How a Little Reorganisation Has Transformed My Everyday Life

How a Little Reorganisation Has Transformed My Everyday Life: Selling up, packing up, the KonMari method and decluttering | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style blog

I’m ending the week talking about reorganisation – our house is now on the market and Oh. Em. Gee. has my everyday life been transformed by the pristine house we now have to have till we have a buyer…!

I won’t lie, Keith and I have worked our GUTS out this week getting the house ready (Keith’s been coming home after a 10-hour day and getting straight on with the task in hand, what a trooper). We had our house valued yesterday – we got the top valuation for a house of our type in our area which was bloody fantastic. It went on the market today and we did have a viewing booked for this evening, although she cancelled because she’d seen another house and had an offered accepted. Her loss (as my mother said, lol)!

Anyway the point of all this is to say that when you organise your belongings and declutter it is TRULY astonishing the difference it makes to your day. Everything is soooooo much easier. Now, I will make a big disclaimer here and point out that we haven’t had a REEEEAL decluttering session… much of the stuff we needed to sort out has simply been packed away and put into storage. We have a tiny house and one of the reasons we’re moving is to get somewhere bigger so that after (=ahem=) decluttering we can life a very minimal, spacious life. As time is of the essence – we’ve seen a new build we fell in love with when our house wasn’t even on the market, my mum and I went to an open day out of curiosity to see it – we prioritised getting the house cleared and tidied over sorting.

NOT the way I’d have planned to do it, but hey – that’s the way life throws this stuff at you, isn’t it?!

So we did all the little outstanding DIY jobs, I reorganised my drawers and wardrobes, we cleared away space so that the rooms seem bigger and more idealised as spaces to live in. And it was the reorganisation of all my clothes and accessories that has made the simple task of getting dressed and doing my hair and makeup every day SO much easier.

 

The “sparking joy” that Ms Kondo is so fond of driving home to us is already upon me.

 

I’ve discovered clothes I haven’t worn (or forgotten about…) for ages because they were tucked away behind everything else in my wardrobe. I can now easily see the makeup I use most regularly, not ALL of the makeup ALL of the time. (Finding the makeup you want is exhausting. How many brown eyeliners does one girl need?!)

I’ve also started organising my t-shirts and tops using Marie Kondo’s KonMari method in my drawers rather than stacked in piles on the shelf of my wardrobe, and I hate to say it but Oh. Em. Gee. – it works. It really does! I can fit in so much more, and everything is easier to see. Choosing what to wear is a joy again… of sorts. I have to wait till I’m not wearing my decorating and gardening clothes to REALLY understand the joy that perfectly folded t-shirts will offer me. But in my head I’m going out to weed the garden and replaster the bald patches on the front of the house like a bloody strutting peacock.

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The “sparking joy” that Ms Kondo is so fond of driving home to us is already upon me. Used a spoon and mug to make a cuppa? Teabag straight in the compost bin, mug and spoon straight in the dishwasher (I feel so smug that I do it correctly every single time, not leaving them in the sink). I’ve even bought a little basket for the bathroom to transfer the day’s dirty clothes from bathroom to laundry bin [in the bedroom] so they don’t even have to touch the floor. All these little things have made me happy this week, like I’m living my best life. All I’m missing are my fluffy slipper mules and maribou-trimmed négligée and an ostrich-feather duster (I even have one of those, eek).

 

Who is this new woman?

I’m not sure I know this person, but I quite like her. (I also like her husband who almost – ALMOST – always now remembers to put the used teabags straight into the compost bin rather tyhan on the sink or a plate.) She’s moving up in the world of #GirlBoss-ness because this week she has been decorator, plasterer, painter, gardener, financial liaison officer, space declutterer and home stylist. She has her heart set on this new house with all its space and light, yet she’s fallen back in love with her current house due to the care and attention she’s given it this past week. It’s nuts, that last statement… oh, the irony!

I will NEVER understand why, for me at least, it takes the act of strangers coming to view your home to kick your butt into gear and DECLUTTER ALL THE THINGS. We’ll see if I’m still doing the KonMari thingumybob once we’ve moved and we’re surrounded by boxes. Will that spark joy THEN I wonder…?!

WHAT JOYS OF DECLUTTERING STORIES DO YOU HAVE TO TELL THAT YOU WANT TO SHARE? TELL US IN THE COMMENTS!

Catherine

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22 Comments

  1. 5 April 2018 / 9:23 pm

    I am planning to have a wardrobe edit on Sunday. I am actually looking forward to it, because it will be really cathartic. there are so many things in my wardrobe that I don’t wear. E-bay here I come. Pen x

  2. Renee
    29 March 2018 / 8:27 pm

    When I watch house hunting shows where the people have to fix up and sell their current place to buy the new one, I always wonder if anybody ever looks around at their newly decluttered and spruced up place and says, “You know what? Forget it! We’re staying!” We did a remodel 8 years ago after which we had a bunch of people ask if we were going to turn right around and sell and I told them, “No way! After all that time and money, I want to enjoy it!”

    Good luck with selling and snagging the new place!

  3. 28 March 2018 / 1:59 pm

    whenever my house gets really messy (which, with three kids is a lot) it really gets me down. I feel so much calmer going to bed when the house is tidy. Good luck with the new house! #brilliantblogposts

  4. 26 March 2018 / 8:50 pm

    Sending you some zen and love and kumbaya hugs, Catherine, this process cannot be without its challenges xoxo

  5. 26 March 2018 / 5:26 pm

    we too have started reorganizing and culling, not because we are moving but rather cuz we have way to much stuff. You will be amazed when you move at how much you do not want to unpack. New house, new start. and good luck

  6. 26 March 2018 / 4:53 pm

    Oh how true, a good clear out unearths some forgotten gems. I’ve recently discovered this myself as you know Catherine. I’ve also discovered how much stuff I actually DON’T need! Our house contents are due to arrive in a couple of weeks but funnily enough there isn’t much in there that I’ve missed. Go figure? In hindsight I could probably half the amount we brought Stateside. Indeed I did that, perhaps half again would’ve been the way forward? Oh well lets see what we get when the shipping arrives 😉 I can’t really remember tbh…

  7. 26 March 2018 / 4:26 pm

    I lived in Japan for eighteen months and Marie Kondo is certainly typical of a Japanese lady. And I approve. Who needs clutter?

