Sep. 19, 2006 - Confessions of a Messie Housewife
I'll admit it. I've always been messy. It doesn't bother me if the laundry never gets put away after it is folded. My son has Legos dumped out? Oh well, it makes them easier to find. The girls have dolls and kitchen stuff every where? I'm glad they were having fun. I never make the beds- what if we want to take a nap later?
But I do seem to spend huge amounts of time just trying to find what we need. I spend lots of time just picking up things as well. And the house never looks very nice or inviting. I always feel like I'm behind on everything- and there is never time to do anything but try to keep my head above water!
All of that changed about 6 weeks ago. We decided to try to sell our house. I started cleaning. We got rid of so much stuff. We threw away so many things. We gave away even more. I sold things at a consignment sell. We had a yard sale. We de-cluttered. Then I started making the beds and doing laundry daily- having my 11 year old put it away when it was folded. I insisted that all toys were put away every day. School supplies are put up as soon as we are finished with them. If a realtor calls and wants to show the house, we are ready! My children have learned to clean as if we are cleaning for God's glory. I taught them the verse that says "Whatever you do, do it all to the Glory of God." It makes a difference when you are working that way!
Guess what? Last week I realized, that once it was clean- it doesn't take much time to keep it clean. I have lots more time now. I can find what we need. I don't feel embarrassed if someone drops by. The house looks beautiful- and I like it! I have time and energy to play with my kids now! I think the key was the de-cluttering and just getting into the habit. All the beds are made daily. In fact, the house seems so inviting, I'm not sure I want to move now. It seems more manageable now! We are praying about that part!
I may be the only 'messie' here. But if I'm not- I encourage you to give it a try! I feel so much better, so much freer? (Is that a word?) My children like it and I know my husband loves it! I am glad to be a blessing to him!
1 Corinthians 10
31Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Comments
Sep. 19, 2006 - Decluttering
Posted by OurLittleSchoolRoom
I want to declutter so badly! We seem to have stuff all over the place. I look at a pile and think, "Can I get rid of that?" but so many times it is too hard. I need to start with unused clothing and magazines. That would help so much. But I have a hard time finding the time--even the 15 minutes a day that Flylady suggests. How do we get so busy?
Good for you for being able to do it!
Blessings,
Karen
Oct. 31, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by humpty
You are not the only messie here. I am a clean messie. I have gotten used to not having enclosed spaces for things. I like things organized, but it might be organized in a corner or on a table. Piles, that's what you call it! Lately, I have started letting go of things.
Yesterday, my 23 year old son and I cleaned out some stuff and took it to the ministry center and we have a truck coming today to pick up stuff for our fire department's yard sale. What that stuff is gone, I am starting all over.
Peace of mind is a better that having that thing that you might need someday. Ouch! I so want to have a hospitable house again. I'm working on it.
Aug. 31, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by drawandwritehistorymom
We are doing that decluttering this weekend. The realator is coming to take pictures tomorrow night. I live in a house with 8 other messies! It is really hard to keep up.
Carylee
