Good morning afternoon! Hope your coffee is delicious.
Coffee Mug
I have been missing in action–due to life. Sound familiar? The biggest project for me (and my siblings) has been helping to organize and pack my parents’ belongings (actually, a fraction of them), to move from their current home to a new one. The new home is in a city they know, having moved from there 32 years ago. So, it is kind of “back home”, though it is very different.
The packing, or rather, the feeling overwhelmed at the packing, had me thinking about organization; more specifically, staying on top of it all. I have no intention of bad-mouthing two of the best, kindest, most-loving people I know, but may I just say Oh, my GOODNESS! These people are everything good you could ask for, but 1/2 of them have never been organized (sorry, Daddy) and the other 1/2 (Mother), I believe, just got tired of the battle (not with him–with the stuff.)
Yes, it is genetic. At least, for me, it is. I stack and become indecisive and keep and pile until I absolutely cannot take it any more. But after seeing all that we have done and understanding what still has to be done there, I realized that this is how many of us are…Then, life happens, sometimes quickly. Health changes, jobs change, life changes–and suddenly, we have to move. Things have to be sorted, packed, painted, fixed, and sold.
Messy Table--How does this happen so fast?
If only they had stayed on top of it…If only I had stayed on top of it…
So, here’s a little advice that I am trying to give myself. If you get something from it, it’s even better:
- Pitch and purge stacks at least once a week.
- If something needs action, take it–now. Send the email; make the phone call. (That reminds me to make my hair appointment today.)
- Curb spending. Enough, already! Don’t bring it into the house if it is impulsive or just not necessary.
- Start with one closet (or one room) and go from there.
- Donate what you can. Or have a sale, if you’d rather. (You might think about giving away a part of the proceeds. It feels really good!
) - Maintain what you have. That means cleaning, painting, fixing as it comes. Budget monthly for this!
- Simplify. And be content with what you have. (Of course, I mean ME.)
Now, good luck with your mess…I’m off to organize and simplify. And maybe an afternoon cup of coffee! (Sounds a little wicked, but I’m good with it!)
Moving anybody really does inspire one to be better about “collecting” things, doesn’t it? I’m working on my messy table this afternoon. Already threw several things away and now I need to put things back in their place. It’s a big relief when it’s done, though!!!
What a great list and great advice! My parents downsized about ten years ago and my husband and I filled a giant U-Haul (took me months to then organized MY home!). I stay on top of most things but those stacks just have a way of sprouting up, don’t they?
Enjoy your coffee!
I really enjoyed your post! I have been simplifying room by room and have really enjoyed it. Thanks so much for your paint suggestions and I like the idea for the seat cushions. I hope you have a blessed and organized;) weekend.
Awesome advice! My parents downsized and it took forever to go through all their stuff…waaaay too much that collected a little at a time. You’re right, we should take a lesson or two!
Thanks for the cup of coffee! I’m reading your blog with my first cup of coffee for the day. I’m going to work on simplifying today….no school work so I can concentrate on the house. Content is a word I’m trying to learn! Thanks for the advice~
Well…it sure is something to remember for when you’re older and your kids have to help you fdownsize and move! Good for you in resolving to keep it up!
Thanks for sharing this list. It’s perfect advice for me too!