Organize Everything {Day 13}
This is the thirteenth post in my 31 Days of Living on Less Series. If you’d like to read all the posts in order, go to Day 1.
***
After reading my post on making your bedroom a haven, if you wondered what my ideal bedroom would look like, the photo above (via Pottery Barn) would be it. Wood floors, lots of windows, and a neutral color palette. I consider that to be very restful and just right.
Living on less requires discipline and a plan. It requires clarity of thought. And it also requires organization. Without order, everything will be hard to find, and sometimes you might even have to re-buy an item simply because you can’t find the one you know you have–somewhere–if only you could find it! (Yes, I’ve actually had this experience before.)
When your home and life are in order, it will be much easier to stay on a tight budget. You’ll have more time and energy available for implementing creative money-saving ideas. You’ll have a plan, and you’ll be able to follow that plan because you’ll know where it is!
I’m becoming increasingly convinced that the way to a successful and happy life is paved with simplicity and order.
“A simple and orderly life represents a clean and orderly mind. Muddled thinking inevitably results in muddled living. A house that is cluttered is usually lived in by people whose minds are also cluttered, who need to simplify their lives. This begins with simplifying and clarifying their thinking. Mind and life need to be freed from the ‘disorder of the unnecessary.'” ~Elisabeth Elliot
With these thoughts in mind, I’ve been on a quest for a greater degree of order in our home. I started with my bedroom, since it’s important to me to have at least one peaceful place in the house! Then I moved on to my closet and simplifying my wardrobe. And now it’s time for the rest of the house.
I thought through the most logical way to go through everything, and if I tackled one area per day, it would take me a few months. But it would be well worth it to have everything totally organized, decluttered, and simplified! Here’s the list I came up with (I’ve crossed off the completed ones):
My bedroomMy closetMy wardrobe–simplify- Under our bed
- Photos
- Master bathroom under sink + drawers
- Master bath closet
- Hall closet
Boys’ room- Boys’ closet
- Main bathroom drawers and under sink
- Blanket armoire in living room (I store extra blankets in an armoire)
Pantry- Cookbooks
- Dresser in kitchen (where I store mittens, hats, scarves)
- China hutch
- Pie safe (halfway done–I store school supplies in this)
- Kitchen island
- School shelves in kitchen
- Refrigerator and freezer
- Baking dish cupboard
- Lazy Susan (I store pans here)
- Cupboard over stove
- Corner cupboard
- Silverware and utensil drawers
- Plastic storage containers
- Plate and glasses cupboards
- Top of fridge
- Coat closet
- Craft cupboard
- Fabric + craft area
- School craft supplies
- My desk area
File cabinet- Play area
- Toys
- Children’s books (2 days)
- Adult books (2 days)
- Office (2 days)
- Laundry area (2 days)
- Garage (6 days–this will take some time)
Wow, that’s quite a list, isn’t it? Some of these I’ve already completed, and things are already beginning to feel more orderly. I didn’t include my girls’ room on this list, since they’re old enough now that they keep their own room clean and organized (yes, I love this!!).
When I look at this list I feel a sense of excitement, since I actually really enjoy organizing things. And I think having a more orderly home will really make a difference as we cultivate a lifestyle of living on less.
Do you enjoy organizing, or is it something you’d rather not have to do?
My husband and boys are going hunting this weekend and my daughter and I are going declutter and organize my bedroom. I am going to work on decluttering other areas as well. This blog series has really been helpful.
That sounds like a fun weekend for all of you! I'm still plugging away at my list, too. I'm so glad it's been helpful!
It's funny how one thing leads to another! I really enjoy organizing and decluttering and once I take care of one thing, I'm on to the next one! Once I simplify everything I really realize how much stuff I don't need. 🙂
I know! I do that, too! I love the feeling of another box or bag to be donated or given to a friend. It's so freeing to realize how much we can let go of. 🙂
I am a declutter er. I cannot stand clutter. But with 4 boys and 2 girls all above elementary age it is hard to keep it that way. Lol.
I agree on the quote. A cluttered house leads to a cluttered mind.
I too am learning how to make better choices and simplify. One way that helps me is to think of someone else who could benefit from something I might have but that I don't use anymore. I do that quite often. And kids clothes… I was blessed when they were younger to get tons of clothes handed down. So I'm more than happy now to do the same. I'm not always the one on the receiving end anymore but it feels so good to give and have less clutter.
I'm really enjoying your series!:) Christina
Oh, I can really relate this this, Christina! I love to have everything clean and organized, but with 5 kids at home all day it's really hard!
I like your idea of thinking of someone else who could use things you're not using anymore. Kids' clothes has been a big one for me. For so many years I kept everything since I never knew when a new baby was on the way. Recently, I gave a bunch of baby things to a friend who was starting a baby house in Ecuador. It felt good to part with them for a good cause!
Thanks so much for the encouragement about the series! 🙂
🙂