water, heat, and the ability to take a **** and flushing it out of your life. You and your wife are hiding from these simple facts and they are overwhelming the both of you. Get some help!
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