Well, here I am - 28 days later - showing my before/after photos of the ORGANIZED JUNKIE 28 Day Challenge. I learned through this process -I had to do it when I was ready. After falling over a plastic crate and hurting myself pretty bad, and losing things to no end, I had to finally take over this space that was taking over me, burdening my marriage, and an embarrassment to those who visited my home.First and foremost - I dedicate this new and improved home office space to the love of my life - he has waited over 5 years - 2 kids later for me to get my act together to purge and reorganize this space. Thank you sweetheart for loving me no matter what and although I know it hurt you that I just couldn't do it on your timing for finally being proud of me after all these years and waiting!
Thank you to all my friends for praying me through it (Spanish River Girls), and my friends who labored with me through the mess!
Here are some answers to some questions for the judging of the official contest:
1. What was the hardest part of the challenge for you and were you able to overcome it?
The hardest part for me was setting aside time away from all my personal activities, fun, kids, and friends to dedicate to the space and what needed to be done - sorting through 10+ years of business materials, photos, office/craft supplies, books, etc. - taking down teddy bear border and repainting a child's nursery to something a little more sophisticated to be a home office - re-doing the closet so it would accommodate a mini craft closet instead of using my foyer closet.
Did I overcome it? - YES! FINALLY! It feels like a huge elephant lifted off my back. I don't think about it when I walk past the room anymore and say to myself "just close the door"!
2. Tell us what kind of changes/habits you have put into place in order for your area/room to maintain its new order?
First and foremost-everything has a place to go now. Previously, things were shoved in large zip bags to categorize mail, papers, etc... Business supplies now have labeled file folders and are stored so they are accessible without hunting. Large crates were removed so things don't get piled up and forgotten about. Now that I have order in my space, I can maintain better business ethics and specific times that I can guarantee to work instead of "winging it" to get the job done.
3. What did you do with the “stuff” you were able to purge out of your newly organized space?
Personal papers of no use were shred-there were A LOT! Excessive craft and office supplies were donated to my son's school for various uses. Over abundance of "organizing tools" such as bins, baskets, boxes, and crates were either re-fit for the new space or donated to our local thrift we support. And things that belonged to other areas of our home were put back or returned to their owner.
4. What creative storage solutions were you able to introduce in order to create additional space as well as establish some limits and boundaries?
I utilized my file cabinets (3-3drawer) to what the are intended to do - create files for different categories (coupons, business materials, restaurant menus, bills, craft ideas, recipes, etc.). A few items that were in my "get rid of" pile I ended up using for creative storage in my closet for craft paper, magazines, and supplies. I am currently working on setting boundaries with my crafting and working time. I am working on keeping them separate and working on them separately so "stuff" doesn't pile up and things get left out from one day to the next-those projects whether work or crafting will have a place at the end of the day if they are not complete.
5. Why do you think you should win this challenge?
Because I restored a thorn in my marriage! Honestly whether I win or lose - I know in my heart I won already! This was a long, hard project for me, tears where shed with some purging, and the fact I know I pleased my husband means more to me!! :)
BEFORE: Blue walls, teddy bear border, and a BIG mess -!
Gloves off to those who didn't know I had a room in my house that looked like this~ Yikes! How embarassing!
Two years later-kids stuff still not moved into his new room! -Sad, very sad!
The teddy bears must go- down they came!
The primer takes effect! Check out this site if you haven't already!
Still some things that need to be purged~
AFTER-The revelation~ WOWSERS!!!! Fresh paint, very sophisticated, for two home business and my husband who is a tennis pro who strings a lot of rackets with that HUGE stringing machine!
Paint leftover from living room - FREE
Shelving, lamp from IKEA - $68
Top section of closet
Other side of closet-
Full length view of my "mini" craft area-
Book case re-done with TV, organized materials, etc...
That's it~ Come by and see it in person some time~I'm so excited to get in there and create and work! :)
