Decluttering and beautifying

Last week I cleared out and decluttered like never before. It dawned on me a short while ago that this flat is my home like it or not. The tired kitchen and exhausted looking bathroom are going no where. In my mind I’ve always thought one day we’d move somewhere less shabby and more polished as we became more polished (by that I mean older!). But it hasn’t happened. We haven’t turned into my idea of grown ups. Husband still walks around in shorts and T shirts, I need to wear trainers all the time, my hair always looks a mess and quite frankly “comfortable” is the best way to capture my style! So, thirteen years later and I am now trying to make the place look...Comfortable? Tidy? Homely? Cosy? Or maybe I just want it to look less like a dumping ground and more like we’ve put some thought and effort into its interior. I emptied two units of paperwork, junk, odd bits and bobs. I binned, recycled and reorganised like never before. Even my desk was momentarily cleared!! I arranged to have the units taken away along with a broken ironing board and other things that I don’t need, want or use. I have been ruthless.

On Friday I cleaned like never before and suddenly, by lunchtime the flat looked so different. Our entrance was tidy and organised, shoes arranged neatly, bags hanging up, shelves polished. The living room has clear surfaces! The dining table has a simple candle and nothing else. Our gym mats are out of sight. No gym equipment in view. The girls’ bedroom was a pretty as a picture. My bedroom looked surprisingly clutter-free. Everything was in its place. The bathroom sparkled and the kitchen looked quite presentable. I’d never seen my flat like this. And I loved it! 

It is now Monday afternoon and the flat remains in the same condition. I am determined to stay on top of it. I am also determined to replace and upgrade some of the “make do” things we bought thirteen years ago.  This flat will never be polished but it can be pampered and made beautiful. Watch this space!