How much time does downsizing take? More than you think. Or maybe I’m that slow. Something I read told me to expect at least six months to get through it all. I remember that I laughed at that. Right. I’m at least two years in.
I began downsizing years ago. Clothes, toys, books. Slowly, slowly. It’s easy to get rid of the old stuff, the not-played-with stuff, the *meh* things. But let’s say you’re given one drawer. What clothes would you keep? Would you try to shove them ALL in? Or would you pick your very favorites? What about a kitchen cabinet? You know, “A”-as in ONE-kitchen cabinet? Would you keep all four sets of dishes and 34 drinking glasses?
My whole house feels like a ONE. One bathroom, one bedroom, one sofa, one cabinet. On one hand (ha–ONE hand), it is very liberating. Less stuff to clean, dust, maintain, repair, look at and trouble myself over. On the other hand, well…..it’s so hard to pare down! I admire (or, maybe, don’t believe) folks for whom decluttering is easy. Yeah, I get how easy it is. Like, “just” chip away the marble that isn’t the beautiful statue. Simple.
I’ve had some helpful people cheering me on and I’ve read some good things. Blogs abound with minimalist flavors such as http://bemorewithless.com/ and http://www.becomingminimalist.com/. I’m learning to keep my “favorite” things and let go of stuff that has “already fulfilled its purpose”. I’ve sold books on Amazon, furniture on Craig’s List, and stocked my local Goodwill. I even interviewed Bob and Erika Shupe for our next podcast. But I’m still not There yet.
How do I know this?
Because every time I walk into a room, or look at a bookcase, or cook in my kitchen, I just know. I don’t know how else to describe it. But it’s “not yet.”
One book I’ve enjoyed so far with regards to direction is The Life Changing Magic of Tidying. I like the focus. First this, then that. So far, I’ve done “this”. Now I’m on to “that”. It feels good. I can ignore the “but this” and “what about those” and “how to do these” and instead just pay attention to the one chore, the one category. It’s helpful.
What am I chasing? In the words of Joshua Becker (Clutterfree with Kids):
“less clutter in my home
less stress in my life
more time for my family
more generosity in my spending
more energy for my passions
more contentment in my heart
more gratitude in my soul
and far more opportunity to pursue things of greater worth.”
Yes, yes, again yes. I am on a journey (is that word trademarked yet?) to a lighter, more meaningful life and I trust that I will someday look around and say, “This is it”. If I’m lucky, it might take me only six more months.
Pressing on,
This is inspiring when I really needed it. Thank you! I listening to The Life changing magic of tidying up as an audio book and cleaned while listening. I just wasn’t always sure how it translated to life with children. When you went through clothing, did you do everyone’s or just your own all at once? Excited to hear the next podcast. Thanks for what you write! -Amy
Thanks, Amy. I went through my own clothing first (which was easy, I don’t have much!). Then I asked if my husband might want to participate, and he did (yay!). After that, I went through each child’s closing, beginning with the oldest. We just heaped the whole lot onto the floor (each individual’s clothing) and tackled the mountain. To finish off, we noted what was needed and then I taught each child *how* to fold (the “tidying” way) and what I expected to see when I opened a drawer or closet. I plan to buy some little chocolates and surprise neat drawers with treats 🙂
You are such a blessing! You have no idea how much! Praying for you and your family!
Thank you so much. It’s so humbling to know that others are praying for us xo
I think you are trying too hard. Take a breather and just be how you are at the moment…still cluttered! As the children get older, circumstances change, life shifts on its axis as it always does, then your downsizing will be a natural progression instead of this intensive “must downsize now” sort of attitude. It will come ..in time..or maybe never..does it really matter?
Have a hug, you have my permission not to be perfect, not to have a perfect house…who is, who does. xxxxxxxx
Not seeking perfection, just a more peaceful environment. If I don’t do it in one swoop, it will just never get done. Ask me how I know 😉 Love to you, too
Keri,
I look back at my life over the years, and when I was first married, I kept every memento that my husband gave me. When I had our first three children, I kept most of their toys, outfits, and those cherished papers! During my thirties, I kept a lot of things that were my grandparents and sister’s who passed on. Now in my late forties, I finally have reached the point that I can’t manage it. 🙂 I started several years ago with sections that I could release, like clothes, toys, and even mommy-pictures. gasp! 🙂 Then moved onto my sister’s things. And now, I can even part with my vintage and (a few!) heirlooms. I had to admit, if I really didn’t “love” it, I had to pass it on to my children or to another. I feel I still have too much, and as I am getting older, do I really need all of it? I think you are doing a fabulous job! This has taken me several years as I released what I treasured and allowed God to fill the void. I think I have come along way, but as with everything, there is room for God to work. Keep your chin up! You can do this!
By Grace Alone,
Kim
Thank you, Kim. I’m onto the books! Beloved reference books! That I….um….never really reference… 😉