She Strengthens

Winter’s Chill: Time to Reclaim My Space

As the polar vortex fades into memory, I’m left facing the harsh reality of winter’s lingering chill. The gray skies and biting cold seem to stretch on forever, making time feel like it’s stuck in neutral. But I’m determined to shake off the lethargy and tackle one of my top priorities for the year: decluttering.

Why Decluttering Matters

For me, decluttering isn’t about sparking joy or emulating a magazine spread. It’s about reclaiming time and space in my life. The less stuff I have, the more time I have to focus on what truly matters. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want more time in their day?

January’s Decluttering Haul

To keep myself accountable, I’m sharing what I parted ways with in January. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.

• 6 crib sheets: Too many is too many, so I sent six on their merry way to another family via Freecycle.
• 26 pajama separates: Hand-me-downs are a blessing, but even they can become overwhelming. I kept a few and sent the rest to keep another kiddo cozy.
• 8 winter coats: Yes, eight! Three belonged to my nana, and I knew she’d want them to bring warmth to those in need.
• Dozens of papers: Cleaning out a cluttered cabinet was long overdue. I’ll work on breaking the habit of stuffing things away soon… maybe.
• 3 boxes of stationery/resume paper: A crafty woman snagged these via Freecycle, and I scored a beautiful handmade card as a thank-you.
• 4 pairs of shoes: Sold on Poshmark, with the proceeds going towards our mortgage principal. Cha-ching!
• 1 shoe organizer: When you declutter over a hundred pairs of shoes, it’s time to part with the organizers too. I gave it away for free on OfferUp.
• 17 books: Sold or maybe scammed? Either way, less stuff is a win!
• 2 baby items: A gate and play tent that didn’t work for us found new homes.

The Tally: 67+ items decluttered, $127 made (and possibly more), and two giant diaper boxes full of clothes waiting to be donated.

Why I’m Not Done Yet

My walk-in closet is still a hiding spot for my son, HP. If he can hide behind the clothes, I still have too much stuff. And then there are the mystery keys… whose keys are these?! When you have unidentified keys floating around, it’s clear there’s still work to be done.

My dad’s observation about HP’s toys being enough to fund his retirement isn’t far off. Even though most of his toys are gifts or second-hand, they still take up space. It’s time to reassess and make some changes.

So, dear readers, I ask you: Did you declutter in January? Are you donating, selling, or a little of both? Share your tips and tricks, and let’s tackle this decluttering journey together!