Not so much “how the mighty are fallen” (not least because I have never been mighty), but more “how easy it is to slip into bad habits”.
As we moved further on into our declutter process I managed to stick strictly to one in one out (remember this post ), but gradually I let a few more items in and didn’t get around to shifting out an equivalent number. Then as that happened more than once or twice I stopped being so strict in the shop. If you have a one in one out policy you have to (a) really want the new item and (b) know of an item you are prepared to donate in return . There is no “whoops what fell into my basket” with one in one out shopping.
We were in Morpeth this weekend and as usual we had a wander around the charity shops (excellent by the way). I bought two pairs of linen trousers. I came home and as I hung them up I noticed that my small wardrobe was a little bit tight.
Today I went to make a cup of tea and had to tidy the mug shelf before something fell out.
Something had gone wrong.
The clothes issue had not got out of hand and I have caught it in time. I like to declutter in summer because it’s easier to try on clothes and see if they still fit/I like them etc when I am not wearing enough clothes to keep Nanook of the North warm. So I have programmed a clear out tomorrow.
The cups are a funny one, because I can’t remember the last time I bought a cup. However, we are forever being given them. They don’t match, I don’t particularly like them and they certainly don’t make my heart sing. So today this lot went to the charity shop and were replaced with 6 of the beauties at the top. I love them, they are beautiful and they serve their purpose.
Decluttering is a forever process, because not only do you slide backwards sometimes (clothes) but you are not the only person who brings stuff into your house (mugs). If you have a hiccough, don’t beat yourself up, just pick yourself up and start again.
Love Gillie
P.S. Since I posted this the Father Christmas mug has been given a reprieve on the grounds that it was abducted by The Boss and Singer 1.
one pair of shoes at a time 