My Tidying Project has been done for a couple months. However, it spawned exciting new things that have kept me happily busy. Here's the low-down.
Five bins of sentimental items, including 20 years worth of journals, now fit into the three small boxes pictured above. How? I shredded 20 years' worth of journals which felt incredibly freeing. The three remaining boxes contain -
Some sentimental items I sent to other family members around Christmas time because I thought they would mean more to them. I came across letters from friends which I copied and sent out as well. These were very heartwarming projects that inspired me to send out a holiday letter, the first in over ten years. Letting go of what does not matter helps you focus on what does matter.
Five bins of sentimental items, including 20 years worth of journals, now fit into the three small boxes pictured above. How? I shredded 20 years' worth of journals which felt incredibly freeing. The three remaining boxes contain -
- hand made items - including the First Communion dress my grandmother made me, and a few things I made for my own son
- some paper items, including the deeds to the farm I grew up on (middle box).
- select photo negatives (top box)
Some sentimental items I sent to other family members around Christmas time because I thought they would mean more to them. I came across letters from friends which I copied and sent out as well. These were very heartwarming projects that inspired me to send out a holiday letter, the first in over ten years. Letting go of what does not matter helps you focus on what does matter.
Photos were the last subcategory of sentimental items to tidy. I started with 1 and 1/2 large, daunting totes. I went through the photos one by one, keeping those that brought me joy. I already had a couple of albums which I went through again, removing and replacing some photos.
Then I bought and completed new scrapbooks. One holds my family and childhood photos, another holds pictures and projects from my son's childhood, and finally one holds photos from my wedding in 2014. I am better about not putting projects off as a result of this tidying process.
My artsy photos of nature/architecture bring me joy and help me feel peaceful, so I put them into their own albums. This is what launched me in a new direction but before I tell you about that, let me tidy up this tidying project,
Then I bought and completed new scrapbooks. One holds my family and childhood photos, another holds pictures and projects from my son's childhood, and finally one holds photos from my wedding in 2014. I am better about not putting projects off as a result of this tidying process.
My artsy photos of nature/architecture bring me joy and help me feel peaceful, so I put them into their own albums. This is what launched me in a new direction but before I tell you about that, let me tidy up this tidying project,
It is a huge relief to be done with this project. Was it worth it? Definitely. There have been some big changes, both obvious and less tangible.
The top visible changes include:
The top intangible changes include
Tidying my artsy photos reminded me of my desire to learn more about photography. So I signed up for a photography class at the local community college and bought a new (to me) digital camera. I am so excited about finding a new way to express my creativity. It has been so much fun!
Tidying up was a lot of work but. has been deeply rewarding. If you are thinking of doing the same (and if you’re self-isolating for a couple of weeks you might as well) here is I learned.
Tess
The top visible changes include:
- clear countertops and organized cabinets in the kitchen
- empty shelves and bins in the same basement you once could not walk through. This is huge.
- the master suite had a total makeover that included creating a built-in dresser, reupholstering furniture and painting everything a lovely calming blue.
The top intangible changes include
- learning that mess = stress for me. Since my job is stressful I need home to be a tidy oasis.
- emotional housecleaning has left me calmer and made everyone happier. Mama is happy.
- clarity about what brings me joy has led me in new directions.
Tidying my artsy photos reminded me of my desire to learn more about photography. So I signed up for a photography class at the local community college and bought a new (to me) digital camera. I am so excited about finding a new way to express my creativity. It has been so much fun!
Tidying up was a lot of work but. has been deeply rewarding. If you are thinking of doing the same (and if you’re self-isolating for a couple of weeks you might as well) here is I learned.
- Break bigger tasks down and do one thing are a time. As long as you are working on the thing in front of you, you are making progress. Don’t let the big picture overwhelm you.
- Sometimes tidying creates temporary mess as you move things out of your home. Don't be discouraged. It's part of the process.
- Persist. Give yourself time to do the side projects tidying inspires but don't let them sidetrack you completely.
- Take time to admire your work and enjoy its effects.
- Reap the rewards, both expected and unexpected. There will be much that will surprise you.
Tess