Real success stories in organizing
 

I would love to hear from anyone who has had real success in organizing, changing years of habit, and had lasting success. Any tips or encouragement appreciated.

Start small, pick one thing, work at consistently doing it and then when that has become embedded as a habit, add another (one) thing....

Try moving. Whittling down is the best way to get rid of things that you haven't used in years. You really don't miss these "things" and if you do, just buy new ones - at least they aren't old, dried out and fraying.

Marie Kondo is well known in the "decluttering" world and she has a new book out. I have it on reserve from the library. Anyway, one of her tips is that if you don't feel joy in holding a specific item, donate, recycle or pitch it. It may be a bit extreme, but it has helped me to identify some quilting items for my guild's next silent auction. Very liberating!

It just takes time to reorganize. I am slowly making progress that my cleaning lady notice that she could actually see the top of my work table. Unfortunately, I can't just work on one quilt at a time which can easily make a lot of clutter.

A note on the Marie Kondo system: look at her end result and see if that is what you want your home to look like. I prefer far more clutter than she does.

That said, 1 place to clean up each day is the way to make progress. For example: clean one drawer today. Do another drawer tomorrow.

I agree with ManiacQuilter2:<I can't just work on one quilt at a time which can easily make a lot of clutter.>

We are creative people with lots of "parts" to make our finished project. Don't beat yourself up over it.

I just came across a quote that represents my viewpoint: "A Clean Home is the sign of a Boring Family"

Pasovasz I had to laugh at your quote. Back in the day, we were getting approved as Foster Parents so we could do respite care for friends who were adopting kids through the foster system. They came to inspect our house and I asked them to come after our cleaning lady came. She told me that wasn't necessary. When she got to our house and saw our kid (and other) clutter all over she said: Oh I'm so relieved. People who have perfect houses do NOT make good foster parents. You're (cluttered) house looks great! It was then I stopped worrying about the clutter.

I hate clutter in my house which to me is unnecessary items taking up space. Keyword is 'unnecessary". I get rid of stuff that is 'unnecessary" If I need something then so be it. If it isn't needed then it usually gets donated. I do like things organized.

A friend once gave me so advice, about 35 years ago, that I faithfully apply today. We were in a shopping mall at lunch. I found something I liked that was on sale...her advice was that no matter the "deal", IF YOU DON'T LOVE, DON'T BUY IT. I apply the theory many places in my daily life. Especially in my quilting room. I still have too much stuff, but the method works. So I suggest you ask yourself the question every time something is in your hand...DO YOU LOVE IT?

I go through and purge every so often. This keeps the clutter down. I never feel guilty tossing anything I'm not using or want anymore.