Progress Report, Day 5

My week at home is winding down. Returning to work may be a welcome break!

Today I finished our master closet and re-purposed the 1/2 bath closet so that it now houses my cleaning supplies.

This week's combined tally (drumroll, please...)

Boxes to Consignment: NINE! Sadly, I haven't touched CJ's area or the attic. But let me tell you how GREAT it felt to drop those boxes on someone else's doorstep. Still, the icing on the cake was taking a truckload of trash to the dumpster tonight.

Most Difficult to Part With: Still can't think of anything that I'm sad to see gone. I'm much to happy with the things I "found"...Grandma's baskets, a couple of silk scarves that R's aunt brought me from China (which I've now displayed under glass), and a pair of pewter candlesticks we received as a wedding gift.

Rewards: Enjoying the important things we have, rather than focusing on the "stuff" that was crowding everything. Knowing where things are. Realizing I can let go of things without too much effort.

Although I'm only about half-way done, I've gotten such a wonderful start that I'm determined to keep it going...starting next week. Tomorrow is cleaning day (de-cluttering is messy!), and then I'll enjoy the weekend with CJ and welcome R home. I hope he can see and feel the difference in our home. The vision of peace is becoming more of a reality every day.

Progress Reports, Days 3 & 4

I've officially come to the realization that I'm not going to accomplish everything I'd hoped to this week. And I'm okay with that, because I've actually gotten a LOT done. Yesterday was "errand day"...which meant I really didn't get much done as far as decluttering. I culled the bookshelves, but not as much as I'd like. Instead, I spent a couple of hours lost in a good book. This is my vacation time, after all!

CJ went back to school today, and I was home alone - gloriously alone - for 8 hours. I dove into our bedroom closet and R's armoire. When I just couldn't sort through clothes anymore, I started on our bathroom. I called it quits with both rooms 1/2 way done. I'll finish tomorrow, before taking care of more errands.

Boxes to Consignment: 3, including a LOT clothes we no longer wear, a couple of throw rugs, and too many knick-knacks. Another large box of trash.

Most Difficult to Part With: Once again, nothing. I'm taking the clothes to a ministry store, so I have no qualms about getting rid of them.

Reward: Labeled bins & shelves in R's armoire (he's going to flip), no more expired medications or partial bottles of shampoo, a walk-in closet I can walk into, and a bedroom floor that's free of piles.

I have to confess that I ventured into the attic today to bring down some things. I have several baskets that my grandmother made. When we moved into our current home, I put them away because I couldn't find room for them. This journey has made me realize that I want to surround myself with only those things that I love and that make me smile. Getting rid of knick-knacks that mean nothing has given me ample room to display items such as Grandma's baskets, a quilt made by my other grandmother, and a bowl that we bought from a pottery studio in Annapolis.

I'm creating a home that lifts my spirits instead of crushing them, and that makes me smile instead of scowl. As I look around, I see more than china, baskets and quilts...I see the story of our family. I can't tell you how good it feels.

Progress Report, Day 2

Today we finished the dining room/foyer & tackled the kitchen. CJ was out of school, and was a big help (at times). I've realized I've bitten off quite the mother lode!

At the end of the day...

Boxes to Consignment: 2 (for a total of 5 so far, which will all be delivered tomorrow!). Another set of glasses (which I was using instead of the ones in my china cabinet that I really love) and coffee mugs are among the "treasures". (*We won't even discuss the ginormous box of trash...)

Most Difficult to Part With: How many plastic cups and ugly salt/pepper shaker sets does one need?! No heartache there. I did have a few second thoughts about some old cookbooks, but got rid of several I can't recall ever using.

Reward: Labeled cabinet shelves so every dish, mug & appliance has a fixed home. No more T*pperware containers without lids. A pantry I can open in front of guests without shame.

My back is aching and my feet are sore, but I'm SO GLAD I'm doing this!