De-Cluttering and Purging Your Home

Have you ever watched the show Clean House or Hoarders?  These shows are eye-opening!  Both of these shows are based on helping families who have issues with clutter or purchasing.  I just watched Hoarders the other night for about 15 minutes and was overwhelmed by the need some people have to hold on to their stuff.

These are folks who can't stop shopping, are going into serious debt because of their habit, are on the verge of losing relationships, and simply have a path (maybe) through their home because there is stuff everywhere.  They can't seem to let go of it.  It's a serious emotional issue that requires therapy and outside help.  Some of them have lost spouses and children (broken relationships) because they just can't get a hold on why they shop and can't seem to quit accumulating material things. 

The lady on Hoarders the other night had anywhere between $10,000 to $20,000 of collectibles sitting in her home that she could likely sell according to the experts brought in, but she preferred to keep the stuff instead of freeing up space and adding some financial peace to her life.  Her husband said he was contemplating leaving her if she couldn't get help and clear their home of clutter.

Time to purge...!

Every time I watch one of these shows, (which isn't as often recently), I find myself purging yet again in our house.  We live in a humble 1,400 square foot home that fits us perfectly as a family of four.  But, I am constantly aware of the stuff we seem to accumulate despite my efforts of purging and giving away things regularly.

Our home had an attic above the garage when we moved in and were were thankful for it because we don't have a basement for "extras".  When I say extras, I mean Christmas decorations, suitcases, camping gear, etc.  Well, we discovered quickly once the girls came along that we would need to switch out seasonal clothing from the closets to the attic because our closets are relatively small and can't fit both seasons (and we don't have that many clothes either).  So, my husband built in a set of stairs on the opposite side of the house off our hallway and put in plywood up there so we could store seasonal clothing and a few other items I would like to be able to access easily.

I have to admit, it's become my "catch-all".  When I don't want to get rid of something but don't want it in the house anymore, I toss it up there.  It's not the organized space I originally had or intended to keep.  There are toys up there from when the girls were little, bedspreads we don't use anymore (but might?), two rolling carts of extra craft stuff (we will enjoy some fun crafts in the weeks to come!), and so much more that I need to go through and purge!  I will be working on that during the next few weeks so I can enjoy a clean and organized space once again. 

De-cluttering your home is not difficult, but it can be time consuming and therefore become overwhelming and daunting to some people.  Here are some tips that have worked for me when I de-clutter my home that keep me from throwing my hands into the air and giving up completely.

De-Cluttering Tips

• Take on one room at a time - yes, I know that sometimes you find stuff that goes into another room or you think of something that could be used to organize the room you're currently working in, but try to focus on one room at a time so you don't become easily overwhelmed.  I find that this process helps me to conquer more spaces in a timely manner rather than trashing my entire house at one time.
• Accept that it will possibly get worse before it gets better.  I can't tell you the number of times I get half way through a space, and look around and get really tired and discouraged.  But, if that happens, take a break (chocolate is good!) and then come back with renewed vigor and finish it up.
• Get three containers - one for giving away, one for selling, and one for keeping.  This way, you can automatically fill containers as you're going through closets, attics, garages, or under the bed.  I seem to have two give-away containers when I de-clutter - one is for items I want to share with other moms in my homeschool co-op, and one for Goodwill.  Do what works for you.  If you're not interested in selling anything (it does take time and it sits around a while), then just give it away!  
• Good rule of thumb - if you haven't worn it or used it in a year, give it to someone who could use it.  This rule doesn't apply to items you use perhaps once or twice a year such as canning jars or the birthday cake pedestal - you know what I mean.
• Start small if you don't have a lot of time during a day - begin with the junk drawer or the cluttered counter that seems to catch everything when family members walk in.  For me, it's a large basket underneath my counter - it's the place I put things I think I will deal with "later".  When it fills up, it's time for me to go through it, which is usually about once a month.  But, stuff gets lost in there, so I need to find another alternative.
• Take the Goodwill bags/boxes to the drop off center the same day if at all possible.  At the very least, load it into your vehicle to drop off on your way past the center the following day.
• Ask the following questions as you work:  Do I absolutely love it?  Can I live without it?  Does it make my life easier or more difficult?
• Purge regularly - everyone has a different strategy, but do what works for you and fits into your lifestyle.  Take five minutes a day to de-clutter.  Take a weekend now and then if that works for you.  Or designate one week to do a room a day in your home.  It's up to you how you de-clutter, but just get started!

I love, love my home when it is organized and things are in their place.  It's freedom!  It provides a sense of calm in our home that isn't there when things are lying around or when my basket under the counter is overflowing (smile).

How do you de-clutter?  Do you find it helps you function more efficiently when your home is clean and uncluttered?  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

All my best to you today,

10 Ways to Simplify a Busy Gal's Life

Good Sunday Morning Ladies,  I have been thinking a lot lately about how busy women trying to "do it all" could simplify their life a bit more.  I know I continue to explore new ways to simplify my life which seems to spiral out of control sometimes.  I thought I'd share 10 ways I've simplified this busy household of ours and I am hoping you'll share your ideas for simplifying too. 

