Today much of my work had more to do with decorating, as I’m testing a theory that I’ll be more motivated to declutter when I’m in a more attractive space. We’ll see. Other than needing and wanting to pare my wardrobe further, the bedroom’s not in terrible shape. My current project is spray painting the wall shelves, because I decided I was tired of the distressed finish. I’ll share after photos soon. Besides the spray paint, I need to style them a little better.

Shelves before.

In the meantime, sticking to my resolve to focus exclusively on one space is way easier said than done. I’ve been fighting the urge to go through the board games and puzzles, because when I sit at my desk the shelves are there every time I turn my head. I’m also in the mood to do more book purging. Then there’s just the general clutter of everyday life, which seems to sprout on every flat surface in spite of my efforts to quash it.

In other news, my much-loved and well-used handbag is falling apart which led me to a useful revelation. I don’t remember if it’s something I shared already, but I have a handbag problem. This is another collection I’ve pared way down, but I still have more than I need. This bag wasn’t expensive so I can’t be surprised that the faux leather is wearing through on the straps, and the straps themselves look about to wear through too.

I got my money’s worth out of this $30 Kohl’s special.

So I was browsing for a new bag, but then realized I don’t need one. I need to shop what I have already. A few of my bags are dressier but my collection must have something good for every day.

I’m trying to apply this idea to the house too. We had a console table in the living room which also had shelves for books. It wasn’t expensive piece and the top had started to buckle so we put it out during bulk garbage. Besides books, it also housed Bob’s retro-look stereo, which now has no home. Yesterday we hit a flea market, but it was so hot and we found nothing. And then I decided I’d rather try and shuffle our existing furniture to see if we might have a solution somewhere. Even though it doesn’t tie into this month’s goals, it’s important because the stereo’s sitting on the floor, along with the books. I don’t know if I’ll succeed but I want to give it a real try before I  buy something.

Since completing basic chores daily is one of my priorities, I made a list to hang on the refrigerator. Having a visual is really helpful, and I’ll see it as soon as I go to make my coffee.

Posting this also motivated me to declutter the front of the fridge.

I want to remember that most of these items, other than the 10-minute ones, take 2-3 minutes. Recently I timed how long it took me to unload the dishwasher, because it seems like an endless task. I truly thought it would be close to ten minutes. The reality? Less than 3, without rushing. I should also iron all my clothes at once, instead of hanging up wrinkled items and doing it on an as-needed basis. There have been some rushed mornings trying to get an outfit ready. Food for thought.