OK, so I said I was going to do this…I said I was going to get rid of HALF MY STUFF. But, did I really mean it?
Well, when I told my husband, his first words were…
“As long as it isn’t MY stuff.”
When I mentioned it again a few days later he said…
“I thought you were kidding.”
So much for the vote of confidence.
Here’s what I’m thinking…if I shoot for reducing the stuff in this house by HALF, then even if I miss the mark, I’m still getting rid of A LOT!
And WHY am I doing this? Cuz I can’t stand it anymore!!! There are 7, soon to be 8, people living in this house and that equals a lot of stuff. I can’t keep up with it all. We clean regularly but it doesn’t take much for the house to explode all over again. I am CONVINCED that if there was LESS STUFF in this house, it would be easier to take care of.
So, here’s my plan…
I shoot for a room a week, taking pictures and noting things I’m getting rid of along the way. On Saturday, I update here as a way to stay accountable. I’ll also be listing anything I think someone who reads my blog might benefit from (homeschool materials and household goods) for a good price (because honestly, if you don’t buy them, they will hit the thrift store!) Feel free to join in! Leave a comment and a link! It will motivate me to keep going!
This week I worked in the Dining Room.
Here are the Before Pictures:
Amy’s #1 Hot Spot
It’s almost finished!
The bar was the worst place in the dining room, but it only took about two 15 minute sessions to clear it all. I ended up with a nice pile to throw away and a few giveaway items as well.
Throw Away Pile
Ahhhh! Dreamy!
As for the rest of the dining room? Well, it took me a couple more days to clear it out. I emptied out the buffet, homeschool crates, the bookshelves, and the pantry.
Homeschool Bookshelves in Dining Room
The finished product!
Did I clear half my stuff? No, not on a one-to-one ratio, but I did manage to rid myself of things I’d been hanging onto *just because*. Some of them were ridiculous…like old photo Christmas cards of our family. Not like I can use them next year! And a roll of tape…minus the tape.
So, how about you? Anyone else manage to clear some clutter this week? Leave a comment, leave a link, let’s spur each other on!
Kat says
Amy,
I seriously need to consider doing this because your right, you accumulate so much stuff you either find new places to store it or you rent a storage place, when in all honesty it could bless someone else who could really use it during this time of economic crisis.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
.-= Kat´s last blog ..Are You A Spy for God? =-.
Amy says
You are so right! Let it bless someone else!
Stacy says
When we moved last August we got rid of about a third of the stuff in a 4 bdrm, 2 b house. It was very liberating. I’m still getting rid of stuff because I find that I really like thing clear. Good luck!
.-= Stacy´s last blog ..Personal Preparedness =-.
Marsha says
Good for you! I managed to do some decluttering as well. This week our church has their annual rummage sale that benefits our missions. Coincidentally, this happens to be the time of year I go into panic mode wondering where I’m going to put the influx of homeschool books and materials for next year?! So, I literally filled the bed and cab of a pickup truck with boxes of books, stuffed animals, toys, men’s clothing, glassware, etc… It was great and I am left with NINE (yes, count them…9!!!) shelves completely empty. I won’t fill remotely close to that amount with next year’s books, so I’m actually enjoying surplus space!!! Who knew it was even possible for a homeschooler to have surplus space?!
Amy says
I was just reading on another blog about how she cleared a space to put extra food and thing she was giving away to others. I remember thinking, “wow, wish I had extra space for something like that!” Hoping I will very soon!
Stacie says
Send me over there! Purging gives me a high! I’m totally ruthless! LOL! Great job, seriously. Getting rid of “stuff” is taking your life back.
Christine (iDreamofClean) says
This is really impressive! Love the pictures too. You are motivating me!
.-= Christine (iDreamofClean)´s last blog ..Home Made Simple Coupon Booklet =-.
Maggie @ Tethered Mommy says
Wow. You are doing a great job! And you’re right – even if you don’t get rid of half, you still are making a big dent. 🙂
.-= Maggie @ Tethered Mommy´s last blog ..Blogmania 2010 – Early Bird Checklist =-.
Tina says
I am going to follow your lead Amy dear! My dining room is a WRECK right now, some of the stuff is out of place, some of it just needs to go. I have a household with the flu, so my goal today is getting the clothes outside my bedroom door put back where they belong, lol :). I, too, am feeling greatly motivated to get rid of more, so I am spending more time with the children than I am trying to keep up with this house!
Hey, you might be very encouraged by this post today at http://ladyofvirtue.blogspot.com/2010/04/life-on-fringe.html . It REALLY encouraged me in my thoughts to simplify!