This is my first time using Linky Tools.  I hope it goes well!

10 Ways This Busy Gal Attempts to Simplify Life

1. Delegate some of the chores - our daughters will be 8 and 11 this summer, so they are very capable of lending a helping hand around the house.  We've given them a list of chores to do each day and when they are completed in a timely manner, the house is much more organized and clean.  On the days I have to push a bit more...well...ok, not so simplified, but it's a work in progress.
2. De-Clutter - I feel like I do this on a regular basis!  It's so freeing however and so I will continue to do so.  I just cleaned the office closet a few weeks ago and now it is a joy to get in there and find what I need at a glance.  Take the time to clean out that stack of magazines, re-organize your kitchen cabinets and pantry and anything else that seems to be staring at you...taunting you...and you'll feel a lot better!  If you want more tips on de-cluttering, visit my friend Denise for more tips to de-clutter your home.
3. Get out of debt - this is so crucial to simplifying life and we just discovered for ourselves the real truth of this concept.  Last November, we made the commitment to get out of credit card debt.  We knew it would be a difficult thing to do, but we were tired of making those huge payments on something we would never really enjoy.  Long story short, the Lord has provided in various ways in the last several months and we will pay off the credit card in full this coming week.  Yes!  Nothing relieves stress over finances like the knowledge that you're living within your means.  There are so many great resources out there to help you learn how to be free of debt.  We like Dave Ramsey and we have heard other people talk about how Crown Financial Ministries has helped them become financially free.  
4. It's acceptable to say "no" - busy women, especially moms I know, seem to say yes to every opportunity that comes their way and then they end up so stressed and harried and pulled in every direction that their life is suddenly out of control.  This can lead to extreme unhappiness and discord in the home, which doesn't serve any good purpose.  Say "no" now and then.  Be realistic about what you personally can handle each day, each week, and each month.  You need to know and understand your own boundaries so you can be effective in whatever ministry the Lord has for you right now.  If you're like me, my ministry right now is my husband, children, loved ones and friends.  Yes, that is a ministry!  Don't let anyone tell you that if you're not toiling here, there, and everywhere that you're not serving the Lord and the body of Christ.  But, I digress..that's another post at some later date.  Say "no" now and then.  It's okay!
5. Focus on healthy relationships - nothing can make your life more difficult and stressful than toxic relationships.  Focus on the relationships with people who edify you, support you, and love you for who you are right now, today.  Foster those relationships with people who desire to help you become a more godly woman, a better mom, friend, daughter, wife, and person.  You can be a blessing to another person in this way too!  It's a wonderful blessing to have people in your life who are encouraging you to become who the Lord wants you to be (according to His Word).
6. Slow down and sit awhile - instead of scrubbing the bathroom yet another time this week, sit down and play a game with your children or curl up with your favorite magazine for a few minutes.  Take time for devotions - a simple time of reading God's Word and praying.  Busy gals simply need to slow down and sit awhile now and then!  I know what you're thinking - "oh, but the guilt!"  I am the first one to raise a hand to acknowledge that I should heed this tidbit of advice more than anyone.  It's ok to sit now and then and just watch your children play.  It's ok to sit with your husband and chat with him about...well...anything that is on your heart.  My favorite lately - watching the birds at the feeder.  Love that.  Give it a try today and let me know how it went, ok?
7. Have an "unplugged weekend" - my sister gave me this idea a while ago.  They spend a weekend now and then unplugged from all the trappings of technology - computer, headphones and music gadgets, etc.  They even curb their cell phone time to a base minimum, if anything.  It's a time of reconnecting with each other and taking the time to enjoy simple things together.  Many of us are "overconnected" and need a break from all of the technology, even if these things make our lives easier in some ways.  
8. Make the bed each morning - this is one thing I strive to do every single day and for whatever reason, it tends to make me feel less stressed.  Our bedroom is the one room of the house I try to keep uncluttered and tidy every day.  I don't always succeed, but when I do, it's a haven for those times during the day I need to escape.  So, choose that one thing that makes you feel like you have a teeny bit of control each morning and do it!
9. Make a cleaning schedule and stick to it - a cleaning schedule has been a blessing to me.  I have to allow myself a bit of leeway sometimes if something unexpected comes up, but otherwise I like knowing what needs to be done that day.  Once it's done, I know I'm on track for the week.  
10. Pursue a passion - do you have a hobby you love?  Take the time to indulge in it when you can!  Piecing quilts is one of my favorite hobbies and helps to relieve stress, so I go back to my sewing table now and then and just work with fabric.  It does wonders for me!  Do you love pottery, sewing, scrapbooking, or photography?  Make time for whatever it is you love to do.  

 I'd love to hear how you simplify your life!  In looking at this list, it doesn't scream "simplicity", but you get the idea, right?  I look forward to hearing from you.

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All my best to you on this Sunday morning,