15 years...

That's the amount of time it's taken me to amass more crap than I'll ever need. This comes in the form of fabric, books, magazines, kitchen utensils, glassware, decor items, and penguins.....more penguins than I can count.

Years ago I started collecting these little tuxedo-wearing cuties, and people became aware of my interest. They added, with good intentions, various versions of the feathered friends and my collection grew..... exponentially! Add to that my interest in new and fun kitchen things, books including those related to sewing, knitting and quilting patterns and techniques -- and for good measure, toss in a few antique sewing machines -- and this is what it looks like....

I'm having my condo repainted, and within the next month, a new hardwood floor will replace the carpet. I'll be living in chaos for a bit, but I'm using that as motivation to sort and purge. It's time to go through those magazines, books and other accummulated items to sift it down to something a lot more manageable! I totally understand why people comment on the benefits of moving at regular intervals. Moving helps sort what's valuable -- and worth moving -- versus the stuff you collect because "it may come in handy someday", or even something more basic like "that's nice!" Trust me when I tell you I don't want to move anything more than I absolutely have to!

I've already made critical decisions about greeting cards I've kept during the past number of years, glassware I'll never use, magazines that will be appreciated by others, and items that will be valued by charity outlets. That doesn't mean there isn't lots left to do..... 

Wish me luck!