1,000 Clutter Items Gone in One Month

I began my clutter-free journey at Christmas. I truly believe God had prepared me for some big changes. It has become apparent to me that I any efforts I make to clean or organize are fruitless when our family has So.Much.Stuff.

I am excited to share my update with you because I sincerely appreciate your support and encouragement.

I began counting items when I gathered up some clothes and toys to give to my youngest sister who is about to have twins when we traveled to see our families at Christmas. With just 30 items counted, I was off to a good start.

Then, I began reading Kathi Lipp's book Clutter Free. In her conversational and understanding style, she wrote of her experience, not as an organizer, but as a person just like me...one with real clutter! Go on over and read my review and then order yourself a copy if any of this resonates with you. I'll wait for you to come back.

Kathi suggested choosing a problem area. After discussing it with my husband, we decided the basement needed the biggest overhaul. I've worked in it and in other rooms, too. No one sees the progress in the basement, so I like to work in our real living areas to really feel the benefits.

I knew I could make some serious progress toward my goal of removing 2,000 clutter items from our home. In less than one month, I made it to 1,000 items. I enjoyed my halfway reward of watching five hours of Pride and Prejudice on a Sunday afternoon.

Since then, my progress hasn't been quite as rapid, but I've now gathered and/or removed 1,200+ items. Some of that is garbage, but in the photo above you saw the first round which the Salvation Army came to my home to pick up.

I appreciate knowing I'm helping others and the Salvation Army in particular by donating. Oh, and the pile of goods? It will be a hefty tax deduction for the coming year. And just a note: If you are donating a television or other equipment that works easily with a remote...don't forget to include it in the donation. I called a couple days later, but it was too late.

This is NOT a sponsored post, though I have written about the Salvation Army before when I discussed ways to teach children to give. That's when I learned the Salvation Army uses 82 cents of every dollar donated to back into the local community. That's a serious non-profit.

If you have a bit of clutter, consider reading the following clutter posts. I especially recommend Kathi Lipp's book, Clutter Free: Quick and Easy Steps to Simplifying Your Space. It's practical, honest, and motivating.

Clutter Free Book Review

My Basement Before Pictures

Clutter Free Printables

1,000 Clutter Items Gone

Small Closet Makeover

Counter Clutter

Freezer Organization

Kid-Friendly Garage Solutions
Once you have the Clutter Free book, I highly recommend you join Kathi's 21-Day Clutter Free Challenge. You won't wait until you finish the book to take advantage of all of Kathi's insight and ideas.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I earn a small percentage at no cost to you. Thank you!
~ Annette
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