Holding Back

Almost exactly three weeks from today my big plan goes into action, and I find myself wandering through my apartment and wanting to sort things, organize things, and get rid of things now. I guess making the plan and setting the rules has kicked me into "hyper-nesting" mode. Today was really tough, as I had the day off from work and spent the time cleaning and decorating for Christmas. I actually had to keep reminding myself that I am going to need to keep some stuff to get rid of during 2009, or I'll be left with nothing by the time my plan commences! I never thought I'd be telling myself not to give in to the urge to purge. :)
I just hope the desire to organize lasts at least another 3 weeks so I can get started with a bang.

The plan, first draft

So, here's the plan (or at least what I have so far):

Part 1: Every day during 2009, I will get rid of one item. Maybe something small, like a plastic spoon or a scrap of fabric. Maybe something large, like an appliance or a piece of furniture. Maybe something in between, like a DVD or a frying pan. It may be something I set aside to donate to the library (books, CDs, DVDs) or to Goodwill or the Rescue Mission (clothing and shoes). It may be something I give away to a friend or family member (re-gifting all year long). It may be something I just throw away.

Part 2: For every thing that I purchase (or otherwise acquire) during 2009, I will get rid of something. (i.e. if I go to Barnes and Noble and buy 3 books, I will get rid of 3 extra things that day).

Part 3: Consumables don't count (i.e. food, candles, personal hygiene, makeup, hair color, shampoo, paper products, etc....), but no more stocking up on TONS of said consumables. I will allow myself to have one back-up for each being used, and that's it.

Part 4: I'll keep a running list here. This is mainly to keep myself accountable and honest in my quest for less STUFF. It's also so I have a record of what I've gotten rid of as the year progresses.

If all goes as planned, at the end of 2009, I will be down 365 items. Here's hoping....

It's the simple things

Anyone who knows me well knows that I am a well-organized person trapped in a world of clutter and stuff. A lot of clutter and a lot of stuff! As I wandered through my apartment the other day, I decided I need to become a bit less cluttered. So, I set to organizing and arranging and sorting. Before too long I was completely overwhelmed and ready to give the mess up to the fates. Rather than just quitting, I decided the only way to effectively sort through the mess was to make the mess smaller. The only way to make the mess smaller was to get rid of some of the stuff. And the only way to do that was SLOWLY. In short, I needed a plan.

As I am very good at planning, I decided to go about the organization of my life in an orderly manner. As I am also very good at setting plans aside, procrastinating and letting good ides go by the wayside, I decided to make my plan very public. This way I make sure I am accountable and organized. Plus, I have been looking for a reason to get into the blogging world, and this is as good an idea as any (and better than some I have seen out there....).

Throughout the next few weeks I will be finalizing my plan for the reorganization and simplification of my life and my living space. Then, beginning on January 1, 2009, I will get down to the daunting task of putting that plan into action.

Stay tuned for more details....