I am half way through the decluttering phenomenon known as moving. Although, if I am truly being honest with myself, I am really just getting started.  I did fail the first leg of the great challenge because we barely had enough time to pack, let alone sort, and decide what to get rid of.  It all boils down to being the kids’ fault and I’m sticking with that story! We needed to wait until the time was right to tell our children about our big move and for various circumstances, that ended up being only a few weeks before the truck was scheduled to drive off with everything. That meant our packing was in the ‘open a bin and throw everything from one shelf into it, then move on to the next’ category.  This leaves me with the daunting task of de-cluttering as I unpack.  It also leaves me sleeping in a bedroom that looks like a garage. (serves me right after teasing Emme about her clutter not too long ago.)

As I open each bin, I spend a good creative minute thinking about where to put the various items inside and then I set up what will fit and donate the rest.  It’s easy to disconnect yourself from your belongings when you are anxious to get settled and feel pressed for time.   I have marked one box with danger caution tape…the photo album box! I know if I open that box a whole day will be lost looking through all the old photos because an album cannot simply go from the box to a shelf.  I admit I have had some guidance from the facebook feed of the Consumed television show, since I tend to leave the house and go to the beach, using the avoidance tactic.

It’s funny how our priorities shift as we become parents.  The kids’ rooms were the first ones done and I actually believe that I am happy if they are happy.  Their summer activities combined with their need to eat, have proven to be great distractions to my own progress! Yet somehow, despite the mess all around, and the big work that still needs to be done, my daughter’s funky curtains have been hung.