#18 Project Purge

It is my dream to have a house that is clean enough that someone could come over, unannounced, walked into any room in my house, and I would not be embarrassed.  Unfortunately, that is not the case.  Yes, I am bad at putting stuff away.  But, honestly, if I didn't have so much stuff, putting it away would be much easier.

I just got back from vacation.  Our vacation condo felt so neat and wonderful.  Why?  Because it wasn't overflowing with useless stuff.  I think my tendency to keep "junk" stems from two things.  1.)  I hate to waste.  Why get rid of something useful.  Instead, I will just keep it around until the day that I might decide I need it.  2.) I have a very strong attachment to memories.  And I feel like I will keep those memories, if I keep things that involve those memories.

Well, this is the end!  I am tired of the mess!  I am tired of the clutter!  I am tired of the embarrassment!  I am tired of my unhealthy attachment to things!  Tomorrow, I start PROJECT PURGE.  It is my mission to purge a large amount of unnecessary stuff from my home and my life.  I will go through my things and get rid of things that have no use to me now or in the very specific future (ie, Christmas).  I will sort things into catagories of trash, sell, donate, or keep.  In order to help me pare down my things, I have created a very specific list of what I am allowed to keep of certain items.  After typing it, it looks like tons of stuff still, but this way, I won't feel so overwhelmed with getting rid of things, I will actually do it.  Then, next time, maybe I can reduce the stuff even more.

*1 box of baby/child items for my future children (except books or large items such as my old rocking horse)
*1 box of strictly sentimental things
*1 box of fabric
*No more than 2 boxes of non seasonal decorations
*Gift items must fit on my gift shelf (I like to buy gifts way ahead of time, when I find the perfect thing at the perfect price)
*Craft items must fit in the craft closet
*Return borrowed items to their homes
*Get rid of books that I won't read again & aren't worth lending to others
*If I'm not using it, won't within the next year, and can easily buy a new one....it goes
*Be honest about my clothes & get rid of clothes I won't wear
*File, Shred, Or Recycle any paperwork, documents, articles, resources, or mail
*Extra stuffed animals or dolls must fit into 1 basket ( I have many of these from childhood and stuffed animals from my husband)
*I may keep 1 small box of toys for guest children to play with
*Beauty items that are not regularly used must fit in 1 box or basket under the sink
*Break down any boxes and recycle anything that can't be used for shipping packages

Here we go!