Friday, November 30, 2007

The Organization Challenge is Over.

It is time for the organization challenge to end, and for those of us who have entered, to do our final update. I have say I am not sure I will even qualify for the challenge anymore. I definitely was unable to accomplish the goals I set for myself. I am still struggling with my health. I really wanted to complete this challenge and finally have my stuff in order. I spoke with a friend the other day and she gave me some great advice. "Let it go" she said. I was holding on to the idea that I could still accomplish all that I have on my list, even though I am ill. And I was struggling with the fact that my list never got shorter, just longer. Thus the great advice form my friend. I need to learn to let things go and focus on the necessities. So with great resistance I had to let my ideals go for the office and come back to it and a later date.

The room however looks absolutely smashing. We had to clear out the room for new carpet so when we put it back together we only put back the necessities. I still have some boxes that I didn't go through that will be nicely stored in another closet and taken out one at a time for some sorting and filing. I did get rid of at least half of the things in the room prior to the carpet replacement, so I did accomplish a lot. And now the room will be ready for guests during the Christmas Holiday.

So its up to you Organizing Junkie to decide whether I actually accomplished my organization challenge or if I will have to enter again next time. I really appreciate the challenge and the push it gave me and I know that with better health I would have absolutely accomplished it all.

Before Pictures:again I am sorry for the sideways pictures


After Pictures:






Here are some questions answered.
  1. My biggest challenge was my health. I really could not summon up the time and energy to perform the job as I would have liked, and I did not overcome it yet. I also had a problem with the papers. It is always a problem for me. I got rid of a lot but kept more then I wanted because I never know how long to keep things.(like health insurance payment records)
  2. The biggest change I have to say was the realization that I really can spend time on projects in a normal day. I had a few days when I really did some great organizing and it made me realize that I could do this every week. I could accomplish a lot if I keep that in mind.
  3. I threw away over three over flowing boxes of junk. Plus many other boxes. Then I re-organized my closet to fit some unfinished boxes in there nicely. And then I found new homes for the rest. Mainly another closet that is closer to the purpose of the items(games in the hall closet next to the play room).
  4. There will be quite a few differences in my life. One being that when I have guests over for the holidays they will have room to sleep and call their own. Also clutter crowds me, this will give me less stress and more peace.
  5. I wish I could say that I deserve to win because I did an awesome job, and left no stone unturned, however that is not the case. I did make a lot of head way and the room looks great, as do many other contestants, so I will trust Organizing Junkie to do the correct judging.

11 comments:

Lindsey said...

Oooo, so much more tidy! I know that you will enjoy this room now! And congrats on getting rid of so much junk!

Dawn said...

First off, your health is more important than the room, so if you've been sick there's not a lot you can do about it. Second, your room looks great. I think taking everything out and only putting back the stuff you really wanted in there was a good idea. It's hard sometimes to get things out of a room if you don't know where else to put them. I have the problem with paper, too. I've been thinking of scanning most of my documents and putting them in files in the computer and then throwing away the paper copies to cut down on clutter. Good job.

Jackie B. said...

I think you did a GREAT job!

Gretchen said...

I think you did tackle the challenge... you decluttered your room and made it livable/usable again! Don't put yourself down... you did what's important, take care of yourself! ...AND despite that, you still have a BIG change! Be Proud! :)

Val said...

You did a graet job! Like your good friend told you let it go. It looks great and is a useful living space. Hope you are feeling better soon.

Jennifer B said...

Your health is definitely more important and I hope you feel better.

You did an amazing job! I also have issues with papers, what to keep what not to.
This site was suggested to me when I first started the challenge.
http://www.suzeorman.com/igsbase/igstemplate.cfm?SRC=MD012&SRCN=aoedetails&GnavID=84&SnavID=20&TnavID=&AreasofExpertiseID=17
It was very helpful.

Jenn said...

Hi Kristen!

I just came across your blog. Congrats on your organizational accomplishments. Really, it is a hard thing to do! I can totally relate to your struggles. I'll keep checkin' in on you guys. My how your boys have grown!

Becky @ BoysRuleMyLife said...

I dropped in to see your organized room from orgjunkie, but I first noticed that you've got three boys, too! Aren't boys grand?! :) Gotta love 'em!

Oh, and the reason I came... great job on the organizing! My favorite picture is the one with just a chair in it! :) Just open space! Hard to come by these days!

Hope you are feeling better, soon!

Laura said...

Well done on what you were able to accomplish, please don't beat yourself up. Come on over to see what you won!

Lucy said...

I don't know much about your organizational challenge, but if you accomplished so much while feeling poorly, then you have nothing to feel bad about. Your room looks terrific. Organizing is no easy thing. I admire your attempt to improve.

And thanks for the comment. I love long ones. And I do know what you mean about balance.

Camille said...

Amazing! Way to go Kristen. This makes me want to organize my house too! Thanks