Decluttering

Here is my story. Have a seat, because this is going to be a long one. Nearly four years ago we cleared out our house and came to England with 3 suitcases each. It was sooooo refreshing to not have so much "stuff." We could move anywhere and not have the baggage. We were starting over as minimalists and didn't even know it! Well...fast forward 4 years. We are looking at moving across the world again and I am looking around in horror at all of the stuff we have once again accumulated. We are all guilty, but I am most guilty. I have 14 all-black dresses. FOURTEEN! I have 6 cases of Oolong Tea. Does tea go bad? I DON'T EVEN KNOW! That is seriously like over 1000 bags of tea. I don't even like Oolong, it tastes like socks and dirt (not to be confused with dirty socks). If  I stop and think...what will I grab on the way out if there is a fire...the answer is: only my children, husband and dog. Seriously. I can't think of one thing we have that is not easily replaceable.

How did we get here again? In my only attempt to justify it, most of what we have came at a BARGAIN from boot sales, charity shops, and friends. I feel a sense of accomplishment to get something at a steal. But, it isn't a steal because in the end I run around like a nut trying to organize it all into containers.

So the decluttering has begun. My goals for decluttering are that I will spend less money and spend less time organizing so that I have more time to enjoy my family and friends.

Week 1: I just started walking through the house gathering things we don't need, things that are broken, etc. I had a car load to take to the recycle center and another carload to take to the thrift store. The kids were fabulous. Em chose some large cars to give to a neighbor, Augi chose armloads of dolls and stuffed toys to donate, and both kids gave up their little people toys that have been boxed up. Chris is even selling his least favorite Fairey prints! I was feeling great by the end of the week, it was kind of fun. But, I realized I couldn't maintain this pace and still have a happy home life.

Week 2: I gathered up all of the art and school work we have stored away. Dated and took pictures of it all to have record in case it doesn't last. Sorted through all of it and kept the best work. Created a folder of art and school work for each kid. 3 years fit in one folder each. Em has already enjoyed looking through his folder and it was fun to talk about how he has grown.

Week 3: Completely crazy and unfocused. Spinning. Two car loads to the charity shop, another one ready to go. I couldn't figure out where to start or stop. I felt embarrassed that I have been such a consumer and collected complete junk. I had two panic attacks by the end of the weekend. (by the way, I still haven't parted with the Oolong tea. Maybe you will be lucky enough to get a case for Christmas!)

Here I am.  Hundreds of objects gone. I don't even feel a dent has been made. I want this to be an organized challenge like..."10 items a day" or "30 minutes a day." I am impulsive, though, and I need immediate reinforcement. My reward has got to be as strong as that feeling I get from getting a really good deal on an awesome new black dress. I'm going to give up soon. Any ideas?