Peggy, this has been an amazing journey. My way of thinking has changed. I get up in the morning thinking about what area I want to conquer. Each item that goes out the door makes me happy. For some reason, when I am not quite sure about an item, I just put it in a drawer. Started with two of those drawers this morning. Didn't empty both completely, took two bags to the recycle bin . Admit that my clothing is another place I could thin out more. Last year got interested in the idea of 10 items of clothing, could not get that low, but managed for a while 20 items. For some reason, extra pieces kept creeping into my closet. This is the area where I need to get serious. Enjoying reading the post from everyone. Getting ideas of things that need changing in our home.

Hallngarden isn't this indeed wonderful?

I've been doing a little inspiration research through out this. I google decluttering, home decor, organizing. I look at web results and image results. I look at online magazines for ideas.

How can those ideas help me? Can I apply any of their methods? rethink my attitude? What does Peggy want out of the available space? Who or what owns this space around me? Do Dave and I own our space or does the clutter own it? Am I happy with the present state of things? Is this really such a big job or can I break it down to be more manageable.

When I get into the feeling of I'm tired - it's my cuppa time. That's when I surf for ideas, read online positive attitudes or just simple take a break from it all. Kinda like my winter tune up diet - this year I've approached my annual winter tune up differently. It's not just a diet, I'm doing a lifestyle tune up in all areas of my life. Health eating habits, healthy mental habits (ongoing challenge) and healthier home living habits. I am working this winter on Peggy's mind, body and immediate surroundings. Being a horrid sleeper - bedroom hygiene is a must. By that I mean - decluttered, nice looking - somewhere that is mentally peaceful. It helps a great deal. The funny part is - it's contagious. When I get more organized at home, DH starts to organize his space, his computer area. I don't coax nor bother him - it just seems to rub off.

I can't actually say 'at the end of all this' because it is a lifestyle change for me. It will never end because it's a beginning. It's liberating.

How this journey affects each and everyone of us will be different. I sincerely hope this has been a very positive experience. Even if you are doing this and not posting - I wish you success and happiness from your efforts.

Like I said, I love this place. You inspire me too!

Cheers,
Peggy

Happy Thursday back atcha Peggy!

Well I have only ever seen (or maybe it was noticed) linens on bedroom furniture in homes of the elderly.

My way of thinking has also changed some more too. While I have never 'liked' storage areas full or 'crammed' I have tried to give some thought when making purchases, and always tried to donate good usable 'stuff'. Now though I am finding it a bit easier to 'let go' of more stuff than usual.

Last year got interested in the idea of 10 items of clothing, could not get that low, but managed for a while 20 items.
YIKES!...but if I got rid of everything I don't wear on much of a regular basis, I'd probably not have much left. I'm like a kid, and always grab and wear just my favorite things. Folks probably wonder if that is all I have to wear.

I think today I'll tackle the never ending clutter of papers and 'stuff' that ends up on the dining table. A very good friend told me long ago, that I'll never be able to keep it clean. Just because she is a know it all (like myself...we joke about that) I am determined to prove her wrong...just for fun.

Peggy, it is way too cold here to open a window for some fresh air. It was 51 in the bedroom when I got up...door closed and no heat on in there...just electric blanket.

For some reason, when I am not quite sure about an item, I just put it in a drawer.
I do that too, and later I will either retrieve it, and love it and use it, or will find it easier to just let it go (away).

I think I'll treat myself too by making some cinnamon rolls...I can work on the table while they are rising.

Sue

Sue you are not alone with the dining table. Wanna mess with your own head? Clean it up, then dress it up - put something pretty in the middle and then lightly set the table. Set it up ready for a tea party or sit down coffee. We always had our cherished teapot with it's knitted cozy (now fabric) on it. Of course as kids we used to steal it off the tea pot and put the knitted cozy on the dog's head because her ears would fit through the handle and spout holes....but that's another story for another day.

Dress the table up is my point. And sit down at it for your breaks.

Stupid question - do you have a work area for your paper? Maybe that's an issue to be addressed. I dunno. Just thinking out loud.

Keep talking, I'm listening. Oh, I don't like much on my hot cinnamon bun, just a lovely coffee to go with it will be fine for me...

Doesn't it make sense to have a cloth or something under the place that I put my keys on the dresser?

If I don't, won't they scratch and dingify the dresser where they get put down about 250 - 300 times a year ... well, maybe 200 - 250 times?

