Project Simplify #4 - Refrigerator/Pantry

Well, another week and I'm a bit more organized. This week's task for Project Simlify (the refrigerator and pantry) was pretty doable. I broke the areas into a couple different projects to make them fit in during my days. When I had a half hours or so, I would get to work.

On Wednesday, I conquered the refrigerator. It desperately needed it as the last time I completely emptied it and cleaned it was when we moved in a year and a half ago. Every few weeks or so, I do wipe down the shelves, though. I even had a little four year old helper and her help was greatly appreciated. She is a hard worker and she did an excellent job.

On Thursday morning, I cleaned out the pantry. I got a couple bins from Walmart to better organize the shelves. As time goes by, we'll see how the arrangement works. A bit of trial and error so to say. Later Thursday, I did the other two cupboards. I put the bottles away, since the baby is now off the bottle. I also cleaned out old spices and began a new shopping list.

As I make my way through the house with Project Simplify, I am finding myself being filled with motivation and working on other areas of the house as well. I worked a bit in the garage the other day too. I hope to finish that tomorrow. I love a good challenge. How about you?

Pantry before

Cupboard #1 before

Cupboard #2 before

Frig before

All of the food out of the frig. Notice my little helper in the background :)

Ahhh, a clean refrigerator...how refreshing.

No more bottles or baby food

Pantry after

Cupboard #1 after

Go here to see how others organized and cleaned out their refrigerators and pantry.

Project Simplify #3 - Toys

I have to admit this one was a bit overwhelming for me. At Simple Mom this week's challenge also included kids clothes. The fact that I have seven kids each one of those challenges, toys and kids clothes, could possible take me weeks to conquer. At the beginning of the week, I wrote out my priorities regarding this weeks challenge. This is what I came up with...

1. The Game Closet

2. The Girls bedroom

3. The basement toys

I had to make it attainable or I would have given up and gotten nothing done. For all of these areas, I focused on toys and not clothes. That challenge is for another week.

Game closet before

and after

I forgot to take a before picture of the basement, but this is the pile of broken toys or unwanted toys to get rid of.

Basement after (although we still need to get rid of more toys)

It is hard having kids in so many different age ranges. That just equals more toys.

The basement girls dress-up area

I didn't do as much as I should have, but I got a few areas of the house picked up and I feel good about that. The secret is to make your goals attainable, so as not to get overwhelmed. Another project successful. I can't wait to see what next weeks challenge is. Go here on Monday and join me. You can also go here to see how other people organized their toys and kids clothes.

Project Simplify #2 - Paper

This weeks challenge room for Project Simplify is Paper. You know those piles you have laying around the house. Thankfully, this one wasn't too hard for me. I dislike having piles of paper sitting around, so I tend to keep things cleared out. I try to get rid of junk mail as I bring in the mail each day and I also try to pick up kid's art work daily. I also cleaned out the kids school papers a couple of weeks ago. So my job wasn't so huge this week, but still rewarding.

This week I tackled our "to file" folder and the magazine rack. I also cleared out a cupboard that has kids craft supplies in it , but I didn't get any pictures of that. I sent old magazines to the recycling bins and it only took me 10 minutes. I like these short quick jobs which make things look tidy once again.

The filing took me around an hour. This is usually a job I save for Steve to do, because I don't like it and it is hard for me to find the time to actually do it. I think he was relieved that I did it for him. What a way to serve my husband :)

Project Simplify #1 - My Wardrobe

I didn't think I would be able to do it, but amazingly enough, I did. Simple Mom is doing 6 weeks of simplifying and organizing your home one week at a time. Each Monday they announce the hot-spot to work on that week. They give you advice on where and how to start and also which supplies to have handy.

Week one -- My wardrobe, clothes, shoes, purses, accessories, etc.

I wasn't able to touch a thing until Wednesday night after the kids were in bed. I had a bit of energy so I started in the closet. After only about 45 minutes, I had finished the closet. I tend to keep up on getting rid of clothing I don't wear. I purge a couple times a year. I think this is why it didn't take me too long.

I am also not a very sentimental person and I don't usually hold on to things just for the meaning. I really thought because of these reasons this job would be easy. I did come across a stack of sweaters I have had for years. Some of them were even from college. Every time, I cleaned out my clothes, I would keep them saying I would wear them in the cold of winter when in actuality I haven't worn them in probably 5 or so years.

You see one was a sweater I got just after my first daughter was born. I felt so good wearing it, especially after wearing maternity clothes for so long. It was even pink, my favorite color and a color fitting since I just had our first baby girl. I wouldn't have thought I would have any emotion over my clothing, but alas I do. I connect different parts of my wardrobe with different memories. I have to tell myself that just because I get rid of a piece clothing because I haven't worn in years, I am not throwing away the memory I have while wearing it. Plus, if it was something I truly loved than I have a picture of myself in it, like one of me wearing that pink sweater while holding my sweet baby girl on Valentine's day.

As I was cleaning piles of clothes out of my closet, I mentioned to Steve that I think I have less clothes than most women. He corrected me and said I probably have less than most men. I am not really a clothes horde and I really try to only buy things if I feel good in them and if they are a good price.

Purses and shoes

Hanging clothes and skirts

Sweater pile (I cut this one more than in half)

T-shirts

I started on my dresser on late Thursday morning and was able to finish it in the afternoon with some help from a couple of little helpers.

Underware

And now for the after photos... (after filling 5 bags with clothes, shoes and purses to give-away)

Nice and tidy

Oooo, it feels so good. I'm looking forward to seeing what Monday's hotspot is and wondering if I'll be able to stick it out.

*I even motivated Steve and we cleaned out his clothes last night. One more large bag outa here!