For the past few days wrapped in some more days, Bossy has been helping a friend prepare to move. This means Bossy and her friend have been shifting through every single item found in every single cabinet and drawer and shelf and tabletop and nook and closet and hook.
This is a portrait of what that looks like:
As difficult as it is to look through one’s stuff and try to make sense of it — especially when that stuff is wrapped inside other stuff tucked in more stuff — it’s worth it to part with clutter.
Bossy’s mom has espoused the theory that one can’t truly accomplish this kind of stuff overhaul unless one is moving because you have no choice but to unearth every item and make decisions about it.
As an Interior Designer, Bossy’s mom often had to wage battle against the stuff her clients wouldn’t part with. Bossy’s mom entertained the idea that the most enlightening thing she could do for a client would be to pull a moving truck into the driveway, put absolutely everything in it, drive that moving truck around the block, and then pull it back into the driveway where the client would no doubt see how insane it would be to move that stuff back into its old position.
Throughout the process of helping her friend get organized, Bossy has been thinking a lot about the clutter in her own life and wishing she had the moving excuse so she could pick up her house, turn it upside down, and shake loose the contents.
Bossy can sum up her desire to be free of everything extraneous in this way: Until Bossy actually does move, she probably won’t do it.
Which is what today’s Ten-Word Challenge is all about. In exactly ten words, what do you have to say about the process of moving and going through your stuff and getting rid of things — and do you think it’s possible to organize as though you’re moving when you’re actually not?
In other news, Bossy would like to announce the winner of her iPad giveaway sponsored by Brad’s Deals: it’s Amy from Pretty Babies! Congratulations, Amy!
And thanks to the rest of you for playing along. Bossy can’t express how much she appreciates it. Or wait, maybe she just did!
whirled_peas says
June 28, 2011 at 11:47 amThe best money I ever spent was to hire movers.
lora says
June 28, 2011 at 11:47 amtotal house cleanse every 5 years. touch everything you own.
Dara says
June 28, 2011 at 11:47 amTwice yearly, I pretend I am moving-everything MUST GO!!!
Suebob says
June 28, 2011 at 11:50 amLast 10% of moving takes as long as first 90%
Brenda says
June 28, 2011 at 11:50 amCan’t walk through office: oh, when will motivation kick in?
Jami says
June 28, 2011 at 11:53 amUprooting and moving sucks. Periodically winnowing your life, however, doesn’t.
Summer says
June 28, 2011 at 11:54 amLost my decluttering how-to books underneath mounds of junk.
Kizz says
June 28, 2011 at 11:56 amMy mother is a hoarder. I fear for my future.
WebSavvyMom says
June 28, 2011 at 11:59 am–>My husband purges weekly. I’m lucky to still be around.
Dobes says
June 28, 2011 at 12:02 pmNot my problem. I keep only a few beautiful things.
Debby says
June 28, 2011 at 12:02 pmMajor flooring remodel has forced packing/organizing. Easier to move
Deb @ Green V-Neck says
June 28, 2011 at 12:05 pmCan’t keep house clean, would never be able to sell.
daniela says
June 28, 2011 at 12:08 pmI am actually moving as we speak. Pakcers at my house today – movers tomorrow. I’ve been going through stuff for weeks trying to throw stuff out. My 10 words are this:
Oh Ma Gah – Is that my 8th grade cheerleading outfit?
KathyB says
June 28, 2011 at 12:10 pmOrganizationally challenged myself. Came by it honestly. Cross to bear
Heartworks says
June 28, 2011 at 12:11 pmOne drawer at a time- it can be done!
Greta says
June 28, 2011 at 12:17 pmYes, it’s possible to reorganize without moving…it’s called redecorating!
Dray says
June 28, 2011 at 12:18 pmEmptied house contents into garage. Couldn’t park. Stuff eliminated.
hollygee says
June 28, 2011 at 12:19 pmI moved my stuff didn’t. $80/month for five years.
Mary from Northern California says
June 28, 2011 at 12:28 pmWhy are an old sweater and uncomfortable shoes so depressing?
Scottsdale Girl says
June 28, 2011 at 12:36 pmWatch a few Hoarders episodes, motivation abounds
Lina says
June 28, 2011 at 12:51 pmJoin the military- forced/ paid to move every three years.
Betsy says
June 28, 2011 at 1:01 pmTake what’s necessary, leave all the rest to new owners.
