I'll be honest, I really don't like cleaning and housework. I'd much rather spend my time cooking or knitting or reading a good book. My house has dust, the windows are so fingerprinted and dirty that I do believe it acts as another protective layer against the sun's rays. If you visited (unexpectedly without prior notice) you'd most likely find that you could in fact eat off my floors (crumbs everywhere), or be treated to a free acupuncture session (step on a stray lego piece) or better yet...try your hand at the world's most challenging puzzle (walking through the maze of clutter in my home). Seriously, that's how I feel some days about the state of my house. I know in the scheme of everything, will it really matter? No. But it does help my sanity when the house is at least picked up and organized.
So for 2012, I've begun a tiny baby step: organize the kitchen drawer. You know the one. The catch-all one (Not to be confused with the other catch-all drawer from several years ago. Once again, that one needs organizing.) near the phone that holds the address book(s) which may or may not be up-to-date, business cards, pencils, pens and all kinds of odds and ends that you don't know what else to do with. Ours was overflowing to the point that I was having trouble closing it and papers would fall down behind it onto the shelf in the cabinet below. It was a mess!
I emptied it, threw out a whole slew of papers, changed my address books to something else (which I'll show you next week), and bought a Fohoja cutlery tray from Ikea to hold certain essentials. The small box on the left was a thrift store find that I bought for a quarter. It holds all the odds & ends that we don't know what they're for but don't want to throw out yet.
So now I have a place for pencils, tape, sticky notes, scissors and sharpies. There's still a little room in the back of the drawer for collected business cards (which I rubberbanded) and a copy of church's directory (only the most recent one).
Admittedly, this is only a little step forward in organization, but a big step for more clear thinking. While I was at it, I reorganized a few other kitchen drawers. Presently, I've got a nice pile of 'stuff' to give away or as the kids are urging me to do, add to our tag sale bags so that when springtime comes, we'll be ready. Don't know if I can wait that long... may have to make a trip over to the thrift store for dropping off de clutta...
Thanks for the push in the right direction! I have been ignoring my junk drawer for a month now, but this is getting me motivated to tackle it.
Posted by: Emily T. | January 12, 2012 at 06:44 AM
You sounds just like me...and I KNOW that drawer...it lives in my kitchen times three!
Here's a really neat organizing/decluttering calendar that I've found really helpful in the smallness of its tasks:
http://www.mysimplerlife.com/2012.htm
Hope you enjoy it!
Posted by: Knitty Gritty Homestead | January 12, 2012 at 06:53 AM
I seem to get that decluttering and organizing urge every year at this time. I think it's because we're inside the house more and it just feels smaller. It's amazing how quickly stuff piles up! And for us, it's not the legos, it's the Barbie Doll shoes that we keep stepping on!
Posted by: Amy | January 12, 2012 at 08:44 AM
Good for you! I love the silverware tray as an organizer. I know that's not the first time I have seen it done, but it's cute in your drawer!
Posted by: Erin @ Wild Whispers | January 12, 2012 at 09:49 AM
oh gosh, i don't like to do housework either. it would be a dream come true to have a housekeeper who loved organizing things!
Posted by: randi | January 12, 2012 at 09:50 AM
I love to reorganize just about anything! Love the tray idea.
Posted by: swanski | January 12, 2012 at 09:55 AM
My problem is "I love organizing." The older I get...the more organized I've become. Maybe it's because as one ages, the need to remember where things are is greater...fewer possessions help. At least I can think that instead of wondering if I'm OCD. Love your humor and hugs...
Posted by: MaryBeth | January 12, 2012 at 10:00 AM
Your drawer looks great. I was just thinking our junk drawer needs some attention! I also cannot ever wait to sell things. I just take them on over to the thrift store, so I can immediately enjoy the purge. Good luck
Posted by: Heather | January 12, 2012 at 10:04 AM
I have drawers like that (the top pic) or at least I did before our move. Now everything is neat and tidy and in its 'right place' but for how long? Glad to hear you can 'eat' off your floors too. I just tripped over a whole banana on the way to the kitchen. Breakfast, anyone?
Posted by: Greer | Typically Red | January 12, 2012 at 05:47 PM
Stepping into my house you might find the same things lol :)
Posted by: Amanda | January 12, 2012 at 08:19 PM