Showing posts with label 40 days to simplify. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 40 days to simplify. Show all posts

Friday, March 18, 2011

Tips for Simplifying/De-Cluttering

Some of you, my dear friends, have expressed to me concern about how to even begin the Simplifying Process. I know that it can seem overwhelming...how can you even find the time with little ones/husbands/work on your mind, on your leg, in your arms all the time? Believe me, I know and feel your worries and furstrations. I've been thinking up some "pointers", and here they are!

  • Little by Little - Simplifying doesn't have to be done all at once! Start in small intervals and small goals. 10 minutes at a time will make a big dent in the clutter.
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  • Remember, more likely than not, it's going to look MUCH worse before it gets better. Keep pushing through!
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  • Take care of yourself. If you feel overwhelmed during this challenge, step back. The entire goal of this challenge is to make your life simpler, easier, more enjoyable. Keep the big picture in mind.
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  • When deciding about whether to keep something, ask yourself simple questions:  Will it/does it make life easier/better? Will I feel incredible guilt if I give it away? Do I feel good when I wear it? Do I feel good when I see this in my home? Is this a good representation of myself/my family/my home?
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  • Break up the projects into smaller ones. If de-cluttering the "kitchen" makes you feel faint, change the way you attack it. De-Clutter the tupperware one day, the pantry the next, the refrigerator the third day, etc. There is no time limit to simplifying...
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  • Remember to play. You are human. You need a rest and your family, partner and pets need you, too. Take breaks, go outside, have family night. Try not to let it consume you...although, when you get on a roll, it's hard not too!
Now, take a deep breath, go outside, give someone you love a kiss and remember how much better/easier your life is going to be after this simpl,ifying is over. I know you can do it.

Small time increments.
Small goals.
Small areas.

Keep it simple!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Master Bath De-Clutter (Under the Sink)

Yesterday was cleaning under the Master Bathroom's sink and my dear hubby's closet. His clean-out took no time at all...what a neatie he is! (I could aspire to be him...would that be weird?)

Anyhoo...

My "under the sink" area was a mess. And...Maxi pads were the fore-front star. Please excuse their cameo in this Before photo! ;)


I went to Target to get some canvas tapered storage boxes (2 small, 2 large) so that I could get rid of my plastic shoe box storage system that wasn't working for me. A little shifting and a little of throwing away things I would never/had never used and...


The Maxis are no longer the star of the show! 


I'm thinking I might even get some shelf-lining paper eventually...ya know...to make it a little "prettier"!

Today/Tonight's goal is to clean out the kids rooms.

This will be a feat...they're always underfoot when you clean their rooms, so you have to be a little stealth about it...

Let me know, how are you doing with the "Purge"?

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Sunday Night Check In...

Over the weekend, did you do any de-cluttering or did you relax?

It was GORGEOUS here this weekend! We played outside A LOT, had family over for a dinner, did a little painting (my first time painting furniture, stayed turned for that!), and did *some* de-cluttering.

I cleaned out my dresser. Emptied two whole drawers! 2 bags to donate from this part of the challenge. Not too shabby. Tomorrow (Monday night, hubby's closet is fair game - good thing he's the neat one of the family...shouldn't take too long).

On Friday, we made our very own pizza for pizza-night. It was so much fun! And...everyone loved it! I do believe it will become a new tradition...and, it was inexpensive and easy. I will talk you through it soon!


On Saturday, we got the flower girl dress for our dear friends' wedding in May. Little Miss is going to look absolutely darling! Or, if you take her word for it...GORGEOUS! I can't believe my little lady is getting so big!


That's the weekend in a nutshell for us!

Ooh...I'm also making more yogurt right now...going to use the cheese cloth on this one to make it a little thicker. I'll let you know how it turns out!

Back to the challenge tomorrow!

Hubby's closet and the Master Bathroom is on the slate for Monday!

Toodles!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Closet Cleaning (aka: Good-bye 1995!)

Whew...

These past three days have been a whirlwind!

There have been several trips down memory lane as I have gone through my clothes...did I really have clothes that are more than 15 years old? Yep...how cool does that make me?

Here's how I "ran" my clean-out:

Each naptime, before Little Miss and I shared time, I dug into the closet for 15 minutes. I pulled straight from the rack and anything that was either a) older than my marriage (7 years) or b) faded beyond belief was g.o.n.e.

Then, when my 15 minutes were up, I took a section out of the closet at a time and laid them on my bed. In the middle of it. So I couldn't sleep without going through it.

Brilliant.

Then, after the kiddos were dreaming of sugarplums or ice cream, I would not allow myself to take a shower until the bed was cleared off.

The "rule" I used was: If I didn't wear it the last season, it was gone (unless it was a special dress, etc).


How cruel am I?

But...after 3 nights, here it is:

Before: Right Side of the Closet                                         After: Whoa!                              
                
Left Side of the Closet After
(Not too sure where the before is....)

The Grand Total
6 Bags to Donate!
(And 1 to junk!)


I now have about 2/3 the amount of clothing I had before, maybe less. It's a little unsettling...
It's also a little free-ing!

I also realized, through this journey, that I have an unhealthy love affair with turtlenecks. It's kind of like Diane Keaton in "Something's Gotta Give"...I guess they're my thing! ;)

My dear, sweet, "just like me - only cooler" friend and I were talking this afternoon and came up with a thought to get us through this purging:

I would rather have 5 outfits I could really strut my stuff in and look/feel great than 100 that make me feel "meh".

So...how did you do? How many bags is your closet?





Chic on a Shoestring Decorating