Meg at the Members Lounge says
June 28, 2011 at 1:01 pmInherited grandmother’s cleaning gene. Closets purged every spring and fall.
heidig says
June 28, 2011 at 1:01 pmNeeded new roof, ordered dumpster, threw contents of attic into it. Done!
Meg says
June 28, 2011 at 1:02 pmNext time I move I’m going out heels first, horizontally.
Cupcake Murphy says
June 28, 2011 at 1:07 pmTwo closets + one mini garage % forced, continual clutter control = Gleehappy.
Elise says
June 28, 2011 at 1:08 pmIf I ever move again, I’m buying all new stuff.
p.j. says
June 28, 2011 at 1:09 pmWon’t take the week off from work to do it.
Cindy in Walla Walla says
June 28, 2011 at 1:14 pmCity sewer backed up into basement last weekend. Decisions made.
OR
City shit took all our good shit.
Robin says
June 28, 2011 at 1:46 pmFlylady.com uncluttered my life. Ahhhh. Things are much nicer now.
Teeny Tina says
June 28, 2011 at 1:57 pmHave moved six times in five years. No clutter left.
Ellen says
June 28, 2011 at 2:05 pmMove frequently: new countries, new continents. Rolling stones, no moss.
GreatAunt says
June 28, 2011 at 2:21 pmMoving sucks, but getting rid of stuff feels so wonderful!
Angela says
June 28, 2011 at 2:23 pmI’d cut off a finger for a personal organizer visit.
Dalnapen says
June 28, 2011 at 2:46 pmIf I’m not using it, I want someone else to.
Jennifer H. says
June 28, 2011 at 3:02 pm*Love* to organize, no clutter in my house or head.
Jacquie says
June 28, 2011 at 3:02 pmA box in my office holds typewritten memos from 1988.
birdie23 says
June 28, 2011 at 3:29 pmcleaning my closet out, found two books on anti-clutter.Hmmm.
Amy says
June 28, 2011 at 3:40 pmThank you SOOO much Bossy! I am so excited!
Olivia says
June 28, 2011 at 3:55 pmIf it’s not moving, toss it out. Moving sucks, though.
BOSSY says
June 28, 2011 at 4:09 pmMajor organization spirals downward into throwing shit into trash bags.
Doug says
June 28, 2011 at 4:10 pmWill we see you on the next edition of “Hoarders?”
Lisa L. says
June 28, 2011 at 4:53 pmsorting, packing, moving…..all of it makes my ass twitch!!!
jennifer says
June 28, 2011 at 5:08 pmIf something isn’t held in a place of honor….let it go.
Janet says
June 28, 2011 at 5:34 pmI’m doing it now! Hate it, hate it, hate it!!!!
Birdbrain says
June 28, 2011 at 5:47 pmHot water heater in second story room ready to blowup (according to the plumber and the constant leaking) filled with books, bookcases, suitcases, Xmas decorations and crap. Purged that puppy in a flash!
AngAK says
June 28, 2011 at 5:51 pmgetting married. moving 5 homes into 2.may take years.
Laur says
June 28, 2011 at 6:08 pm4 1/2 decades – 30th move this weekend.
I can walk into any house and tell you how many boxes it will take.
Lizzy says
June 28, 2011 at 6:35 pmI’m surrounded by stuff and 4 people who won’t purge.
Lizzy says
June 28, 2011 at 6:36 pmAlthough I feel successful since I cleaned the dress-up box.
kathy says
June 28, 2011 at 6:57 pmBefore thirty moved 10 times.after thirty once- never again!
kathy says
June 28, 2011 at 6:58 pmGetting vacation place to have more storage. Will not MOVE!
GrandeMocha says
June 28, 2011 at 7:42 pmDear God I hope I die before I have to pack!
Ruth says
June 28, 2011 at 8:07 pmSemi Hoarder I confess. Need to MOVE. Swore would NEVER move again.
Catherine McP says
June 28, 2011 at 8:12 pmUse to have junk piles, now anal about my sparseness!
Ask daughter when she puts purse on table, I itch!
Blog Princess G says
June 28, 2011 at 9:01 pmLove to purge my stuff regularly. Home stays clutter free, mind is clearer, heart is happier. Don’t wait til moving is my advice.
helenel says
June 28, 2011 at 9:36 pmJust threw out notes from 8th grade. Get the picture?
klcrab says
June 28, 2011 at 11:23 pmI would rather go into labor than move ever again.
