Downsizing....one thing at a time

 I know that we all, at the beginning of a new year and the ending of an old one, make goals for ourselves.  We all do it, whether or not we follow through with it, because it makes us feel good.  And having a goal can be very inspiring.  Even as strange and crappy as 2020 was in many respects, I still have set some goals for myself.  I like having something to work towards.  It gives me a good sense of direction.

One of my goals for this year is to downsize.  Lots of people make this goal...some succeeding, some not.  I have personally made this goal many times and have not quite achieved it.  Ah, well.  This year I decided to approach it differently.  I am not doing anything drastic like going from 8 rooms of furniture to 3 (unless it's by necessity but I don't plan on moving any time soon LOL)  This year I am going to take it one thing at a time.  One shelf.  One drawer.  One closet.  One piece of furniture.  This way I do not overwhelm myself in the beginning and simply quit out of frustration.  That does me no good.

So, I started last weekend by going through one thing at a time.  I tackled the cubbies and drawers of my secretary.  I also went through the mess that is my filing cabinet.  So many old bills and mailings that needed to be disposed of.  I went through the bookcase that has many books and most of my records on it.  I managed to get rid of several things that will go to the used bookstore.  It felt good to clear up space and have things in more of an order.  I'm actually starting to see floor space again that was once covered in piles of stuff.  Of course, some of those piles have simply moved across the room because I'm not sure exactly what to do with that stuff yet, but I will get there!

I am working my way around a room while doing this process.  I pick a starting point and then make my way around until I am back where I started.  The end result of the first time doing this may not be ideal to what my mind pictures, but it is definitely an improvement.  It is a slow process for sure but I'm totally fine with that!  As I am working my way around the room, the closet in the office is what appears to be next.  This is a big one and I am determined to not be intimidated by it.  It's crammed full of all kinds of things.  I know that if I can get through this one, I can pretty much get through anything in the house!

I will update soon to the progress of the closet.  Wish me luck. I am going to need it!