Clutter clearing: Just 20 minutes a day

I’ve been slowly working my way through the list I made for this weekend, and I found quite a few things that I can sell online, that I don’t use anymore. I also went through an old box of photos, cards, and memorabilia and that was fun. It’s been a relaxing weekend.

This weekend, on one big project I found it was easier to break up over several days. I planned to spend 20 minutes a day on it, and it was amazing how quickly that one project was done if I was completely focused on it.

One of the areas that I’ve sorted through this year, but didn’t really get rid of very many items in is my numerous bags of clothes. I’ve lost quite a bit of weight this year and some of those old clothes are starting to fit again and I’m glad that I didn’t get rid of them. I suspect that this is the one big project that will have to wait until next year when I’m at the weight that I’d like to be at.

It looks like I’ll get everything else done that I planned to do this year for this project, and I’m happy with that. I’ve gotten rid of hundreds of items more than I could’ve imagined. For the most part, my house feels organize and clutter free and that was my overall goal for the year.

Gift cards are practical gifts

I still have a little more than three days off this weekend and I have big plans to get rid of some clutter. Whether or not that happens is another story, but the plans are there. I’m up early, with coffee in hand, and I’m ready.

My nieces daughters birthday is coming up and she lives 2,000 miles away. I feel like I’m sending more on postage every year than the gifts for family themselves. I have a subscription to Blue Mountain online greeting cards (they are really beautiful), and this year I attached a gift card to Build a Bear to that. I know her mother will take her there, and most likely they’ll have fun with the experience.

I have sending gift cards to my parents over the last few years because my mother told me once that she didn’t “need any more crap” and I could relate to that. Gift cards are a great idea from so many different aspects. No shipping (or minimal), the receiver gets to pick what they want, and you don’t risk getting them something they don’t want. Of course, it’s also important to know they’ll use it.

Selling to a consignment store

Yesterday, I went to a high end consignment store to see if I could sell a few things and get a credit at their store (you can also get cash if you want). It was an interesting experience. I took about 15 items and they took 5 of them. They said they would list them for about 40% of what they were new, and I get 40% of that if they sell. If they don’t sell after 87 days, they donate them to charity. I can call in the next month or so to see if I have any credit at all.

I shop at the location that is closest to my house, and the clothes I wear the most I bought there. So any credit at all would be used. They also mentioned about 5 or 6 other stores that might take the items they would not. I had the impression they thought they only took the best stuff, and these others stores would take lesser items. J At least now I know the process if I have things in the future I’d like to get some credit for.

Almost done with clearing the clutter

I have a few more areas in my home that I’d like to clear the clutter in, and I have about a month left to get it done. I like to idea that I’m forced to confront this issue several times a week by writing in this blog, even though some days were difficult to do it. It’s kept me focused on my goal this year. I’m already wondering what project I can tackle next year, and blog about. 🙂

Appreciating the beauty in daily life

Yesterday, I caught a glimpse of a TV show that was showing the house of an Amish family, and I was instantly struck by how bare it was. A bedroom had a bed in it and that was it. That’s truly minimalism. And while I can respect that kind of living with very little, I do enjoy having those things around that I enjoy using or looking at.

When I first started college, I was given a test to see what type of job I should have. The results came back and the counselor said I love being around aesthetically pleasing things. I remember just staring at her, and asking so what type of job should I have? She suggested working in an art gallery (which even now I can say I have no interest in). But over time I can see that things have a place and when something looks just right…I love it. I use the phrases “that’s beautiful” or “it’s a thing of beauty” several times a day. Whether I’m looking at a beautiful flower, a photo, a hand of cards, or a students perfect paper. I clearly appreciate beauty and order (thanks mom).

I’ve never been one to over clutter and when I’m done with something and don’t see any use for it anymore, I will get rid of it. It one of the reasons I wanted to start this project. I wanted just the stuff I love around me, and I think I’ve done a good job of that this year.

Trying to eliminate junk mail

Earlier this year, I spent some time registering on a website and attempting to get rid of some junk mail. You sign up and enter a bunch of codes (from the back of the mail) to stop receiving unwanted catalogs and junk mail. I noticed a few items that stopped coming, but most have not. I have also noticed an increase in others.

If you make a purchase online, you are automatically on their mailing list. But then some of those companies sell their mailing list to other companies, and you get more unwanted mail.

Wayne loves a company named Filson. He orders things regularly on their site and I purchase gifts for him as well. I now receive the same catalogs he gets, and we get a half a dozen other catalogs that sell similar stuff. I called to have my name taken off the Filson mailing list, but that hasn’t removed my name from the list they sell. It’s frustrating and should be illegal, or at least an option when you make the original purchase.

Either way, my goal to stop unwanted junk mail wasn’t successful. I still go through the mail while standing over the recycling bin. It’s wasteful. I feel like I shouldn’t have to recycle their junk. It seems that calling every company directly to remove my address might be the best solution.

Clutter clearing: Accepting me the way I am

I was just looking back over what I’ve done this year on this project/journey to declutter, and I have mixed feelings about it. I’m happy about the number of things I’ve gotten rid of, but I think I could’ve done better on some of the self-imposed assignments. I still feel like I’ve got some clutter in my house, and things I really don’t need. And maybe that’s the way it should be, or I should expect that.

I’m not sure I’ve gotten to the root of why I have any junk in the first place, or why I put such emphasis on having things. I wasn’t deprived of things as a child; perhaps I’m just a product of my environment (TV watching), etc. I also realize I can’t expect things to be perfect. Maybe it’s just a matter of accepting certain things and letting it be. Being happy with me…so to speak.

Making Christmas decorations with recycled products

Since I’ve gotten rid of a lot of Christmas decorations; I’ve decided to make some new ones for this year. A friend gave me some cool looking branches that I painted white, put into a vase (covered with red Christmas paper) and added some small Christmas bulbs. It’s just a centerpiece on the dining room table for the next few months, and I know it’s temporary, but I love it. I love the idea of having different decorations each year, and using materials I already have.

Storage space for the clutter

Today, I saw a bunch of storage units available to rent in a parking lot near our home. I don’t have any need for additional storage, but it amazes me that so many people do. The storage industry is a billion dollar a year business. Mostly because we buy so many things and eventually (unless we clear the clutter) we’ll need a place to keep it. It’s a portable unit that can be brought back to your home whenever you need it (for a fee of course).

Imagine that. Not only do you own items you don’t use often, you are paying for their rent and to see them again.

I’d rather have more open space in my home. 🙂

Should we track the time it takes to take care of our things?

I like the idea of tracking my hours in the day to see where it’s going. I suspect I spend at least an hour a day taking care of the things I own. From doing laundry, to washing dishes, to finding things, putting them away, creating piles and then putting the piles of things away.

It’s one thing to buy something, but I don’t think we consider the upkeep of that item. Whether we are dropping it off at the dry cleaners, or regularly dusting furniture. I’m beginning to envy those people who get rid of almost everything they own. 🙂