When I’m not blogging I’m doing stuff, and when I’m blogging, I’m a procrastinating slob. Anyone else have this issue? I’ve had an itch to do some decluttering so I started with my basement. Dun dun dun. One thing that really helped me was this notion,
would you want to move it? Even the stuff you like? Box it up, move the box, unload it, and find a new spot for the crap?
The answer is usually no.
Back when we did the 40 Bags in 40 Days, I told you I cleaned my basement. I did. I cleaned the laundry room, and the toy room, and even my shelves of doom with crap and stuff galore. I got rid of a lot. I forgot to take a picture (no really, I did) and told you I’d post one. But I never did. I was embarrassed.
This was five months later, but still bad. That’s not clean. That’s not “decluttered.” It’s time for purge round two. I needed to get rid of more! So I made a pile
then cleaned my garage and filled it up with crap. GARAGE SALE TIME!
I feel like a weight has been lifted. I like my basement now! I actually, you know, got rid of stuff. Stuff I liked, but didn’t necessarily need. I don’t need 20 tiny bud vases from my wedding, people!
And now I feel like Ariel.
Look at this stuff. Isn’t it neat? Wouldn’t you think my collection’s complete? Wouldn’t you think I’m the girl, the girl who has everything?
Okay. I’m going to stop myself from singing about my 20 thinga-ma-bobs. Let’s just say it’s clean now.
I used the very sophisticated method of labeling with washi tape and permanent marker. Boxes are bins with missing tops and cardboard boxes I had on hand.
I also straightened up my laundry room area for ya. The table is an old drafting table with an old countertop
I labeled my glass jars with more permanent marker. Simple, clean, and easy to remove with a scrubbing pad when you need to re-label or touch up.
And I had a “duh” moment. I never fold down here, why isn’t this my crafting station? Look at this proximity:
I got rid of the clutter beast that was hiding in my basement. I busted my A doing it.
And then I fell down these stairs and busted my A for real (I’m fine now, I promise). So the next day, I busted my A again and knocked out another project that I’ve been meaning to tackle. Want a peek?
Have you caught the end of summer decluttering bug?
What are you trying to clear out? Have any tips?
Heidi
Oh this is great! There is SUCH a freeing feeling once things are organized. I need to remember this quote that you have here..."If we were moving, would I want this?" That really puts things in perspective. I am a bit of a saver, so it's hard for me to throw stuff out. But this is such a great post. Very inspiring...and perfect timing, because I NEED to do some organization again real soon! 🙂
Erin
Awesome job! In the middle of purging myself, and this is a great bit of inspiration!
Ellie
It looks great! Trust me, we just moved and I wish we'd gotten rid of more. Ugh! Yay for a found craft area too!
Danyelle Franciosa
I am having the same mess at home, particularly in our basement.
But we were able to manage that, at least 3 times a week, we clean the mess to avoid bigger clutter!
Nicole @ Post Grad
I have DEFINITELY caught the bug! We moved into this rental house 4 months ago and there were STILL 3 boxes in the bedroom. That's why you never see a lot of room pictures over on PostGrad. My house was a mess. Up until this weekend, the only thing I'd hung up on a wall was a picture of Baltimore that I hung in the bathroom because the rest of my frames and art were still in boxes. I felt stressed every time I walked into our house. So we did a major whole house purge, declutter, and CLEAN and I felt amazing afterward. That zen feeling just carried us through the rest of the weekend.
Megan
My basement beats your basement by a LANDSLIDE! Looking good lady 🙂
Ann Marie
fanks 😉
YOur moma
That made me laugh , little miss mermaid. A movie you watched till we could sing every song. Eric NOOOO....lol
Love the stairs, now do the risers!
Ann Marie
*bursting out of the pool with a hair flip* Part of your... (wait for it) WOOOOOOOORLD.
MIss Merry
I need your drive and ambition! I just emptied my parent's three story condo (which I managed to sell in one week, somehow) into my one story ranch, garage, porch, dining room, son's garage, son's basement, other son's garage . . . . and it's all in one million boxes marked miscellanous. As soon as we completely evacuate (Sunday) and our newly poured driveway is given the okay - I am planning a series of garage sales. I think my plan is to pull out layer by layer and mark it the night before and just take any offer until I have enough room for a plan. I hope to at least sit on my couch by October! You are wonder woman - great job!!!!!
Ann Marie
you'll get the drive and ambition! It just takes walking through a pile of crap over and over and over again to give you a virtual slap across the head. I had six loads of laundry that needed to be folded when I tackled this, it wasn't something I needed to do, but I had enough! Good luck with all of your stuff!! You'll get there.
Make sections for prices with signs and it'll go quickly "Everything here is a dollar! Everything here is .25!" We did that last time and it saved us from big headaches. I'm glad you brought this up cause I forgot about it and will use it when I do my sale. 😉
[email protected] Stroll Thru Life
I just did the garage, I don''t have a basement. Sure wish I did. I still have tons of paperwork to take and have shredded. Then it will be much better. YOurs looks amazing. You did good. Hugs, Marty
Ann Marie
nice job, Marty! The garage is tough. I'm glad we have a basement but I never really used it because there was too much stuff! Now maybe we can appreciate it more. 🙂
Thanks for the sweet compliments and the comment. A big hug back to you, Marty!