Kate says
June 28, 2011 at 11:39 pmMoving for fourth time this year, to Brazil. Purging rules!
BossysMom says
June 28, 2011 at 11:47 pmhey all you horders…who will move your stuff eventually.
MemeGRL says
June 28, 2011 at 11:54 pmHi BossysMom! Thanks for rearranging our stuff so helpfully!
My 10:
Daughter of 2 pack rats, trying to break the chain.
OR:
But I might need it someday! like back in 1998.
Allegra says
June 29, 2011 at 12:17 am1st Move: car
3rd Move: small truck
Last: A Match?
Allegra says
June 29, 2011 at 12:23 amI try to pretend that I’m moving, but remain unmoved.
#29 Cindy from Walla Walla – that was priceless.
Lynn says
June 29, 2011 at 1:21 amFill one giveaway bag every month. Feels good. Works great.
Cage Free Family says
June 29, 2011 at 1:28 amIf you didn’t know it was there, forgot you had it or haven’t used it in a year – it goes. It’s how I always lived and it’s what I did when I donated everything and moved onto an RV
It works.
krg says
June 29, 2011 at 7:34 ammoved last week, discarded taxes since 1967. might need them?
allison in houston says
June 29, 2011 at 9:34 am“helped” mom move. hired movers. she kept the crap
anyway.
And all the crap that wasn’t ready for the movers I got to pack and schlep for the next two days, despite having been there packing for her every weekend for the last month. Advice to ALL – DO BETTER!
km says
June 29, 2011 at 9:39 amJust moved.How does one part with BOOKS???Dead hands.
Piper "Ace" Benjamin says
June 29, 2011 at 10:20 amI donate all kinds of stuff. Makes mom completely batshit.
Yellaphant says
June 29, 2011 at 10:34 amI think the next time I move I’m just going to leave everything except one bag of clothes. Just waaaaalk away.
Amy says
June 29, 2011 at 12:11 pmWhen I attempted to throw out “But I might need it someday” (Swedish Chemistry text book written in 1898).
I lost, it and its many companions, all in Swedish, are still there. This explains my mother’s college class notes from 1942, unmatched crockery in the basement, a car in the attic and a boat in the basement. (Well, just pieces, what would fit through the doors.) Two engines in the garage, one in the backyard and one in the basement. We might need it someday. Yeah – we need it to fill a dumpster.
Margie says
June 29, 2011 at 12:48 pmMom was a crafter. I am a crafter. Help me!
Kristi says
June 29, 2011 at 1:18 pmMilitary family. Move every couple years. Good at tossing stuff.
Cassie Sue says
June 29, 2011 at 2:44 pmTry starting small, does not seem as overwhelming, I think.
Also, Ariel on offbeat home did a great piece about this. http://offbeathome.com/2011/03/pack-rat-suicide She talks about giving all of these crazy items a moment to shine and then LETTING. THEM. GO! I think it’s cleansing to let things go, so I’ve been trying it…. slowly.
molly says
June 29, 2011 at 2:49 pmTry taking a pic of each item, then organizing on your computer. Convinces you to let go of stupid stuff to itemize.
janet says
June 29, 2011 at 4:57 pmChoose one small area. Craigslist. You’ll be amazed what sells!
janet says
June 29, 2011 at 5:00 pmEmpty a room to re-paint. What deserves to be returned?
MIME says
June 29, 2011 at 7:26 pmJust moved to a new home in same city. Did lots of culling/sorting/pitching. I feel so liberated. It’s not something you can talk someone else into—you just gotta’ get there yourself.
rubia says
June 29, 2011 at 10:58 pmthe easiest move i ever made was post Katrina. the clothes on my back and starting over. now a mere 5 1/2 yrs later. CLUTTER.
amy says
June 29, 2011 at 11:17 pmGet Rid Of What You Don’t Need/Want/Love. Period!
The less I have the better I feel.
Bev says
June 30, 2011 at 7:59 pmTrucking stuff around the block; little would come back inside.
Janice says
July 1, 2011 at 11:39 amSubscribe to Flylady.net. Follow the missions and regain your peace.
Elizabeth@Table4five says
July 4, 2011 at 1:00 pmAlso need to turn house upside down, shake out everything!
Coleen says
July 9, 2011 at 6:35 pmMoving=Hell, Salvation Army=Heaven. Don’t miss it, lose it!
the muskrat says
July 14, 2011 at 9:11 pmWe just moved our family of 6. It fucking sucked.