Congratulations! We’ve made it to Day 15 of our Clutter-Free Challenge.
Since this is my first time presenting a series like this, I was unsure of the response. May I just say you all blessed my socks off?!! Every day I looked forward to your comments to me and each other, and every day my inbox contained sweet notes of encouragement and tender sharings of your lives and struggles. Thank you. I value you and your time, and consider it an honor that you signed up for my challenge.
As we end this series, I have a few more thoughts to share with you. Mainly because I know how defeated you might get in this area. Keeping a home de-cluttered and organized is an ongoing challenge. Life keeps changing. What worked last month, might not work this month. And just when you think you’ve got this de-cluttering thing conquered, something will happen to you (or me) to make us feel like giving up and accepting clutter. What we’ll need in that moment is perspective. Imagine this …
You’ve just cleaned up the kitchen and family room and sat back with a Diet Coke to relax for a minute, when along comes a high school wrestler who will dump his stinky shoes and sweaty shirt on the counter. Not long after that, backpacks will get dropped in a line from the door to where you are sitting. Papers will be tossed on the dining room table. Later, a tall handsome man walks in, kicks off his shoes, drops a briefcase on the floor, and sets a notebook and travel mug next to the shoes. And five people will ask you what’s for dinner within a 15-minute time span. Four will come back to ask if they can have a snack.
And you will look at the mess, and sigh. And it’s right here, right at this point, you have a choice.
Hopefully … just maybe … with God’s strength and wisdom … you will pause before attempting to make everyone feel guilty for unloading all their stuff and messing up your hard work. And in that pause, before unkind thoughts can take root, or angry words can be spoken, God’s Spirit will give you a “hug” and remind you that life is messy. Really. Messy. And people are more important than clean counters. And this won’t last forever. And LOTS of people would give just about anything to have someone they love walk in the door and drop their stuff.
Then, after you’ve thanked God for stopping your gut reaction and giving you perspective, you will get up and hug that wrestler and tell him you are SO HAPPY he is home. You will kiss those little backpack-wearers on the forehead. You will cut up an apple and wash some grapes. You will kiss your husband and put his travel mug in the dishwasher. And realize that this is much more important than having a perfect home.
Oh how perspective has saved me from doing and saying so many regrettable things. You see, our highest calling is to love God and love others. Yes managing our homes and schedules is important. Obviously I believe that strongly. But maintaining a heart of love should always supersede our desire for a clutter-free home. So when the interruptions come (and they will) … and when someone messes with your plans (and they will) … remember to keep perspective. Keep first things first. And Jesus’ commands always come first.
Let’s say you keep perspective, and you avoid a meltdown, but in the quiet of your heart you feel like a failure in managing your time and home. And maybe you signed up for this challenge thinking, I’m really going to get it together now. But three weeks have gone by and you haven’t made one change. If the truth were told, you are actually further behind because now you’ve spent way too much time reading those long blog post by that wordy Whitwer.
If that’s you, and you are even more discouraged than before, please take those thoughts captive, and hear what I have to say. God is accomplishing HIS purposes for you through this challenge. God’s ways are not our ways. You might have signed up with the intent of de-cluttering, and God had another purpose altogether. I learned long ago that I can sign up for one “class” but God had already scheduled me for another. Be open to what God wanted to do during your time on this challenge. If God did something completely crazy like heal a relationship or light a creative spark inside you that’s going to mean even more crafty clutter, please let me know.
Just two more things. Really, and then I’ll end. First, if you have taken any before and after pictures, I hope you’ll post them on your blog. Then leave a comment with a link to your blog. To leave a comment, click here to go to my blog. My friend Julie Gillies posted some of her before and after photos. I hope you’ll hop over there to by clicking here.
Finally, I hope you’ll consider staying on as a subscriber to my blog. I will continue to write two times a week about my passions: home, family, organization, time management and productivity. I occasionally write about general faith topics, usually when I have a devotion running on Proverbs 31. But if you decide to unsubscribe, I want to thank you for joining me for this study. Your time is valuable and your trust is precious to me.
That’s it. I’m done. At least for today. I’ll look forward to sharing more with you in the future.
Grace & Peace,
Glynnis
Heavenly Father, I worship You for Your goodness and faithfulness. Even though my life feels out of control at times, You never are. As I continue to bring order to my life, I know I’m going to need Your help. I get so easily discouraged and want to quit. Help me to persevere. But I also need to know when to let things go and just rest and enjoy my messy life. Please help me know the difference, and have the courage to do the right thing. I love You, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.
If you’d like to read more of my tips for organizing, I hope you’ll consider getting my book. It’s available through Proverbs 31 Ministries, Amazon or any bookstore. Thank you.
Thank you for a great 15 days. No, I haven’t cleaned out the attic, but I have been blessed beyond measure. You have reminded me that God cares about me and my attic and ALL I have to do is lean on Him and He will guide me through the process.
I look forward to reading your blog throughout the year.
Blessings to you,
Elizabeth
After taking the time to de-clutter my home my mind feels de-cluttered as well. Before; when there was no organization; I felt stressed. Now after taking “one day at a time”. .. and by “taking one step at a time” toward removing the clutter I feel so much better and so does our family. Thank you for all of the great advice!! Less is truly more and a clean space is refreshing!!
http://thejourneybeginsheresisters.blogspot.com/
I had a great time doing the challenge. Many people would say that I am already a minimalist. I didn’t do the closet challenge because where we live, there really are no closets…one tiny one in each bedroom, that’s it! So they have been maintained for a very long time.
I will definitely follow your blog. Thank you for all of your tips and prayers.
Writing things down helped a great deal. I took care of a bunch of little things that were cluttering my list. They had been on my mind for months, but we’re not top priority. They were the type of thing I would remember and say I will do that next time I go, but then forget. I finally just made the little things a priority and spent the first sat morning doing them. It cleared my mind to write them down, and was fun to clear my list doing them. I also got my key rack in the kitchen clean. Thank you for the challenge. It was fun and encouraging.
