January....time to purge!

I'm taking a different approach this year. I haven't set a goal date for getting specific jobs done but I plan to work on the whole house over the entire year. That doesn't mean any one room will be completely done before I move on to something else. While this may not be the most efficient way to handle things for some, it allows me the freedom to fit jobs to the time available or to procrastinate on something that needs a little more think time.

Today I tackled the cabinet and drawer in a room divider that has held mainly candles and candle holders. What a mess! Even if I had taken a before picture, I wouldn't show you.

We don't often burn candles here. My husband dislikes them unless you are staying right with them, keeping an eye on them. We don't exactly live like that, plus I've grown fond of battery operated candles with timers from Candle Impressions. I can use those in places that I would never safely use a real candle.

Over the years I went to more Party Lite home parties than I can count. Never wanting to leave without buying something, I resorted to buying boxes of candles, candles that rarely were used. Throw in the occasional single votive or tealights bought because I wanted a holiday scent or liked the color in a table arrangement when entertaining plus the candles received as gifts and party favors and yikes! Candles were multiplying behind closed doors!

This is what I pulled out of the cabinet, minus a few warped tapers and a few half used and past their prime.

Scary, eh?

Does Lennox still make candles? I think these pink ones are over 30 years old! And birthday candles? If I combine them all, I can have a party for a 113 year old!

After donating many items and trashing a few, I was able to restock the cabinet and look...there is room to spare!

Our living spaces are not messy so what goes wrong with the closets and cabinets? Hanging on to items for sentimental reasons eventually becomes old. If something is too good to toss but you know deep down you are never going to use it, it is time to find someone who will use it.

I plan to share other successes with you throughout the year. I know many of us are in the same situation, knowing we have too much stuff and needing inspiration to start the sorting process. Maybe we can influence each other and have roomier closets and cabinets by the end of the year.