Let’s talk about this dream of mine. I’ve called this project “home assignments” because I’ve been trying to assign a home to each of our possessions, (and often to label the spots where they go) so it’s easy for people (usually me) to put things away. I start and stop and don’t finish.

I found a great article called “Everything in its Place, Finally and Forever” on a site called Raptitude. Reading about his 11 unexpected benefits, and in particular, the clearer mind, got me so inspired to finish this project. I’m already gathering up stuff that doesn’t have a home.

“I don’t want to own anything that I don’t use or don’t appreciate,” the author states. That sounds so simple. And he completes the experiment in one month, and gets rid of 80% of his things! Now, I realize that he’s a single guy, living in an apartment, which is completely different from my situation. So, maybe it’ll take me longer than 30 days, and maybe I’ll be lucky to get rid of 8% our things, but the results would be similar, right?

“I could hide messes, but the simple fact was that I had more stuff than I could care for. Most people do.” I hear you, brother.

Maybe… maybe… I could do an experiment just like he did. Maybe having a deadline would help me to focus.

Experiment #6:

“I resolve to get rid of everything I am not prepared to use and give a permanent place to in my home.” I’ll go room by room, closet by closet, drawer by drawer, shelf by shelf, and when I’m done everything will have a home. I will give myself until the end of April to complete this experiment. That will be in six weeks and one day.

I read in a book (I think The Joy of Less by Francine Jay) about dealing with clutter as if playing the game, Musical Chairs. (For the record, I’ve never liked that game. People can get pretty aggressive when trying to secure a seat. But we’re talking about clutter here, not people.) This idea gives me a lovely, easy-to-remember visual. Everything in my house should have a place, or a “chair” if you will. When the music stops, all you items lying around without a chair, you’re out!