I am really enjoying listening to Solve for Happy by Mo Gawdat – he’s such an inspiring person. The below quote stopped me in my tracks as I was out walking this morning, as it made me think about the room I was going to tidy when I got back.

“By removing the clutter we become present, pay attention and start to receive. You cannot fill a glass that’s already full. You have to throw away the stale water to let fresh water in”

Mo Gawdat, Solve for Happy

So, where did I put the cabinet?

I left you in suspense yesterday with what I was going to do with the empty cabinet that we’d put together but couldn’t put in the downstairs cloakroom or en-suite. (If you didn’t catch my post yesterday, you can read it here).

Last night I was trying to think where the cabinet would come in useful. I went to get some icecream out of the freezer and I glanced at the annoying mess next to it, and then the idea came to me. If I cleared the counter top next to it and placed the cabinet on there it would sit back far enough to be able to use the space in front of it, and there would still be room to the side. Finally, a reason to clear the counter top which embarrassingly looked like this…

The plan

My plan when I got back from my walk this morning was to completely empty the utility room counter top and throw away anything that didn’t belong there and put the rest in the appropriate rooms. I have been waiting to get the time to sort it out but I thought it would take ages. I feel guilty every time I dump something in there; however, it’s only because I’m trying to keep other rooms tidy. Dumping random stuff in rooms is the same old story in this house, but I’m pleased to say that things are getting better.

The ‘before’ photo above may look like there is absolutely no organisation whatsoever, but behind the clutter at the front is (or was) a system… the problem is that I can’t get to it plus it never worked. I was trying to use the space as a mini office with trays, folders etc. but the area just isn’t big enough. I clearly need the space for other things.

I think that the rest of the family thought I was out of my mind when they saw me dump all of the stuff onto the dining room table where we were going to be eating a roast dinner in two hours. I knew I could do it though.

I’m much more motivated when I have a deadline

My challenge by 1pm was to sort and clear everything on the table before I served up dinner. I couldn’t wait as I do love a decluttering challenge when there’s an end goal!

I was soooo excited as ‘storage’ was the motivation I needed to give all the stray bits and bobs a home either in the cabinet or somewhere else. The cabinet was going to have a purpose. Why didn’t I think of it before? It didn’t cost anything, and it got rid of something out of the garage.

Here it is finished but without the doors for now because I need to find the spare handles that match the other utility and kitchen cupboards. I think they are in the garage somewhere!

It took much less time than I thought because all I was doing was throwing away rubbish/recycling and putting the rest in appropriate rooms (mainly the spare room and garage).

This was all done before dinner was ready and I felt very pleased with myself. I enjoyed my roast…

Utility room floor

I didn’t do this bit. This area also provides me with many challenges, for example, just getting to the washing machine. I’ve cleared it many times before and even blogged about the clear space, but it just accumulates again. Another problem area that I need to monitor closely. It wasn’t part of the plan to sort out today but I did want to start it this afternoon, until I noticed how hot it was outside 😊. I relaxed on the sun lounger instead and carried on listening to Solve for Happy. I heard him say the following which proved to me that I had made the right choice to relax.

Doing is not always the way to get results. Give yourself an awareness break

Solve for Happy, Mo Gawdat

Until tomorrow…

Sandra