Love ya!
.-= Tina´s last blog ..A Strong Woman =-.
Amy says
I’ve been thinking too about redeeming my time with the children. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a home that is relaxing to be in so that you can focus on the babies rather than the stuff! Can’t wait to hear how it goes!
Karrie says
After finishing my coffee and reading a couple more blogs…I am headed to the basement to re organize and hopefully make room for more stuff. Our garage is overflowing and our poor bikes need a home! Great job on your dining room!
Grace Wheeler says
It looks GREAT Amy!!! We don’t have much clutter here because (as I’ve said before) clutter gives me hives, so I toss stuff out all the time here…sometimes I do it prematurely and I end up needing something I’ve discarded…BUT I could use to toss out some clothes that I know don’t get worn anymore! And our garage could REALLY use “half the stuff” but I think my hubby would cry 🙂
.-= Grace Wheeler´s last blog ..The Benefit of Chores =-.
heather says
Amy,
I love getting rid of stuff – I guess it is kind of a hobby. We live in a 1350 sf house and we are due with our 8th child in July – so there is not a lot of room. It took me a long time to learn a few things.
1.Just because it is beautiful doesn’t mean I need to keep it, then I have beautiful clutter.
2. Just because I can organize it and make it look nice doesn’t mean I need to keep it, then I have organized clutter.
By the way, I think your dining room looks great – I know that’s a good feeling.
Heather
Amy says
I love your #1 thought! I am soooo bad about hanging onto something because it is pretty. 😉
Jennifer says
That looks so awesome! I just did a big purge of our master bedroom. I really need to do my sewing/scrapbook room, but baby is sleeping in there until he starts sleeping well enough to move in with his big brother. I know, excuses, excuses. This post is really making me want to get in there, though! I love filling bags for the thrift store – clutter drives me nuts.
Amy says
Clutter drives me nuts too!
Laney says
This post could be potentially dangerous for a nesting mamma that is looking at moving with a new infant. 🙂 I have a tendency to haul out too much in the first place. Always wishing I “hadn’t given that away.” lol!
But seriously, I do have quite a bit of work I need to do before the move (and before baby arrives in a few short weeks). This has given me a new outlook on things…leaving me pondering literally 1/2…hhhhmmmmmm.
Maybe it could be a good thing.
Laney
Kate says
Awesome job!! I really need to do this too! I tend to be like you — I don’t want to throw stuff out. What if I need it later? But when I get crazy about it, I just toss everything out because I want my house CLEAN!! haha. Soon, very soon….
.-= Kate´s last blog ..Giveaway WINNER! =-.
MamaK says
I’m so with you on the desire to get rid of stuff! My hubby is somewhat of an obstacle as well because he will never throw anything away. we have apple juice jugs and egg cartons, etc. stored away for “in case I can find a good use for it”.
I was listening to Matthew the other day. Matthew 13:22, “the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word”
Matthew 19:21-22, ‘Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.†But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.’
Possessions are just a weight that keeps us thinking about worldly issues and keeps us from setting our heart on eternity. How freeing it would be to be rid of 1/2 of it!
.-= MamaK´s last blog ..More Info on Option #2 =-.
Amy says
I totally agree! And yes, it is hard when our husbands like stuff just as much as we do! I did ask permission before throwing anything out that was Ty’s, but there are some things I will simply have to box up. He’s not using them, but he’s not wanting to throw them out either. And that’s ok. The bulk majority of what is being hoarded here is just stuff in general and not anyone’s in particular.
Elle says
Oh boy. This one is getting to me. Decluttering is every year’s New Year’s Resolution. Started on Jan. 2 and usually ends around Jan. 4, give or take 2 days.
Sigh.
So, your post is encouraging me to keep trying, to keep persevering. I did some of this on Saturday myself. Cleaning out junk drawers in the kitchen and on top of the countertops. I’m also putting in about 25 books into our upcoming homeschool fair this weekend. I want to make it stick this time. Thanks for your example.
.-= Elle´s last blog ..Meandering Saturday…. =-.
christine says
Wow!!! Great job! Are you for hire? 🙂 On a serious note, you have inspired me to get back into flylady, next week…ok, maybe I should not put it off another week and start it THIS week. I will be honoring my husband by doing a better job and he can better relax when he comes home! Enough motivation for me!!!
.-= christine´s last blog ..It’s Not To Early =-.
Amy says
I love the idea of having a haven for a home for my children and my husband. It is just so nice!