I'm still here...

Last week I told you I was going to take on the 40 bags in 40 days challenge as part of our packing process.

I have been sifting through literally what seems like TONS of stuff - trying to make some tough decisions as to what to take and what to let go of for the move later this summer.

Many have told me that I am working too hard and that we have LOTS of time to get stuff packed, but let me tell you - WE SERIOUSLY HAVE TOO MUCH STUFF!!

And it's not just me, although most of my family says "it's my stuff" - but really it's our stuff.

Today I cleaned out the filing cabinet and shredded all the old documents and tax forms that we weren't required to keep.  I amassed 6 green garbage bags from this!!

along with two that I did yesterday

Today I also cleaned out the closet in the office...

This pile stays and will get moved down to the basement where we have the rest of our stuff piled.

This pile is to go out to the garage for the yard sale pile.

The stuff for the yard sale is pretty much taking over the garage and it is growing daily!!

We've even started a pile for our daughter who is getting a storage unit and taking some of our excess furniture as she and her boyfriend are going to be getting a home of their own soon!!

There are still a few closets to go through...I hope to have those done shortly.

Yesterday I cleaned out my clothes closet and got rid of anything that I haven't worn in the last year.  I  packed it all in a bag for the local Value Village and then filled 2 Rubbermaid totes with dress clothes and winter items I won't need until after we have moved in.

I have to say the more things I go through the easier it is to let things go.  Tomorrow's job is to tackle the buffet and china and pack that.

We are going to working on the garage at the new house in order to get it ready to move some of our stuff over.  It's actually quite good for us that we bought the house from McG's sister and her husband.  We have a lot of liberties that we wouldn't have if we had bought from a stranger and we are so THANKFUL that they are allowing us to do some of the work ahead of time.

Until then - I'm keeping it real here on the homefront...and trying not to live in chaos - not sure how I'm making out - WHAT DO YOU THINK???

40 bags in 40 days

Has anyone else heard about 40 Bags in 40 Days?

It's a great challenge that I stumbled upon over @ White House Black Shutters!  It originally started out as a challenge to de-crapify your home by Ann-Marie and it ran from March 5th to April 19th as part of Lent.

I was late to the game, but thought that it would be a great way to challenge myself while packing for our move to a smaller home later this summer. 

I have been MIA for a few weeks now, but that was to take care of my home to get it sold.  Now that it has sold (and in record time I might add!!)  I need to clear out CRAP because this "new to us" home is about

1000 square feet smaller than our current home.

The first purge took place while I staged our home for sale and we have had one epic yard sale already.

I have challenged myself to clean out at least one drawer or closet or bookshelf everyday and get rid of what we truly don't need.  If I can do this, I should be well prepared and have only what we need to move to the new house!!

This pile of stuff is set for the next yard sale that should be in the next week or two.

On top of all this I have already brought 6 garbage bags full of clothing and shoes to the local thrift store.  And all that didn't sell in the first yard sale went there as well.

We've cleaned out the attic of the garage, the shed, and under the stairs.  Still to go are a second purge of the closets, and the laundry room storage.  McG needs to go through all his stuff in the garage as well.

It amazes me how much stuff we actually have that is just stored away, in case we might need it. 

 Well - NO MORE!!  

If you need inspiration or can't figure out where to start, Ann-Marie provides you with a printable that can help.  REMEMBER - the key is to get started!!

Did you participate in the challenge this year??? 

 I'd love to hear about your success in clearing our your stuff!!