I am going insane. We live in the second floor of a beautiful Victorian house. The rooms are big and the closets are narrow but deep. There are three total- a coat closet and two bedroom closets. We have a few things in the basement but not much.

We’ve got a serious stuff vs space issue going on. Everywhere I look, there are piles of things that don’t have homes. Or piles of things that don’t have homes but are in pretty baskets. I feel like I’m drowning and I’m tired of it. I loathe the clutter.

So I’m going to do something about it. I’m going to wage a war against the clutter. I am going to make cut throat decisions about what stays and what goes. Nothing is safe. Toys, books, towels, shoes, coffee mugs – everyday life stuff is all FAIR GAME. And I’m going to take you along for the ride with me.

The rules are simple. I’ve thought long and hard about them. These are the things I am going to keep in mind as I purge.

Waging War On Clutter

If I follow these guidelines, I think I will really be able to whittle down our clutter pockets and find the things we actually use, need, or love. I know it isn’t going to be easy. And there are certainly going to be some exceptions made- especially in the sentimental value category. I know Mike and I are both going to keep a few things that fit in to the “we’re just going to keep it forever” area. But so be it, as long as most things go!

I think the hardest area to tackle is going to be Malone’s toys. I’ll have to go through those when he’s not around. He’s got a bunch of things he will not noticeif they go missing. But if I try to move them on while he’s around we’ll have a nuclear level disaster.  I’m learning though, he plays more when he has less.

The other tough area is going to be my clothing. I’m 33 weeks pregnant and know that in a few months I’ll be in that weird stage again where nothing fits right. Plus, I’ve got an entire tote full of things I’m waiting to lose enough weight to fit into from my first pregnancy over 4 years ago. Some of those pieces are timeless and things I really love. But what are the chances at this point? Also, those maternity shirts hanging in my closet that I think are too ugly to see daylight (because they are not my style) aren’t doing me any favors. Time for them to go to someone who WILL appreciate them!

I’m going to try to post a weekly update with my progress and be brave with before and after pictures.

Rome wasn’t conquered in a day, and neither will my cluttered house. But I am going to start small and stay focused on the area I’m working in.

Are you brave enough to join me? What is your biggest clutter issue? I’d love to know more in the comments!