I told you guys I am working on two things: simplifying my life and redecorating. Simplifying can be more daunting than one would imagine. Simply because it takes a lot of cleaning and I am not known for my cleaning skills (ask my husband). Redecorating also takes some skills and I am not a domestic person.
However, both simplifying and redecorating encompass important aspects of life to me: the idea that life is too short and "things" only hold us back; and the fact that home is always my favorite place in the world.
So, I will start with the simplifying. First place to tackle is my closet. It is turning into a black hole of things. And who needs that many shoes? I only have 2 feet last time I checked!
We have also started the redecorating. My art supply bookshelf will have to move to give place to a formal dining table (we only have a dinette in the kitchen) and that couch will be replaced by something that's more our style. The "kids" will continue to have full access to the new couch, but I will be replacing the red sheets with a comfy throw.
The little area with the bamboo trees is the only area I actually worked on since my hubby and I got married... I haven't even hung our wedding photos :)
Do you guys have any tips of purging and organizing for the domestically impaired?
24 comments:
Oh dear, I'm still trying to figure out what to do with all I have. We've been married 30 years and have accumulated and sometimes I can breathe with all we have. Wish I could help you but I need to downsize too, especially outside in my studio. Jam packed. Good luck, but do have fun and then pat yourself on the back when you have completed.:)
You'll feel so much better when you clear out things you don't need. I've been living a minimalist lifestyle for years, and keep only what I use. I probably have the smallest wardrobe from every woman I know. And if it wasn't for my family, there'd be a lot less things in this house. The house is easier to clean this way, and I don't feel weighed down by clutter. Good luck with the cleanup!
Heels that high would kill me stone dead. That's all I have to contribute to this post, I'm afraid!
I commend you on all of your hard work getting organized! It is a never ending battle. To get myself motivated, I just watch an episode of hoarders and the next day I start a 'charity' box.
I only want to ask why don't you hang your wonderful art on the walls?? And good luck with your plans to simplify and redecorate - I know it is not easy!
Well my love...; this post is right up my street! I am a sift and sort sorta person... in essence I take great delight in this activity, I clear the decks regularly I can't operate unless I'm parred down to minimal. I could write a whole book on the subject! Starting with clothes ~ if you haven't worn them in a year give to charity, excepting the wedding dress of course! x
The work gets done faster when my hubby helps me by taking bags of stuff to the trash bin outside or to his car to be donated. Thank goodness for useful husbands, huh? Lol.
This is exactly what I've started doing at my house this week...I've finally started cleaning out drawers, closets, and cupboards after many years of packing too much in. It feels good - I wish I could offer some advice, but I'm pretty much just winging it!
My closet looks like a war zone...like seriously. Would you tackle mine after you're done with yours??
Oi Ana,
Acho que você começou bem, simplificando e organizando o ambiente, fica muito mais fácil redecorar depois. Passei este primeiro semestre do ano fazendo isso no meu apartamento. Deu um trabalhão, porque também incluia uma reforma (com todo aquele pó...), mas valeu à pena.
Doei tantas coisas que meu marido e filho não usavam mais... Com as minhas coisas sou bem mais rigorosa, não sou muito de comprar, mas se algo novo entrar, algo velho terá que sair. Então nunca tenho muita tranqueira acumulada.
Sobraram vários espaços vazios nos armários, ficou tudo bem organizado, dá gosto de ver.
Bjs e boa sorte!
The only sure fire method I have found to pare down possessions is to move. Yard sales or just giving away is much more fun than packing.
That not being an option, I can only say "good luck" and just take that first step, it snowballs after that.
I'm so much like you, I can't even begin to advise you but you seem to be moving in the right direction. I like the puppy photo. So cute. I do find that simplifying not only makes life easier and our brains less cluttered, it also makes cleaning doable in a relatively short time. Chica, I hate to say it but I think we both need cleaning ladies. :)
I started the process of de-cluttering many years ago and it's an ongoing one but I can tell you it'll feel really good to streamline things. I currently have a small book out from the library called Living with Less, by Mary Lambert. There are lots of good books out there and I like this one as it's not that big.
The basic premise is to look at each item and say "Love it, Use it, or Lose it".
Good luck. Email me if you want more info.
I laughed when you said simplifying involves cleaning and it isn't your strong suit! We are SO on the same page! My first major task after retirement next month is to hit the closet(s) with a vengeance! When I did my linen closet a bit ago, it took hours but the result was worth it and it was amazing what I found to donate or toss! I don't think the clothes closet and art closets will be so easy!
Great photos, they are homemade like me.
Bring over a friend who is a Virgo. Being one myself, we LOVE taking on organizing projects!
I envy your ability to walk in (stand up in) heels.
I wish I could wear your heels! I love shoes, but my feet are too wide! Darn it! But my advice to you, since you are starting slowly. Start with your shoes. Take the 10 you think you would want to get rid of. Put them in a bag and leave them somewhere in your house, say for 2 weeks. If you don't miss them or grab for any of them in 2 weeks, you know you are ready to get rid of them ;o) Or watch Hoarders and you will get rid of everything at once! LOL!
Like most of the wonderful people who have responded to your question, I too find myself challenged by having too many unnecessary items and too much clutter but I cannot offer any advice or suggestions.
I know the feeling of clearing out "stuff" and opening up space is a liberating one. Once we can disconnect ourselves from all the "things" that impede us and weight us down, we are filled with a sense of relief and freedom . . . it can be a very euphoric feeling.
Decluttering and organizing are good things, and I do a bit of them, but could do a LOT more. You have accomplished a lot already.
About every two months we get a postcard in the mail for curbside pickup of various household goods and clothing for worthy causes. We try to gather items that we haven't been using for a long time and that are still in good shape and give to those. You also shouldn't be afraid to just throw some items away if they are shot - that gets the ball rolling.
I think I'm a terrible housekeeper now that my children are grown...and I have art clutter. I dread dusting. No tips from me!! I am struck by your high heels, however, Ana!!!!! Nice. Don't part with the B&W geometric ones!
In two hours, I will find out my daughter and son in law's big announcement: is my first grandchild a boy or a girl?!!!!!!!!! Woooo hoooooo!
My purging is just picking a spot and going through it all the way. Pull every single thing out, clean the space, then only put back what you actually want and need. :)
It looks like you are doing great. Don't try to do it all at once and get overwhelmed. Do a little every day. Get a bag and fill it when you have time to go through things...give it away before you have a chance to change your mind! And treat yourself to something special! Hugs!
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