I love to talk about decluttering. Truly, I think it is a means to a better life. When I'm freer from my responsibilities of managing stuff because we have less stuff, then I am freer to play, read, parent, cook...live life!
Like everyone and their sister, I have read (and thoroughly enjoyed) Marie Kondo's book. I've used the Kon Mari method, and I have gone through my house top to bottom. I love the message about keeping only the things that spark joy. Reading it was definitely a game changer in the decluttering department, and it has helped me to put the breaks on what we bring in.
I do disagree with the part of Marie Kondo's message that you can do one big tidy of a life time and never have to do it again. With kids, I just don't see how it's possible. There is always a steady influx of stuff coming in the door. Birthdays, Christmas, school, sports, etc all come with tons of paraphernalia.
To deal, I am continuing my tradition of a big declutter in Jaunary. I started this five years ago when Laurie was born, and every January since, I go through the whole house and declutter like a crazy person. Every year gets easier because I have become better at the process, but also, I don't keep or bring in as much junk as I used to. (I sat on the decision to buy a new blender for months!) I'm careful with the real estate of my closets and cupboards.
The beginning of this month I started my de-junking Kon Mari style. But a few weeks in, I needed a fresh angle and some extra motivation. Even for me, a lover of decluttering, it has been a struggle this year. I'm just not in the mood.
So after several bloggers posted about this course (and it was on sale for $5.99), Kickstart to Clutter Free, I jumped in and here is my progress.
The goal is to get rid of 500 things.
day 1 paper: 100
day 2 master bedroom: 12
day 3 kitchen counter: 1
day 4 home office: 7
day 5 pantry: 14
total so far, 134 things
I'm loving the results! Less is so much more.
What about you? Have you drunk the Kool-aid? Do you declutter?