I just took a break from the lengthy process of purging my daughter’s room of excess to hop on here and tell you all about it (let’s be real, talking about the hard work we are doing can be more fun that actually doing it!).
Before we moved to Chattanooga, we got rid of a TON of stuff. It felt so liberating, and I have to say, I NEVER think about any of the stuff we parted ways with when we left. But we still found ourselves over-crowded in our new home that was about 40% smaller than our old one. And of course, new items seem to keep finding a home with us, which just adds to it. If anyone out there knows Fly Lady, one thing she taught me is that you just cannot organize clutter.
So one change we are making this year, a baby step at a time, is asking ourselves if the items we own actually own us. Do they bring us joy or anxiety? Do they function the way we need them to? Are they tools for a happy, healthy and productive life? Or are they weighing us down in one way or another? We’ve already cleared away much of the “obvious” clutter, but now we are going a layer deeper.
Here’s an example: Darah gets lots of hand-me-down clothes from her cousin. And these aren’t just any old hand-me-downs. It’s almost all stuff from Janie and Jack, Gymboree and boutiques from France. Oh yes, we are SOOOOO lucky. But Darah’s closet, which is a full walk-in closet, is completely bursting at the seams with all these beautiful clothes. I get so stressed out trying to make sure she wears everything, and making sure everything is staying in good shape. I can’t even begin to tell you how much time I have spent in there trying to wrangle the clothes monster that is her closet.
Finally, I realized that there really is just too much of a good thing. I cleared out about 1/3 of her clothes, even though they are awesome and she still fits into them. And you know what? I feel a tremendous weight lifted off of me! Those clothes were stressing me out! It took me a while to realize it, because I was so grateful for them, and I wanted to be able to make good use of them. But seriously, Darah just doesn’t need 7 winter coats (yes, 7). We are so much happier now with 3 (I know, she doesn’t need 3, but give me credit for making progress).
So that I don’t get overwhelmed and give up, I’m taking this purge much more slowly, and plan to be working on it throughout the whole year, just asking myself a little at a time to be REALLY honest about what things I love, and what things I own out of other reasons (guilt, obligation, habit). Those things can go. And my home will be a more peaceful place without them.
What about you? What are some simple, positive changes that you are working on this year?
Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Simply Orange® blogging program. If I am one of the first 65 blogs received by SocialsMoms, I will receive a $25 Target gift card and a gift pack that includes a Simply Orange® cooler bag and logoed fleece.
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