A glimpse of my ‘finished’ old house inspires me to keep going!
I know spring cleaning gets a lot of attention, but fall is a perfect season for organizing too. In September I always feel extra motivated to tackle projects and bring more order to the home. Fall feels cozier and more routine, which makes it easier to create inviting spaces. And yes, there’s a little voice reminding me that the holidays will be here before I know it, but I’ll spare you the holiday talk for now.
That said, even with all my motivation I’m currently feeling unusually disorganized. Between projects inside and outside the house, many rooms have been in various states of disarray for a while. It’s frustrating at times, but it’s also part of the process.
It’s important to remember that things don’t become neat and finished overnight. Renovation and renewal often require messy or slow steps. You might need to clear everything out, start from a blank slate, or dismantle what’s not working in order to rebuild something better. Those middle steps aren’t always pretty, but they’re necessary to reach the finished result you’re aiming for.
That same idea applies to many life goals: building a house, writing a book, starting a business — all of those ambitions usually involve tedious or difficult stages before the satisfying payoff. You may need to declutter, experiment, or discard what isn’t working. It can feel chaotic and slow, but the outcome is worth the effort when you finally reach your goal.
I’m especially excited about our kitchen remodel. We’ve been choosing cabinet styles and this week we’ll finalize the cabinet layout so we can place the order. I’m looking forward not only to a pretty new kitchen but to practical improvements too — like drawers that stay put instead of falling out. Sometimes it’s the small, functional upgrades that make everyday life feel better.
Are you in the middle of some fall disarray or reorganization?
Sources and FAQ:
Wood framed chalkboard (similar) / Days of the week magnetic clothespins (similar) / Magnetic pencil cups (similar) / Chalkboard print / Kitchen sources / White metal and wood stool / Paint colors / Shiplap information / Flooring FAQ
If you need a little extra nudge to declutter and simplify your home and life, I wrote a book called Make Room for What You Love. It was written during a time of moving and transition and includes practical tips and encouragement to help form new habits and create a more orderly, welcoming home. I hope it inspires you.