    My partner and I are very tidy, but we do have three offending types of clutter:

    1, Artwork we’ve done and not sold (yet!).

    2, Art materials we both need to go through – I still have tubes of paint i bought in Japan ten years ago!

    3, Ornaments – him not me. Who wants so many knick-knacks aroubd the house? And whoever heard if a MAN who collects them??

    Best of luck with the move – sounds exciting!! X

    • 26 March 2018 / 4:31 pm

      PS – This year we’re planning a studio revamp with lots of clean, white Ikea storage and a new floor. Totally inspired by (Forever) Amber’s house! We want to be able to walk in, to d what We’re looking for and have light and space to work.

  8. 25 March 2018 / 7:29 pm

    Every March I completely empty my wardrobes and shoes, sorting them all out.
    I pack away my winter woolies and chunky boots.
    I hand LOADS of clothes and shoes on to friends.
    Donating the rest to charity.
    It feels great.

    I’m so glad you’re feeling that fresh-start feeling Catherine!
    It’s so invigorating… good times lie ahead.
    XXX
    Samantha
    http://www.fakefabulous.com

  9. 25 March 2018 / 6:48 pm

    Something that I really need to do. Thanks for giving me a little kick in the pants to do this.

  10. 24 March 2018 / 11:04 am

    It IS sad to me how often we live with clutter, unfinished projects and undecorated spaces, only to whiz around and get everything tidied up and finished and painted and lovelied right before we sell it and move away. We did the things eventually, why didn’t we do them straight away so we could’ve enjoyed our lovely homes all that time? I think SO many people do this, myself included, and it’s just sad.

    But congrats to you on getting it all done! And best wishes on getting the new home.

    Bettye
    https://fashionschlub.com

  11. Karen
    24 March 2018 / 9:50 am

    Hi Catherine, enjoyed reading this so much as it was me 18 months ago !!! We downsized to a tiny bungalow and I had to do the ‘do I love this thing’ with about a third of my possessions ! ….fast forward on …the bungalow is not really in as good as a location as we thought and the house is far too small ( it was our 3rd choice as other options were took from us ) To cut a long story short we are keeping our eyes open and watch this space ! I hate that living in a sate of total tidiness whilst your house is up for sale, sorry but life is too short to continue in that mode after moving. I agree that it makes things easier if you have less possessions. We had a clothes rail for a few months just after moving and it was surprising how we managed to still put outfits together and feel fine about not having the choice. Its the lack of floor space and kitchen area that has done it for me in this smaller house, shocked it wasn’t lack of clothes space ha ha !!! (you do get ingenious with storage in a small bungalow ) oooo hec sorry for rabbiting on…..have a great weekend, good luck with the viewings x

  12. Judy
    24 March 2018 / 8:47 am

    I agree about the spark of joy! Ms Kondo has been a revelation to me, and i now pull my drawers open just so i can marvel at the vision of folded loveliness before me! And finding things is not a problem any more. Good luck with the sale of your house, and fingers crossed for the new one too.

  13. 24 March 2018 / 8:06 am

    Decluttering is such a rewarding activity. Once you have found out, you will do it regularly, I am sure! Good luck with the sales and enjoy this ‘new’ old house of yours! Love, Lieske

  14. 24 March 2018 / 7:00 am

    I am always my best self after decluttering! I love how a clean well organized closet makes me see my wardrobe in a whole new light! I just tossed a drawer full of old make up and boy did that feel good! Why do we hang on to all this stuff???
    Good luck with the house!
    xx
    Suzanne
    http://www.AskSuzanneBell.com

  15. 24 March 2018 / 12:23 am

    I kondo-ed my drawers awhile ago. I was so proud. Texted a friend to excitedly tell her. Reply?: you need to start dating again. And whilst that is correct, the joy of everything in it’s place and a place for everything, when I do this: bliss! Perhaps only another declutterer would understand…..

  16. 23 March 2018 / 11:46 pm

    I need to do this, but don’t yet have the space! Top of my list is a walk -in wardrobe, but the house isn’t built yet! Thanks for sharing this post with us Catherine. I will try to sort my stuff out – one day anyway! Jacqui Mummabstylish

  17. 23 March 2018 / 10:16 pm

    I Kondo-ed my apartment two years ago and it was truly life-changing. Reading this reminds me it’s probably time that I do it again. It’s amazing how quickly the clutter accumulates! Wishing you a swift sale of your house, and I hope you get the new place that you want!
    Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net

  18. 23 March 2018 / 10:03 pm

    It’s funny how life forces to organize, but a pleasant surprise when we do! You are inspiring me to do big clean out! I’m so intimidated to even start! I hope you have a great and relaxing weekend!

  19. 23 March 2018 / 9:30 pm

    I love a good declutter! I’m just doing my seasonal wardrobe one. It’s like having a new wardrobe – some of it I’m happy I’ve rediscovered and some can definitely disappear. Pronto! Great news on the valuation, it must feel so real now!

    Kat x

  20. jodie filogomo
    23 March 2018 / 9:28 pm

    You’re so right that decluttering makes you feel so much better. I don’t know why then I slip into a mess again….
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

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