I hope you don’t have my habit. When the house is full (guests) and the calendar is crowded (events) I make stacks and cram things into cabinets and closets. At first, it’s bearable. After several months of full and crowded, it’s nauseating.
I’m sick of stuff.
Yea, my house looks neat but the storage areas should be labeled: Danger Zone. You probably wouldn’t get ill if you stepped inside (because you aren’t responsible for the mess.) You might get hurt though.
My symptoms began in my closet. One morning I tripped over my camera bag and tripod while grabbing a pair of jeans. The first annoyance was easy to ignore—and the second. Before long, the sick feeling came often and in lots of locations.
While unloading the dishwasher, does your stomach hurt when you see there’s no cabinet space for all those cups? Have you gripped your husband’s shirt tight when the ironing board you need now holds stacks of homeless stuff?
Neat was deceptive, simply an illusion. I’m on a quest for true order.
That’s right. I’m sick of stuff. Soon it will be gone. I’m sorting through everything.
My daughter told me on the phone this week, “Mom, you do that every six months.”
Nope. Rearranging and tidying isn’t enough. This time is different. I’m not just tossing the junk, I’m getting rid of good stuff. I’m annihilating my excess.
I want less. I want items I use accessible and convenient. Even things too good to get rid of will soon be out-the-door. No more stumbling over surplus.
What will I do with my stuff? Meet me here in a week (or so) and I’ll share my plan. I think it’s brilliant; maybe you will too. 🙂
Top photo: My downstairs desk in need of attention. Bottom photo: My upstairs desk—near the closet where my symptoms and de-cluttering began. Which desk would you rather use?
The Power of One Hour 