clean out the clutter

My company does a chili cook-off each year, including a silent auction, to benefit an employee assistance fund. I decided to make up a crafter’s basket full of brand-new supplies: yarn, fabric fat quarters, stickers, etc.

I was able to do this – basket and stuffing included – completely from my personal stash. Over time, I have over-purchased supplies so badly that I could probably make four or five more. This was a good use to put my excess to, and a good reminder that I still have a long way to go.

My generous friend has unexpectedly moved away (though we’re still in frequent contact), so I’m back on my own, at least for now. I must remember to be my own Motivation…

It’s been a long, fast year, with a lot of emotional clutter flying out the door. As for the physical kind, progress was slow for a while…but yesterday, I cleared more stuff. The score stands thus:

- Four previous random boxes cleared
- One box left with sorted things to keep
- One box full of things (yarn, purses, etc.) to give away
- TWO BOXES WORTH OF THINGS THROWN AWAY

A 75% leaving-my-house rate…not bad. More to come, as I will have extra hands for sorting help tomorrow.

I’ve spent the last couple of months in a do-nothing funk, and it hasn’t been working for me. But finally, I’m feeling it start to lift…and feeling the clutter weighing on me.

I am no good at sustained self-motivation. So last night, I asked a dear friend (who helped me move last year, so I trust her not to judge me) if I could pay her to help me really, holy crap, dive in and completely clear out my piles of stuff. She didn’t even hesitate to say yes! We’re getting started next weekend and I am really excited.

As with most things, this seems to go slowly…but it’s going. Two weeks ago, I shipped four garbage-sized bags and a good-sized box worth of stuff out to Goodwill. Best part: I didn’t hesitate, and I didn’t agonize. Four more armloads of stuff, gone…four fewer trips to the truck next time we move!