Clutter Busting: Purge Before You Splurge – Week 8

In a blink of an eye our challenge is about to end. If you are opening up this page eager for the next assignment because everything is completed from week’s prior, you are better off than most (or me for that matter)! Let’s face it, we’re all super busy parents and it is hard to set aside time during the day to take care of these tasks, which may not seem like an immediate priority. Please keep in mind; I don’t set out making these challenges to make your life more difficult, rather so it is EASIER! So, if you are anxiously waiting to see where I am going to send you off this week with your bucket of hot soapy water and a micro-fiber cloth…please bear with me while I address the needs of the others.

I would like all those who had the desire to complete these challenges, but either started late or never, to step forward. I am going to ask you first to stop burying your head in self-imposed guilt. Nobody is perfect! We are all trying to squeeze way too many things into way too little of time. Do a little soul searching about why you did not make cleaning and de-cluttering a priority. Perhaps you have serious clutter issues that you need to deal with before worrying about the dust under the clutter. Please also keep in mind that clutter does not just come in the form of material things. We can clutter up our schedules as well. Perhaps you did not make it a priority, but now wish you had. Â

If you have read my previous challenges you will notice that the principles are the same each week. You take your main goal, break it up into smaller tasks, and create a timetable to complete each task. With projects like these, it is never too late to start. ANYTHING you do… is better than doing nothing. Go back to week one and start all over again.

And now the time has arrived for me to share our last challenge. If you have been following along, you probably know that now it is time to deal with the outdoor spaces. Take a few moments (in between cooking) and spruce up your doors. Perhaps put on a wreath, or place a new doormat in front of the door.
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So, we come to the close of these autumn overhaul missions. You’ll begin to notice the areas of our first zones start to deteriorate. In the spring we’ll tackle these areas again in preparation for the summer season.
It is a great lesson for children (and parents) that it is not what you have, but rather what you do with what you have that is important. Less IS more, and often the simplest moments are the greatest memories. The first step in appreciating all that life has to offer; is by taking care of and appreciating all that you already have. Â

Have a wonderful week full of family, blessings, thanksgiving, and turkey!

-Betsy