We remodeled our kitchen. So, being the professional organizer I am, I decided to collect lots of things to help me organize my kitchen exactly the way I wanted it. Well, I think I overdid it! I returned what I could.
Jump to:
After the kitchen organizing was complete, I decided to keep the rest of the organizing supplies because a relative who was moving into their first house at the end of the year might need them. Does that sound familiar? I kept items in case someone else might need them.
And now, a year later, I asked them again if my family needed anything. They said no. Great! Now, I should be able to get rid of most of it.
So, I mentioned to my husband that I wanted to go through the piles of organizing stuff in our storage closet and pull them out. He said, "Why? There isn't that much." I chuckled and then showed him this. Yes - it was a lot.
Oh, I forgot to mention: I stored the empty boxes (affiliate) there as well, for small appliances (affiliate) and other gifts we received last Christmas. I didn't even want to take a picture of that. Yuck! Plus, my husband got right to it and started breaking down the boxes (affiliate) and adding them to the recycling bin (affiliate) before I even finished pulling stuff out. He's great that way.
After I emptied all the stuff into the family room, it made me nervous looking at it all. Yes, I got nervous. I am an organizer who has seen it all for 20+ years. It took up almost the entire floor space in my room. It was scary to have to decide what needed to go and what could truly stay. What if I got rid of something that I could use in my kid's room or in my room? But I soldiered on and started.
Tip: Assign one organizing bin for smaller organizing supplies you may need. Store it in the garage (affiliate) or basement for quick organizing projects in your home! But, not this big. This pile is way out of hand.
1st Organizing Issue:
The tricky part of organizing this stuff for me was letting go of picture frames. I love picture frames and am always updating and rotating them. But these were the ones I hadn't used in years. BUT may use in the future. The same old story (affiliate), right?
Solution for 1st problem
To help me let go of these picture frames, I decided to frame some artwork and donate the rest.
2nd Organizing Issue
My other struggle was the sentimental state/country plates. In our old kitchen, we would have an entire wall dedicated to the places we visited. But, with our new kitchen, we don't have the wall space to do that, nor do we want to.
Solution for the second problem
Since it was Thursday when I did this, I decided to take pictures of the items I wanted to give away and share them on my social media accounts using #TBT. Then, I was more willing to get rid of them.
This task took me about 1.5 hours:
- I pulled out the items.
- I went through each of the bins and the other items.
- And, DECIDED on what to do with it.
Here is the after picture I took of what I am keeping. Pretty good. I am proud of myself and my husband for helping me get rid of what we didn't use. (UPDATE: my husband decided not to keep the sorter, so that's gone! Woohoo!)
I hope this shows you that professional organizers also struggle with organizing issues when it comes to getting rid of stuff. But, by making a decision and taking action on the item, you, too, can clear out the clutter. And only keep the things you truly want.
Feel free to read our other posts that may interest you.
Things To Label in a Well-Organized Home
After organizing a room, it is essential to remind everyone where the homes for all the stuff are. As individuals start remembering where items go, the area will become well-kept and organized. To help them remember where items belong, labeling is key.
How To Use Catch-all Bins When Organizing Your Home
Catch-all bins are an excellent way to organize. They can be used to gather small items together. Keep odd-shaped items from falling off shelves. And of course, keep like items in one place. Here is how to use catch-all bins when organizing.
Remembering My Favorite Furniture
Remembering why you love pieces of furniture helps determine what you can donate or give away and what you want to keep for when you want to downsize. Today, I will share what I remember about my favorite furniture.
If you are looking for professional organizers, check out NAPO.Net and search for people near you.
If you are looking for virtual organizing sessions, visit my services page, where I offer three types of virtual organizing services to improve your life.
Please note that the links above are affiliate links through Amazon (affiliate). At no additional cost to you, I will receive an affiliate fee if you click through and make a purchase.
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