In January fellow writer Helena Smrcek offered a challenge to anyone who wished to join her, and that was decluttering one’s home.

I chose to jump in, and as I had already started the process on my own during the Christmas vacation and before, at least in some areas of our home, I felt it would be the extra nudge I needed to keep going.

Although I made great progress in the bathroom cabinet, front hall closet, laundry room and previously in my own closet, there are still things that need doing and I will get to them. My hope is to eliminate things I no longer need and better organize what stays, what we still need.

After clearing closets, drawers and some cupboards too, my home feels more spacious, at least in some places. Areas under my direction at least are cleaner and a bit leaner too.

It felt good to drop off clothing at a church that helps the working poor. It feels good, likewise, to unload household things I no longer need at a thrift store. Someone else who needs those things will get them at a reasonable rate.

It’s so easy to clutter our lives with things, and yet there’s still plenty. We do get weighed down by these things, more to take care of, more of it to fill our rooms. I like a little space and uncluttering makes that happen.

What will be next? Maybe my book shelves.