Not my kitchen.
Today I made the decision to chop an island I have wrestled with for years in half. My 22 year old son almost cried (he’s a baker) it was potentially traumatic as we have had it in the family for so long, hence the initial interpretation.
The island survived - thank God - and finally after all these years it fits the space. After yesterday’s post on the self empowerment of ”making decisions” I just HAD too get around to attacking the island and boy do I feel better!
This IKEA island has served our family for nearly 10 years. It now needs new paint since I cut it in half - as you can see it was way too big for the space!
The island before was twice as big. We have lived in our current house for five years and the entire time we have butt bumped and dodged each other just to cook. Now however, we can breathe and still fit two stools underneath the butcher block.
ATTENTION SEEKING UNITS
Isn't it amazing how little unfinished projects like this eat up your subconscious mind? Jack Canfield, the author of Chicken Soup for the Soul and The Success Principles calls these types of annoyances “attention seeking units”.
Attention seeking units are those little buggers you pass by everyday that take your attention from you, keeping you from being able to give your FULL attention to what it is you would rather (or should rather!) be focusing on. For example your light switch plate in the dining room that’s been bugging you. If you don’t fix that, every time you have a dinner party you will stare at it until eventually you stop hosting diner parties!
SOME THINGS I LEARNED WHILE LIVING SMALL
Keep only one set of bowls, plates and spoons accessible and store the rest. (This will lessen the amount of dishes you will have to do.)
Keep a tool box of cleaning supplies under the bathroom and kitchen sinks for nightly cleaning. (I use a tool box which 'locks' so the kids can't get into it.)
Purge your closets at least once a month, taking the bags of clothes you do not wear regularly or have grown out of immediately to the car after you purge.
Don't be afraid to set aside a cabinet or closet just for quick clean ups. Our hall closet is where we stash laundry baskets of toys and shoes and things when we need to clean up in a hurry. We set aside one day a week for processing our inboxes.
Create rooms which do double duty - but try and stay away from rooms which serve three purposes. For example if your bedroom is also your office, try to keep it from ALSO being a playroom. When you attempt more than two purposes for a space, things can get chaotic real quick!
Don't be afraid to think out of the box. If you entertain more than you watch tv and your living room is bigger than your dining room, switch the rooms! I have had some really cozy living rooms by deciding to make the switch. We have also given up the master bedroom in just about every house we have lived in thanks to the fact we have so many kids :).
I once set up an outdoor tent as an office during the summer.
Your garage can become livable space.
Dumpsters can be rented for less than $400 and get dropped off and picked up right in front of your house. I try and get one once every couple of years.
Never underestimate the power of a good carpet cleaner! (I bought mine of Amazon for less than $300)
Chalkboard paint makes an excellent feature wall and a fun place for guests to sign as they visit your small space.
I found our travel trailer on Craigslist for about $1500. If you consider pulling everything out you don't like - those travel trailers become extra square footage for offices or guest spaces.
NOTHING IS AS GOOD AS FINISHING A PROJECT FEELS
Having your attention seeking projects completed is different than making your bed daily or doing the laundry. Unfinished projects lying around the house take up more space in your mind than the extra "stuff" you find yourself tripping over.
This weekend why don't you take a notebook and pen and walk around your home (inside and out) and begin taking notes of all the things which have been taking up space in your heart and mind. Take note of all your attention seeking units and then take a breath.
Everyone has unfinished business. I know I certainly do! Look over your list and begin to think about what you can do to finish your space. Can you imagine how great it is going to feel when you walk in the front door and everything is DONE? How awesome!
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