Simplify2011

Posted by beth on March 15, 2011

Part of this came from looking around my extremely messy room. I’m not kidding y’all when I tell you that there are Christmas presents still sitting on the floor. Part of it came from cleaning up the kitchen the other day and seeing how amazing it looks without so much stuff everywhere. Seriously, every time I go in there now, I don’t want to leave. The counters are so bare, it’s just beautiful. And part of it came from the thought that I might have to pack it all up again in a few months if W-Josh and I decide not to stay here. Moving is not an option on the table right now, but with L-Josh gone, we’ll both be paying more each month, and if the rent goes up with a new lease, I don’t think I can afford it.

I’ve done a few things to simplify my moves in the past. I put all my DVDs in one of those big CD books and threw away all the cases, I’ve gotten rid of clothes and shoes, papers and books, and all kinds of trinkets. But looking around my messy room the other day, it overwhelmed me how much stuff I have that I never use. Never even think about. Have, in fact, forgotten that I own. There’s this whole big plastic container in my closet full of mystery. I don’t even know what’s in there. I could give the whole thing to Goodwill without looking in it and never miss a thing. And there are probably two more such containers under my bed. What am I doing with all this crap??

Furthermore, I’ve got two whole bookcases full of books. Some of them are books I use for teaching, and some of them are old favorites I’ll likely read again and again, but I could probably do away with 75% of them and not feel the loss at all.

So I’ve decided to make at least a 30% reduction in stuff this year. If I can make it 50%, I will, but 30% is the minimum, and here’s what I figure: If I get rid of all that stuff, I’ll need less furniture to keep it on/in, and I can get rid of that too. Then I can keep things clean and make moving a less horrible affair.

I’ll keep y’all updated on my progress (#1) for accountability’s sake, (#2) to share my thoughts/feelings/difficulties/triumphs along the way, and (#3) to encourage anyone else out there who wants to simplify. And I do encourage everyone to simplify. Anybody with me?