This last week I have busy tidying and clearing and shredding! Inspired by the following book that seems to be the rage at the moment and that everyone is talking about and perhaps with good reason! At least for me it is the only book out of the many on similar topics I have bought that I have sat down and read from cover to cover. Some of it is a bit 'raise your eyebrows' at, but on a whole it makes perfect sense and although I can't start in earnest until I get back from New Zealand, I am applying her techniques to my 'getting the house ready before I go'. It is quite simple really. When looking at each item you have, you just need to ask yourself 'Does this bring me joy?' Most of my stuff has just bringing me stress as I try and work out where to store it! So this is somewhat of a simple but effective process.
In the last week I have filled the paper bin and have four extra bags full of papers for the paper recycling bin. I have four black bin bags full of shredded paper - was it working in the bank and insurance industry all those years ago that has made me feel the need to hang on to papers that really are not needed and just taking up unnecessary space? I mean why hang on to insurance and registration papers for a car that was scrapped several years ago??
The kerbside charity bag collection collected five bags of clothes and linens the other day - and popped a thank you note through the door. That was a first and a very nice token, makes you more inclined to do so again.
A boot load of books, bags, toys and some soft toys and dolls went to the charity shop this afternoon.
It feels good! I estimate though that when I get back and start this in earnest it is going to take a couple of months at least as I also want to go through the loft and do the same.
I have been refolding clothes in the drawers and the result is - the fit in better, you can see at a glance exactly what you have and what colours are there - for example my scarf drawer. My husband has never seen his clothes in his drawers so neat and tidy...I wonder if he will be able to keep them that way. I did discover though that he has over 40 pairs of socks! I mean is that REALLY necessary?! Of course it is not up to me to throw any out, but I pointed out that it really is rather OTT.
By doing this clearing, already the load feels lighter, even though I know I have a long way to go...after all, there is about six years of me not really getting anything done - sure there have been attempts but I have always ended up failing! This time I don't think I will.
I did bring something into the house today - but at £1.99 I was not going to walk away from a wool winder and some gorgeous soft alpaca wool. I knit a lot, so this will be really useful.
I had a wool winder in NZ but it was sold along with my knitting machine and I have always wished I had kept it, so was very pleased to see this today. It will certainly be put to use as I have a couple of balls of yarn that are no longer balls, due to Percy having a bit of fun with them!
A lovely rich colour, I already have plans for this.