One more thing – I really enjoyed this because there was the scripture lesson with a concrete action I could take. It made the lesson more than just an academic study.
Thank you Glynnis!
I have not organized as much “stuff” as I thought I would, but I have shared your challenge with friends and know that at least one friend and I have gotten so much out of this. And more important than stuff, I organized my mind, and from today’s post remembered my priotities. It’s just what i’ve been needing.
I have a put all my “notes to me” in one notebook.(I had 5!!) with headings at the top of each page and a “Table of contents” in the front! LOL! Hey, it’s working! I’ve used it several times already and yesterday added 2 new pages. So, Thank you!
Also, some days, like today’s post, were written just for me! PERSPECTIVE, that’s just what I needed to hear.
I copied one of your Prayers and put it in my Bible to read, and pray it, over and over. I have really been blessed by this challenge. Thank you.
Thank you for your encouraging words. My plans always seem to change or I’m just plain weary. Thank you for reminding me of PERSPECTIVE.
Thank you so much for this series. It has been exactly what I needed. I have downloaded your book and will continue to move forward. I have also implemented a similar notebook for work. I have enjoyed reading your blog each day. I felt that at times you were looking at my house! Thank you again for taking the time for this special project. Blessings.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write up this clutter-free challenge. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start but when it’s broken down into steps and I only get one of those steps each day, this allows me to focus on one thing at a time without getting ahead of myself and then overwhelmed with all I have to do. During the last 3 weeks I have neglected to feed my family on a few occasions, I have forgotten to wash floors or washrooms, I even forgot to have a shower on a few days but I have gotten my house more organized than it ever has been and it’s great! (and on the days that I forgot to do all the basic stuff, my kids enjoyed the fast food they “HAD” to eat because I didn’t make them anything, and nobody noticed the rest of my shortcomings, even the lack of a shower! Go figure!) Thank you also for reminding us about perspective. Having an organized house is not the most important thing.
You sound like my kindred spirit Melanie….love it…I went without washing my hair for a week and then decided that even though I can’t necessarily afford it – I went to a salon on my lunch break at work and paid someone to wash it for me! The beutician looked at me and said what can I do for you and I said, “well I have four kids and afull time job and no time for myself…” she giggled and said she knew exactly what I needed. It felt really good actually….I felt rejuvenated.
Glynnis, I’ve loved, loved, loved all your posts! And can I just thank you for not dumping pounds of Martha Stewart-ish guilt on us for not having perfect homes? I love your gentle, precious heart and your excellent practical suggestions. (And my drawers thank you!)
You are a gifted, gracious teacher and I appreciate you.Thanks for the inspiration!
I also want to say Thank you, I have enjoyed receiving the daily emails and taking a few minutes for myself to see how I can be better organized, now I just need to get to work! I also wanted to say that just making the list provided great relief for me. Once all my items were on the list, I just didn’t fret over them so much. I knew I would eventually get to everything, but I could clearly pick out the priorities.
Wow! I think this was my favorite post of all. Brought me to tears. Perspective is everything! Thanks so much for doing this challenge. The lessons have gone far beyond having a clutter-free home!
amen!
I’ll second that!:)
I’ll third it. through tears!
I’ll 4th, 5th, and 6th this post! This has probably one of the hardest weekends i’ve had in a long time – finally got back to finishing your series. The word I needed today (and all days) is PERSPECTIVE. About my marriage, my children, my job, my home,…and being that perfect (nope) Proverbs 31 woman.
Thanks for many great suggestions–some I am already doing and others I want to use. The prayers at end were especially inspiring.
Thanks for the way you directed us to God throughout the 15 day series.
I have shared the posts with my daughters as they are in the middle of doing life with small children and busy households.
Really enjoyed todays “perspective”.
Thanks so much.
Thank you for this series. It helps to know there is someone that can really understand and to give a Biblical perspective on t clutter. I used to live by “a messy desk is a sign of genius” but know now that is not what God wants for me. It show my mind is cluttered as well.
First, let me say Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!! You have no idea how much this challenge blessed me. You reminded me of things that I needed to be reminded of–especially today, you gave me great tips, and you encouraged me. I can’t believe that the challenge is over. I definitely will stay subscribed to your blog. Thank you again!! Be blessed my friend!!
After reading your email about kitchen clutter, I took a hard look at all the little things sitting around on my counter top. I took a shoe box and put some items in it and thought, no, it’s the right size, but that won’t do. So, when I went to where I volunteer (church thrift shop), I looked for a basket that size and “lo and behold”, found not only a perfect sized basket, but a blue one to boot (my kitchen color is blue!). I have really enjoyed this and have kept all the past days, so I will definitely do a review and a re-read on everyone of them.
Thank you for this spiritually based series. Every action, every plan in our lives only succeeds as it is spiritually based. Your prayers each day were such wonderful moments to communicate with God and to feel such loving kinship with all who were taking this challenge together. Your final blog on perspective is going to be something I read over and over. I’m a slow learner!
I have made and continue to work on my projects and daily tasks notebook. All of your blog posts are in the back of it, so I can refer to them as needed. — Hey, there’s an example of de-cluttering and being organized! Thank you again for the time, energy, and love you put into this series.
Thank you so much, Glynnis, for sharing your wonderful methods and gracious heart with us! De-cluttering can be so gut-wrenching…but your encouragement and grace-filled words paved the way for more productive results! My husband, children & art closet thank you, as well! Love, joy & blessings to you as you continue to share…looking forward to more!
)
Wow! Do you know what I’m feeling! God directed your thoughts VERY well for this last day to share with us. I will say, life has taken over and I’m still back on the first week, but have kept everything to continue on. Thank you.
I wanted to share one more thing that has been wonderful and allowed me to make baby steps in this declutter journey. FInd a friend, who most likely is in your same state of affairs. We block off three days a month (one for each of us and an extra in case something happens to one of the other two like a kid stays home sick from school…or yea, an extra day) and go over to each others homes to work on a “project”. Our bedrooms are still in progress and still have more sessions to go, but it’s making a difference. And here is why it is working: it commits you to a day, it’s fun to visit with the friend so it’s not this dreaded mound to go through and figure out by yourself, she gives you different perspective and might have different organizational skills than you, she’s not “tied” to the items as much as you and at the end you have accomplished some small piece that you may or most likely may not have without her coming over (because we all find other things that need to be done). So eventually we’ll be off to the kitchen cabinets, closets, kids bedrooms, etc. And aghast, maybe someday we’ll actually get to work on a jewelry or card making project because we have finally finished decluttering our homes. We laugh at that one.
This is what I know I need to complete this challenge, but don’t have. Accountability is a HUGE MUST for me! I took the little Get Motivated test, and I’m CVI (Connection-Variety-Internal) The Relater. I can’t “relate” to decluttering if there isn’t something to switch my point of view. I’m terrible about being motivated, and the rare occasion that I’ve had a friend visit with me while putting things away made a huge difference! Otherwise, I swear that I am the least motivated person in the world…
Thank you!
This challenge has been great and this last one on perspective hit the mark. I have a project master list started and it was great having one to help me stay focused. Perspective really hit home because I don’t to lose my peace and be more concerned about stuff then spending time with family and friends. God Bless you!
Thank you for sharing your time to help us out of the mess. My life stopped when my husband, our two boys, and I were in a car accident. Before the accident, I used to be an organization freak. The accident threw me in hospital for a month, months in hospital bed and wheelchair, and months of therapy to walk again. My physical duties as a mother and wife had to halt; I couldn’t even see my own boys asleep in their beds for months for the stairs were problematic. When I could be brought upstairs, my boys were beaming with pride of how they kept their room organized and clean. Now their version of organization was different from mine, BUT I loved it! It put a huge smile on my face! All kinds of people came in and out of our house to nurse me back; so you can imagine how the house turned upside down with their idea of organization. Gradually I was able to move from room to other room and see what functions for us at the moment. Just like you said, it is all about perspective and what works NOW. I am SO happy to be home! I am SO happy to help my family get in and out of house with their needs met. I am forever slow now because of my limits, but I aim to do what I can do with what God allows me to take care of my family again.
Thank you for sharing your mind, heart, and fingers (for typing).
Thank you for this series. It has been very inspiring. I am in the process of a major reorganization and this came at the perfect time. I’ll go back and reread your thoughts and prayers whenever I feel overwhelmed.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you!! My heart so desperately needed this today. This mama is worn out & sleep-deprived today. I’m way behind on this challenge & have been mentally berating myself for not getting the notebook started. Really needed this reminder today. Also needed the reminder to take those nasty accusing thoughts captive today. That’s one of my favorite verses – need to put it into practice right now.
Love & blessings.
I just want to say how much I appreciate this series. I have to be honest: I have not done anything since I made my lists on paper, but I have saved all of your posts in a folder on my computer so I can use them when I have time. What I appreciate most is your realistic approach to de-cluttering (not going out and buying thousands of dollars worth of cutesy containers only to find them junked up in a month’s time). I know I really WILL use your methods because they are not overwhelming and they make sense to me. Thank you!!!
For the first time in my life I do not feel alone in my quest to be organized and hold it all together. You have made me aware that Jesus is always by my side and as women we all have things going on that overwhelm us. Thanks for this time together, your light-hearted approach and faith based life shine thru. I hope some day to meet you in person.
Bless you Glynnis – I am certain I am not the only one that felt a personal connection to your words (as indicated in all the postings above!), but truly did feel a sense of relief to know that I am not the only one that can feel drained emotionally and spiritually from my failures to keep a clean and organized home….I did “use to be so organized” before my four sons and husband came along (not necessarily in that order of course). Your PERSPECTIVE reminder today was EXACTLY what I needed because I admit I have done all those things you reminded us not to do….and instead of expressing my joy to have a house full of activity and blessings, and to have my boys healthy and happy – I was setting a negative mood the second I stepped in the house from work. I will certainly put your spirit-filled words to good use. Thank you for being you Glynnis! Thank you….and God Bless
Thank you so very much for all the much needed help with this challenge. We all need help from our “Sisters” in life and this has been such a blessing. May God always bless you and your family; we are praying for you. Sending lots of love your way!!!
THANK YOU so much for taking your time to prepare the 15 day de-cluttering post! I’m like most of the responders, I am going to be looking back through the days and taking my time to address my own situation. In the process, I did spend one evening cleaning out the “dressing area” of our bedroom and threw out many, many unused items which probably had been in those drawers for over 15 years! Boy, did I feel great about that! So, I can see where just tiny little steps taken will give each of us such a feeling of accomplishment, although we may be cluttered in other areas, slowly we will tackle those areas with confidence! And, like it may have been mentioned previously these things didn’t accumulate over night, even though it seems that way, it will take time to address and conquer, and through your tips and encouragement WE CAN! Thanks again, Glynnis!
Today’s post was most encouraging and a great reminder to “not sweat the small stuff”. I have cleared my desk and brought in a ‘new’ one from the basement. Clearing the desktop took the better part of 2 days. I still have piles to organize into my home office, but the desktop is remaining clear!
God did take a time-out yesterday to heal a very difficult situation in our home, and I am full of praise for this answer to prayer. And speaking of prayer, Glynnis, I have most enjoyed the encouraging prayers at the end of each post. I have written some of them down to read again. Bless you for your time in helping so many find our way through the emotional and physical clutter of our homes.
Thank you Glynnis! I am that woman you talked about being even further behind or at least not much further on than when I began. I thought it was procrastination and a lack of time but you are so right about God speaking to us about all kinds of things. I was prompted to write this blog post when embarking on your challenge -http://mckimmet.blogspot.com/2012/01/freakin-clutter.html
and I realise that the Lord really is telling me to pause and get my house – as in life and soul – in order. There is much work I need to be doing and inviting Jesus in to heal, direct and show me. My life is chaotic, messy and full of stress right now but He is teaching me. I just need to show up with a willing and obedient heart and Jesus will help me restore all that is broken. It’s definitely a de-clutter, but a life de-clutter. Bless you and thank you
Well, I have to say that I am saving my 15 day challenge in my inbox because I couldn’t take it on right now–mentally or physically in my schedule. I did sneak a peek at Day 15 and I so appreciate the reminder about having perspective and remembering our highest calling–to love and be thankful for the people in our lives that make staying organized such a challenge. This is a daily struggle for me!!!! I look forward to starting my challenge at a later date! Thank you for your encouragement!
Jamie
mom of 4 kids–ages 6, 5, 3, 1
full time kindergarten teacher
part time co-youth pastor with my husband
I’ve really enjoyed your 15-day challenge and look forward to reading your book. But today’s entry really hit the nail on the head. All I’ve been able to do so far is make the master list of things to do – and that is the messy, unorganized, off-the-top-of-my-head version. I am determined to follow through on all of your suggestions – it will just be over a longer span of time and I am fine with that (at this moment in time). Meanwhile, my Christmas decorations are only halfway down . . .
)
As I read each days tips, I’d say “Oh wow, I can do that” and then one of the (7) kids would holler about how the needed my help and there went my time for doing the things I meant to. I home school 5 kids everyday M-F and that takes a lot of time. Most day I’m exhausted beyond hope. I fall into bed at night only to be awakened anywhere from 1-4 for my littlest to get a drink or he’s lost his stuffed animal. We live in a very small house, a 1 bedroom that was made into 4 bedrooms. So everywhere I looked all I could see was clutter. The Lord is my strength. I wouldn’t take anything for the daily hugs, the “I love you, mom” the “thanks mom” that I get. I’ll take the clutter and deal for now. I thought when I started this challenge I’d have a clutter free home by the time it was done but instead I found “me” time and a perspective that I’ve never had before.
Thanks so much for taking time to do this for me.
I have been so blessed by your blog. I now have a clean closet and important papers are on their way to being more orderly. Thank you so much for reminding me about the most important thing – LOVE. I have to confess when my children were younger I was too focused on having a clean house and was not as patient with them or my husband as I should have been. I have many more victories in this area now – putting them first and I am much happier because I am pleasing God. God bless you and all your readers.
As I write this I am looking at a kitchen that needs attention. There is still dirty cookware from last night because I chose to go to my son’s wrestling duel right after supper and then came home to a daughter who wanted help with her speech. There is a roaster on the counter that needs put away. I roasted a smoked turkey the other day just because my daughter loves it. I got to watch the joy of satisfaction when she carved off the meat and directly ate it. Some things did not get done around here because my mind was on other things like a dear friend’s daughter who had her appendix removed just before it burst, and a funeral of my husband’s coworker’s granddaughter who was only 18. Life is messy. And you are right. Perspective is important. I am glad I chose to try to keep the clutter down in my home a few years ago, because it really helps to keep the stress from becoming too overwhelming. Clutter itself causes stress. If my house was the way it was before I decided to take control of the clutter monster, this week would have been more stressful and overwhelming. Today, I have time to get things back in order. It won’t take too much time because there is a place for everything. I will get to sit and enjoy it for awhile, just before the busy weekend of having friends over, attending a wrestling meet, going to church, and providing childcare for the “Parenting Class.” Thank you for the time you took to write your articles on clutter. I was encouraged by your e-mails.
This has been a wonderful eye-opening 3 weeks for me! I was so excited and anxious looking forward to reading your message every day! I have begun a couple of projects and am extremely pleased with the progress I have made although it is a small step toward all that needs to be done, it is a step in the right direction. I do plan to continue your blog for encouragement along the way! You provided me with wonderful tips and I’m most appreciative of today’s message. My children are all grown and have homes of their own, but my dear sweet precious husband is still here and has not only had to watch me lose control of my housecleaning habits but has had to listen to my complaining about it. Your comments gave me a new perspective for sure. Thank you for allowing God to use you to speak to so many through this ministry.
Forever Grateful,
Melissa
Wonderful teaching. I’ve printed all of the blogs and as soon as I’m done with my “Purpose Driven Life” study in 13 days… this will be my new disciplined study. Thank you!
This is a great idea! I’m going to print these out too, as we never know when “life” will happen and clutter starts creeping up. This is a great “reference tool” for reading again when needed!
I’ve actually been “scared” to write down everything I feel responsible for… But, I will do it!
“Thank You” just doesn’t convey all of what I feel today! You have blessed me so much over the past 3 weeks. I have laughed and cried, and actually made some progress!! I LOVE the binder with ALL my THINGS TO DO. This has really helped me to keep on top of most things.
Today’s message is wonderful and probably the best of all of us. To remember God’s perspective in all things is a difficult task, one He has been teaching me over the past several years. Because of family circumstances, every day is different. So I finally got to the point of every morning just asking the Lord, “OK, I have these plans for today, but WHAT do YOU have planned?” Some days mine are what happens, others, not so much. But through much prayer and encouragement from friends, family and other women such as yourself, I am learning to be more perceptive of what God wants.
I have been blessed by this blog knowing I am not the only woman struggling with ‘a mess’ ! God wants my heart, through my obedience He will help me deal with the mess. May He bless you richly for all you do to touch the lives of others! And I plan to keep on the “de-clutter” trail!!
Having decluttered every closet and pantry prior to signing up for this challenge. This ended up being a learning how to KEEP things organized long term! I forwarded this challenge to a number of friends, too. Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to address this problem, biblically. I love your quote from today,
“But maintaining a heart of love should always supersede our desire for a clutter-free home. So when the interruptions come (and they will) … and when someone messes with your plans (and they will) … remember to keep perspective. Keep first things first. And Jesus’ commands always come first.”
That’s what I’m purposing to do, thanks again!
Reen
Glynnis,
Of all the posts during this De-Cluttering Challenge, I have to say that this one was the best one “for me.” I am the person whose motto is “There’s a Place For Everything and Everything Has Its Place.” My children have known this since they were in Preschool and now one is in her second year of college and the other is about to graduate high school. I have often lost perspective because I want my home to look like the pictures you see in Better Homes and Gardens or from a Candice Olsen HGTV episode. I have blown my fuse with my husband because he wants to put a huge UGLY alarm clock on the nightstand next to our bed because it’s too big and ugly to go with the other decor. I have felt totally exasperated because someone will knock down the bath towels while attempting to get one and totally mess up my neat folding (you know…where you don’t see the fold?) So, I REALLY needed to hear this today. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank-you Glynnis! This has been worth it. I will be getting your book in the near future too. I’m so looking forward to when renos will be done here and we can get everything put in place, but in the meantime i think i need to go through all the boxes in storage so that i don’t have any clutter to organize when the time is right to empty them.I think maybe one day soon i will be as organized as i’d like to be(minus those incidents that you mentioned today). I pray that God will give me grace to extend in those situations when things get left laying around and messed up by others that i cannot avoid! I wish everyone here a lot of peace, success, and Joy in The Lord as you work towards organization in your mind and home/work. Blessings to you Glynnis!!!!
Thank you Thank you thank you!!! what a tremendous blessing and encouragement this has been
God bless!!
Thanks so much for your words, they are uplifting and encouraging. You are a good role model for me. God bless you!
I haven’t posted yet, but I have been reading daily. This has made a huge effect on my CLUTTERED home. My large counter (which is about 8′ long and was full of piled clutter) is now cleaned off (we can cook again!), and the day you told us to take all of our appliances off the counters? I did that.. everything is rearranged differently than it has been for the last 14 years! I have never changed this since I moved into this home, and as of this past week, it is all different, and I love it! Everything is easier to get to and “makes sense” now. I’ve also cleaned out a bedroom that was a storage room. I wish I would’ve taken photos! You could barely open the door to the room, and now you can walk in and around the room; storage under the bed now in large storage bags. Closest in that room is now organized too, as well as the closet (linen closet) in the hall too. I have 8 garbage bags for good will! I still have a long way to go (Bathroom & Bedrooms), but I am excited about this; and normally I am NOT excited about decluttering! I thank God for putting the spark in me through you!
Wow! You have done a lot in your house in a short amount of time! My house sounds a lot like yours before “decluttering.” How motivating! Thanks for posting!
This has been a wonderful 15 day challenge. I have loads of ideas now and can’t wait to get started. I loved how you ended–perspective! Though my husband and I love the de-clutterd and organized home, we have two children who will probably both be gone in August. I can get my home ‘perfect’ then, for now, I am loving my kids while I can. Thanks so much!
Thank you for this great 15 day challenge. In my life long effort to keep things well organized and always feeling like such a failure you have shown me that in fact I have been quite successful in many areas (still needing work in others). So many of your ideas are things I have put into practice over the years and personalize for my given situation. Others are ideas that simply put – organize the thoughts for organization that I had considered but never followed through with. And many suggestions are so GREAT that they simply cannot be ignored. Thank you for the time you have blessed us all with.
Hi Glynnis, thanks so much for your 15 day challenge! You have provided so many helpful suggestions and been so understanding of the realities of life while tackling never ending dishes, paper, laundry and stuff ! I have also really enjoyed everyone’s suggestions, hints and encouragement. I’ve got a huge job ahead of me but am very motivated and will come back to your blog to re-read sections for encouragement!
I thank God for you Glynnis and the talents He has entrusted you with. You truly have a heart for busy moms and God is using you to do His work. I can relate to the after school until dinner time chaos. I was laughing to myself as I read about the the high school wrestler, backpacks and what’s for dinner. It sounds like my house with four sons! I will now handle that part of my day keeping God’s perspective in mind and thinking of you. I am so grateful to be reminded that our God is an awesome God and He always meets us right where we need Him most!!! Peace be with you and your family.
Thank you for this post…well, for all the challenge, even tho I haven´t made any major changes yet. But, this year is starting out better clutter wise than it has been in the past. One of my biggest challenges is perspective…perspective that sees the efforts of little 5 year olds for their true worth, perspective that treasures the ¨clutterers¨ in spite of my ruined efforts, perspective to make my house a home where my family feels treasured, protected, loved and cared for…rather than hounded for not keeping it sparkling. And of course, perspective that sees my own failures and God´s forgiveness and mercy so that I pass it on to others. Thank you again for the time and effort you put into this series, and for the time and effort you put into the Proverbs 31 devotionals which have been a blessing to me and many of my friends. May God bless you richly!
Glynnis,
Thank you so much for this challenge. I am still working on week one, but I know it’s okay. You have made me feel like all of my hang-ups and road blocks are not so abnormal as I have always thought – I know I am not alone – thank you for that! I will continue to read your blog and work on the challenge. Oh and I will be getting your new book! Bless you!
Thank you for your post on “Perspective” today. It’s exactly what I needed to hear (especially the examples about the wrestler, kids’ stuff, and husband). I often sit down for a moment, only to see the clutter immediately pile up again because life doesn’t stop after the house is straightened.
I hope this 15-day challenge will remain available in the future so that I can go back and reference it from time to time.
Thank you so much for your encouragement.
Each of the 15 day challenge posts has had nuggets of great tips, but out of all of them I think today’s last post is the one that really hit home for me. I laughed out loud at your words of encouragement and how you described having perspective when life gets messy.
Thank you for taking time to do this challenge and remind me of our first calling…to Love God and Love others. I am guilty of reacting to a busy, messy life too many times, but after reading your post today, I’ll be reminded to pause and let God give me a hug before I start venting about not having the perfect neat home. Even though I don’t have before and after pics right now, I’ll be working out a plan to get my piles of paper into binders and artistic storage bins. God bless you and thanks again!
I used to think maybe I was silly to love organization (or at least the attempt to be organized). I’m glad to know so many people share my concern in this area. When I am stressed, I de-clutter, organize, or clean something! It makes me feel I have a little more control over my life. Thank you, Glynnis, for taking the time to encourage us all to do the hard work of organizing our lives.
Thank you! I have been keeping my project/to-do list notebook and it has been a great sense of peace knowing that I have a place to “dump” all of my ideas and responsibilities. I have felt more productive even if I haven’t accomplished everything on my lists. Not only that, but your devotionals have reminded me that i have a need to sit and “be still” with God each day. It was one of the highlights of each day to fix myself a cup of tea and soak in your words of truth and help. I honestly have never thought about linking the organization of my home with my faith. Thank you for bringing this to my attention and reminding me that I can take ALL THINGS to Christ. I will continue to follow your blogs! Many thanks.
Thank you for your challenge! I have made good progress, but still have more clutter to tackle. I loved today’s post. I can completely relate to your imagine this example. My life is somewhat similar complete with 4 snack requesters (mine all ages 8 and under). Being reminded that I am so blessed and that lots of people don’t have the pleasure of loved ones walking in and dropping a few things on the floor brought me to tears. During this stage of life I need to continually be reminded of what is most important and let the mess go sometimes (which is hard for me). Today I walked away from a half cleaned floor when I heard a 3 year old voice from the other room, “Mommy, can you be the triceratops?”
Oh how I would love to hear a three-year-old voice say “Mommy.” Now I’m in tears. Thank you.
Thank you for everything!
As a result of these 3 weeks: what used to be 2 “empty” tabs in my daytimer are now marked “projects” and “plans/dreams” with items already checked off; 2/3 of my kitchen counters are cleared and cleaned (or at least they were when I went to bed last night…my teens will be home before I get off work…); my desk is about 50% more organized – papers filed, tax information sorted, etc.; and the number one task for my day tomorrow is to empty out and clean my closet! I also have your book sitting on my night stand, ready to be read and more done to take control of my life. As a result of this also, especially the early task of writing down everything we need to do, I was able to turn down an opportunity without feeling guilty about it, knowing I was already overcommitted.
Since you started this wonderful challenge, I have…
organized my pantry
organized my children’s craft bins
donated MANY toys, clothes, houseware items
started a household cleaning plan
I have been inspired and challenged through your posts and am thankful that you have helped me to kick-start what I have wanted to do for a VERY LONG TIME!
Blessings on you!
Sabrina
Thank you so much for putting this together. It was just the right amount for a devotion and loved having scripture attached. This has given me reason to keep sorting and decluttering my house. You had some great ideas and i saved the blogs to go back and read as i do different areas of the house. Today helped put it in perspective that life is messy but blessed and we have to keep in mind gods priorities. I look forward to reading more of your emails. Thank you for being so real and human with us. Praying you have a blessed weekend.
Thank you, and God bless you, Glynnis! This has been fun, eye-opening, refreshing, and creative, too! I am going to order your book, to have some more inspiration. I am also looking forward to your e-mails a few times a week. Thanks, again : )
Glynnis, thank you so much for this awesome series! Praise God for you meeting us where we are in life, and where we are amidst the clutter in our homes! I’m relieved to know I’m “not the only one” who struggles with this!
I’ve saved all of your 15 posts and suggestions, and am trying prayerfully to work through them at “warp-turtle-speed” in an effort to restore order to my home!
You asked in your post today: “If God did something completely crazy like heal a relationship or light a creative spark inside you that’s going to mean even more crafty clutter, please let me know.”
I can relate to the “creative spark / crafty clutter” part!! Already there!!! I have a pay-the-bills “marketing communications director / web content writer” job by day … by night and by weekend, I am a self-employed fiber artist and small business owner. I often joke that my YARN actually owns this house, and simply allows me to live here with it!! And along with the yarn comes paperwork, invoices, pattern-writing, and the like … in my time at home in the evenings and on weekends, I’m so busy designing and knitting that there’s little time for housework and organizational tasks … ugh. That which gets neglected, stays neglected for a long period of time!!! Hence, the hot mess that resides on my dining room table, and in my closets!
Soooo … thanks to you now, I have notes … and outlines … and a WRITTEN PLAN to plod through and slowly reclaim my house!!!
Thanks again!!! And yes, I will continue to subscribe to your blog!! Blessings, and God’s peace to you and your family!! ~ Suzy
Thank you for sharing!! I did make a little progress…de-cluttering is endless at my house. I have 12 children…just when I get one child’s clothes sorted through it is on to another…they grow so fast. I also struggle with parting with things as we have little extra money to purchase things. BUT amazingly God has blessed when I have let go as He has asked. My problem is I just love stuff…especially books and homeschool curriculum. Looking forward to further ideas/suggestions/motivation/encouragement. Thank you for taking the time
Thanks Glynnis for your blogs and your prayers. I’ve read and saved all your blogs to re-read and to encourage me to keep at it. Thanks for reminding us about perspective.
I’m planning to keep on receiving your blog. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Thank you Glynnis. You’re blogs have been such a blessing to me. God has blessed you with a great talent. While I am not living clutter-free yet, I know now that I will be, in time with God’s help and your blog. I am making slow progress, but have so many ideas on how to organize areas that I might actually be able to maintain through your blogs and comments from others doing this study. I plan to start this study all over again on Monday and work my way through it in hopes that it will help me continue to break it down into small, manageable parts. I will continue to read your blog in hopes that you may give out additional tips for organizing my home. I definitely will have to purchase your book when we have some extra funds. Thank you again for your blog and the wonderful comments from others.
Thanks for the tips and encouragement you’ve freely shared in this series. I am much more open to getting rid of “stuff” now and will hopefully make progress in the days ahead. I’ve decided that this will be my year of de-cluttering and purging. I’m trying to make mindful purchases and work through every room and closet to pass along anything that isn’t being used. Holding on to things that I might need “someday” seems silly if someone else could use it now. I plan to continue reading your posts and glean more helpful tips. Blessings to you and the other ladies of P31 who freely minister to the rest of us!
I’ve copied several days on your “declutter” topic and gone through my bedroom closet to root out clothes that were outdated and too small to wear. It helps to know that I can rely on the Lord’s words to keep me from becoming a “pack rat” that holds on to material possessions which are not important. People matter and things must be held onto lightly. An expression that defines this process: “Lives are precious, handle with care.” I feel freed from the hold of “things” and can go forward with confidence that God will continue this process keeping me from becoming entangled with excess “things.” Thank you for this great study.
Thank you so very much for blessing me with this series. Tonight as I sat in a living room that looked like a tornado went through it, cleaned up popcorn the toddler threw on the couch, fished two brand new ink pens out of my coffee cup that she put in, changed the baby for the umpteenth time, made dinner for my disabled son, and listened to a daughter cry over her job problems, I was ready to throw in the towel and admit defeat. All that I had done was undone in the blink of an eye. But then I read your last blog and your words sank deep into my heart. Perspective. Perspective. Grace. Grace. God has blessed me with these beautiful grand babies and their care. God has blessed me to find my prodigal son and take care of him. God has given me a husband that, while he is gone a lot, is a Godly man who loves me beyond measure. My house will one day be clean and organized. Just not right now. And that’s ok. Thank you for your thoughtful prayerful study. You have truly made a difference in my organizational skills. Hugs!
Glynnis – Thank you! I have read and enjoyed it all – especially your heartfelt prayers. I don’t have the gift of writing but it was like my own voice. I have worked on clutter often before and made some progress. This time I have really only had time to read the blog and get ideas but tomorrow I am going to begin digging in – truly! My hubby is away for the weekend. I know how lucky I am with that. Bless you for blessing us:)
Thank you! I too have only begun to dig in but have saved all info in folder to start fresh. Last weekend I worked on financial records and found something missing since 2006…our FAFSA pin number, what a load off my mind, I got everything ready for hubby to do our filing of taxes and financial aid forms. Actually happy to begin digging deeper this spring into every nook and cranny! God Bless!
Thank you so much for your inspiration. Ironically, I had made for myself a New Years goal of Organization January before I even stumbled across your blog. However, the ideas and encouragement I found from your blog GREATLY helped me along the way in keeping it up and coming up with new ideas. I especially love your blog today since having the perspective that even after I’ve spent all of naptime cleaning and the kids wake up and trash it all in 5 minutes, that they are the priority in my life.
I posted about some of the things I did on my blog, http://kellyfink.blogspot.com/ I still have to post the things I have been working on for the last week, but that is for another day! I still have a few more organizational goals to go. And trying to get my husband to organize his areas of the house is a whole other challenge (since I am “not allowed to touch his stuff”), but for now the house feels a whole more organized. Thanks again! Kelly
Thank you. I needed this reminder. A wise Christian woman, who was counseling women who fournd themselves single parents, reminded me, getnly, when I was complaining about a minor thing about my husband, that many women would love to have a husband at home, even with idiosyncracies. How’s that for a run on sentence? Well, you get the point. Every time my mess children walk in the door, I am grateful because somewhere another mother is getting a call about an accident, a cancer diagnosis or from juvenile hall. I will take the messy teenager.
Thank you so much for this challenge, but especially for this post!I have made a bit of progress on my clutter which is good, but more importantly this post has had a huge affect on me
. I know that my perspective really needs to change! I tend to look at the mess my husband and children leave for me to pick up rather than the blessings they are in my life. I plan to change this and right away! 
In response to today’s post-Having been empty-nesters for over 10 years-My husband and I absolutely cherish the times when our 3 kids and their spouses and now, our 8 mo. old granddaughter come from 3 hours away and drop their stuff, etc. every/anywhere in our home! As I pick up their shoes (“Didn’t I teach them not to do that before they left home?”) I bless the feet that wear them and thank the God Who made those feet in my womb. Wish I’d been wise enough to sit back and take that perspective while they were all at home more often.
As I’ve read your de-cluttering posts I’ve realized that, although I do have a lot of areas to improve, I’m not as bad as I thought I was. And, God did have other plans for me during this time. I’ve been asking Him, albeit half-heartedly at times, to help me develop the habit of exercise in my life and He has provided 2 new opportunities each week! Yes, my office (among other places) still needs some de-cluttering, but I’m so up from exercise that I don’t let it get me down so much and I have more energy to do it.
Bottom line: Thanks for your ideas during this series. So glad I signed up. btw, the prayers at the end of each post helped me place each day on the altar and expect help for whatever God had in mind for me. blessings, k
Thank you so much for doing this class. It was been very informative and inspiring. I feel like a somewhat organized person but I had never thought of how clutter can “disrupt” our relationship with God and with others. I have started on a project notebook which I love. I also went through my linen closet upstairs today and it looks great! I didn’t even need to go and get any cute baskets or totes! Wish I would have taken pictures. Thanks again and may God continue to bless you and your family!
This has been an awesome study; like one of the other comments, I had over 4 pages of things that I kept putting off and I am slowly getting it done. My biggest challenge is all the books that I have been given to sell; selling books online is how I maintain the budget and God has provided an overabundance of books for us to sort through. I have finally stuck to the goal of emptying the storage unit of books we were given (yes) and will have that emptied by the 1st. Now to get the time to get them sorted. We have definitely been blessed in giving books to all of the thrift stores in the area. Thanks again Cindy
Dear Glynnis, I have to say thank you so very much for being such a blessing on this journey. I am only on Day 10 of this Clutter-free study,and yet I have accomplished so much in these ten days in my de-cluttering my home and my mind. I have this study saved in my outlook in a special folder and when I am done with one project completely I then read the next day and start on moving forward with that project. I have been so over whelmed with clutter that my brain is tired but now I feel a sense of freedom and less stressed. It is so refreshing to start opening cabinets or closets and not having to close them right away because of what is on the other side.
So I want to say thank you to you for being obedient to the Lord and doing this study. I have also ordered your book and with the Lord guiding me along I now can open doors and purge items that are no longer needed in my home…It is such a good feeling to donate things that we no longer need or the children have outgrown, as well as knowing that I only have to tackle one project at a time and that I do not need to do it all in one day! Thank you and God Bless! Ann
Glyniss, I thank you for this challenge. I have now taken my kitchen back. My pantry is organised with neat little crates for every food or item. My kitchen counters are clutter free.
The kitchen challenge really lit a fire in me. And am pleased with the results. I finished up everything My new Kitchenaid Artisian stand mixer in boysenberry arrived the same day I finished my de- cluttering and organization. So for now my stand mixer is the only on my counters besides my tea cozy station( thanks for the idea I drink lots of tea).
So thanks to you I can look at my kitchen and feel peace again!!!
God bless.
Thank you for this challenge to help with schedules, hearts and home. It was good to be reminded that we don’t have to organize what we don’t need:) I liked the idea of TO DAY list instead of a To Do list. Several of the days, your email was forwarded to friends, I looked forward to each new challenge. Freeing up time is essential in keeping JESUS THE Priority!
God Bless!
Glynnis, Thanks. I just read all of these lovely notes from all over North American women. We all agree. It was worthwhile. Many of us are not done–but working on it. I, for one, go to sleep at night rearranging things in my head for better organization and re-purposing furniture for better, cleaner areas.
I wish I had before/after snapshots. What a hoot! The past 2 weeks (I missed the first week and had to play catch up) I…
+ reorganized our “pile” of important papers in the kitchen. Got two clear hanging file holders (his/hers–with blue for his files, green for money files, and red for mom files, orange for kids files in my bin).
+ reorganized the sewing room/guest closet/office area. A catch all for things that I havent had time to do in over 15 years. Time to purge to bless others with fabric and notions.
+ reorganized my clothes closet–removed all the items I truthfully wasn;t wearing. or couldn’t wear.
+ sent the rest of my Christmas cards. Yes, a bit late but it is still Epiphany season.
+ Getting ready to tackle the organization of important files for medical records, insurance records etc in my red 3 ring binders I bought 2 years ago at Target (Life buttoned up doc folders).
Thanks again! I am on a roll.
AND–love the perspective blog. Yep. I might feel like complaining about the people who make the mess, but at least I got people to make a mess, a home to make a mess in, and money to spend on containers to clean it all up. : )
MY pet peeve? Hubby doesnt know the difference in a coat hanger and a dining room chair. EVERY night, he hangs his coat on the back of the chair. Without fail. I have moved the chairs, even taken them OUT of the dining room! He draped his jacket on the table…(sigh). Then I remembered a dear friend of mine. Her husband died of a sudden heart attack a few years ago, leaving her with three teenagers. She has been a shining example of the Strength of God in her life. She would love to have her husband hang his coat on their dining room chair. With that thot in mind, I lovingly pick up the coat, take two steps to the coat closet, and hang it up with a smile.
Glynnis–
I have learned that the love of God is truly HIGH and DEEP and WIDE. I am not much farther in my fight against clutter, and I did have a complete miscarriage, but I have felt such love and support from my sisters in Christ. I am humbled and honored.
I have HOPE. I can, eventually, a little at a time, get a handle on the clutter. I will follow the Lord’s leading, and try again to add to our family. I will stay on your list, because your tips will bless me again.
Thanks for everything!
Much love
Carissa in eastern Iowa
I guess you can call me a relational “connector”, too. My hubby will think I am crazy to share this, but hopefully will add some humor to your day! He was recently cleaning out his closet in December for both Goodwill donations and trash and he placed a pair of navy/green/white plaid Nautica flannel boxers on top of the throw-out pile. They weren’t worn out really and bring back fond memories (for me). So, when he noticed them back in the closet on my side, he thought I was crazy. And I replied ‘What if I suddently lost you, and I wanted something to hang out in to remember you.” I don’t know what prompted me to do that or to even say that, but after reading your blog today Glynnis, I think I get it!!! Thanks for shedding light here and encouraging us all! God Bless~
Oh, and even though I can hardly get motivated, thanks so much for this series! It has really made me look at some heart issues that I didn’t know that I had.
Glynnis,
Thank you so much for all the wonderful tips. I want to get your book to keep me focused. Today I read about how your personality can hinder your ability to de-clutter and it really hit home. My daughter and her family moved in with me around the Holidays, She is amazing, very organized, I try to be organized but I get very overwhelmed, I don’t like to throw things out, some things have memories of loved ones that are no longer with us. I have to pray and let go of some of the stuff, I can’t take it with me.
She has no problem throwing out. Today when reading the article it all made sense, my daughter would score the same as you on the Motivational DNA test.
God bless you for all the wonderful tips and devotionals to get me through the day.
Blessings,
Lou
Clutter prevents me from thinking clearly–the constant battle between taking time to de-clutter, and staying busy with activities.
the unhurried life spoke to me….that is me. Getting better but still need the help. I’m heading to read your post on roo right now. I used to be more of a connector but turned producer….maybe always both when younger. Now i’m a producer and in a hurry, its harder to be a connector. Would definitely read a book like that. Thank you.
The “hurry sickness” symptoms have also plagued my life because I overcommit to what I can do in the amount of time I have available. Then I “hurry” to do everything on the list. I have read books on “simplicity”, “de-cluttering”; I have de-cluttered most of my house and my “things”; I have “edited” my responsibilities; and, still, I hurry to do everything. One of the greatest blessings recently was when I fell up the stairs at the church where our Thursday noon Bible study is held, trying to do “one more thing” before I was due in the parking garage to help bring in the lunches. Although I did not break anything, I couldn’t walk easily for a couple of days, so I sat in front of a wonderful fire in my recliner with a wonderful book. I read and napped for hours on end, and it was PURE JOY! To “Be still and know that I am God” is one of the greatest blessings in all of life!
I don’t spend a lot of time at the computer, but I benefit greatly from Time-Warp Wife and all its contributors, you being among my favorites! (Thanks for sharing your very wise and practical tips!) I missed Days 8, 10 – 14 of the Clutter-Free Challenge and wonder if there is a way I can read those. Seems like there would be a way to access the whole article, but neither my husband nor I can find it. Thank you.
Well here it is…March 3rd. I finally finished and read day fifteen. Okay, it took me a little longer than fifteen days. I may not even be completely clutter free but I am definitely less cluttered and more organized than I was when this began!! Thank you!
Hi Kristal. I’m celebrating with you! You are moving forward and that’s a good thing.