First, thank you all for entering the BIG new year giveaway! I loved reading each and every goal you shared. You guys are seriously inspiring- graduates, newlyweds, moms-to-be, grandmas, marathoners, organizers, people moving, people with weight-loss goals, health-goals… WOW … it’s going to be a great year for all of us. Thank you for sharing those with me. The winner (picked by random.org via rafflecopter) is…
Whitney W. whose goal is to make it to CrossFit Regionals!
Congrats and good luck my friend!
Now here we go…
I’m about to be really honest with you guys. This home organization challenge is quite the… well, challenge. If I hadn’t said I was going to do it publicly, I know I’d fallen off the wagon by now, so thank you. Without even realizing it, you are keeping me accountable.
Though the schedule (every day there is a new task) is intense, the list of projects is actually quite awesome. Everything I’ve always wanted to take care of is getting checked off the list. While it is contributing to my end-of-day exhaustion, it also feels incredible. The house is slowly transforming, as are my habits. I can’t wait to share with you guys all my final thoughts at the end, but for now, I need to catch you up on the projects I’ve tackled…
We left off after the kitchen (which I’m still loving the new organization of… what took me so long?!) so that brings us to the JUNK DRAWER. Every home has one, but in our case, it’s an entire junk desk.
No one should have this much un-assigned space to fill because it will always end up full of useless garbage.
This task took two full hours. I found SIX pairs of nail clippers and a child’s homework assignment from the family that previously lived here. Seriously? However, way to go, she got a 92!
I still open the cabinets on a daily basis to marvel at the clutter reduction. I even have empty shelves and drawers! Amazing.
Next up was the coat closet.
Jammed full of more junk that I organized into throw away, give to Goodwill and keep.
Goodwill has seen way too much of me lately. …And the after!
Also, I realize how embarrassing this is now. I have to show you how sloppy my house was before. Never again. Never again.
The clean-out the couch task was not as bad as I expected.
All I found under the cushions was an old water bottle, a lost remote control and a cheap kid’s necklace.
Vacuuming the cushions and washing the blankets really made things feel fresh!
Once the couch was finished, I was ready to tackle the toys. We had somehow let Hailey’s toys take over our lower level, despite having a large playroom. I had enough of our house looking like it was run by a toddler (well, it is, but I don’t want it to look that way).
I decided to move everything upstairs except for the kitchen and her grocery cart. I tidied those up by buying two baskets- one for food and one for kitchen utensils.
Welcome back, sanity.
Hanging with me? We’re almost there!
Next up was my desk, which despite looking messy was actually in pretty decent shape. Side note: I hate our office walls. If I ever get time, I will re-do the office. Until then, please bear with me on the eyesore.
and after. This one only took about 20 minutes.
Finally, the master bath cabinets. David’s was pretty bare bones…
So tossing some items was all it really took. Ta-da!
Mine, on the other hand, was overloaded with junk, most of which I never use.
You guys, I had Victoria’s Secret hair straightening gel that I’m 100% sure is from at least 10 years ago.
On a bright note, I found a bag full of pads, unused cooling pads, mesh undies and other goodies from after I had Hailey. What perfect timing!
And there you have it- I’m all caught up and almost halfway through with the challenge. From here, most of the tasks seem to ease up in intensity. Despite the hard work, I’m really looking forward to following through.
Already my home feels cleaner, despite not cleaning. My mind is more relaxed. I know where things are and feel good about all the clutter that has moved on. I’m not scared to have a guest try and hang up a coat. It’s really a wonderful feeling and I highly recommend home organization to anyone needing a fresh start to 2014. I still have some things to tackle, but the halfway point feels pretty awesome!
Have you reorganized anything in your home this year?
What has been the most satisfying accomplishment?
Jerrica says
This is seriously the best timing for your challenge. We are getting ready to move from a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home to a 980 sq ft apartment across the country! I have been panicked over the last few weeks about how much stuff (and by stuff I mean clutter that I just want to throw into a moving box and not deal with) we have and how much downsizing we have to do. This helps remind me that it’s just one thing at a time-slow progress. Thanks 😀
Al says
One of my little goals was organizing the kids art/game cabinets and getting rid of the piles of art project stuff that came out of the box/cabinets and never made it back to the cabinet and instead took over my kitchen counter….I reorganized, threw a lot away and now have kept those counters cleared by putting it away each time (novel thought, I know). I also have some other little areas I have cleaned up/out and a few more to so but that was a daily issue and long overdue. You are keeping me motivated so keep it up Brit!!
Danica @ It's Progression says
You’re doing awesome!! It’s crazy how clutter builds up, isn’t it? Your house is going to feel SO incredible by the end of this challenge!
Elizabeth @ My Neon Running Shoes says
Looks INCREDIBLE! And speaking from experience it feels even better than it looks 🙂 After reading your post on New Years I also decided to do some much needed cleaning and organizing along with make a daily chores list. Now my floors and bathrooms are always clean and the laundry is always done 🙂 Granted it’s only the second week of January…
Brittany Dixon says
Hey, that’s great! It may only be the second week n January, but you have to start somewhere! Good for you 🙂
Tarayn says
Looking good!!!! I’m inspired! We have been living in my parents home for 8 months while we are building a house so their junk on top of us living in their upstairs is wearing on me. My sanity will be restored when we move into our new, beautiful home and I look back at this post! 🙂 My focus has been to start packing up our things we are not using currently and weeding out what I can consign of my daughters or pack up for future baby that she’s outgrown. The countdown is on…approx Mid March we will be moving!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh my goodness, mid March will be here before you know it! That’s so exciting!