Confession time - I haven't got more than one box out ... and wanted to find a message, but it's caught somewhere in the re-arrangement of some clutter.

ole joyful

mcpeg, When you started this with boxes, I bit the bullet and started tackling my sewing/mending projects, some of which are at least one year old. I've been working at whittling the pile down every day that you've been cleaning/organizing. Just wanted to let you know that....if all goes as planned.....ALL WILL BE DONE BY SAT EVENING!!!

I have hemmed slacks. I have sewn buttons back on. I have stuffed feather pillows with new/more feathers. I've repaired an afghan that had a hole. I've put a new zipper in my old winter coat. I've patched DH's jeans. I'm on a break now, but I have 2 more brand new pairs of jeans ready to be sewn/shortened (I'll be able to finally wear them!). Tomorrow will start with recovering the seats of the dining room chairs!

Thank you for this inspiration. I have to get back at it before I lose my zip!

OJ it makes absolute sense the dresser top protects the dresser. I just love the feeling of comfort from doing things the way Mom did. Only twist for me is I use modern fabrics to make tops. I love the doilies too but not on my dressers. And doilies are making a comeback too.

Don't fret on one box or no boxes. We're just trying to make some fun out of tedious jobs, doing it as a team effort in all manners so you can feel part of a group. There's no measuring one against the other. This is personal. Do what makes OJ happy.

Patser what a great idea - tacking 'UFO' items in the sewing room. At the end of the week you will be free - no more mental anguish walking by the pile anymore. Freedom.
I'm so glad this challenge has helped you along. More fun this way too.

We're rocking and rolling today.

Whhhhhoooooo Hooooooo!

Gotta go, making a coffee - will have more updates from my end later.

Cheers,
Peggy

Okay, here is the end of today's journey.

I unpacked more of our trailer we lived in for 6 months - almost finished. Tomorrow will be the last of it. For me it was classified as 'a nagging job' on my to do list. Tomorrow it will be 'to done'.

From the trailer more papers entered. They are waiting to be sorted into their final home now - important paperwork filing area. I have them sitting right by the spot. At the same time I'll pull out items to go into our new safety deposit box at the bank.

So today I got to a trailer box so to speak and it feels great. Tomorrow I will be using my new bedroom closet (they were short a rail)...yaaaay....stuff off the floor in the bedroom!

It's been a day of waiting then moving, then waiting, then moving stuff again. And yes, a couple of boxes got tossed (they had the bathroom sink and lights). Might be cheating I know. But mentally wonderful because we have a bathroom in full service now. Yaaaaaaaaaay.

As I gain order in here I am starting to sleep a little better. I'm feeling more settled. Looking forward to Friday. To do more, see more items in place and sort out more stuff I don't need.

How was your day today?

Cheers,
Peggy

My fondest memory of doilies when I was a kid..... it was my job to dust once a week. I would just wipe with the doilies and move on. Anyone know where I can get some? LOL

Moonie, that's funny. Old doilies or remakes of old patterns are available on ebay or you could try etsy. One day I hope to get some too - they always looked like jewels to me.

Well I'm reporting in finally on Thursday's endeavor. I hate to admit it, but I did not accomplish what I had set out to do. Papers are my downfall. I hate them! The pile to be dealt with gets so big. I put off dealing with it until I am pretty stressed out by it and wondering what I maybe missed getting dealt with on time. Luckily almost all bills are paid automatically. I try to pitch anything of no importance (junk) as soon as it comes in the door. If/when I finally get on top of it all, I'm going to have one basket for stuff that needs attention/dealt with. I will then set a day and time (Monday AM would be good), and then I will deal with anything from the previous week.

Dress the table up is my point. And sit down at it for your breaks.
I'm shooting for that...my favorite placemats, and just a favorite candle in the center of the table.

Stupid question - do you have a work area for your paper? Maybe that's an issue to be addressed. I dunno. Just thinking out loud.
Not stupid. I have a desk, but with the computer on it, there isn't enough room to really spread out and deal with stuff, and the desk gets very unruly too...need to work on that...maybe each night before turning in....like Flylady makes sure her sink in shined before going to bed.

I also have a small desk in an old secretary (that I finally got cleaned off and closed,) but it is in the bedroom, thus cold, thus not a good area, at least not during the cold months.

That leaves the dining table...so I 'am' going to get it all cleared, and shined and then am going to prove my good friend wrong and keep it that way.

Ok...getting in gear for day 7...see you all on that thread later. Thanks to all who have posted. It has been encouraging and fun.

Sue