Design Rangers Camp Blog

Well friends, I’m happy to say it’s 18 days into our 1/4 Challenge and things are going really well! So far we have tackled the garage (Wow. That was major. We ended up taking a Jeep-full, and I mean full, to Goodwill and we have sold a few things on Craigslist.), the kitchen pantry (Also major. The left side of the pantry has been haunting me for 5 years.) and the coat closet (not so major, but good to have done!)

My shoulders do feel a little bit lighter already. It’s nice having a place for everything somethings and putting them it in that place. Along time ago Chris read an organizing book that said if a chore takes less than two minutes, do it right when you think of it. That’s been my motto lately – if I bring something out to the garage instead of putting it on the workbench (which is what I used to do, and then before you know it you have put 15 things on the workbench…) just put it where it goes. Right at that moment. Takes way less than 2 minutes. Done!

Another tip we have been hearing for years, but are only now using: When you come across something sentimental that you don’t really need, you are just holding on to it because of the memories it brings up – take a picture! That picture will take up 100 times less space than the actual object and you can look at it when ever you want. Just pull up the “sentimental items” folder on your desktop and let the memories come back. Alternatively, you could always dedicate one photo album to actual prints of the special objects – that might make it feel a little more real to those of you that like scrap-booking and actual printed photos.

Here are some before and after pictures. I love before and after!

The Garage: Before

The Garage: After

The Evil Mr. Kitchen Pantry: Before – see that Miller Light box. Yeah. That had been in the same spot, on the same shelf, never looked in, since the day we moved in. June 30, 2005. Seriously.

The Friendly Mr. Kitchen Pantry: After – this is such a big deal to me! I find myself walking by and opening the door just to make sure I’m not dreaming. Now when we have guests come over I won’t be afraid/embarrased to open it.

The Coat Closet: After – I forgot to take a “before” picture as I was so excited to get to it. But trust me, it was packed.

Other noteworthy accomplishments: Cleaned out my kitchen desk. That’s where I normally put all that random paperwork I don’t know what to do with: An articles with an interesting tips, Bed, Bath & Beyond coupons, credit card offers… I had a million of those.

Oh, and address labels. I was holding on to WAY too many address labels!