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!
I have to honestly say that I did get rid of 365 things this year. I made sure to get rid of one thing a day, even if it was something simple like a book I already read multiple times or even clothes. Freecycle is great for that!
The person who stands in my way from decluttering would be everyone in my house, including me. I am not motivated some days, other days there’s my husband’s stuff and I don’t want to touch it and get rid of something he wants, other days it’s my 4 yr. old son because I want to spend time with him and then other days it’s my 15 yr. old niece and 13 yr. old nephew that live with us now because they need constant redirection.
I cause the most clutter. I am also do majority of the clean up. My 5 year old doesn’t get it! We put away toys daily…however, there is still clutter!
The biggest reason why I keep something instead of throwing it out is normally sentimental value.
The way I motivate myself to declutter is to think how I feel when I am clutter free, I have a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.
Storing bedding:
I fold my fitted, flat and pillow case nicely and put into second pillow case. It makes storing easier and no worry needed in finding matching sheets!
My tip is to get bins and label them. Most people say clear bins are best. I don’t think so. I hate to see everything in the box staring out at me…lol So I choose colored boxes and bins.
The person who causes the biggest clutter is actually a tie between me and my husband. I do crafts a lot, my clutter is contained in my workspace. He leaves mail and bills all over the computer area.
Favorite decluttering tip is to starts low. Trying to tackle everything all at once is overwhelming.
my master bedroom closet is aweful!I use it as storage, but it needs to have cubicles, shelves and baskets put into for order!
Our biggest hotspot was our basement because we never really went down there except to do laundry. Now it’s our “computer” area.
My blogging table that I use to keep track of things is cluttered. I spent the day organizing everything in cubbies. Now, I am back on track. Taking one day to do this feels good!
Actually I have more updates….we had that basement finished off. We now have a full bathroom, bedroom and laundry room. Well, the laundry room is the same as it was before, we ran out of time and money to finish it…but the rest is nice:)
That was our biggest decluttering challenge.
my garage, which my parents keep bringing more stuff into! Ugh!
I actually did pretty well. Not 365. But, I did donate several bags of clothing/household stuff to Purple Heart on two occasions…and I did package up quite a good bit of “stuff” (review items & giveaway winnings) to donate to people in need (twice). And, I’ve thrown away a good bit of stuff when I go on my post-Hoarders cleaning sprees.
I feel like I need to do it again, though. LOL.
No one. Just me. Well, sometimes Walt. He likes to “save/collect” things. Good Lord.
Sentimental value. I try to imagine if, say, 10 years from now, how I would feel if I came across a specific object in a drawer or closet. Would I go, OMG…wow, I can’t believe I have this…remember when…etc.? Or, would I go, “Are you freaking kidding me? WHY did I save this?” Keep vs. discard.
Unfortunately, I’m pretty sentimental.
My best motivation? Watching Hoarders. True story.
No one should take advice from me. Although, I do try to do this and it helps: Laundry? Fold it immediately and then put it away immediately. And, I never go upstairs or downstairs without taking something that should be put back in its place. My motto: “Don’t waste a trip.”
Um. Me.