Attic Declutter During Christmas Chaos
Declutter During Chaos
I have been on a journey to simplify my life for the last few years. It feels as though it has become an addiction for me. Doing an attic declutter during Christmas chaos sounded like a good idea in my head, but I am famous for biting off more than I should chew so this was normal for me. Sometimes I find the urge to declutter during the strangest times like in the middle of the Christmas chaos so Let The Decluttering Begin.
My View From The Attic Stairs
This is my view form the attic stairs. As you can see, it is a wonder that the attic did not collapse. First thing to remember, sort the boxes when I bring them down the stairs so there is no mess just in case the mood suddenly leaves me. Second thing to remember, take baby steps given the size of the job. How could one family have so much stuff in their attic?
Note To Self: Declutter The Attic Every Year But Do Not Do An Attic Declutter During Christmas Chaos.
Paper Purge
Over the years, I had stored 5 boxes random paperwork in the attic. I burned 90% of the contents of those 5 boxes. I am still wondering why I thought there was any chance that I would ever need any of that stuff. I am so glad that I took the time to go through each box before I burned the old papers because there were family pictures as well as one of my college diplomas mixed in those boxes. I made a promise to myself to always sort and file all paperwork as soon as I’m done with it, so this never happens again.
Christmas Clutter
I have been collecting Christmas decorations, specifically snowmen, for about 30 years and it doesn’t appear that I have ever thrown any of them away. But as I sorted through the endless boxes, my heart was telling me that it was time to find a new home for some of them and one particular lady came to mind. As it turns out, one of her daughters had lost everything she owned and was starting over. She was very happy to have decorations for Christmas. The very decorations I no longer needed was exactly what she did need and at the perfect time. I get so excited when God does something through me to help others in his perfect timing.
Baskets And More Baskets
I use baskets for organization or flowers, picking them up from yard sales and thrift stores when the perfect one caught my eye. Many of these have been in my collection for a long time without me finding a use for them. Some were too big or small while others were just not my style anymore, so these Had To Go. After keeping only my very favorite baskets, I had 32 baskets to donate. I found a church that would use them as gift baskets for their guests and missionaries.
Before
After
It is Finished
It took two full days to sort through the paper clutter, baskets, wrapping paper, and Christmas decorations. The decorations were put in colored bins found here https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-18-Gallon-Tote-Box-Plastic-Blue-Ash/1924501101?athbdg=L1102 with labels and my wreaths are hanging up on the wall. There were four trips to the donation center and two trips to the church. My attic is decluttered, organized and looks great. My heart feels lighter along with my anxiety and stress level. Oh happy day! If you want to join me on my journey, you might start here. Simple Living: 7 Steps To Start Living Your Best Life.
