Finally! The last week of our year long home organization project. It’s been a long year, hasn’t it? Time for another New Year and all of the resolutions that get made. We won’t be doing year-two of this decluttering madness, I promise.
Home Organization Project 52
- This week’s project. Travel gear – luggage, bags, and toiletries.
- Small. It only took about 45 minutes. The hardest part was just getting started. That’s always the hardest part, isn’t it? We procrastinated as long as possible in case you’re wondering. It was already Friday afternoon.
- Clear and clean. All of our luggage is stored underneath our basement stairs. The stairs used to be open and we framed them out, added cute paneling (Can paneling be cute? Hmmmm….well, it’s wainscoting paneling that’s painted white. In my book, that equals cute.), and a door. Storage area done. It was all wood leftover from other projects – we used the cute paneling in our kitchen cabinets, too. (The kitchen cabinet project is here.)
- Get set. We got rid of a bag insert for luggage we no longer own and another tote/overnight bag that we got for free. Into the donation basket they went!
- Stop buying. With one of our kids going to college in the fall, I was reluctant to get rid of any bags. They need luggage for their stuff when they fly the coop and head off to school. Luckily, Brad and I still have our bags from college and that’s what will be headed off to college again. Not pretty stuff but what do college kids need? And do they care?
- Less is more. Yes it is but we really need less of this stuff….I always toss free samples or the leftover bits of something into our travel grab bag. Perhaps I’m hopeful to always be traveling? I don’t know but the little bits of stuff in here was a joke!
Just because items are free doesn’t mean they don’t cost us at some point. I’ll pass along what we don’t need or want by donating to Goodwill or a homeless shelter.
We actually did another project yesterday, too, but we were almost done with it when I said, “Oh, this could have been an organizing post.” And, it could have been but the ball was in motion and sometimes it’s easier to finish than it is to stop and take pictures of an almost cleaned up mess.
I will miss the organizing and cleaning out that we’ve accomplished this year but I can tell you one person who couldn’t be happier that this is the last week – my husband. He’s endured this project only because I’m sharing it weekly but I think he may have talked me out of it several months ago – like maybe around the time of the garage project (home organization project #30) or possibly the tool room (home organization project #37).
Check that off the to do list! Done.
How’s your home organizing and cleaning out? Are you getting started for the New Year?
52 weeks of home organization
As part of our New Year’s resolution, we’re cleaning out a different area of our house every week this year. Find all of the “weekly home organization projects” – or click the image below.
Go Gingham 
College kids don’t need designer luggage, jus something serviceable.
I went to college (the first time) in the late 70’s and took a trunk. I still have it, only I store sweaters and out-of-season clothing in it.
So now that the Home Organization Project is done, what’s next? I feel a home exchange to a warmer climate is in the works for you.
LikeLike
Karen, both my husband and I took trunks to college as well. We still have his and it may be going back to college again!
Yes, I’d love a home swap to a warm climate. 🙂
I’m afraid my travel budget is going to be spent on college for the next few years….cross your fingers for lots of scholarships!!
Thanks, Karen.
LikeLike
Can’t believe it’s been 52 weeks already. You are amazing and inspirational for us all, Sara. Looking forward to seeing what you conquer in 2015!
LikeLike
Ahhhh….thanks, Vanessa! I’m definitely ready to tackle my Scamper camper! It’s in the driveway just waiting for some love and attention but first, I’m still working on our Christmas cards that are now New Year’s Day cards – or maybe Valentine’s Day cards. Well, they’ll go out this week.
Happy New Year to you! 🙂 Thanks for writing in and your kind words.
LikeLike
Woop, woop! Congrats on finishing your project! I vote for your resolution this year to be finishing the trailer remodel so we can go camping!
LikeLike
Yes! I’m with you on that resolution!
You’ll notice we didn’t sort through or organize our camping gear…I’m waiting until the Scamper is done for that project.
Can’t wait until camping season 🙂
Thanks, Erin!
LikeLike
That’s awesome, Sara! I have to admit that I didn’t keep up. I did eliminate lots of items in several areas of my home, however I didn’t keep up with you! You have re-energized me. Thank you!
LikeLike
Yay, Ruthie! Go for it!! Get right back to cleaning out and sorting – you’ll feel so good when it’s done. Breathing room and empty space is underrated in a home. Closets, drawers and cabinets are so much easier to get in and out of, too. I will tell you that several times I’ve gone to put on a pair of pants that I no longer own – whoops – but oh well.
Good luck on your project this year and happy 2015!
🙂
LikeLike
You rock! I was wondering what Week 52 was. 🙂
LikeLike
Kris, thank you! You know I have several more weeks – or months – but I have to stop myself.
I still need to get rid of some items that I’ve sorted but they’re still hanging around. Since we’re not pitching them into the trash, it takes more time but it’s worth it. 🙂
LikeLike
I’m so impressed that you had the resolve to do this for 52 weeks! It inspired me to tackle a few areas of my home. love your blog & happy new year!
LikeLike
Oh, Carrie, thank you! Consistency is one thing we’ve got over here. I admit – there were times when I was really kicking myself for starting this but I’m glad it’s done and the house is so much lighter. There are so many donation slips from Goodwill for 2014 ~ LOL! 🙂
Happy New Year to you, too, and thank you for your kind words.
LikeLike
What your project taught me was to, “throw as you go.” Whenever I open a drawer or cabinet and go “ugh,” if I have ten minutes I try to sort through it then. I’m also trying to be utterly ruthless. If I put on an item of clothing and it just doesn’t feel good anymore, into the Goodwill pile. No, “maybe it will fit in a year,” or, “but it was such a good deal.” I want it to belong to someone who will love and feel good wearing, or using it. Happy New Year!
LikeLike
Very smart, Melissa and I love it – “throw as you go” – an excellent motto! You are right that 10 minutes can really make a difference. I did open a kitchen cabinet last night and realized it never got done. It’s up very high and rarely gets opened but I still think I’ll hit it this week. Seeing the stuff accumulate that we don’t need or want and that we now have to get rid of has made me even more careful about what I bring into the house.
Happy New Year to you, too, Melissa! Thanks for reading and leaving a comment!!
ps….My ‘new’ iron is working out very nicely and I donated my old one – something in something out. 🙂
LikeLike
Wow, Sara! You really impressed me with your commitment to this series of posts. I hope your home feels really light and fresh now. I would love tosee a post about how all of your work impacts or changes the way you live in your house now. Happy, healthy, prosperous 2015 to you and your family!!!
LikeLike
Thanks, Annie! Great idea on the posts…one thing happened last night. Our son went to get a file out of the drawer and I had taught him to lift up when he pulled it out because it was so full that it didn’t work otherwise. We had really lightened it up recently (week #51) and he pulled it out and lifted it and now it’s broken again! I hadn’t told him he no longer needed to do that little trick. LOL!
Happy and healthy New Year to you and your family as well! Let’s plan a catch up soon. 🙂
LikeLike
Just wanted to say (a bit belatedly) congratulations, Sara! I’m so impressed and inspired that you kept this project going the entire year. It was such an enjoyable feature and I looked forward to it each and every Friday 🙂
LikeLike
Ahhh….thanks, Marian! It’s never too late to say congrats 🙂
What will we do with our Fridays now?? Hah – don’t ask my husband. He’s so happy to be done with the project.
Happy New Year to you and thank you so very much for reading!
LikeLike