Those of you who know me well know that I love things to be uncluttered and organized. Not perfect, but fairly clean and simplified. Y'know, where everything has a home, stuff isn't just shoved into closets, etc.
I don't know why, but even though the town house we live in technically has more square footage than our home in Indiana, I have had a heck of a time feeling settled and organized in this "house." (Maybe because I had more closets in Indiana?)
So, during this pregnancy, my nesting urges have really kicked in. For months now I've been on a steady pace, tackling various drawers, cupboards, closets, and shelves. I love the feeling when I get one done, but lately it's been feeling like I've hardly made a dent.
Then there's Christmas. For the past couple of years my mom and I have been expressing that we want to downsize the amount of gifts given. And I think we both made a concerted effort this year. She even had me do some of her shopping for her, so I can't complain--and the kids got things they can definitely use and be creative with, too. But somehow, when we arrived home yesterday after spending Christmas with my family in Waconia, I still couldn't believe the amount of stuff we came home with! The amount seems equal to the last four of my Goodwill donations combined!
I feel like I know most of the tricks...rotate toys, keep an ongoing Goodwill box handy (I do--and it fills often), sort toys into piles of "keep, throw, sell," lay out all the ______ (purses, stuffed animals, or whatever) and tell the kids they can choose a certain amount to keep, adopt the policy "for everything that comes in, something goes out," etc. etc.
So what am I missing? Why do I always feel like there's too much stuff? (Now, mind you, I did not feel this way at our house in Indiana.) What are your secrets for simplifying your stuff--especially on the kid front?
16 comments:
Oh, Kara--I know how you feel. This is something that greatly frustrates Richard, so I've tried to adopt an anti-clutter attitude as well. I wish I had advice to offer, but I don't, other than that I try to keep the counters clear. I will be anxious to see what other people say.
SHOVE it all under their beds and buy a bedskirt for each of them:)
Bri and I are trying to get better at just tossing some of those little dorky things that end up on the floor. He's better at it than I am, but the thing I tell myself is, "the less they have, the more they'll appreciate what they have." In this culture of overabundance, we need to let things go more easily...course I'm telling myself that even as I say it! I share your frustration!
I wish I had great advice for you, but I don't. The type of clutter that especially annoys me are the little pieces that don't go with anything, stupid McDonald's toys, things that are just things by themselves. It always seems like Emma has an endless supply of that stuff.
--Nicole
Thanks for the comments, guys!
Erin, yes--I agree, clearing the counters is one of the best ways to see a dramatic effect, and quickly too--I do it daily! It's the stuff that lurks in closets and toy bins (that others might not see) that gets to me after awhile. I've been tackling that stuff.
LadyD, nice thought...tee hee. :) That would make me crazy.
Nicole--yes--the useless McDonalds toys and such--ugh! It's those I feel least guilty about tossing. :)
No Other Name, great advice. I've been on a rampage! I've gone through about 8 toy bins/containers (dolly stuff, kids jewelry/makeup, dress up stuff, 2 of Nathan's boy stuff, & 2 miscellaneous) and have been more ruthless than I've ever been about getting rid of the chinsy crap & cheap trinkets. I keep telling myself that I am doing the kids a favor...like you said--the less they have, the more they'll appreciate what they do have. Thanks for the motivation!
P.S. I'm also headed to Target right now to get a big bin for rotating the toys we are keeping! Though I know it's a great idea, I haven't done it since we've been back here in WI. I'm excited.
I'm not really one to give advice in this area. Kara,you know I'm a pat rack and it's worse in China. Since I worry about being able to find things, I save EVERYTHING, from twist ties to wrapping paper to cereal boxes to plastic bags.
Oops! I meant to say pack rat! Haha!
Bria, you little Pat Rat, you!!! Love you. ;)
This is definately NOT my strong area, so I have no advice. I do notice that at certain times (when nesting, fall and spring for me) I "feel" those things more, and my sense of urgency heightens.
I have the same problem and may have a solution. We've lived in five homes and three were very manageable while the other two (our first and one of which we are in now) were/are clutter magnets. Homes seem to have a personality and flow that works with the occupant and it has very little to do with square footage. I have lots of space, tons of storage, ample closet space, and still struggle to keep up.
Solution--we need to move.
Keithslady, ha! Maybe that's our solution, too. I think you may be on to something.
I LOVE purging my house! It's such a great feeling. I've thought about having a New Year's resolution of not buying new stuff - but I know that just wouldn't be realistic! I did see a program on TV about a family that did that for a year - pretty crazy!
CLutter makes me anxious.
I read The Berenstain Bears The Messy Room to the cubs. It is a constant battle to give away, throw away or keep. It goes smoothly when some are at school and I can THROW most of the little stuff away!!! They never miss it and Mommy feels so much better. Which is the reason I do anything.
As you know I am a purger. To the extreme. Nearly a fault, but that's ok, life is more peaceful that way.
Advice? Well, here are some observations I've made. And lessons to pass along.
The best way to overcome is to admit that you have more than you need. Many people are in denial.
-First off in order to purge well, you have to be unsentimental about it. My mother kept our (stained) onesies for 25 years. Why?
-Second, people think they need things. Do you REALLY need it? Remember you can ALWAYS borrow something. We share camping gear, powers tools, lawn/garden implements, etc with our neighbors. Good neighbors make good friends. I look at each room from the standpoint of "Could I pack this up in a hour?"
-Bins are your best friend. Easy to stack. Easy for kids to clean up with.
-Next, do a severe, no-looking-back purge at least twice a year. This eliminates you becoming a pack rat. If you're already in this boat one nasty week long purge may be what you need to jump start.
-Know how to organize your files and paperwork. People always keep more than what is necessary, should the IRS man visit. Find a book at the library for info.
-Borrow out toys. If you want to keep your toddler toys, but the youngest isn't old enough to play with them, borrow out the toys for a while. If you have "sentimental" toys, this is a really good option.
-Enlist a friend to help you purge. You're guaranteed to get rid of more. Just be prepared: have bins, labels, boxes, and lots o' garbage bags ready.
-Limit hobbies to 2-3 things. I have met scrapbooking wannabes who keep huge closetfuls of scrapbooking materials...for someday. Don't waste the money or wishful thinking. If you maintain 2 hobbies, you will keep up with those, and do them well.
-Eliminate "errands". I see many quick errands turn into a $80 spending spree at Targe' for stuff that isn't really necessary. I probably hit Targe' every 2-3 months.
-Purging = peace. I have witnessed this personally. The less you have to deal with, shove out of the way or trip over means that you have time to do what is much more meaningful. Having less and taking care of that less usually means the household works more smoothly. The car keys will never be lost again. :)
-As a former life of a slob, I can promise you that if I can change, anyone can.
So, Go. Conquer. Declutter.
Thanks, PW! I love the advice pieces of first admitting that you have more than you need. Also that we need to be unsentimental about things. I loved hearing your thoughts. Thanks for taking the time to share!
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