Monday, January 14, 2008

The Clutter that I Hate but can't seem to get rid of

A place for everything, and everything in it's place. I love that saying, it strongly appeals to my inner desire for organization.

So why can't I get rid of all the clutter taking up valuable square footage in my home?

Could it be that there is a conspiracy in my home? Could it be that I am outnumbered 4 to 1? That as quickly as I dispose of said clutter, it is replaced with more items?

I am therefore resolved to do some major decluttering in the next few weeks. Around my regular schedule of homeschooling, church, doctor visits, ect. After all, a womans got to do what a womans got to do.

My "dream" room would be one full of shelves and cubicles and sterilite containers. When I needed something, I would smoothly glide over to the appropriate spot and remove the desired item. My husband and children would sing my praises as the wife/mom who knows exactly where everything is. I would save so much time with said room that I would finally have time to get a hobby (I'm quite certain I once had one of those).

Like I said, that's my dream room. But I'm willing to settle for far less.

Today, while sharpening a pencil for my youngest child, I tripped over a small mound of clutter near our school table. You'll be glad to know that instead of using the schoolroom window to break my fall, I was able to divert myself (just barely) onto the lego table. It still wasn't very pretty.

And if I'm going to throw my back out, could it please be while doing something more enjoyable than this (or atleast more dignified)? And why does the Doctor ask how you did it anyway?

So I am hereby warning my family: there's a new mommy in town. If it really is your favorite toy/picture/unidentifiable object, keep it out of the pile. I'm cleaning up this town.

11 comments:

the mother of this lot said...

Hi, thanks for visiting my blog and for your comment - I would like to know the answer to that one too.

With five daughters I can relate to this post. Did you ever stand on a piece of Lego in your bare feet in the middle of the night? That's what you call pain!

MyKidsMom said...

Yes- I hate to admit I've done it many times. And it IS a painful experience. Kindof makes you wonder why we keep buying them(?). LoL Thanks for stopping by!

Stylin said...

Hi
I generally dont like clutter but its everywhere !!!
The key word in this post was "the husband knows where everything is"!!!!
Mine is spoilt rotten and I am ashamed to say I caused it!!!
I love your blog and will add you onto my blogroll!

Anonymous said...

That's so funny! Oh, the indignities of the injuries that come as we age. I was just laughing about that yesterday when I almost put my eye out stooping down to pick up a magnet. I could just imagine it... "No, I didn't see the corner of the counter right there in front of my face."

I just found the sweetest blog, and I think I linked it in my post yesterday. She has a lot to say about organization, clutter, and cleanliness - but not in an overwhelming, pious way. It's just very sweet and encouraging. You might enjoy it.

I'm rather a clutter fanatic - I can't stand it. So I will confess that I actually admire people who can deal with life well, including clutter... it speaks well of a person that they can put OTHERS first, before decluttering, before cleaning or finishing their agendas. Particularly Mommies... that kind of ability can make you a better one. :) I can barely function if there is clutter and piles of anything everywhere, and it really does make me feel petty and selfish.
I guess there's a balance to be had, as in all things.

MyKidsMom said...

Frasypoo- I loved your blog as well. I plan to read up on your past posts.

Jennifer- that's a lovely way of looking at it. And I do try to keep myself balanced between house projects and family. I think what I dislike about clutter the most is the time that can be wasted looking for items. I did find the link you posted- what a great site. I plan to make it a regular stop on my blog roll. Thanks so much!

Nikki said...

Thanks for dropping by my blog. I went through the entire house this fall, room by room, decluttering. My inspiration was a book called Clutter's Last Stand by Dan Aslett. I didn't get all the junk out, but I got a lot of it, and it is so nice. It's nice to have room in the closet for my clothes -- the clothes I actually wear!

MyKidsMom said...

Nikki, I'll definitely have to look for that book. Thanks for stopping by!

ConservaChick said...

I can relate. I would throw out everything if my family would allow it. Sadly, they are all a bunch of pack rats. Do you get the Pottery Barn catalogs? I covet all the overpriced storage containers, cubbies, etc. I have yet to find a good but inexpensive knock off. Any ideas? ~Karlie

MyKidsMom said...

Hi Karlie- I haven't checked out pottery barn, but most the ones I really like are also out of my price range. Which is why I have so many of those little rubbermaid containers hanging around. Sigh. Mrs.D says Ikea has alot of good stuff at reasonable prices, so I think I'm gonna check them out.

Marva said...

I think we have the same dream room! LOL!

I have managed to get a few things organized lately (even with these2 terrible two's running around).

It'll all come together one day........maybe! I'll probabky be too old to worry woth it then! Hehe!

Unknown said...

Keeping cluter at bay is an ongoing battle at our house. I think my "one in one out rule" keeps it manageable. Particularily with toys, if they have a set amount of one thing and they receive another they have to donate to one to goodwill.