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One of the downfalls of moving and unpacking was revealed to me this week when I saw the huge stack of papers that I had been collecting because I was unable to get to my file cabinet. All that changed on Sunday when I finally dug out the cabinet and started filing my papers that had been growing for about five weeks.
It is incredible to me how much paperwork comes into my home that requires me to file it, shred it or just plain throw it away. I know you know that scenario all too well. That’s why I know you’ll love the article I wrote on that very subject. Let me know if helped you or if you need me to dig even deeper for you!
The other issue that became very apparent was I moved too much stuff!
As I sat there looking at what was in the attic and attempting to create some organization of it all I couldn’t help but wonder how it possibly happened.
I mean I had the big, and I mean BIG yard sale, posted numerous items on Craig’s List for sale, gave a ton away, donated and Freecycle.org’d a bunch of stuff and threw away more than I thought I would. So what went wrong?
I mean nothing I’ve unpacked do I regret bringing with me. It’s just I still have TO MUCH STUFF!
I used the Kon Mari Method and only packed the things that brought me joy. Did I miss the boat and not actually test the joy theory before I put it in the box? Was I kidding myself into believing more brought me joy than really did?
I sat looking at what I had brought contemplating my choices.
How do I part with the possessions that created the fabric of my family and anchor me to my past? I don’t want to part with my mother’s antique drop down desk or the collection of crocheted tablecloths and napkins that my grandmother made. I don’t necessarily have any room for them, but I am acutely aware of how each of these individual pieces fit together and created my home. I love the history, and I don’t want to part with it.
For now, I am going to do nothing. And I’m not going to be shamed into believing I’ve done something that goes against my minimalistic ways. The bottom line is these objects are beloved and represent my family.
Then it hit me that sometimes it’s ok to say things do matter.
Here are some articles you might enjoy reading this weekend!
I’m a professional cleaner with over 13 years of hands-on experience cleaning homes, a published writer, certified money specialist, and the founder of A Mess Free Life. After paying off over $50,000 in debt, I dedicated myself to helping others master their homes and their money — proving that a clean, organized, stress-free life is possible no matter where you’re starting from. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me cooking, playing bocce, sipping an extra dirty martini, or enjoying the ocean with my cats nearby. I’m also a proud mom and grandma who cares deeply for my mother at home.
