I had never heard of Marie Kondo. But I had read about Swedish Death Cleaning. Both are similar in that you get rid of stuff that you aren't using, don't need, and are taking up space. Or in the case of SDC, that you don't want your heirs to have to deal with.
My first foray in November was to realize that 13 plastic containers of Beanie Babies were doing no one any good. (But they're so CUTE!.) My final impetus was finding a group that sends the beanies to the troops in care packages.
I gave away 450 beanie babies. I got a lovely thank you from the charity group. And regained an entire shelf in my closet. Which is now where I store the paintings I've painted until I find somewhere to hang them.
Yes, those paintings bring me joy.
The act of giving away my beanies seemed to break down a dam. I boxed up 11 banker boxes of books for a book charity. And still have 15 shelves of books. If it wasn't likely I would ever reread it, it went in a box.
I cleaned out drawers and non-book shelves and filled 5 more boxes for charity. From what I understand, charity donations are booming. I hope someone else can put my stuff to good use.
All that gave me room to move knickknacks and books from my office. And gave me the incentive to completely dismantle a built-in filing cabinet bookshelf combo. I've gained 2 feet of space and opened up the room. And I realized that because I had the storage space, I saved WAY too much paperwork.
I was also inspired to finally make arrangements to have my 20-year-old carpet replaced upstairs. Haven't done it yet. But I've chosen a contractor and the tile for the office part. And will choose carpet once the tile is laid.
Haven't even finished the office yet and I am eyeing my craft room. New shelving? New cabinets? Only time will tell.
I am thrilled with the results so far.
And all it took was finally deciding to get rid of my beanie babies.
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