No, not like the movie. Anyone that knows me, knows I LOVE a project. I am likely using it as a distraction from school or Mount Laundry that has taken over my bedroom (seriously, where are the Laundry Fairies?) It doesn’t even have to be a project for myself. I have friends that I have helped to redecorate their house by sending them links of stuff to buy online with Pinterest pictures showing them the reason I chose whatever it was. I’ve refinished my mother-in-law’s stairs. I have installed flooring and tile backsplash and repainted who knows how many times. My husband said we were going to start taking off square footage on our house because of all the layers of paint on the walls. He thinks he’s hilarious. And sometimes, I think he is too.
Previously, I watched shows like Hoarders or some of those 911 police shows because, if I’m being honest, they make me feel like I have my life together. You know, my house is sorta straight and we’re not being arrested. So, yeah, we’re a success, right? Recently, I watched a show on Netflix that is getting a lot of attention. It’s called “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.” Maybe you’ve heard of it? She even wrote a book about it. I haven’t had a chance to read it yet, but I hear good things.
Then I watched Marie Kondo’s show and wasn’t that a slap in the face. She teaches people how to get rid of things that you don’t need and organize what you have left. She even talks about how her kids love to help clean up and fold laundry. Um, what?! Can you get my house organized and reprogram my kids to like that too??
So I’m giving it a good try. I have started throwing stuff out and have taken a huge load to donation so far. Marie (we’re on a first name basis and all) says to go room by room and do the sentimental stuff last. I am not in a place to be able to touch that stuff yet, but I’m good with the rest of it.
My daughter’s room is going to be the hardest part of the entire house. She is a PACKRAT in every sense of the word. She likes Amazon boxes to make into beds for her dolls. She can’t throw anything away. I’m definitely not going to tackle that when she is at home.
I started with my closet and what a mess that was. It’s still not 100% but I’m getting there. I have a big tupperware storage container that I throw things in when I’m cleaning up. I know that’s not how Marie suggests doing it, but that’s what I’ve got at this point.
It’s amazing how good getting rid of stuff feels. There have even been studies done on how decluttering is good to fight depression. Look it up, it’s a real thing. She also talks about how removing unneeded material items can let you refocus on your inner self. It’s no secret that I try to avoid my inner self (I’m not really a fan of her), but it’s something that I am really working on, even though it is painful and ugly and reality is not always my friend.
So take a look at Marie’s method and clean out stuff. Keep the stuff that brings you joy. Get rid of anything that doesn’t make you happy — not your stubborn husband and unruly children, haha! Get a head start on your Spring cleaning. You might be surprised at how good you feel afterward.
Good Luck!
Life Inside Looking Out 