Day 296: Organizing the Pantry

Years ago when my nephews were little, we went to their home periodically to visit. I remember being so impressed at my sister-in-law's pantry. She had all the cereal boxes together, a big Tupperware container with pre-packaged snacks, all the soups together, and more. It was a delight looking in there because a person could find anything. Fast forward to my pantry. The bottom is covered with varied chip bags. Cracker boxes are next to jars of queso. My husband will stand, stare in there, and walk away thinking we have no snacks when all he had to do was move a few things and he would have found ample delicacies!

My task this week is to pull everything out and organize it to even survive a "man look." I want items to be easily found. Perhaps I will even come across some antique items that can be thrown away.

Day 295: Extra Time Well Spent

On a neighboring blog, the creator wrote about spending an extra five minutes just to do something right. On our rushed days, we flit from thing to thing and accomplish little.

Within five extra minutes, we can complete a task like finding something unneeded to simplify our lives. I timed myself today and found several items out of place, put them away, and threw away some old papers and magazines.

Day 294: Things That Match

While sorting through my few purses, I came across an accessory I couldn't part with earlier because IT MATCHED! I don't use lipstick in a tube and this was a little matching lipstick holder with mirror, same color material as the purse.

What is it with things that match? Do we feel like we are splitting up a couple if we get rid of one part we don't need? Often, manufacturers create products with extras so we will think we are getting more for our money. If you don't use one part of the matching items, donate it.

In a happy turn of events, someone will have liked her lipstick case and given away the matching purse. My lone lipstick case will turn up; the person shopping at Goodwill will have a match!

Day 293: Vehicles

How is your vehicle looking lately? Are there any bags or piles of things you have been meaning to leave somewhere and they've been hitch hiking in your van for weeks? Any trash in the cup holders? Vacuumed lately?

Stop by 7-11 and use the vacuum for 4 quarters. They also have a handy, large trash can for you to clean out clutter.

I've posted two photos of a van I saw (I was very sneaky photographing it). I'm not sure the owner can fit himself in anymore.

Consider simplifying your vehicles and getting rid of clutter today! That's my plan.

Day 292: Pens, Pencils, Markers

How many times do you go searching for a pen or pencil only to find it doesn't work? Throw it away right then and there. If you have a stash of pens and pencils somewhere, sometime go through them and see if there are any duds and get rid of them.

If you don't have a central place where family members can find a writing utensil, create one in a drawer, a mug, a can, etc. Near the phone is a good spot for a notepad only used for phone messages and a stash of working pens.

Day 291: The Cherokee

I just (literally) returned from a teachers' trip to study the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation in North Carolina. We got stranded when our bus stalled while going down a mountain in the Smokies and didn't get home until 12:30 AM this morning. Long story...but it ended happily.

Anyway, I was struck by the simplicity our Native Americans lived with. The Cherokee adapted to change fairly well (other than being removed) when Europeans brought new goods such as metal. Our guide said that metal goods to the Cherokee was like computer technology today...they recognized its worth and wanted more and more.

Obviously, living and surviving with only their natural resources helped them live simplified lives. Much of the living was done outside. Possessions, other than beads and ceremonial gear, were always utilitarian. They seemed to live quite easily without clutter.

Is there anything non-utilitarian you can declutter today? We really collect so much stuff in our lifestyles. Mind you, I'm not looking to live in an underground home like they did in the winters early on...I appreciate modern conveniences. I just encourage us all to pare down so we can enjoy what we have instead of tripping over it.

Day 288: Art Supplies

We have kept a bin of art supplies through the years. Often, the bin has overflowed because we hated to throw away the gold lame' or whatever item, just in case we needed it for a craft project. I think one small bin-full is plenty now. If I need something, I'll go buy it at the time. So, I'm getting rid of excess art and craft supplies.