Sometime in the weeks following Christmas, my house became a disaster. There was WAY to much stuff, EVERYWHERE. Then, as my son’s birthday started to approach, after holiday review items were being delivered, and we started to prepare Lu’s room for a “big girl” bed, my house became overwhelming. There were too many things taking up too much space and that space began to take over my head. Chaos was taking over and accomplishing even the tiniest tasks were slowing becoming impossible.
Now here is where I need to make a confession – I have a bit of a hoarding problem. Ok, so not like real hoarding. At least not the kind you see on TV. I am not keeping rotten pumpkins from last fall, but I do have a tendency to hold on things way past the point of necessity. The items can be either sentimental in nature (like the paper “graduation” cap from Eph’s preschool graduation) or the 400 paper clips from my days of having a desk. Regardless, they are taking over my home (and garage).
Recently, I became very convicted and realized that I really needed to start shedding some of the stuff taking over my life so that I could find order in the chaos. I have spent the last few days, cleaning, cleaning cleaning. I have filled boxes of items to give to friends and for donation. I have thrown bag after bag of “trash” out. I have cleaned corners and closets and it feels really good.
Letting go of tiny sticky notes and broken toys has been rejuvenating. I still have a long way to go, but there is finally light at the end of the tunnel. I am finally banishing the chaos from my home. I am lightening my load and I am feeling better.
Here are some before and after pictures from the kids rooms:
What are some items you need to rid your home of? What makes it so hard to get rid of things? 
Those rooms look great! I tend to keep too much stuff and we have a small house. I am taking boxes to charities and trying to get a hold of this problem. I’m not a hoarder- wow some of those shows are really something, but I always feel like I’ll need something later. Good luck with your chaos!
Oh my gosh, your daughter’s room is so stinkin’ cute. You did a great job of cleaning up! I need to go through paper, mail, bills, etc. It just keeps piling up because I think I might need it or use it. Like a really need coupons that expired last year.
Well, I’m still living with my parents. I’ve gone through and thrown away pretty much all of my old clutter from my childhood days. I’d say the thing that we have the most problem with is papers. Normally if we’re going to entertain people, we’ll just throw all of the different pieces of mail into a big bag, and stuff it somewhere. I’d dare to say that we have 3 trashbags worth of old mail, from as long ago as a decade. I’d LOVE to go through and get rid of them, but it’s really more of a job for my mom since it’s all of their old financial stuff. I try to motivate her into doing it, but she just never feels like it.
Wow! Awesome job. I did dig out a bit after my last post, but sick kids keep throwing a wrench in things. We’re finally headed to the doctor today. this is inspiring, though!