Here, I’m waiting for a TTP (Trusted Traveler Program) interview via Zoom to renew Global Entry. With a simple selfie using an app as the plane arrives, I can skip immigration lines and I don’t even show my passport. Last time at O’Hare, I walked past a two-hour line and easily made my connection.
Category: Simplify
Summer of Declutter
Posted Summer of Declutter. (Click through for link.) With Black Friday and Cyber Monday coming up, I thought this would be timely.
Summer of Declutter
Back in the summer of 2017 we found ourselves with a tight two-month deadline to declutter our home. We’d listed our house for sale and anticipated a quick sale, leaving us little time to downsize into a rental apartment with half the square footage. We knew we’d be living in that apartment for about 15… Continue reading Summer of Declutter
Sniffles and Snail Mail
We’re both a little subpar with colds, thankfully not COVID. Peeped in a shoebox and realized it contained six weeks of snail mail I hadn’t reviewed since returning from my travels in early April. Nothing required my attention, so everything went to recycling, some via the shredder. At least I did something useful today!
Minimizing Paper Mail
Picked up a week’s worth of mail from the mailroom downstairs. We’ve minimized snail mail to the point we don’t stop mail delivery when we travel. We’ve used DMAchoice, PaperKarma, CatalogChoice, and OptOutPreScreen. We’ve contacted senders directly to cancel mail and we give anonymously. The online USPS Informed Delivery service let’s us preview mail and… Continue reading Minimizing Paper Mail
Empty Boxes
Realized storing empty electronics boxes was no longer serving us. We’ve been storing the elaborate boxes in our “basement”—a storage cage two floors down. Since we hold onto electronics long past their prime resale value, keeping the boxes serves little practical purpose.
I’m Married to a Cactus Whisperer
Over the years, our stash of dental freebies from hygienist appointments has grown. Today, Dwight announced he’s found a new use for them: cleaning between the spines of cacti at the greenhouse where he volunteers. I couldn’t resist speculating if he’d be talking to the cacti during his prickly procedures.
Decluttering Our Travel Tech
Emptied out our bulging travel tech box, Marie Kondo-style. Discarded half the contents, including earphones dating back to Continental Airlines and a GPS from 2001. Thanked the GPS for its service, but it was time to let it go. Retained the phone as a backup for solo travel.
55-Bin System for Hobbies and Home
Started setting up a 55-bin system to organize parts for our hobbies and home maintenance, replacing dozens of plastic shoeboxes. About a quarter of the bins will hold bulk and bulky LEGO Technic parts. The bins are easily subdivided, making parts more available.
Minimizing Waste
Cycled to Repowered with a load of old electronics. The nonprofit employs people facing barriers to employment to refurbish and sell as much as possible. Recycling is performed in the USA.