I worked hard yesterday morning on Spring Cleaning: Day One [read more about that here] and here are the before/after shots.
antique organ (I think this is going to live with Ken’s parents soon)

sidetable next to the oversized chair

breakfast table (where we actually eat all of our meals)

buffet behind the table (it holds all of our small kitchen appliances & cookbooks)

bar (this is our biggest nemesis)

Did you notice something … we literally used up every.single.one of the flat surfaces in our first floor. I’m embarrassed to show these pictures, because really – not one flat area wasn’t being used.
But I know now that clutter is really what’s taking over our house. We all tend to come in and just throw stuff wherever there is space, and I have got to put a stop to that!
I also understand why my allergies & Emma’s hives have gotten so bad lately. There’s no way to dust with all that stuff everywhere — so our whole first floor is a giant dust bunny!
Ken came home from teaching and noticed the difference – cluttered surface areas are really noticeable! I don’t think we notice them daily, because we’re used to seeing it. Speaking for myself, I justify everything that’s there.
“Well, I can’t really clean that off, because if I move it to point b, then I’ll have to clean point b.”
Yeah, that’s a good justification, Messy McClutterson.
See why everything is so bad? But I’m proud to say that all surfaces lasted a day without being messed up. And I actually either threw or put everything away that was on them.
next up: the living room (I’m a day behind, btw)






















{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Just visiting from the Cleaning party:) Don’t feel bad about using every surface. Trust me when I say I use every surface and most of them are FEET deep and ready to topple. Seriously. Have a great day and have fun during the rest of the party!
Ooooh I am SO glad you posted this – after seeing your pictures I am inspired to do some before-and-aftering, too! Great idea!
Great picutres….I imagine your home to look so fresh now! I love that you have your kitchen aid on display. Mine is one of my prize possessions!
Great job! Abbie