[TwinMom]

I have been creating new habits for myself, like making the bed or not leaving clean but unfolded laundry overnight. My current one is the habit of donating a dozen items a day to charity. My house is looking wonderful! It's finally taking hold as a habit, I almost forgot to do it yesterday but had to get up from nursing the toddler to do it so that I could finally relax!

 

[wifty]

That sounds like a great habit!<br><br>
How will you know when you are done though? Will you have to start buying more stuff just to have things to give away? LOL<br><br>
Seriously, I am working on something similar.....at least until we move next month.<br><br>
with smiles,<br>
rebecca

 

[TwinMom]

I'll know I'm done when I feel at peace in my house, when everything I see is useful or loved. I am having a hard time already with not donating things "just because." For instance, I have a set of Corelware dishes in my kitchen that I haven't used in at least ten years, but I have plenty of storage room for them. I didn't even realize I had them; they're up on a top shelf that requires me to stand on a chair to reach. So do I donate them because I haven't used them? Or can they stay longer in case I want to use them this summer for outdoorware? If I had known they were there I would have been using them all along for outdoors, I always worry that someone will break my Fiestaware on the patio tiles.

 

[wifty]

I would take them down and use them then. If at the end of the summer, you still haven't used them, then they can be something you donate then.<br><br>
I worry about feeling at peace with my house. I pretty much feel that way, and yet I can see that it is cluttered and really starting to affect my hubby. I guess I can donate til HE feels at peace. <br><br>
with smiles,<br>
rebecca

 

[Isaac'sMa]

I LOVE this idea! You have inspired me!

 

[marybethorama]

I'm going to do one last big binge before the summer.<br><br>
DH is WAH this summer and he'd freak if he saw me taking stuff out <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol"><br><br>
But trust me once it's gone he'll never know. He couldn't in a million years identify the stuff I got rid of.

 

[tschifo]

That's a great idea! We had a plumber over on Tuesday. He took a look around our living room, and said "I think you've outgrown this place!" <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol"><br><br>
Guess it's time to de-clutter! I'm going to start with some books we have piled up in the bottom of our entry closet.

 

[my2girlz]

I do something similar as well. Every morning I grab a Target sized bag and fill it with stuff to get rid of by the end of the day.