Just spent the last hour and 1/2 going through a drawer of papers then an old file cabinet. Have a large bag of papers to be shredded at a shred event tomorrow. Found stuff from 2002 I don't need. Also found some stuff I thought I had lost! Also have lots of paper and envelopes for recycling. This junk has been cluttering the back of my mind too. Feels good to have tackled it.
I did very badly last week since I only got rid of things on two days and I brought a lot in. (Doll for my collection; sheet; ornament hanger; and two cookie molds, 5 cookie cutters, a rolling pin, and 4 plastic dishes for use in the pottery studio.)
i think I will try to organize/purge in the studio today.
Hmm...I think of decluttering as making room to bring in things I currently want to use in my life...
Which is a great approach, it's just that I gave yet to declutter to the point where there is actually enough space for the things I already have, so adding even as much as I subtract is still a bad idea.
having my books on bookshelves instead of on shelves and also piled on chairs and tables and in the corners of rooms is a new thing for me. So far, the books are really the only thing completely under control.
I decided to tackle one of the bathrooms today and my office and ended up with lots of garbage. I then felt inspired so washed curtains, windows, etc and worked all day then walked the big dog. I still have to wash the stuff that sits decoratively above my kitchen cabinets but will save that for tomorrow. I used to have hundreds of books but now only have about 30. It was hard at first but not anymore. The leaner my house gets the faster I can clean which is nice. I used to like having a lot more decorations then I do now but I still like to have some. I still have some rooms to do windows and curtains but felt I made a good start. Next week I will have lots of grading to do so have to make the most of tomorrow. I have read the Kon Mari book 3x's/ and that has really helped me too although I had done a ton before reading it. She writes that when others see you tidying they will be inspired and do their stuff too-a no that has not happened with DH so he is still contained to certain areas like his office, etc.
April 9
Sagewomen I have read her book and really like the concept, especially once I got the idea that it all needs done but,
not necessarily at one time. I am just doing one thing at a time. I have done towels, sheets, socks, underwear, purses, books
so it is a work in process for me.
--1 winter scarf I don't remember ever wearing to charity
--4 candles that have scent and I won't use to charity
--1 drawer of mismatched cutlery but, I did buy myself a nice new complete set.
--2 pair of Pajama bottoms that I would be totally embarrassed to be taken to the hospital in. (I seem to have this on my mind since my
neighbour has been taken into the hospital by ambulance 3 times in the last month,)
---2 Pens that just weren't writing well (I use to try and make them last....why?)
Total to date....36
I tossed my 1977 sophmore year high school year book last night (double-wrapped in two old grocery sacks) with nary a regret. Probably the worse school photo in the history of bad school photos, and I couldn't bear to read the inscriptions on the inside. It felt great! I feel like I am on a roll, in anticipation of my house mate moving out next week. Then I can really CLEAN and have my space back
Originally Posted by SiouzQ.
I tossed my 1977 sophmore year high school year book last night (double-wrapped in two old grocery sacks) with nary a regret. Probably the worse school photo in the history of bad school photos, and I couldn't bear to read the inscriptions on the inside. It felt great! I feel like I am on a roll, in anticipation of my house mate moving out next week. Then I can really CLEAN and have my space back
Sweeeeeet!
to date April 17th
--1 pair of socks to garbage
--10 items of clothing to charity box
--5 books to charity box
--1 pair of curtains to charity box
--3 plastic hanger to Dd
--2 more pillows and 1 large pc of fabric to cover them to Dd
Total to date 58....
I've been on a de-cluttering and cleaning tear for the last week or so; it was spurred on by the fact my house mate moved out last week and the house, especially the kitchen, was pretty grungy. I had an appointment to drop off things to my account at the consignment shop I'm a member of as well. I am amazed at what things I can let go of, year after year as I peel the layers back. I basically don't want to be a steward of random things in my life, such as:
a beautiful 1920's amber glass Art Deco vase (a long ago wedding present), an Italian "Bubble glass" tzhotke (sp?) I had dragged out of my parent's house 35 years ago when they were getting divorced), an handful of books I hadn't looked at in years, an old 12-string guitar I recently acquired for possible use in one of my art guitar sculptures, old salmon colored pyrex casserole dishes I haven't use in years (but kept them 'cause they are cool, retro things, yet kept stuffed in the dark corner of a cupboard), etc, etc).
I've realized that just because I've kept things for a long time doesn't mean they still have emotional value to me; sure, they can be pretty or interesting and make my house look good, but in the end, it's just physical stuff that collects dust and makes it harder to clean. I want to clear out "old baggage" (the literal kind) to make room for the future, whatever it may hold. It's rather exciting, really! I should be receiving a check for over $200 in May from the last batch of goods I took to the shop three months ago. That money will be my mad money to be used for buying cabachon stones and sterling silver while I am out west on my road trip in June.
I also took a pair of electric guitar amplifier headphones I received as a gift from my last boyfriend five years back to the music equipment consignment store and got $35 for those. And I still have a bunch of stuff to go through and donate to the thrift stores. I've been tackling all this a bit at a time, and cleaning as I go. The kitchen is finally pretty clean, the old grease gone (the housemate was a bit of a slob when he cooked!). I've vacuumed and dusted almost all areas, and just need to wash the kitchen floor. Man, this feels good!
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote