What have you done for me lately?

No, it's not just a song by Janet Jackson. Lately I've been looking around my living space and I'm tired of it. But nothing excites me more than coming up with new ideas to make me love it again. So last night I decided it was time to do just that. No, I didn't run to IKEA or Target to buy new bedding or furniture. I simply rearranged and dusted and cleaned my house from top to bottom. I moved pictures and furniture and I placed fresh flowers throughout. This opened me up to more inspiration of ideas. I live in a house that is 685 sq. ft. with 2 little boys and 2 dogs and believe me, being organized is the only thing I have when it comes to functioning on a somewhat sane level. 

I did the same thing with my closet. I took out all of the clothes that physically made me feel icky inside and i put them in a pile to donate. I then took out all the clothes that would never fit again (so be it and I'm fine with that) and I made a pile to give to my younger step-sis. I then put some coat hooks on the inside of the door for hanging purses and I also organized all of the clothing by season (and no, not by color because I'm not that picky).

Next was the fridge. I pulled out all things moldy and that had been shoved to the very back for more than a few weeks. Yes, even professional organizers sometimes let things go. I pulled out all the shelves wiped them off and put everything back in a neat and orderly fashion. Then I tackled the pantry, laundry room and cabinets. Now remember, my space is only 685 sq. ft. so what will take me maybe a couple of hours to organize might actually take you days so don't try to accomplish everything all on at once. A wise man says, "slow and steady wins the race!"

My 2 boys share a room and once a quarter or a little more often I make them pull out their bins of toys and I have them take out everything they are finished playing with. We take out clothes that are too stained to wear and donate those too. We also rearrange photos and toys on display to make it look like new. Hello, parents! Kids can't keep their rooms clean because they have too much stuff. You think you're overwhelmed with their rooms as an adult? Well their little minds are even more overwhelmed because they don't know how to just say no. Trips to Target don't equal a new something-or-other and the memories of love and quality time is irreplaceable and can't be donated to the Goodwill. 

Now for the outside. Overgrown trees, disheveled rose bushes, dirty windows, etc. etc. I was so overwhelmed I had to ask for help. I hired my neighbor to do the tree trimming because he has a chainsaw. Not only did he trim the trees but he hauled all the branches off to the dump. I hosed down the outside of the house and washed windows inside and out. I've added a few flower boxes and pots and Voila! my home now has some curb appeal. 

After about a month of a few hours here and a few hours there my house is in tip top shape! It feels like a new house and my children even noticed the changes in the furniture and photos. I feel newly inspired when I come home and adding fresh flowers once or twice a month does wonders. The new plan to keeping it this way? I have to implement the 15 minute rule. Everyone pitches in picking up for 15 minutes every night before bed because I'd rather spend my weekends with my children playing and having fun than stuck in the house making us all feel like slaves. My oldest who is 8 is in charge of folding laundry and putting it away. My youngest who is almost 4 is in charge of putting away groceries and putting laundry in and out of the washer and dryer. I also make them make their beds every day (almost every day). 

Happy Tidying, Everyone!