Decluttering.  For some reason I really like the sound of the word and I do like the process, but it can become overwhelming.

Case in point.  This is my utensil drawer.  Can I just say:  Tip.of.the.Iceberg!

I have been threatening to declutter my entire house for the past two years and have yet to make any progress.  Actually that’s not true, I did declutter under my bathroom sink :-).  Last year.

Up until today in this 31 day challenge, I’ve been dealing with areas of my life that I consider maintenance.  What I mean is they are all areas where I need to do a little each day to achieve results and do those things every day for the rest of my life.  Decluttering is part one time activity and part maintenance.  The maintenance, however, maybe only has to happen on an annual or biannual basis.

We’ve lived in our house for 22 years and in that time we’ve managed to fill every nook and cranny with stuff.  I’d like to say that I’m not sure how it happens, but I’d be lying.  As I’ve run out of space for my stuff, it gets hidden and when I need that “hammer” and can’t find it quickly and easily, I run to the store to buy another one.  Pretty soon I discover that I have five hammers and feel rather silly.

So…  my plan is to spend however long it takes decluttering my home.  This includes the garage.  I’m going to work a little every day to not become overwhelmed and then book a day each month into my schedule to check previously decluttered areas.

This is an area I struggle with (as a self-confessed pack rat), so I would love to hear any thoughts and ideas you might have?

“We’ll hang out here while you declutter, but let’s be completely clear.  We don’t declutter bones, tennis balls, leashes, kibble, treats or anything dog-related, right?”