Saturday I started my big project of cleaning and organizing under the stairs. I knew it was bad but I didn’t know how bad it really was. I had neatly folded quilts, 15 pair of knitted slippers an aunt had made us 20 years ago, six afghans that had been hand knit. We had used them for years but now we are into quilts so we have no need for them. I had wool blankets, old three ring binders, and lots and lots of other stuff. And I do mean just stuff, most of which I didn’t even know I had.

I found my girls christening dresses just stuffed in a suitcase and one was in a plastic bag. I could not believe as an organizer I had taken such poor care of things. I found some things with mold on them. (gag and unhealthy)

I got six huge extra sturdy black bags full of good things I don’t use and won’t ever use for a local thrift shop. It was hard letting go of the afghans my mom made but we had used them for many years and I know she would like to see them go to someone who is in need rather than just being stored in my basement. I had one bag of trash and a small box of things that needed to go other places in my home. Part of organizing is letting go—share with others, it makes you happy and them happy too.

BEFORE PHOTO

AFTER PHOTO

I took a before and after picture but it doesn’t do justice because you can’t see the happiness this has brought me. It has lightened me up—and it is a great feeling knowing what I own. I almost feel like a new person. I now have shelves in that area and a list of everything stored there. I was able to move things from the utility room to the shelves so I have reclaimed my utility room. I will even store the christening dresses the way they should be stored.

I had planned five hours to do this, secretly six hours—it took about 8 ½ hours. I did do a lot of reminiscing as I found things that were my daughters. What big project have you done this year and how did it make you feel to have it done?