I've been staying pretty motivated, but posting here can only help, so I'll keep updating periodically.
Last night (Tuesday), I did some more work on the bookcase in the computer room/office. I worked on the bottom shelf. That was a bit more of a challenge because much of what is on that shelf is items that are part of our Disney memorabilia collection: old brochures, commemorative guides and programs, vintage magazines and other assorted paper items. I was able to get a few things out of there, but most of the stuff are things I still want to keep.
However, I realize that decluttering doesn't just mean throwing things out. It also means organizing the things that you want to keep and finding an appropriate place for those things. I didn't get to that point last night, but now that I've gone through that pile and removed the items I don't need, I will box up the stuff I do want and get it out of that room, probably into the attic, garage or basement. Even though I want the stuff, there is no reason it needs to be taking up space in that room since it isn't stuff we need quick access to.
Finally, on the bottom of the one pile (it is a large, deep shelf) I found Rush Hour. http://www.puzzles.com/products/rushhour.htm That is a puzzle game that has been missing for a couple of years now. My daughter and I both love to play it. In fact, my wife had bought me a new set of puzzle cards for my birthday a while back but I could never use them because we couldn't find the game. See what happens when you clean.
The one thing I'm hoping is that my decluttering motivation will start rubbing off on the rest of the family. I don't have much hope for my daughter but I think my wife is starting to think about it. In the course of cleaning, I've come across a few things that were hers and got her to sort through them. Pretty much everything I've given her has gotten thrown away/recycled, so I think she is also realizing how much useless stuff we have taking up space. She was off yesterday and mentioned last night that she did some cleaning in our bedroom closet. Every little bit helps.
Tuesday Decluttering - Found something good
June 18th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
June 18th, 2008 at 01:36 pm 1213796208
Our house was always very cluttered but since my mom started "consulting" flylady.com the house is in a much nicer state.
June 19th, 2008 at 02:24 am 1213842279
June 19th, 2008 at 02:47 am 1213843676
Maybe it should be decluttering week at savingadvice.com?
I've rid my DD's closet of four pairs of outgrown shoes--gone to a freecycler, a doll highchair, and a booster seat.
I use the flylady 15 minute method because my motivational time span for cleaning is dangerously low.
Keep on motivating us!
June 19th, 2008 at 09:14 pm 1213910050