Lately, I am overwhelmed by stuff. Broken printers, dusty CD cases, empty boxes, and old papers. The list goes on. The cupboards are full, the shelves are packed and the basement looks like a thrift store graveyard. I’m not a hoarder (I swear!), but it’s certainly time to simplify.
The task seems so large. Too big to comprehend. But, I know that I just need to put one foot in front of the other. Sorta like with every other daunting task in life.
Twitter never ceases to be an endless stream of links to exciting new programs and articles (if you follow the right people). I started following Bindu Wiles recently and today she tweeted about her latest initiative: The Shed Project. Perfect! I would give you a snippet of her bio, but it should be read in full. Check out The Shed Project if you’re interested in de-cluttering in the Fall.
I’m probably a total dork for saying this, but my heart races sometimes when I’m reading these inspiring blogs and finding one innovative person after another. It’s like I’m afraid I’ll never have enough hours to soak in their knowledge and goodness. For instance, while reading Bindu’s recent blogs, I popped over to mnmlist’s blog.
It turns out that mnmlist is the brain child of Leo Babuta (creator of Zen Habits). Later, I read (or skimmed) almost every post on the website. Fantastic content. His post, “Clutter is Procrastination” really resonated with me. Here’s an excerpt that stood out on a personal level because I’ve always struggled with it:
When you’re going to put something down, deal with it right now. It only takes a few seconds.
How long does it take to put dirty clothes in the hamper, or hang up a shirt that’s still clean? Like 15 seconds. How long does it take to sort through some mail, opening the envelopes right there, setting aside a few bills to be paid, filing a couple things, tossing the rest? Three minutes. How long does it take to put a book or magazine away? To put a piece of paper in the right file, or toss it? Seconds.
When you deal with things in tiny little bits like this, before they build up, it’s easy. Deal with them while they’re easy so you don’t have to deal with them when they’re hard
Maybe I could start trying this right now. Why not? It’s worth a shot. I like looking at these habit changes as experiments. It makes new challenges more fun and less serious!
Through mnmlist, I stumbled upon Jay Schaffer‘s video, in which he gives you a tour of his 100-sq. ft. house. I don’t want to live in this tiny house, but it’s still pretty darn cool.
There are two garbage bags ready for donation in my living right now. Clothes and shoes I haven’t worn in over 6 months are out of my closet and hopefully out of my house soon! Feeling a little lighter and a lot happier now that I’ve taken one of my first steps in de-cluttering my inner and outer home.
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hey, congrats on deciding to give your things away
the excerpt from that article really resonates with me because it’s totally something i’m guilty of – thinking, well, i’m too busy to put those clothes away right now, or to clean the junk off that table. when in reality, it would take two minutes, and my day would probably be better off after taking care of it, because i function so much better in an open, neat space!
Thanks so much, Michelle! I’m loving your blog by the way, especially that vid you just posted:) I’m wondering if I can re-program myself to tackle tasks right away…I think I’d be happier if I could, so it’s worth a try!
…from the land down under…am enjoying your tweets and your blog….the de-clutter link is fantastic…I just said thank you to a wonderful old coat a friend had given me…now it’s on its way to keep someone else warm!!!
Hi Jan! Doesn’t it feel good to give? The things we would just let lie around and take up space in our homes can be useful to someone and brighten up their lives! What could be better? Everyone wins!
This definitely resonates. We’ve recently started instituting some of Leo’s tips (like scrubbing down the shower–with Dr. Bronner’s–while in the shower–and just washing the darn bowl when we’re done…usually). Moving to Korea was one of the best things I’ve done in terms of clutter. From my *tiny* studio+ apartment, I still managed to get rid of SEVEN bags of clothes (don’t ask me how) and boxes upon boxes of stuff. I can’t wait to go through our storage unit in a few weeks and donate most of what’s left. The only things I truly can’t part with are paintings and books. Enjoy this decluttered state!
I don’t think I can part with my books, either, but I think that’s okay! We all have things we treasure:) Hope you have a great trip back to the states and I look forward to hearing about the next chapter in your journey:)
Leo rocks!
When I went to move last month, I donated an SUV full of stuff to Goodwill. I still have a storage unit full of belongings to weed through over the next few months. I stood there on moving day frustrated and crying, “How on earth did I accumulate so much stuff over the past 8 years?” I still don’t have an answer to that question. When it’s spread out over several rooms, bedrooms, and closets, it doesn’t really feel like much. I’m not a hoarder, but I have this unnecessary worry that if I get rid of something useful, I’ll need it eventually and just buy a new one. I’m starting to realize that borrowing from friends/family is probably more logical. If you only use something once a year, or even less – do you really need it around cluttering your life? Probably not. My goal is to get down to the very basics. It will make a cross-country move 93040343 times easier, should that be in my future (and I think it is).
I would totally have a panic attack in that 100 sq. ft. house. I’m claustrophobic so that would so not be the type of place for me. It does make you realize how much wasted space we all have in our houses/apartments. Multi-purpose/multi-functional is the way to go. I definitely salute him.
I bet I would feel the same way if all of my stuff was in one room! Did you move out of Hampden? I’m so excited for you…cross country?! Keep me posted:) xo
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