Organization central: an update
January 23, 2015
We have progress!
PiC really stepped up under (self imposed) pressure.
I’d set my expectations to “sensible and moderation” when we first started the purging and organizing because we’d started so late and my energy levels never came back.
My internal ideal was that we could eliminate 75% of the crap that was piled up to the ceiling in one closet, but I kept my yap shut because PRIORITIES.
But, perhaps feeling the heat of LB’s impending arrival even more strongly than I, he pushed himself to knock off so much on these seemingly never ending internal lists in his head that this place has been transformed. We had some ruffled feathers for a bit, with those self imposed stress levels, but we’re back on an even keel now so I can feel free to be rather impressive how much has been done around here.
- We’ve offloaded so much stuff on Craigslist and made back a good bit of money!
- We donated a ton of good items that we wouldn’t be able to sell in the increasingly short period of time left to us. We found a local homeless shelter that helps families get back on their feet so much of these goods are going there.
- We received duplicates of used baby gear so we’re just going to keep one of each and donate the rest to the homeless shelter since they’re all in really good shape after 1 child’s worth of use.
- He actually fixed our wacko fan! We thought it was needing replacement but nope.
- I’ve picked over a couple boxes of used clothing and we’ve done some baby laundry in advance.
- My mini-office is all set up with storage and stuff.
We’ve spent a shiny nickel at the Container Store on organization. This involved about a dozen trips, all told, between buying things to try and returning things that didn’t work. After PiC’s first trip, I bought a big gift card at an 8% discount, and combined that with ordering the stuff through ebates for cashback and their 10% off sale.
Total we’ve spent about $300 between outfitting: the kitchen with shelves, hanging organizers in one closet,Ā and hooks and doodads for both the bathroom and two closets. Everything was on sale at least so that makes me feel better about not maximizing every single possible discount – time was obviously a factor in these projects.
That makes my heart happy. š I need to step into Temptation soon myself – bathroom organization at Chez Moi is getting out of control. Need drawer organizers. Time for a purge here, too – you’re inspiring me!
If it wasn’t too embarrassing, I’d wish I had thought to do before and after pictures. But I think you can use your imagination to “see” what “don’t open the door!!!” Full was like. I wish you luck with your venture to Temptation Town, we need to make one more trip….
Sounds productive! I really love when everything is organized. There is just feels like there is so much more breathing room.
That’s exactly how I feel about organized space: like I can breathe!
Wooo!
Congrats! I’ve been making lists of stuff to get at the Container Store when I start my next budget cycle on February 1. I even went so far as to visit the SF store last week after work to eyeball and handle the things I think I need to get. There was no temptation to buy anything since there was no way I could lug anything I need home on the ferry. š
I’m still setting aside things to purge, even though I thought I’d done a lot before the move. Living in a smaller space really helps you keep your stuff under control!
We’ve been, if it’s helpful to mention at all, actually purchasing online for in-store pick-up to avoid paying for shipping and to get the ebates cashback š
I spent a good deal at the Container Store too! In fact, the last time I was in there I told the cashier we owned four, yes four, separate elfa shelving systems. She said, “you might be addicted to organizing.” She isn’t wrong. It feels much better in our house now though. We’ve been purging like crazy too. Doesn’t it feel great to find more breathing space in your own home?
There’s nothing wrong with a love of organizing .. ! š I saw that they’ve got a sale on their elfa shelving today, too. I’m very much appreciating the more open feeling of each room that’s been cleaned up <3
Hello – I’ve started reading your blog this year and enjoy your posts. Especially the baby related ones! I too am expecting and love to read about how people manage money and organize their lives with babies. When is your LB due?
I’m in the same boat as you and retrofitting my home to accommodate for a second baby. We’re going to squeeze a family of four into a two bedroom condo and it requires a lot of space management. We’re decluttering/renovating the kitchen right now and our living room is in complete choas, filled with tools and boxes of garbage. I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel, but I can’t see it yet!
Welcome! I think you’ve actually got a tougher job than I do if you’re adding a fourth, we’re just adding a fourth body (but 3rd human). I wish you all the luck in getting that done soon so you can relax in the last few months š
Thanks for commenting!
I talk to you practically every day, and I feel like I’ve been left out of the awesomeness of Container Store shopping. (I’ve only been to the actual store once, but I love, love, love it there. It’s just so calming to walk into a store dedicated to organization.) I feel like some before and after pics were in order or something! š (Only half-teasing!)
To be fair, I was only allowed online browsing and 20 minutes in store š but i already have another set of wish list items!