doing the clean sweep methop??

**inneedofhope** · 01-14-2006, 01:09 PM

Ok, everyone, I need some good, sensible opinions on this idea. I am very unhappy about my living space, and I've run into a never ending cycle of chaos, reorganizing, back to chaos, and I just haven't been able to get a handle on it. Part of the issue is that I've never invested in furniture to go with the rooms, I have odds and ends of whatever I've been given or gotten for next to nothing, and I haven't really been able to take the time to think about the function of each room and decorate and set it up accordingly. Frankly I am frustrated with making do with stuff I don't even particularly like, and not having the proper item, for example I've been using an old kitchen table for my craft/sewing table, but it is not a comfortable work space, and I don't have appropriate storage, so it ends up cluttered with piles of stuff, and I never actually get to work on anything. My son's desk is an old TV stand, that has been OK for his playing office, but he'll be starting KG in the fall, and I'd like him to have a nice study area and desk that he can do homework at for the next few years. So......
If you've ever watched the show "Clean Sweep", I;m thinking maybe it's time to do something like that. Go through the house, room by room, and take out EVERYTHING, sell or donate what I can, and only keep the stuff that I really use/love. Then start over with each room. The premise is that by selling all the stuff at once, hopefully I'd be able to make enough $$ to invest in some new functional peices.
The other part I've been on the fence about is selling the house and moving closer to my work. So, I would need to keep that in mind in redoing the rooms, making it sellable. I am not interested in taking a loss on this house. I will only sell if I can come out ahead.
Has anyone tried this? What are your thoughts or tips on the "clean sweep" idea?

**AmyBoz** · 01-14-2006, 02:04 PM

Hi!

Well, that's what we're doing in our New Year, Hew Home challenge. We are using the Clean Sweep method, essentially. You are welcome to join us. You can post pictures and members will be happy to give you ideas how to make your spaces more usable, and we'll help you get rid of stuff, as well!

**homesteadmamma** · 01-14-2006, 05:54 PM

It's always great to have one more person join Amy's challenges. She is the best when it comes to challenging us to do "clean sweeps".

**bamaprim** · 01-16-2006, 03:29 PM

I did an all-over-the-house clean sweep last year. It was a lot of hard work, but so worth it!
I am a collector of things, and I have had to make myself stop! The walls were covered, every nook and cranny was filled to the brim with stuff. Several yard sales, donations piles, and trips to the dumpster later, my home is so peaceful and relaxing now. I did keep the things that I loved the most, but got rid of so much stuff. I won't lie, it was very hard, but I am so glad I stuck it out!
It was worth every drop of sweat and every sore muscle!

**beandsemom** · 01-16-2006, 05:17 PM

We are gradually replacing pieces of furniture. About 98% of ours has been handed down from family or bought second-hand (from family).

When you're ready to paint check out paint stores or stores like Lowe's Home Improvement or Home Depot and see if they have gallons of mistinted paint. That's how I buy most of mine. We did our living room/dining room in a beautiful sage green a year ago Christmas.

I've tried to use the Clean Sweep method with Yard Sales, but nobody wants my stuff. I may develop a complex! LOL!

**bamaprim** · 01-16-2006, 06:40 PM

In the area where I live, I have noticed less and less people buying from yard sales. It may be that the "clean sweep" idea is catching on.

**momof42003** · 01-17-2006, 08:32 PM

Both of the girls share a room, and the older one can't stand it... LOL.... I took everything out of their room except the furniture I knew was staying.... We cleaned from under each of those first, and cleaned out/off any drawers and shelves..... Then all the stuff was taken to the livingroom where it was throughly sorted.... That in itself took two days... The only area not done (yet) is under the crib....Everything has its place, and I have learned that it will not look exactly like I want, but it is tidy, and her dirty laundry is making its way to the laundry now.... That in itself is a big accomplishment.....

**inneedofhope** · 01-17-2006, 10:19 PM

Thanks, everyone. I'm gonna check out that New Year, New Home thread.

**leeleeaub** · 02-08-2006, 03:33 AM

I think this is a great idea. One good thing to do is do one room at a time. Make piles and ask yourself when will I ever use this and do I use this. If it is something you haven't used in a while that means get rid of it. Also, before purchasing a new item ask yourself do you really need it, how often will you use it.

**MACMOM6** · 02-17-2006, 09:44 AM

Ok, I am in...I am going to try this. I am SO sick of the clutter in my house. Our house is not big enough for all of us and the clutter we have. I need to get organized..

**FrugalMomof3** · 02-17-2006, 09:55 AM

I am going to do this too! I too have become unhappy with my living space and with all the clutter and stuff we have accumulated well it makes our rooms look smaller than they really are.

Please post pics of what you've done so we can take a peek!

**i.m.cheap** · 02-17-2006, 10:12 AM

One garage sale tip, is to price your things cheap! Remember your main objective is to GET RID OF STUFF! I always have very successful garage sales (if the weather cooperates!). I am planning my next one for the first week of April. That seems to be prime garage sale time around here, mild weather, lots of people out looking for sales after the long winter with no garage sales.