Moving: A Clutter-lover's Nightmare

April 04, 2012

First off, just let me say that I hate moving. 

Two years ago, my husband and I packed up a U-HAUL and drove 500 miles to Kansas City from Indiana for his new job. Now, we are downsizing from a 1500 square foot apartment with three walk-in closets to a place with 2 closets and only 1100 square feet. 

This may not seem like a big loss to most people, but just let me say that I like clothes. I really like shoes. And, I LOVE purses. I have a single closet dedicated just for my collection.

I have found myself dreading what must happen, but I know that things must change. I have to get rid of things. Granted, I’m not bad about keeping things I don’t need, I just happen to think that I need a lot. 

Why would I have only one handbag when I can have 15 and change it out every day? I have to keep all my shoes --flip flops and sandals for summer, boots for winter, and all the others for those in-between months. However, recently I was able to part with three bags full of clothing, shoes, and purses that will be donated to the local thrift store. That leaves the rest of my apartment. 

What do I do with the important papers I have to keep? What about my books? My pictures? The knick-knacks I surround myself with? Well, I’ve done some reading up, and it seems that the solution to my problem is pretty simple…organization. I can keep pretty much everything I want, I just have to find a way to organize and store it so that my small apartment doesn’t look like someone’s run amok. 

Here are some books that are helping me get through this stressful and exhausting time while allowing me to keep the things (I think) I need to survive:

• Too Much Stuff: De-Cluttering Your Heart and Home by Katherine Porter
• 10,001 Ways to Declutter Your Home on a Small Budget by Ed Morrow
• Toss, Keep, Sell: The Suddenly Frugal Guide to Cleaning Out the Clutter and Cashing In by Leah Ingram

This is only a few of the books on organization and decluttering that MCPL has available. Check out the catalog for even more great options.

Jamie C.
Platte City Branch