What's the cause of your clutter?

For me, I think its that I like stuff and I really am an 'all or nothing girl'.  If I like something I want it in every variation/colour so when I invariably loose interest I have lots of things I don't use as opposed to just one!

Since becoming a mum I think I have changed a lot, I no longer need stuff and am actually quite shocked at what I have managed to accumulated I can't even remember why!

One thing I have noticed is that a substantial chunk of the clutter in our house is other peoples!

 This pile of stuff belongs to a friend of mine, she lent me a bouncing toy for Sophie when she was about 3 months old, it was fabulous and saved us £100 (currently in the boot of my car as it huge!) but then I inherited more bits and bobs from her, They were lent to be helpful and because she thought Sophie would benefit from them and we were grateful and did use some of them.  Sophie has now outgrown them and they are sitting waiting for a convenient time to drop them back, Its a long wait!!!

Make sure you don't clutter other peoples environments by passing your clutter on by following a few decluttering 'rules'

 1. Unless you think someone has a need/genuine use for something you want rid of don't offer. Passing on your clutter because you can't bear to 'waste' it is just encouraging someone else to continue with a habit you are trying to break yourself!

2. If you think there is someone that would benefit from owning what you are giving away, ask them first!

3. If you lend something to someone (lending meaning you are expecting it back!) always be accommodating at taking the item/s back.  If you aren't in a rush to get it back, consider whether you really need it at all!

I think there is a lot of guilt associated with decluttering 'its such a shame, its never been used' or 'it was so expensive', are often things that cross my mind.  That is why I have every item of clothing that Sophie has grown out of in storage.  James thinks we will use them again if we have another girl (as if!!!) and I just feel sentimental towards them!
No more!!!
I have begun to separate 'special' clothes, which I will keep and list others on eBay, I wince every time I press that list item button but its getting easier and I know they will look almost just as great on another baby somewhere!

Lots of Love xxxx

Sophie's Room, The Progress Report

Last week saw me start a few projects the first being the office room and the second being Sophie's bedroom.  I am currently concentrating on finishing the latter as it took a bit longer than I thought it would (doesn't everything?) 

Here is my progress so far....

 

We took a trip to Ikea with our hire van to pick up a much needed bigger wardrobe which I think looks great!  It has the added bonus of having loads of room so I can see all of her clothes at a glance!

 

Do you think she has enough?

We also needed something to sit on now hat the bed has been taken down.  I thought about buying a futon or daybed but then remembered that my sofas were in the storage unit!  We brought them back with us and donated the 3 seater to my Aunt, the 2 seater now belongs to Sophie and is great for settling her if she wakes during the night. (I even used square pillows instead of cushions to make it extra comfy!)

A general tidy and clean was all that was needed after that, I have reused some Ikea units from the office room and bought containers that fit perfectly into the shelves to store her toys.  One is in the room already but I can't use the other one until her old wardrobe is moved (currently on eBay!) so I'm not sharing till the room is completed!  

That's it for a few days as I have a heavy work schedule although I have promised to complete my 15 minutes a day decluttering in the office room!

Lots of Love xxxx

Moving On............

With the kitchen organised and thoroughly cleaned it was time to turn my attentions elsewhere.  James and I have been intending to makeover the office/craft room for a long time.  

We use it as an extension of Sophie's bedroom as she has a second chest of drawers in there to house her enviable wardrobe (and I'll admit stuffing sneaking a few of my own bits in there too)  It also, like many spare rooms, gets used as a dumping ground!

A quick before pic!

As you can see there is a lot of random 'stuff' and to be honest a lot of it just isn't used, James has some nice office furniture in storage, so we have decided to use that for a change.

I hate the desk, It's huge and ugly and my Nan's vintage sewing machine and chair (on the left) needs to be stored as we just don't have the room (If you want a better look pop over to my other blog)

So we have hired one of these......

  

And are going on a road trip to Reading to deliver some some bits to storage and organise the storage space better and of course bring back the furniture we want to use. 

I would really have preferred to have had a bit of time to prepare, but with the break in that wasn't an option! This is when we have the time off work together so it has to be today, we make a great team and I'm sure we will manage to get everything done!

It looks like this right now!!!

I then have a few more days off to organise the space as best as possible.  Although looking at it I reckon I'm gong to need longer than a few days!!!

Wish me luck!!!

Lots of Love xxxx