It's time to get organized (before the big guy shows up with more stuff)

This weekend I did one of my favourite things. I purged. I purged stuff. I mean toys, clothes, books, plastic containers, pots, papers, a rug, even a love seat. I do this often and I always feel lighter afterwards.

With a large growing family there are always things to go through, pass down, donate and because of undeniable wear-and-tear...throw out. For us, Christmas is a perfect time to get rid of what's not being used because the kids are just one present away from the hottest video game, the trendiest fashion or the latest best seller. More stuff.

But once I was done I looked around and noticed that there are so many hidden places to go through. I realized my job was far from done. There are closets, dressers, desks, cabinets and shelving that no matter how cute or organized it may look, guaranteed there are things we don't use tucked away inside them.

So I have this corner in my basement. 

It was revealed in it's full glory once I removed the love seat. Granted it doesn't look THAT bad here. Looks kinda, sorta organized right? Yes, until I opened it up. We have five sons and these containers house everything for gaming.  The paddles, wires, guitars, controllers, drum sticks, etc. Not only was it a mess inside but there were parts for systems we don't even have anymore. This is what got me thinking. This is what got me started on the "to do" list for getting organized. 

I went through the house and looked at everything that has a door or drawer or space where stuff can go. This is where I began. It's really easy to be all gung-ho in the beginning, I know, but my plan is to systematically go through this list until it's done. The bigger, more time consuming tasks I have broken down into it's parts. Like my closet. This part of my list looks like this:

• Dawn's Closet - Clothes & Shoes
• Dawn's Closet - Shelving
• Dawn's Closet - Boxes
• Dawn's Closet - Filing Cabinet

I would like to think I'll tackle one job each day. And when life gets busy? No worries. Leave it for that day. I'm not completely insane. Not completely. I'll just pick up where I left off the next day. This isn't something that should consume every moment or thought, it's just something that will feel better. Besides when things are organized it allows everyone in the home to function better.

Although I am hoping when I'm done my home will look like a model home (ha, ha - will never happen) and I will have not a worry when a girlfriend is looking to borrow something. And maybe the kids will be able to find what they are looking for without yelling, "Mo-o-o-o-o-m, have you seen my....".

Here's hoping :)