Happy 21st Birthday to Devin!

I would like to say Happy Birthday to my wonderful hubby, Devin! I am so glad you were born, and I love you very much!

So we are only 25 DAYS AWAY from Devin leaving for boot camp!! We actually made a paper chain to help the days pass. (I'm a visual person, so to have something visually symbolic of the days helps me not to feel like it'll never be the day. There is just something satisfying about ripping a loop off every day). I know we are like little kids with our paper chain, but that's okay. :) I will make another one to count down Devin's time spent in boot camp until the day he graduates.

So I was doing really well decluttering...we threw out so much and also donated so much to the D.I. I was feeling really accomplished until I was staring into our room and thinking, "Did we really get rid of anything??" I got overwhelmed in that moment of realization. We really should get rid of more and possibly hold a yard sale for our furniture. I'm starting to panic as once Devin leaves in 25 days, it will just be me tackling my biggest enemy - my own disorganization. (dun dun DUH!!) Really, this is quite terrifying to me.
My question for you: What is the best method you've found for simplifying the clutter? Do you have any self-made rules you follow? (for example: "If I haven't used it in six months-it's gone." or "If I wore it when I was still in high school-it's gone.") I honestly want to know your methods. I am not good at organizing and busting the clutter AT ALL, and I NEED HELP!

Love,
Chianne

Clutter?!

Since we know we are moving in the near future (and I know Devin won't be here to help me), we've been trying to "bust the clutter". I feel like we've already donated so many things to the D.I. and there is still so much STUFF. We dropped another huge box yesterday and I feel like my house still is not any less cluttered. This is going to be harder than I thought. My lovely best friend, Erin, will be the first to attest to the fact that I have a SERIOUS issue with throwing stuff out/donating it. To help with this, I'm trying a few new things.
First, I've been tapping into the site FlyLady.net. It has some very helpful tips if you live in CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome). It pretty much has my name all over it.
I'm also going to be following Amy over at The Finer Things as she hosts her own
Declutter Challenge.
I'll let you know how it goes. I have yet to set any specific goals, but I know one big thing I need to focus on - getting rid of clothes! I have so many things I haven't worn in years but I am convinced I should keep "just in case", and I need to let it go! I have clothes that are too small, too big, and everything in between. This will be the hardest for me. Wish me luck!
Love,
Chianne