Kaitlyn @Keeping up with Kaitlyn says
I love you organization challenge! I may need to pick it up for february and just adjust to my house’s (well really my parents since I live with them) needs and having a few less days in Feb than in January!
Susan @ Real Life Travels says
Ah! Doesn’t it feel good! I did this last year and it’s amazing! The good thing is next year all You have to do is clean everything up a little bit. I still need to tackle a few things like our office and hall closets but nothing huge! I’m now onto the more detailed stuff like kids school stuff and family year books! Love me some organization!
Shelby says
Great job on all your organizing!! Your house is beautiful! On a side note- where’d you get your couch?? We are on the hunt for the perfect couch…
Brittany Dixon says
We got it from an outlet in Hickory NC (a furniture super spot) when we moved in almost 4 years ago. I wish I could remember which one! We were on the hunt for nice, leather couches, but once we sat on this one, it was all over. It’s the most comfortable couch in the world!
Sarah says
Love your posts, especially about clearing stuff out etc, as this is one of my passions. We live in a building site at the mo (read bare brick or old plaster which needs removing, holes in floors, no real kitchen to speak of or electrics downstairs), we have been doing out house up for last 3 years, and hope to have it finished this year so we can move on to the next phase and have a much wanted baby. As we live in a building site, it means I have to have a lot of things on display which I wouldn’t normally want, for example, Im sat in my kitchen at the mo, and there are 3 radiators. One old horrid white standard one which is in installed and working, and two shiny new bubble wrapped cast iron ones which are still waiting to be installed. The only room which is finished (practically) is out bathroom, which I love, however, this month we have made headway with out cellar, which we have cleared out, painted, insulated and installed a load of storage for hubbys tools and home brew. The top is being made into a pantry for me, as we have very little kitchen space. I feel a real sense of achievement by getting this done. Cant wait till I have kitchen cupboards and nice closets to keep tidy! Happy New Year to you all.
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
Holy cow! I should really take note, but I just want to wait until we move…that’s terrible since we’re probably not moving until middle of 2015…yeah, I should probably get on organizing some things! Great job!
Jessica says
You are going to be SO happy this is all done when your new little daughter is born and there is much less time for cleaning for awhile.
We just found out we are having a girl as well 🙂 Our son will be 22 months when she is born so I have been doing projects like this as well. better organize and clean while we can. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Congrats on your little girl! How wonderful! And yes, I will be thrilled when this over. I figured I’d better tackle it now while 2nd tri energy levels are high and before I’m TOO big!
katie says
I live with my parents so I haven’t been following your cleaning, but each night I’ve tried to do a drawer in my room. I haven’t done one the last couple days, but hopefully will tackle one tonight!
Christina says
I love following along with your challenge! I’ve tackled a few smaller challenges, but the one I’m dreading the most is our attic! But I received a new label machine for Christmas (nerdy, I know, but I love it!) and I’m ready to sort, label and organize the attic into submission!
Brittany Dixon says
Nerdy or not, who doesn’t love a good label machine?! I think it sounds awesome! Good luck on your attic; I know it must be daunting.
Stefanie says
You are so brave to be posting those before and after pics. I don’t think I could do it! Kuddos to you!
Seeing all your photos is making me think of all the spots in my own home that need to be cleaned out, cleaned up, and reorganized. Good thing I have a long weekend off from work coming up! Thanks for the inspiration!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
You’re doing a great job! I WAS doing really well at organizing everything up until last week when life suddenly seemed to get rather hectic. I need to get back on it!
LMN says
man oh man, good for you! I (legitimately) have OCD so this would make me crazy. 🙂 But my one piece of advice is to go through the house at least once a month, and straighten everything up again. old hair products, make up, fridge, etc. It is glorious. It also keeps us from buying too many unnecessary items, because we always know what we have.
christina says
You go sister! Random but you have really nice wood floors, ha! So shiny!
Ashlee@HisnHers says
I have a list a mile long of organization projects to tackle over the next 2 weekends. Seeing your progress makes me want to just get it done! Everything looks so nice at your house now.
Kristy @ Southern In Law says
Oh how I need that extra space like you have in your kitchen! I’m actually about to convert a poorly used linen closet into a storage area for plates/servingware/extra kitchen appliances. We have a teeny tiny kitchen and I have way too much kitchen stuff!
As our house was built on from the original house, we have the original linen cupboard which was kind of rendered useless when they added three more about ten steps away so we’ve always had the “junk cupboard” – but hopefully by converting it I’ll have more room and less junk!
Ali says
Wow that all looks amazing. I really need to get my butt in gear and do this. I should just follow your 30 day organization guide.
Sherry says
You have done a magnificent job!! Want to come visit?
Lauren says
Wow you’re doing such a great job! I have 3 kids under 3.5 but I hope to tackle this challenge one day…
On a side note, what type of wood is your flooring? It is simply stunning.
Brittany Dixon says
3 under 3.5? That’s amazing! I’m sure it’s crazy busy, but what fun 🙂
I wish I could remember what kind of floors we have. It’s been so long since we picked them! I want to say Brazilian cherry, but I’m not 100%.
Courtney @ Don't Blink. Just Run. says
Everything is looking fantastic!! Very inspiring…I may do some of my own organizing this weekend!
Rebekah Anderson says
You’re so smart to do this all now! I was in a MAJOR nesting/organizing drive in my 2nd pregnancy (baby boy was born in early Nov), but I didn’t get to it fast enough in my sweet-spot (2nd trimester), and then got some major aches & pains in the 3rd tri and wasn’t able to get half of what I wanted to do accomplished. I made a lot of progress, but THIS Is quite impressive and will help your peace of mind so much when it wears you out to chase your 2 yr old around all day (I have one, too!) and you are 3rd tri fatigued. Kudos!