New Posts  All Forums:
 

Decluttering and organizing resources

post #1 of 6
Thread Starter 
My dh is begging me to declutter our home.

Where to begin? Where to begin?

Does anyone have any book or website recommendations to help get started? Maybe there's an inspiring blog or two out there?

Any guidance is appreciated!

I will also read through the threads here on MDC to look for inspiration!
post #2 of 6
a lot of people on this board like the book, "it's all too much," by peter walsh. i've never read it, but you can get a lot of his ideas by googling his name. i think he does a tv show, too.

i love the apartment therapy home cure. i got the book used and i've done the cure (or parts of it) a few times. apartmenttherapy.com is awesome for general home decor inspiration, or you can sign up to do the eight-week with the online community in the fall. it's a combination of decluttering, cleaning, repairs and decorating.

motivation / encouragement to declutter:
http://squalorsurvivors.com/
http://www.messies.com/
http://www.messies.com/

inspiration to make your house awesome:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chezlar...7603439433970/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/happyja...7622958743825/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22554961@N00/sets/1791645/
post #3 of 6
post #4 of 6
Thread Starter 
Thanks, doubledutch -- I've got "It's All Too Much" on hold at the library.
post #5 of 6
"Clear your clutter with Feng Shui" by Karen Kingston
"Making Peace with the THings in your life" by Cindy Glovinsky
"Compulsive Hoarding and Acquiring. Workbook" Steketee and Frost
post #6 of 6
What has been working for me is taking it just one tiny thing at a time. I started with one closet. Then, the room that the closet was in. I try to find tips that keep me from getting overwhelmed.

Also, realizing it is a continuous process. I try to grab 2-3 things from each drawer/cabinet on those "donate to vets" days. I did this a lot and had a garage sale early summer.

Next time you are cooking, look in that kitchen drawer with gadgets. Don't you think you could find a few things you never use? Grab them right away, and throw them in the donate bag.

I keep "donate" bags in several areas (laundry room & closets). That way, the first time I see something is too small, it doesn't go back into our space, it goes right into the donate bag.

I also had to get more honest with myself. And reading these mdc threads helps a lot. I struggle with frugality (I could use this someday for free!) vs. wanting to have a designated space for all of our things. Yes, I have thrown away a couple things I wanted later. I decided that is a small price to pay for the simplicity and peace of getting this house in order.

When it becomes too much, I go back to that original space that is clutter free and organized. It feels so nice in there! Once it is clean and organized, it is easier to keep it that way. Yes, it is continuous, but it is a much smaller job.