Today was a school day for all 3 of my kids so I jumped to reorganize some toys while they were all out of the house. The kids had a great Christmas evidenced by so many toys that we don’t even have room for them all. I had to clear out a bunch in order to fit the new stuff. This had to happen when the kids were not around.
I had a major new blogger fail. I forgot to take pictures of the entire living room before I started. Dang it! There was an even bigger mess than this but maybe it is best if I don’t further embarrass myself by posting the entire mess. Here is the one picture I remembered to take. This is just the fireplace surround.
Yes, the entire front of all our shelves looked like this so I should be proud of all I accomplished. I was able to empty 2 baskets to make room for Britton’s new toys. One for her American Girl stuff and one for other new toys. Don’t tell my kids but I got rid of 8 puzzles, Mr Potato Head and a huge stack of books. We never read down here so I took the books I wanted to keep upstairs to her bookshelf. That made plenty of room for the new toys.
A lot of my boys new toys were taken up to their room or in our craft closet. That closet needs a major clean out as well because I can barely shut the door but we will see if I can get motivation to tackle that. If I do I will make sure to get before pictures.
Here is my after.
Doesn’t your room feel so empty and amazing after the Christmas decorations and tree are out. My kids were rolling all over the floor like we lived in a gigantic castle. Ha! They even felt the space and were so funny about it.
This post will be shared at my favorite linky parties.
Amanda @ The Fundamental Home says
Impressive. My daughter’s American Girl collection is out of control! Way to be on the ball! Visiting from the Shine Blog Hop!
Carolyn says
My daughter just got her first AG doll a few weeks ago for her birthday. I am sure we will be out of control as soon as we add accessories too. I need to pin AG organization. 🙂
Valerie says
Hello! I’m visiting from the Deliberate Mom link-up. You have a lovely home. After I took down Christmas, everything is bare and clutter free! I need to put out my regular decorations next, but I kind of enjoy the bareness for a bit. Happy New Year!
Debbie says
Hi Carolyn, what a lovely fireplace and surround you have? When the children were younger I used to wait until they were out of the house to have a sort out. It’s so much easier and stress free (almost when they are not around).
Don’t you just kick yourself when you forget to take a photo? One minute I’m thinking I really must take a picture and the next I’ve moved whatever it was I intended to snap.
#SHINEbloghop
Forever Joyful says
Yes. Clutter cleanup of any kind is a chore, but presents are, of course, a blessing – especially when you think of all the kids all over the world that don’t ever get any. I enjoyed visiting your blog. I found you at the SHINE hop.
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says
I love that cleaning out the clutter and tidy-up after Christmas! It feels good when everything finds its proper place.
Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
xoxo