declutter my life

This season is a great season to really get rid of stuff. As I walk through the stores, contemplating purchases – I am forever reminded to get rid of what we already have. So for those cabinets abulging – and those clothes that our out of size, out of style or out of circulation – our commitment is to purge much much more than we splurge!

after realizing it had become a laundry, paper and miscellaneous holding station. I’m not decluttered yet, but progress is good. I got rid of 2 bags of paper and I’m starting to see the possibilities of life with a clean floor, visible dressers and more peace. I’ll be doing this for months, but I’ve seen some of the possibilities. Reclaiming a room is good!

I woke up early in the a.m. to address the dishes and the kitchen that had been left out of order. I wish every time I could say this happened before bed, but when it doesn’t, I’m reminded of the commitments we make to ourselves. Why is it sometimes easier to respond to everyone else and miss out on what we already know to do. I know that there is more peace in any home when things are in order. Cleaning first, and now decluttering and dedecorating. I surely must stop celebrating the holidays for the entire first quarter of every year.

but my sink is shiny and the world is bright. I have to learn that being a perfectionist isn’t worthwhile and to that end – I’m making daily investments in improving. So, a bit of declutter, a bit of maintenance and bit of deep cleaning…and I’ll get there eventually. And unlike marathon sessions, I may even enjoy the ride.

I actually did the flylady sink ritual, and enjoyed it. I had been taking a short cut – bleach, no scrub, no shine. Last night I thought – if you’ll short cut here as you try to develop a habit, what else will you short cut. And, like a little kid, I did a happy dance last night and this morning, because I – woman of achievement, accomplishment and education, had a shiny sink.

Go figure – I’m going to just live in that moment and not wonder if I’m really a tad nuts.

I gave in to discipline in this area. If I’m going to miss the boat on other areas, my home will indeed be in order. So, I shined the sink, started a morning and evening routine – and got dressed from head to toe, even though my kiddos could care less. I felt better as I went out, drove the kids to school, and I even felt better shopping in Target – until I got my total. Hmmm, sweet progress.

I started a three ring binder to sort through all of the papers that collect on our kitchen island. The mail from our MI home and In home were stacking up – and school papers were running in abundance. Now they are sorted, in some type of human order and our garbage increased by 1 bag!!! And today…I bought the crazy plastic thing for wrapping paper today too. I’m troubled by that investment, but I wanted to combine all the wrapping stuff in 1 place. Here’s to small steps.

As I look at the holiday season approaching, I know that we have toys a coming, and birthdays right in the middle of the season. Before the 25th ever arrives, we will do a full assessment of toys that can be given away, passed down or thrown away – to make room for what is to come.

I pride myself on maintaining the pieces to all toys, like Martha Stewart has an award waiting for me. She does not. Saving all of those parts just means we have more toys than the average family with 3 children, and not all of them are meaningful, have sentimental value or will be missed if they disappear.

My first approach was a garage sale because of the hard work of a dear friend. No more toddler toys in my life – even those that didn’t sell are stored in her garage! Next approach – empower the children to give away toys that they are done with. Last lesson – mommy and daddy will clear out all that ails us- so Christmas is more than a storage game, and someone else gets blessed along the way!

Today we took a few boxes to Goodwill and I was impressed with the quality of items we donated. I think we used to get rid of things we didn’t want without much thought that if we didn’t want them – many people probably would not want them either. Now, we donate things that are in great condition, will clearly bless someone elses life, toys with all the parts, clothing that although not of use to our children – is in great condition, good quality and season appropriate. It is so much easier to part with our stuff when we think that someone will really be able to use it for their day to day life.

As for the papers taking over our bedroom – 3 color coded folders, a sharpie marker, and a garbage bag, and we can see over the edge of the forest – finally.

We’ve been in the new house less than 4 months, and the paper is multiplying. Declutter for today means getting those papers in there own home, so they stop taking over mine!