Imagine being surrounded only by things you love

Over the last week, I’ve moved the content of entire rooms and moved them back. We are in the middle of having the hardwood floors refinished (see other posts for before and after photos). As I moved things, I had a chance to go through items and evaluate their usefulness. Some items were tossed, recycled or repurposed.

When I started this year long clutter clearing project, I thought I’d get rid of a few hundred things (one for each day). I didn’t realize that I’d do that within a month or two. I didn’t realize how much I actually owned. Some areas of my house are organized and include only items that I use, and some areas are still out of control. I own more items then I could use in a lifetime. And yet, I still find myself wanting to buy more things. I’m much better now at waiting to make sure I don’t already own something similar that I can use instead. And most of the time, I find that I do.

I feel like if I was surrounded only by things that I love and use regularly…I’d appreciate those items more and use them more often. I’m distracted by all of the things I own, but don’t need or want. I spend time going through them (books), or taking care of them or organizing them (clothes). It’s a waste of my time and energy. As I get rid of more things, I feel the air/aura in the house getting lighter. I’m enjoying that. I realize I still have a long way to go, but it feels good to make progress.