I’m going to be really honest with you here — one area I struggle to find balance is in the area of CLUTTER. I’m a “messie” by nature, and I like to surround myself with items from my past and books and all kinds of things to inspire me….and inspire my creativity!
But….
Sometimes, the clutter invades my sanity.
It makes me feel crazy. Especially with clutter from five people and a dog!
I’m working my way through two books I highly recommend: From Clutter to Clarity: Simplifying Life from the Inside Out by Nancy Twig and Organized Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach to Intentional Living by Tsh Oxenreider.
I absolutely love Ms Twig’s definition of clutter:
Clutter is “anything that complicates your life and prevents you from living in peace as you live out your purpose.”
I’ve got too much clutter.
(Can you see my embarrassment as I show you this picture?!! 
)
The thing I love most about From Clutter to Clarity is that she highlights clutter in its various forms — not just material clutter, but financial, technological, time management, and more. It also looks at clutter from a Christian perspective:
“The more we stay focused on the junk of this life, the less time and energy we have to focus on the important matters –God and His plans for our lives.”
I want margin. I want freedom. I don’t want to feel like I’m suffocating from all of the stuff I have to manage.
So. I’m cleaning out room by room.
I’m inviting you to join me. I think I’ll even make it a 30 Day Challenge!
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When I look at the house as a whole, I get overwhelmed, so I’m breaking it down into manageable pieces! This week, I’m focusing on the living areas of our home. The living room, school room, and office are getting makeovers.
Here’s my plan of attack:
1) Have three containers in the room I’m working on. One for trash. One for recycling. One for items to give away or garage sale items.
2) Work on one room until I finish. Break this into as many small chunks of time as I need to not be overwhelmed. (I have this tendency to start in one room, get tired of it, and move to the next thing without finishing. Yes. I am that person sometimes!!)
3) Ask myself hard questions: Why am I keeping this? Does this contribute to my (or my family’s) purpose? Is it really necessary?
If you want to take part, just leave a comment. Let me know what you plan to work on this week!
And if anyone is up to providing moral support, I’m going to need it…
You can read about Week 2 here.
You can find Week 3 here.
You can find Week 4 here.
You can find the garage sale post here.
Find out what I learned by clearing the clutter here.
Moral support might be the best I can do right now. 🙂 All I can seem to do at the moment is acquire more things that I just must have for…er…not…homeschooling.
Ha..ha…that’s another area of clutter! I’m finally coming to the point that I can see that I can never possibly use all this “teaching” stuff I have — and the more we homeschool, the less “traditional school”-ish it becomes!!
Are you planning to homeschool?
Moral support might be the best I can do right now. 🙂 All I can seem to do at the moment is acquire more things that I just must have for…er…not…homeschooling.
Ha..ha…that’s another area of clutter! I’m finally coming to the point that I can see that I can never possibly use all this “teaching” stuff I have — and the more we homeschool, the less “traditional school”-ish it becomes!!
Are you planning to homeschool?
I just found your blog and am really enjoying it!! As a mom to 5 daughters, soon to be 6, and also a homeschooler, I just started a blog about simplifying, organizing and economizing. I try to post “20 minute challenges” weekly to help organize different areas of my home each week. I thought you might have fun with it, and it might not be so overwhelming:) I’m looking forward to following your 30 day challenge.
That is great, Elaine!! I signed up — and look forward to your updates! If you ever want to guest post, let me know!
I just found your blog and am really enjoying it!! As a mom to 5 daughters, soon to be 6, and also a homeschooler, I just started a blog about simplifying, organizing and economizing. I try to post “20 minute challenges” weekly to help organize different areas of my home each week. I thought you might have fun with it, and it might not be so overwhelming:) I’m looking forward to following your 30 day challenge.
That is great, Elaine!! I signed up — and look forward to your updates! If you ever want to guest post, let me know!
You are NOT alone! We have been trying to declutter our home as well….and I got to say it is not an easy task! With two small children and a newborn, it is so hard to tackle the entire house. We have been going room by room, but we just get frustrated/bored/overwhelmed and move to the other. We will be following you along to get some tips and some encouragement too!
Yay!! Thank you! I’m so glad not to be going alone.
Look at you…decluttering with a newborn!! Praying you stick with it!! That would be difficult!
I must say, I have one room finished and it feels very freeing! 🙂
You are NOT alone! We have been trying to declutter our home as well….and I got to say it is not an easy task! With two small children and a newborn, it is so hard to tackle the entire house. We have been going room by room, but we just get frustrated/bored/overwhelmed and move to the other. We will be following you along to get some tips and some encouragement too!
Yay!! Thank you! I’m so glad not to be going alone.
Look at you…decluttering with a newborn!! Praying you stick with it!! That would be difficult!
I must say, I have one room finished and it feels very freeing! 🙂
you had a link awhile back, where you could print off a weekly housekeeping chart, after your house was cleaned, to keep up on it. I looked back on your site and cannot find it. Wish I would have printed it off. Does any of this ring a bell? If so, can you tell me where to find that list? Thanks. I was living in Winfield when I found your blog. I am in Topeka now, but I have a daughter that lives in Winfield. I enjoy your blog and helpful ways to save money.
Hi, Robin! Thanks so much for following my blog. It’s so encouraging when someone comments and lets me know!
I’m not sure if you were thinking of the paid planner you print off? It’s at https://www.motherhoodonadime.com/one-way-i-stay-organized-motivated-moms-planner/
I also shared a planner from Time Warp Wife here — https://www.motherhoodonadime.com/deals/free-printable-daily-housekeeping-schedule/
Hopefully, it is one of these?!! Let me know if not!