In my world it’s Tuesday…plus a few hours. 
I have never considered myself minimalist by any stretch of the imagination, though I do love clean lines and uncluttered space. However, I’m starting to wonder if I’m not heading in that direction. So often now I find myself looking around my house, seeing objects with new eyes, and thinking, “that needs to go”. And these were things that I formally loved. My ideas about what is wanted or needed seems to be changing daily, and the desire to lighten the load is increasing exponentially the more stuff I get rid of.
Case in point. Two years ago my sewing/work room was contained within a small extra bedroom. It was a crowded but cozy space with walls the color of caffe au lait, curtains I’d made myself, a bookcase full of books, a closet stuffed with all my sewing, needlework, and jewelry making supplies, an antique dresser filled with odds and ends. I loved that room, and all my little treasures.
Then, I discovered I was pregnant with Little M and the extra room needed to be transformed into a nursery. I carved out an area in the basement and set about creating a new cozy space. It was different but it still had the cozy woman-cave feel, and it worked well until Little M outgrew the basinet and then the pack’n play. When it came time to little Little M roam free, suddenly it was all too much. There were books that could be torn, cords to get tangled in, open shelves with two many things to topple over on a little one. It went on and on. I had to find a compromise that worked for me and for a baby discovering the world around her.
After tossing around several options and trying some that didn’t work, I decided to move the table that my sewing machine sat on back upstairs and set it up in the master bedroom (with creative arrangement of furniture we had the space). Then a lot of related began to follow – books, supplies, a lamp, tools – just because I was accustomed to always having them nearby. Time passed and I realized I was spending more time decluttering the work table than actually creating projects. It was frustrating.
Finally, one day I took everything back to the basement that I did not absolutely need for the sewing project that I was trying to complete. The table was left with a sewing machine, a task lamp, and a basket that contained my patterns (that were in use), sewing tools, and notions, and a magnetic straight pin holder. Suddenly the space was inviting. I couldn’t wait to use the area. And now I do, regularly. I’ve discovered that the less visual clutter I have hampering me, the more productive I am. Now, the basement area is my storage space, and that little table is my workspace. I bring up to the table only what I need for a project, and return what I don’t need any longer when I’m finished. It’s Heaven, but it has me looking at that basement area more and more wondering, “what can go?” A lot, I’m pretty sure.
August 18, 2010 at 9:38 pm
You had suggested to really clean my “woman cave” I should take everything out and then put only the things I need back in. I keep wanting to do this…to the whole house. I realize the hubby won’t go for it but it’s a little dream bubble I play with.
One day I’m really gonna do my room!
August 19, 2010 at 10:01 am
It would work really, really well on your woman cave! The rest of the house might be a challenge. My dream bubble is about getting one of those Pods for a few weeks, setting it up in the driveway, and then stuffing it full of everything that I want to sell or donate. Then when it is stuffed to the gills, I would have a giant yard sale, and whatever doesn’t sell I would give to charity. Clean house, no annoying stacks of clutter. Its the perfect scenario. Well, except for the small problem of there not being any space in my driveway for a Pod. Other than that, complete brilliance.
PS – On your room…think defined workstations for each type of project, and then don’t let them mingle and stack up outside their areas.
August 21, 2010 at 2:49 am
Looking up as I type, I must admit that I’m putting off a nasty job in my office in lieu of other more interesting decluttering.
I have a few stacks of papers that are not filed because the filing cabinet is in another room, child locked. Other shelves are not yet pared down either.
Of course, my (half) office should have top priority because I’m there most often…what I have is actually a closet with the doors removed and a tall computer desk with wings slid in. It’s actually quite clever to get a two person office out of this bedroom – even if a little awkward.
I need to take a before shot, do my tidy, and then do a post!
August 21, 2010 at 11:52 am
Welcome Minimalistmum,
Ah, the stack of unfiled papers, I know it well. I used to be a meticulous filer until the baby came along. Now the file cabinet is in the basement and I’m usually not. The filing tends to collect and then I’ll do a bunch a once. I think its easier to ignore the papers in favor of decluttering other things since you know the papers have to stay (at least for a certain amount of time), but the knick knacks, whatnots, and other useless items don’t.
Kudos to you for your office space. It’s always a little boost when you can create a space you need, and use an existing space more efficiently. Double bonus.
August 21, 2010 at 7:24 pm
Thanks! Anyway, I’ve taken the before shot – that’s the easy part…
August 22, 2010 at 11:56 am
No, thank you! Your comments inspired me to tackle the growing mound of “doesn’t belong in here” papers and whatnot that was gathering on my dresser waiting to be moved to their rightful home. Done! Yay!