2013 in 2013 Update

As I undertook this challenge six months ago I didn't realise the amount of stress all the clutter in my house caused me. Clearing out and getting rid of things has been liberating. I feel lighter and life seems easier. Having less stuff means I have less to keep tidy and an easier house to clean. It has also revolutionised the way I think about stuff. I feel as if I have been freed from my possessions. They no longer have such a hold over me. I want less around me which means I ultimately need less also. This way of thinking stops me from buying useless things that I think I need but really don't, and makes me more thoughtful about the things I do buy. 

Trying to live a more simple life is a positive step forward but this simplicity is difficult to put into practice during special times of the year like Christmas. I enjoy buying my family and others presents. I don't think I'm particularly great at it, but I do enjoy it. I love seeing the surprise and joy on their faces from opening gifts. 

So this year, to make it all a bit easier, I have followed the four presents rule. 

Something to read

Something to wear

Something they need

Something they want

I used these four rules but there are others that I noticed around the web during recent searches, such as 'Something to do', 'Something spiritual', 'Something to listen to', etc. I took a few liberties this year and changed 'need' to 'toy' for my little ones, and also combined the gift to make it easier still. I assume that as my kids get older and their needs change so will the list, but it is a good guiding principle I feel. 

Anyway, the point is, I just want to keep it simple. I don't want to be adding copious amounts of things back into the house after working so hard to get rid of things. Especially, as to date I have been able to get rid of over 2013 items. In fact, during the summer break when Daniel is at home I am going to go through everything again and get rid of items that have not been used in the last 4-6 months. By about June/July next year (this is when I started this year) I will total up the items and see how I have done. I'll let you know the outcome :).

Challenges!

I love setting myself a good challenge. However, seeing the challenge all the way through is another challenge in itself. I am eager at the beginning but start to crumble a few weeks in when I lose a bit of the enthusiasm.  For instance, I was super keen when I started my sewing 'to-do-list' challenge but now that I have made a few things, I have unconsciously decided to take a little rest for a while.   One reason for my sudden lack of enthusiasm is the fact that my sewing room is so messy at the moment I can barely walk to the sewing table, let alone move the chair to sit in front of it. Which is why this next challenge is so necessary.

 

The challenge I am going to set myself till December is to tidy-up and declutter my house. '2013 in 2013' is the challenge set and designed by Slow Your Home blogger, Brooke. So in 2013 I am going to simplify my life by getting rid of 2013 items in my house. These will be items that are unused, and that take up valuable space in my life and weigh me down. I am super excited that I found this website as I wouldn't have been able to do it myself. 

Recently, I have been finding our house difficult to live in. I am constantly tidying up but it is never clean. Our house is small, so it quickly becomes messy and cluttered. The clutter makes the house feel smaller, and the smaller it seems the more stress I feel. 

I have come to recognise in the last few weeks that the state of house is very often linked to my mood.  When it is messy the whole place feels chaotic and it feels like I am control of nothing. By removing 2013 items from the house in 2013 I am hoping that the house will easier to manage and maintain, and that it will begin feel lighter. By simplifying my house, I am hoping to feel less stressed. And the less stress I have, the better I am to be around.

As I am starting the challenge a bit late, I am not following the challenge solely month by month. Instead, I have printed off the check-lists for the last six months and will clean up areas and keep a tally for the items I get rid of as I feel inspired. For instance, these last few days have seen me cleaning up in the hallway, which include areas from both January (the entry way) and June (the linen closet). By breaking down the tasks like this and not seeing it as something I have to complete quickly (which I would find super stressful), I am hoping I won't lose my enthusiasm and my mind will stay focused on task. Hopefully, it will lead to good outcomes and by the end of 2013 I will have gotten rid of 2013 items that create stress in this house. 

Wish me luck. I will keep you updated :).