Go Shelf By Shelf

Mondays are my day to catch up on reading "Happier At Home" by Gretchen Rubin.  I'm trying to take a challenge a week and see what kind of progress I can make.

Last week, I looked around the house at my "shrines" to the things and people that are important to me...  Basically, decorating with clusters of things that have a theme.  I also started a new project for our loft - a shrine based on travel!  One piece done.  A few more to come!

This week's challenge is to go "shelf by shelf."  Basically, clear out clutter.  Funny...  I've been in the mood to do this anyway!  Yippee!

Ms. Rubin says one of her a-ha moments was realizing that "Outer order contributes to inner calm."  I so agree - even when people like to make fun of me for this!  (Admit it - you do!)  Clutter and messes just distract me from being able to relax and enjoy the moment.  So why not get rid of clutter to begin with?

I really liked her tips as she went.  Here are the ones that pertained to me:
1)  Clean as you go - check.  I kind of do that already, especially in the kitchen.  I also pick up the house before bed most nights.  (Some days our house looks like we run a preschool - and all we have is a dog!)
2)  Abandon a project - Ha ha ha ha!  All those projects you've begun, or hoped to begin, but...  Not so much?  Keep the parts you'll use and get rid of the rest!  (I need to do this...)
3)  Clear surfaces.  We do pretty well at this...  But could do better.
4)  Think about appearances - yep.  I already do that.  When I was in college, I was an RA in the dorms.  Our Hall Director pounded into our heads the idea that our rooms should always be clean, neat, and tidy so that residents are always welcome in to talk and visit.  Ever since then, I have a need to keep things ready for company...   Even though we almost never have people "just drop by"!
5)  Beware of problem objects - those that are useless, broken, saved (for no reason), pretty but not practical, tucked away and forgotten - and wouldn't be missed...  Out they go!

I plan to start going through our house again with two requirements - 1) Do we love it?  2) Do we use it?  (Anything that doesn't fit those catagories will get donated, sold, given away, or thrown out.)

How do you deal with clutter?  I'd love to know your tips!


Things I am thankful for today:

1.  Home.
2.  Pj pants.
3.  Understanding team members.
4.  Leftover chili.
5.  Wi-fi.
6.  People willing to be mentors for my youth group kids!  What a gift!
7.  A lovely comment on a blog post.
8.  Cold meds.
9.  Especially Nyquil.
10.  A cleaned out and organized freezer!

"Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."

--William Morris