Wednesday, January 30, 2013
On A Quest To Simplify
For some time now it has been in my head and on my heart to step back and simplify things around here. I think this plays right into the word that I chose for myself this year; BALANCE. I think these two go hand in hand.
I feel like some days I have so much internal "clutter" because there is lots of external clutter. Now, I don't stress as much (emphasis on as much) about the house being as clean as I used to. There is always glue, glitter and paint remnants around here and you better believe that the floors are covered in toys. With that said, though, I feel like there are certain aspects of our lives that could use some simplifying and more organization, which in turn will help to restore more balance around here. Catch my drift?
I don't know about you, but I know I breathe easier when I feel like everything has a place and there is order to most things. If I don't stay on top of things then all chaos ensues and I forget things! Seriously.....if I don't write it down it's not happening. Like forgetting to pay bills...oops!
I went through my house and realized that the main problems I have are keeping our closets organized. Sure...I go through them every few months ,but I have yet to come up with something that just works. I don't want to do a major overhaul every few months. I want something that is going to stay organized and work easy. So, that made me realize we have TOO MUCH STUFF. Really, it is a bit excessive. Why do I keep some of the things that I do? Borderline hoarder, maybe?
The worst by far, though, is the complete lack of organization when it comes to my hall closet which I basically just open and toss things in....for real. If I can't see it, it isn't there, right?!
The other day I started the process of going through it and you won't believe some of the things I have been finding. Christmas presents from LAST year that I never wrapped and gave out. Oops! Restaurant.com gift certificates never used (looks like we will be going out!). So many papers to be shredded or filed. Side note.......I have broken every shredder I have ever owned. Really! I don't know how I do it, but I do. So, I have taken to saving up LOTS of things to shred and then I burn them (legally, of course!).
I have made it a goal of mine to go through this house room by room, top to bottom and get some major cleaning and purging done. I have slowly started the process and have no end date in mind, because, let's be honest, I can be a procrastinator. I am pretty excited about the progress I have made so far, and some of things I found that I forgot I even had!!
I have gotten rid of (sold and donated) so much stuff already and it feels so good!
My goal is to get rid of at least one bag/box of "stuff" every two weeks. Pretty hefty goal, right? I really think I can do it because it is amazing how much stuff a family of four can amass. Sometimes I feel a bit guilty and ashamed.
I hope to keep you all updated on some of the organization projects going on around here and if I can manage to stick to my goal.
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Hey Ashley!! I swear you wrote this post on my behalf because everything you wrote is exactly me and how I have been feeling/thinking lately!! I have commenced 'operation clean-up' too, I am feeling better having just completed the kitchen, my bedroom and laundry cupboards and I totally agree that it makes you feel so much better mentally when you know you have some sort of order in your house. It is so hard to run a household, with a family who like to make mess, and it is not easy doing the cleaning and the purging either (it's exhausting!!) but the sense of control that you will feel will go a long way in helping you so good luck to you and me and anyone else who has this same problem!! :) xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteI think that's a very hefty goal, but I also think it's a great one! :) I love the idea!!
ReplyDeleteI am finding that I am cleaning out more than ever with our upcoming move. I swear, I use the rule that if we haven't used it/worn it/played with it in 6 months or more, it's gone. There have been times that has bitten me but I'd much rather that than have so much junk.
I used to be such a pack rat. I mean I kept EVERYTHING. It was so hard to break that!
I know exactly how you feel! I'm feeling the urge to purge everything, and give myself more space. But at the same time, I'm having trouble getting motivated to do it, and the days keep passing, and the clutter keeps building. One of the hard things for me is getting Avery to play in her room. She always wants to bring everything out to the living room, and our house is hardly big enough for that. : )
ReplyDeleteI can NOT figure out how to keep our walk-in closet as organized and tidy as I would like. I need to totally declutter and make some trips to Goodwill!!
ReplyDeleteLove your header and your little ones are too cute. New follower :))
it is amazing what you can find when you go through things!! awesome you found giftcards! :) since i've been nesting, i have been finding the funniest and most awesome things. it feels so good to get rid of stuff that you know you just don't need anymore. wishing you tons of luck on your goal! you will do great! xoxox
ReplyDeletemaria