rowing up, if there was one thing my mother
complimented my mom on a silver water pitcher on her
didn’t tolerate, it was clutter. She was
dining room table. “Oh thanks,” she said, “I got that at a
constantly throwing things out, donating
yard sale last summer for a dollar.” Score, another
them or selling them at yard sales. I vividly
for mom!
riding my bike past her yard sale table one day
realizing in horror that she was selling several of my
Luckily, her habits have rubbed off on me in both
possessions. My 10-year-old self slammed on the
directions, and I consciously try not to let my
and snatched them up before someone else did.

finds pile up amidst unused clutter. It can be really hard
I didn’t play with that Barbie house much anymore,
to let go of certain items, especially if they were gifts or
I wasn’t ready for someone else to either. From that
hold special memories. Kind of like that Barbie house.

on, I paid a lot more attention to what my mom
in the end, I also inherited my mom’s de-cluttering sense
up during her de-cluttering expeditions!
of satisfaction. Not that I don’t have a few closets on my
spring cleaning “to-do” list. It’s a never-ending cycle, afte
that I’m a mom, I can see why she made a steady
all.

of purging. Kids have a lot of “stuff” they are
outgrowing or no longer using. I have half as
Speaking of spring cleaning, any time is a great time to
kids as my mother, and I can hardly keep up with
through bedroom closets, sort through kitchen cabinets
array of shoes, toys, books and sporting gear that are no
and organize the piles in the garage, but spring seems to
in regular use.

reenergize and refocus us to tackle these pesky chores.

Plus, you can always reward yourself with a fun, second-
don’t even get me started on keeping up with their
hand purchase for a job well done. Maybe I can get a
One tip I’ve found that helps in this department is
deal on that pitcher at my mom’s next yard sale!
keep a large, recyclable “donation” bag in the corner of
bedrooms. My husband and kids know that any time
try on something and have outgrown or no longer
it, it goes in the bag. That way it doesn’t end up
back in a dresser or tossed on the closet floor.

the flip side, I also inherited my mom’s love of
at yard sales and consignment stores. There’s
like finding a great bargain on something you can
and enjoy. Seeing my mom score big discounts
second-hand fashions, as well as furniture, china, rugs
other décor has inspired me to do the same.

of the pieces may need a little love to get them back
display, but now have a whole new second life, and
story to go along with them. Over the holidays, I
Debbie
Managing
Washington FAMILY