Did my Life get too Cluttered?
Blog Note: I have severely disappointed one of my readers, maybe more and I am sorry. I started this declutter challenge back in Jan., 2011. We had 3 months worth of prizes added to the pile and a nice group of readers jumped on board and participated enthusiastically. Then my life took over (one kid graduating high school out of state plus open house, one graduating college, sick mom, another kid moved out, high school senior went to college, 2 kids got licences, a wedding, a bridal shower, yada-yada-yada! ) Anywho, I let the ball drop on this and I am sorry! Especially to my dear reader who is upset with me. But the challenge isn’t ruined yet…we have this month to get caught up!
So Let’s Catch up!
Anyway the deal was, you were supposed to declutter one item everyday for 365 days. Then you were supposed to give your input every month into how you were doing as your entry and I would add a prize to the pile each month. You guys did an awesome job of commenting in the first three months.
Jan. 2011 172 comments
Feb. 2011 68 comments
March 2011 101 comments
Here’s a story from one of our reader’s pictures, Jen S., that she shared on her decluttering efforts this year:
Jen S. sent this shot of her Egress before her Decluttering Efforts
Here’s Jen S. Egress after Decluttering! Amazing Right?
THE PRIZES!
The prize pile has the following items in it so far:
- $25 Pier One Gift Card (February addition to the Pile of Prizes)
- The $70 Grey Serena William Purse featured in our giveaway (March Addition)
So here’s the deal, this was supposed to be the last month and you were supposed to have 9 months of commenting. Also, I was supposed to add 9 more prizes to the pile. Okay here’s the Newest prizes:
- April Addition: Write it Down! Camping Journal ($12.95)
- May Addition: Microfiber Hair Wrap ($5)
- June Addition: Frownies pH-Balancing Complexion Wash and Rose Water Hydrator Spray ($20)
- July Addition: Latika Natural Soap: Handmade Darling Soaps ($20)
- August Addition: Faux Diamond Ring ($10)
- September Addition: 2 tubes of Motives lipstick by Lauren Ridinger ($44 retail)
- October Addition: Elf Nailpolish–5 Colors ($20)
- November Addition: Elf Eye Shadow –Multi Palette ($15)
- December Addition: Organic Shea Butter Soap ($5)
- January Additon: Juice Beauty Green Apple Hydration Mask ($10)
TOTAL: $252 in Prizes to be Won!!
Answer these 9 Decluttering questions in the Rafflecopter and we’ll find our De-cluttering Champion!
NEWCOMERS WELCOME!
Interested in joining the challenge, just fill out the remaining comments in the Rafflecopter below to jump in. While you missed your first three entries–you still can claim nine entries! Will you join us?
THE GIVEAWAY: Ends 11:59 January 23.
UPDATE: The Declutter Challenge Giveaway has ended. The Rafflecopter had 873 entries and has been deleted. Thank you for being part of this event for the entire year. See Giveaway Winners.
Blog Note: Some of these giveaways items were previously provided for review purposes. This post was not compensated and the giveaway was strictly as a fun event for interaction with readers!
My biggest challenge is letting go of things that I know I don’t need.
I probably got rid of way more than that. I finally decided that I was not keeping anymore of my daughter’s old clothes for other people, who may or may not take them. So a giant UHaul box full of clothes up to 5T got donated, baby toys & my older son’s toys that he was finally able to let go of. A lot of things from when my mom passed and I couldn’t bear to throw anything away. I just had to let it go; It wasn’t important and was just holding me down.
Who stands in my way? A lot of times it’s me. I just don’t feel like it, or I have other things to do.
What’s the biggest factor that makes you KEEP something versus throwing it OUT?
Usability. If I feel that I will use that item in the next year, I keep it. The problem is that I hate throwing things out if they are in usable condition, so I will keep things FOR other people if I think they would want it & I make box/bag piles for Goodwill. The problem is getting it there and not letting it sit in my house…
How do you motivate yourself to declutter? A continuous stream of coffee? Impending guests? I would have to say that, for me, I need to have some uninterrupted time, some strong coffee, and a clear goal like being able to actually use my sewing room!
My tip is: Take a deep breath and pick one area you want to declutter. Work in that ONE AREA ONLY until it is finished. It is much less overwhelming if you take small bites out of a big job and when you finish that area, you will have that sense of accomplishment that spurs you on to do more.
Who is the person(s) who cause clutter in your house? It is still pretty cluttered from moving, but I would say that my husband is the biggest clutter bug. He is a completely unorganized person besides being one of those people who will get something out, set it down somewhere, & forget about it. He seems to also have tunnel vision 😉
My favorite decluttering tip is to make sort things by room or area. That way you save trips back and forth which can lead to distractions and keep you from finishing the job!
If you bring a new item in your house, an old one must go.
The Den is our clutter hotspot. It’s where everyone hangs out, plays with toys or board games, Wii, watches TV. It’s where my daughter gets her long hair brushed out after her bath. It’s where we read books and have snacks and where I give myself manicures while watching movies. All of this stuff gets scattered, piled, placed all over the bookshelves, mantle, entertainment center, chests, etc. until I clear it all up. I need a system!
It’s not my cat…. must be ME
pick up every night before you go to bed
i don;t think i got rid of 365 things this year, but i did recycle more than 365 things so does that count?
i am the one who stands in my way when it comes to decluttering..i am so busy that i get home late and just never get to it…
i am not sure if i have one factor for items i keep, i keep mail magazines i have not read yet, and items i can give away instead of throw away
I got rid of way more than 365 things this year. We have been cleaning out the garage and two sheds along with the house.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I stand in my own way
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
i motivate myself with each room i finish i can sit and work on the computer for 15 min, then i go to the next room…
sideboard, because I keep piling stuff on it.
A lot of what I have in storage is sentimental in that it belonged to my sister who passed away years ago or my mom or dad. I keep those since they are irreplaceable. Other things I keep because I feel I will use them again.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com