I started this blog a few months ago, in August. But last fall (over a year ago now), I got really serious. I was incredibly frustrated, consistently at the verge of tears, and was truly considering buying a shovel and renting a u-haul.
I couldn’t handle the clutter anymore. I had so much stuff that any attempt at organization was temporary because the “stuff” would just creep back into piles. I had tried the Flylady thing, only to become overwhelmed and start ignoring her emails.
The problem was the stuff. So I began clearing it out. I parked the van in the driveway and started moving the clutter into the garage. This is probably about the same time when I stopped regularly going to garage sales. I was seeing so much junk that I had brought into my home and had never used. I couldn’t let myself bring anymore in, and I knew that my self control when it came to bargains was very weak.
The reason I’m thinking about this is that it hit me last week that it was the first Saturday in December last year that I had a HUGE garage sale. Around here, people have, and go to, garage sales all year round, so I just had to get it done. It was an emotional experience. A friend asked if she could put a few things in, and I said sure. I then called her the night before to explain that I needed to ask in advance for forgiveness if I freaked out at the garage sale. I didn’t want anything to stand in the way of me purging all of this stuff from my life. I was literally ready to give the stuff away if need be. I scared her, but she was also supportive.
Since then, I had another garage sale in the spring, and I could easily have another one any day now. I’m a little concerned that the neighbors might never speak to me if I do.
It’s embarrassing how much stuff I have in my house that is unnecessary. This is gross, so forgive me, but it makes me think of a friend who described her son after he had tubes put in his ears. She couldn’t believe how much stuff drained out and kept draining out, and really thought his head should shrink with all of it gone. Disgusting I know. But that’s how I feel. This stuff is like infection. I have to get it out. Like his ears, with each item gone, I feel pressure lifted. I had become so used to the pressure, that I didn’t even really know it was there, but the absence of it provides such relief.
I’m nowhere near done. This blog has been a very positive step in the direction of maintaining. The clutter is a huge part of the problem, but the clutter happened because of my lack of organization and complete inconsistency in keeping my home under control.
So, in marking this anniversary, I’m excited to see real and true progress. My home is very different than it was a year ago. It could easily go back, though, so I must develop these daily habits that I’m working on.
Anonymous says
Good luck with your decluttering! It isn't easy but if you start small (one drawer a day, one shelf a day, etc) it gets easier as you go along. I also have a rule of one-item-in-three-items out. This helps to control the paper/toy/clothing clutter. Also, focus on one room at a time. Do the rooms you spend the most time in first (bedroom, bathroom, kitchen) that way you will see results better and this will encourage you as you move to clean up other rooms. If you have a digital camera or cellphone, take before-and-after pictures so that you can see your progress.
I tried the FlyLady thing too but she kept cluttering my inbox with constant emails, some like 15 a day! Finally I stopped following her after only a week. She seems to kind of defeat the purpose, doesn't she?
Violet says
Congratulations!
I read your blog daily and many times I feel I could have written the same posts myself. Your daily non-negotiable tasks have given me great ideas.
The poster above apparently has not read your blog for long… your photos are one of the things I really appreciate. Like I said, I often feel that I could have written/posted the exact same things– even the photos are very similar to my house.
Brittani A. says
I am no longer in the “need a path, people” in the house, but I understand the feel good when you didn’t know you felt bad. I am working on not piling the crap, like my desk and its overly necessary boxes of supplies and school items. I too need an excuse to clean. Is my family not good enough? If my kids would help it would be better, but there is no way to blame them for it all.
My oldest is by FAR the most organized out of all of us, but we need to pare down. Thanks for all the encouragement!
SHERRI says
Nony,
I can tell you I really do look forward to your blogs or podcasts. Keep them coming, there are people like me out there who are stil in the decluttering stages, and I for one, need the encouragement!
Robyn says
Well done in changing he process. For yourself and for me. Fly lady was putting me off doing something but you understand. You understand the attachment. Other Organisers don’t.
It even feels good when doing it. But keeping that way is another challenge. New habits for me needed also. I have done it for others areas, now for the highly cusae.
Rosemary Campbell says
Thank you so much for all that you share. I come from a long line of clutter bugs, so I am trying to break the cycle. I have been reading your blog and watching your videos for about a year. I am making progress, but sometimes it goes so slowly. I always turn to you for inspiration!
Maddy Linebarger says
I have never been this much of a clutter bug but I have to get started to get rid of stuff because we want to sell the house and take off in our travel trailer and live like nomads for a few years. I was just diagnosed with cancer and will be going through some very aggressive treatments. I need a plan that I can physically do and stick to until I’m feeling better. Any suggestions? I’d appreciate it! We plan on being out of here in about 2-1/2 years.
Dana White says
Do you have my e-book, Drowning in Clutter? I’d just do what you can when you can. My decluttering strategies and examples are here: https://www.aslobcomesclean.com/2011/12/decluttering/
Lisa says
Dana,
I KNOW you are sooo busy, as you always are, especially if you are in book-writing mode once again. Can’t wait, by the way, to see what has been on your heart for this past year…what God has led you to share THIS time!
Anyway, since my previous comment may have gotten “lost,” and that’s totally ok, I just wanted to clarify that I DID write it the day you were to speak at an event in Waxahachie, TX, and realized AFTER I hit “post comment” that of course, you weren’t going to see it THEN, because YOU were getting ready for your Speaking Event!! Duuhh! I
Also, again, I will ask about “Drowning in Clutter,” and IF it is currently available in any form?
Thank you so much for all you have done these past 10 years…for being faithful to what God has asked of you.🙂
Dana White says
Drowning in Clutter isn’t available anymore, but I do have a “real” book called Decluttering at the Speed of Life that’s available wherever books are sold!
Alberta Deb says
I started reading your blog from the beginning and I love that you get it! This cleaning thing does not come naturally to all of us. After putting some of your practices in place and writing what I have accomplished down for the last month I am finally in a place where I am no longer embarrassed if someone stops by unannounced.
On Monday I even invited everyone from my office over for a party on Saturday and I don’t have to act like a crazy person to get the house to a point where I can open the door. Its not perfect but these people see my desk at work so they aren’t expecting perfect and my bedroom door will be closed but it is so much better than it was a month ago.
I will never love cleaning but now I have an appreciation for doing the basics every day so I can love my home.
Thank you for being brave enough to share your struggles with all of us.
Cheryl says
I know this was years ago but, still, I am a little choked up about your anniversary. I am so very happy for you!