Decluttering Benefits ~ Dos and Don'ts

A few years back, I went through and did what I referred to as 

"cleaned to the corners"

at which time, I did get rid of quite a bit of 'stuff.'

It felt good to know things were clean and in order.

But there was always more.

Since then, we have inherited items from passing grandparents,

been gifted items for holidays, and brought other items 

into our home just by breathing in and out it seems.

Generally speaking, our house hasn't appeared really cluttered

with knick-knacks and dustables, 

but to us it began to feel that way.

A few months ago, a phrase came to me.

I don't know if it's something I once read or if God just put it there,

but

Make room in your life for the things you desire.

And...

it has stuck with me like PB on the roof of my mouth I might add.

Please note, I am not a minimalist (nor a hoarder)

and have no desire to be either.

I don't want to live in a tiny house or only own 100 items.

My canning and food preserving items would make short news of that number.

But like I said, something clicked or resonated.

I began to "look" at items - really seeing them.

I have items from my youth (they aren't either antiques!)

They serve me no purpose, and I just keep them packed.

Why?  Because that's what I've always done.

I had middle school year books from before we moved out of state.

I don't even know those people, but I've packed those books around

for however many years.

They simply went in the garbage.

My high school year books, I didn't want to just throw away.

Within a week of getting them out, I ran into a classmate

I hadn't seen in a long time.

He was a transfer-in about our junior year so I asked if he would like them.

He was thrilled.  He said his ex-wife had taken his.

That's just one example of many.

I now have space between my clothes, several empty shelves

in the kitchen cupboards, as well as more floor space, and only enough 

books to fit in the bookcase.

A couple of scenes of the

"during" stage.

You'll be glad to know,

it no longer looks like this.

So what is so remarkable about all this?

Think for a moment if you will about how many organizing and cleaning

solutions you routinely encounter in the way of products, books, magazines, containers, paid professionals, etc.

When you have only the things you love and use,there really is no organizing to do other than keeping like with like.

(Clothes in the closet, food in pantry and so forth.)

Things just seem to fall into place.

Clothes make it onto hangers or into drawers,

dishes get done and put away, surfaces are clean,

and within, there is a peace that is difficult to explain.

The never-ending and foreboding to-do list gets such a haircut,

it's the whole "weight off your shoulders" cliche.

Picture a counter top piled with stuff.  If your mission is to wipe off the counter,

all of that stuff must first be dealt with.

Now picture a cleared counter top and think how easy it is to wipe it off

with the damp towel as you go to throw it in the hamper.

That's the difference physically, mentally, and emotionally.

If you're having troubles getting rid of certain things 

you know you don't need, try asking yourself,

"If I had a friend who lost everything and I knew he/she wanted it,

would I give it to him/her?"

If yes, then deep down, you are really okay with letting it go - for free even.

If you sell it for even a fraction of it's worth, you are doubly ahead.

One other thing that is often promoted in books about decluttering

is that if you are undecided about something,

put it in a box and if after 6 months you haven't opened the box

then get rid of it.

Do not try this!

It will just become a box of clutter and it won't bring you peace because, 

you will dread the day you have to decide weather or not to get rid of it.

If there is truly an item you are undecided about, set it on the kitchen table.

It will be there with you at every meal so you will really have to 

recognize your ownership of it.

If you love it, you will keep it.

If you don't, it will go and you will be okay with it because

you made that decision.

You will be at peace, because you have made the decision

and don't have to dread making it 6 months from now.

 If you are feeling like you are up against road blocks, look around.

Are you making room in your life for the things you desire?

Mr. LB and I have goals and things we enjoy both together

and as individuals.  Removing the barriers allows us to focus

more thought, energy, resources, and time on those things we deem important.

We had a huge yard sale this weekend (it poured all day.)

I have a car full of things to go to the bargain counter.

There are some larger items still out in the shop.

Mr. LB asked if I wanted a couple of the things back in the house.

It was hard not to yell "NO!"

It's all going one way or another.

Some decisions have been more difficult than others,

and I still have a few more things to go through,

but it's manageable and doesn't seem so overwhelming.

Now our house can breath, and 

we too can breath.

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches