40 Bags in 40 Days

Spring Fever usually hits me around this time of year.  I tend to go into "cleaning mode", and I pull things out of closets and sort through stashes of papers and magazines.  Last year, I weeded out our library, motivated by the fact that I no longer need any primary school book, as my youngest homeschooler is in his teens.  I was also appalled by a relative's home, and decided that I do not want to be a hoarder.  I don't want to keep things "just in case".  I don't want to have ten of anything when one or two will do.

Last year, I gave away 140 BOXES full of books.  140.

I don't regret it for a second.  Our library is now more open and airy, and my hubby now has a bigger space for his office.  (One of my goals is to sort and organize his office, but that's a post for another day.)

I just happened across a page on the internet a few days ago.  It inspired and challenged me.

#40BAGSIN40DAYS

Ann Marie was inspired by another blogger, and took the plunge a couple of years ago, ridding her house of 40 bags of stuff in 40 days.  The stuff was given away, sold, or thrown in the trash... no matter the size of the bag, there were 40 bags of things that she didn't need gone from her home, for good!

http://www.whitehouseblackshutters.com/40-bags-in-40-days-2014/

So, I took the challenge.

 ^Before.  After:

I cleaned out my desk drawers.  I got rid of a bag full of garbage, and put everything in its place.

I cleaned a small cupboard by my desk, filed all of my stickers, and put all of the electronics neatly in a drawer.  I also filed my bills and set up a file box for finances, another one for our church, and another one for a "tickle" file for my personal use.  I then cleaned up my roll top (craft desk):

Today, I cleaned the rest of the drawers in the roll top desk, and threw out old envelopes, moldy papers, etc.  My desk is now completely organized and ready for me to enjoy.

Results so far?

• gave towels and glasses to Elena
• got rid of four bags of garbage
• organized my entire desk, all the drawers, and filing system
• tidied and sorted craft desk; labelled containers so everything's easy to find
• found my original birth certificate from Jeffrey Hales Hospital
• found pictures and love notes from my kids and hubby

Five days down, thirty-five to go!  I can do this!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Homemaking is an opportunity to demonstrate love and care for my family.  A bit of hard work makes my home a more welcoming place, so we can show hospitality to others in the name of Jesus.  Having a place for everything and everything in its place will give me a sense of preparedness and peace, so I don't waste time looking for something that should be easily found.  

I can do this.  I can rid my home of 40 bags of stuff - either trash or treasures for others - in 40 days.  

There's a Facebook group you can join if you want to:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/40bagsin40days/