Letting Go of Shoes is Just Hard Work

Spring cleaning time is a myth (for me). Cleaning should be done everyday, but also almost never. It should be so routine that it's easy. But forming that habit is hard.  I don't like cleaning and organizing; but, I do like my home clean and organized. So I work hard for great results.

First, I form the habit. Every week I'm going to Goodwill because I find something that I no longer need.  During the week I set anything aside in the "out box." It's a clear box that's not really noticeable.  Also, it doesn't necessarily mean I'm getting rid of the item. The box means I should think about if I really need it. Most of the time I will keep it. By the end of the week I'll decide if it goes in the car to go to goodwill or if I just put it back.  It's not a lot of stuff every week but the habit is strong.

 Last week I donated a pair of REALLY cute brown 4 inch heels and it made me sad. They were so pretty but in the end it was the right choice to let them go. (I finally admitted they were hard to walk in and never really wore them.)


Here are some tips on decluttering:

• Make organizing a routine 

It's kind of like exercise, if I don't go this week I'll be less motivated to go next week.

•  Organize as you are cleaning or clean as you are organizing 

I like to clean as I go because then I see the progress. I see what space I have to work with as things are getting moved around.  You might see areas differently as you move items around.

• Organizing is one step at a time

Don't focus on the next room, have complete focus on what you are doing at that moment.

• There is no failure, just more learning 

Try something new.  Fashion, cooking, organizing. If it doesn't work, start over and try again.