Survey #175 Response from Ellen in W Michigan
| Think about a decluttering project of any size that you’ve completed in the past. (The project may be as little as one section of cabinet, a drawer, or a small set of objects.) How successful have you been at maintaining the space or collection in the finished state? | Somewhat successful |
|---|---|
| For the project you thought about in the previous question, what habits, attitudes, events, people, or other factors contribute to your tendency to re-clutter the space? (For example, “I’m a habitual shopper” or “My family doesn’t respect my organizing efforts” or “The mail just keeps coming!”) | Because stores are not close and I dislike driving and shopping, especially in bad weather, I tend to "stock up" on some things in my kitchen. Mostly food staples and temporary food storage that I use when I make food to give to other people. I use most of it eventually, but sometimes the amount annoys me. |
| What habits, mindsets, practices, or other factors contribute to your ability to successfully maintain a previously cluttered space? (For example, “I reset my dining room after each meal” or “I’ve set a limit of five decorative items in each room” or “I use the ‘after’ photo I took as motivation to keep my bathroom shelves organized.”) | I try not to buy anything that isn't a consumable without thinking first if I really need it and where I will put it. If I buy a newer/nicer item, the old one has to go instead of keeping a just-in-case extra. I have replaced very, very few things in my kitchen and recently got 3 new pairs of shoes and got rid of 3 pairs. This was a huge step forward for me. |
| In which collections or categories of stuff are you most inclined to re-clutter—i.e., to refill areas and spaces that you’ve previously had success decluttering? (For example, “I purge my clothes closet every couple of years, but it’s always overflowing again within three months” or “My coffee mug collection is always out of control.”) | Oddly enough, clothes. I hate shopping for clothes and spending money on clothes so if I see something I like or on sale, I tend to overbuy so that I don't have to shop again for a long time. I recently lost some weight and have a box of clothes to donate, including some nearly new. I find myself feeling like I need to replace some of them (I don't usually have a whole lot.), but am trying to commit to living with what I have for awhile. I also could have donated more, but am afraid of then spending money to replace. I have 5 sweatshirts and 2 sweaters. Part of me wants to donate the larger sweatshirts, but am afraid I will then find a need to replace them. |
| Fill in the blank: “When I finish my current decluttering/organizing project, I’m going to treat myself to ___.” | Hopefully, more time and attention to read. |
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