How many times in this “coming clean” process has this happened? I put off dealing with a disaster area for . . . let’s just say . . . . a very long time, only to have it take 10 minutes to actually clean it up once I decide to do it.
Yesterday, I wrote about the idea I’ve been contemplating to get rid of this dresser that is in our office/gameroom. It seems to serve no purpose other than to collect clutter.
I decided today to clear it off, and see what was really on it. I made piles for each of the different rooms that things needed to go to. There were piles for every member of the family. Evidently, we all dump things here.
A big foam dart, school party favors (from Christmas), LOTS of pens, etc, made up the clutter. Turns out, the only things I decided to leave on it was the stamps and a coach’s book. One of my decluttering questions is “Where would I look if I needed this?” For those two items, the answer is this dresser.
In the end, I left those two things, some Kleenex, and the decorative items that I had put on the dresser at some point in the past. I’m not crazy about any decorative value though, so I’m thinking that I would be okay with removing the dresser altogether.
And in case you’re wondering, that’s my tap floor behind the dresser. Not pretty, but I’m having a blast tapping, so it’s totally worth it to me.
Also, MJ pointed out in a comment yesterday that the clutter would probably find another place to go. I definitely agree that this is true. However, because all of the stuff that seems to end up here is totally pointless clutter, I really think it would go to a mix of places, rather than make another identical pile somewhere else. I may be delusional (I do have a history of that when it comes to organization) but I really feel like that’s true. This isn’t my paper clutter spot, since it’s not where the mail comes in. And since putting together the portable file box, the paper clutter has diminished greatly.
There are a LOT of things I've put off that turn out to take just 5-15 minutes. I thought about doing that with the dishes tonight, but I not only did them, I swept the floor, too, since I had mopped it last night. And, yes, there was more dirt on the floor – darn if I know where it all comes from, but it was there.
I think the stress of procrastination is much worse than just doing the task involved.
Aw, I got a mention in a full-on post! I'm so flattered. I totally hear you on different places for that clutter. That's what happened with us when we moved… less clutter, different clutter, but still clutter. There is an undeniable magnetism to the flat surface nearest the door, it seems. At least in my house:( I'm going to check out your portable file box post. I need to tame this paper clutter monster!
Wow I just found your blog through a Tackle it Tuesday link! You sound just like me!! I am so trying to get my house decluttered and organized and not be a slob anymore! (: I will be visiting more often. If you want, you can visit my blog at http://wwwmartha-wannabe.blogspot.com
Great job, that happens in our home constantly.
With 7 kids, it seems like neverending clutter is the story of my life. I stay so stressed out when the house is messy. I'm not able to be the wife/mother I need to be. It's all too easy for me to overlook the toys and books on the floor, schoolwork scattered on the tables (we homeschool), dirty dishes in the sink and on the counter, newspapers scattered about, etc. I know the most of these jobs only take a few minutes, but the procrastinator inside of me says I will do it take… only for later to never come. This week, I have started doing the dishes before I go to bed. As you say often, for most people that is the norm. For me, it is a major accomplishment.
I get that! I rarely get the dishes done before bed, it is kind of a ritual for me to do them in the morning after my first cup of coffee and while my youngest is eating his breakfast. The clutter is ENDLESS in my house. I too have a large family (8 kiddos) and the school papers alone could bury us! I just recently implemented a filing system. I have a folder for each kiddo for THIS year (all the previous years are in boxes stored because I am too ridiculously sentimental and cannot get rid of them) and at the end of the year, the kids and I will go through them, keep what is important to THEM because they have a MUCH easier time throwing things they made out. After I get the cream of the crop, I will box up that year and start over 🙂