De-Clutter Progress {Jan. 28th to Feb. 3rd}

Our place looked like this on the 25th of Jan... an improvement!


Jan. 28th 2009 - My son and I de-cluttered a lot behind the couch... it was horrible - now it's clean and de-cluttered! Yeah!!

Jan. 29th 2009 - We are sick today... I may do some maintenance and a little de-cluttering.

Jan. 27th - Feb. 3rd {Extended until done... I am going to start the other areas afterwards} Living Room & Entry/Hallways

De-clutter Progress }{ January 20th to 26th

Jan. 20th 2009 - I did a tiny bit of un-cluttering but mainly planned it.

Jan. 21st 2009 - Today is a wonderful day... I'm going to start my de-clutter plan! We already have done a lot of deep cleaning yesterday together. My dear husband is very loving and helpful! Our cleaning yesterday: Cars, Hamster cages, clean vacuum out, swept and vacuumed floors, a lot of scrubbing every surface, picking-up, laundry, dishes and sorting... I think that's good.
We have donated over 13 bags last week to Goodwill.... with more to go too!
We are truly blessed.

Jan. 22nd 2009 - I finished un-cluttering my Desk and shoe area by entry today!

Jan. 23rd 2009 - I un-cluttered a little

Jan. 24th 2009 - I did a tiny bit

Jan. 25th 2009 - I did a lot behind the couch (my son helped a lot!) some at the Entry and my Desk area for maintenance

Jan 26th 2009 - I added to cart for ordering photos to put in frames we have yet to fill and change out some really outdated framed photos.

January 20th - 26th {Extended until done... lol... I am going to start the other areas after finishing these ones first}
Living Room & Entry/Hallways

Home Sanctuary {Un-clutter}Plan : )

When I walk around my home I do not feel relaxed, in control and surrounded by all the things I love and that reflect my life today! I believe after seeing family and friends with clutter-free and beautiful homes -- that I can let go of clutter... then let life flow so much more freely... so I have more time to enjoy myself more. We have already started... and doing very good to Simplify our Lives!

De-cluttering Details:

{x} in-home evaluation -- I have made a complete assessment of my home.
We have felt overwhelmed with too much stuff in our home. We are working very hard to streamline and simplify our lives in our desire to create a peaceful, clutter-free home with our wonderful family. We want to communicate that we are very grateful for your presence in our lives. We need your support, and if you choose to give gifts, here are some ideas and ways in which you can participate:

• Gift cards
• College fund contributions
• Donate to a family vacation fund
• Donate money for our family needs

{x} focus plan -- Below I have found a plan to use and changed it a little be done with de-cluttering before Spring! (Links to more info. below)

Weekly Focus Plan:

January 20

Living Room & Entry/Hallways

January 27

Kitchen and Pantry

February 3

Dining Room.

February 10

Bathrooms

February 17

Master Bedroom & Kids' Rooms

February 24

Storage & Porch

{} de-clutter -- I will be interacting with my family members as I clear my clutter.

1. Do I love this item? Presents – if someone gives you an unwanted gift and there is no polite way to refuse, accept gracefully and respect the other person’s feelings. But remember it is your home and if you do not like something, it will drag your spirits down every time you look at it. So dump the guilt and let it go.
2. Have I used it in the past year? I'll Be ruthless with paper. Put junk mail straight in the recycling and decide how long you will keep newspapers For example in Barnet we have kerbside recycling so every Thursday I go though my house and gather up any newspapers read or unread. Remember no-one has time to read everything.
3. Is it really garbage? Broken things Give yourself a deadline for broken items to be fixed, if not discard them.
4. Do I have another one that is better?
5. Should I really keep two? Fear The "what if" thoughts are some of the hardest to deal with. I call these clutter thoughts. Then the thought crept into my head, what if the new one breaks down. A useful tip is "one in, one out"
6. Does it have sentimental value that causes me to love it? Sentimental items Be sentimental but selective. Choose a beautiful box in which to keep sentimental items. Keep a few cherished baby clothes and give the rest to someone who will use them. Put photos into albums only keeping the best ones and let the others go.
7. Or does it give me guilt and make me sad when I see the item? *I'm going to Cleanse my rooms of everything that does not make me (or our family) SMILE.

Procrastination is the major obstacle to decluttering. So I'm starting now.

{} Maintenance Follow-up **1 hr Every Month

Goals:
*I will create a physical environment that supports me fully and transforms my home from one of clutter to a place that feels like my sanctuary. When I walk into my home I will be surrounded by things I love. I will smile a lot and feel much happier.
**Manage possessions on a long-term basis.