After my most recent move, I took downsizing very seriously. I knew I wouldn't need as much of my furniture and decor because the amount of personal living space I would have would be smaller. The only truly personal space I have is my bedroom and it cannot house all of my bookcases, side tables, coffee table, dining room set, etc. I have had to de-clutter, donate, and store a lot of my stuff to make due. If you are finding yourself down-sizing, or taking on a new roommate or spouse, here are some helpful tips to get you started!

1. SORT AND SEPARATE. I know it may seem like an overwhelming job to go through all of your belongings, but this really is the only way you can do this right. I had to sort and separate my things based on importance.

PILE 1: High Importance; Frequently Used: KEEP
PILE 2: Medium Importance; Used on Occasion: KEEP or STORE
PILE 3: Low Importance; Used Infrequently: KEEP or STORE (This may pertain to items that could be used in the future, such as furniture)
PILE 4: Low Importance; Rarely/Never Used: DONATE

2. DONATE OR STORE. To donate or store can be a really tough decision. While I have a storage shed in the backyard, if needed, I have donated quite a few items that are either duplicates of what my roommate has, or its something I rarely use. While I love the idea of having an electric griddle, I never use it. Could I use it in the future? Maybe, but its not worth fighting for a storage space to keep it. We also ended up having 3 microwaves. How does that happen? I have no idea, but the microwave said goodbye. The good thing about the items I have donated is that they are inexpensive and could be purchased again in the future if I need to. I have given away bags of clothes, home decor items I didn't love, and have lent my dining room set to my sister to be used. I feel better knowing all of my stuff is being used by someone who really needs it rather than letting it rot away in a storage shed.

3. CLEAN AND ARRANGE. Once you have decided what to take with you on your move, and you've moved in, it's time to put your space together. I always start by cleaning out the room and making sure its clean before moving my things in. This may mean you clean windows, blinds, curtains, carpets, or even walls. Baseboards are big for me! I need to have clean baseboards before I fill a room. Also don't neglect ceiling fans. It's always best to wipe those jokers down so you don't wind up with dust on your bed or furniture.

4. LAST SWEEP AND ENJOY! Once you have established what belongings you're keeping, you've cleaned, and set up your space, do one final sweep. See if you love what you have, and if you don't, get your Elsa on and let it go. You may find clothes you overlooked, or a framed picture you've lost interest in. Not only will this free up more space for living, but may allow for you to purchase things you love to replace those things you don't. After your final sweep, enjoy your space! It's well-deserved and you'll appreciate your new house or apartment that much more.

What are your tips to survive your move?

HOUSE SNEAK PEEK

I have been wanting to show you the house every since I moved in, but it hasn't exactly been put together 100% yet. Because we are renting we are somewhat limited in what we can do. No painting, no heavy items on the walls, and with a limited budget I can pretty much only use what I already have on hand in decorating. The other night we had a Pampered Chef Party, which forced my roommate and I to get rid of the boxes and clutter and get our living spaces in order. We organized the dining room and lightly rearranged the living room to accommodate for seating. I have to say, I really like having a clean and organized living space. It makes the room much more inviting and homier.

I might still invest in some pieces to hang throughout the house. I really need a better place to put my kitchen knives to extend some counter space, and I would like some shelving in the kitchen to brighten the place up. The house is old, so it has a vintage/antique feel and I love antiques.

Now, for some bedroom inspiration. I de-cluttered and donated a lot of the stuff I had in my bedroom  when I was married. I think getting rid of that stuff helped me to feel like I was making a fresh start, which is pretty much what you're going for after a divorce. I wanted to make my bedroom my own and start with pieces I liked and needed. I ordered the items below online and I am so excited for them to come!

Walmart

The bookshelves will be made into a makeshift headboard for my King size bed. I was inspired by this post here, and I thought it was a genius idea! I have so many books and so many things I could use to style the shelves, so I am excited to see how it turns out.

Target

I desperately need a dresser for additional clothing storage, and this one will work perfectly in my bedroom. It's white (duh, I love neutrals) and has a slightly traditional/vintage feel. All I need are some pretty fresh flowers to put on this pretty thing.

I'll be sure to give you a full on house tour whenever things are settled! Which should soon.

COFFEE TALK

via

Long time, no see, huh? I know, I know. I have been failing miserably in the blogging department, but totally winning in the life department, so that has to mean something, right?

So, to give you somewhat of a life update, I thought this post would be best. Shout out to Ashlyn from Let it Be Beautiful for the inspiration on these posts. They really get the job done!

THANKFUL FOR: I am so thankful for second, third, hundredth chances. So often I forget to show grace to others (working on that), but its amazing the undeserved grace I am shown every single day. I like to think that those who give me the hundredth chances are the ones who are really meant to be in my life. I am not perfect. I mess up at work, in relationships, in friendships, at being vulnerable, at being merciful, at being loving. I am a hot mess sometimes, but those who stick around make every day so meaningful. I am just thankful that Jesus loved me first because I don't know how He puts up my shenanigans.

THINKING ABOUT: I have been thinking a lot about my parents lately. I still get "homesick" at 28 years old and I miss my parents terribly right now. I try and put a good voice on the phone, but I don't see them as much as I'd like to. Hopefully, that will change soon!

FEELING: Relaxed. I am not good at relaxing (mentally, anyway) and I have to force myself to, which isn't very relaxing at all. Lately things have really been getting to me at work, so this weekend really did wonders for me. It's amazing the weight I carry around thinking everything is my responsibility. At some point I need to learn to shut that off and shut it off for good. There are so many things simply out of my control.

LISTENING TO: Country and Pop playlists on Spotify. If you are my actual friend on Facebook you'll see this in your Newsfeed from time to time. Right now my favorite song is Ellie Goulding's "Love Me Like You Do".

WATCHING: "Parenthood". Oh, man! I was so scared to start this show, mainly because family dramas tend to really get to me, but this is so good thus far. I can already feel how invested I am in the characters. I have also been watching "The Bachelor" as per usual. Can I just say though that I am not too impressed with Chris? I just don't find him to be very...well anything...except for hot. That's about it.

EATING: Chocolate. Chocolate. Chocolate. Girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

READING: Does Audible books count? I am really loving Amy Poehler's book, Yes, Please right now. She is hilar.

LOVING: Someone new. I don't want to say too much right now, I mean this is the internet, but I like to keep things somewhat private. Just know he makes me really, really happy and I am so stinking excited about it. I am also loving that it's almost March and that means Spring time is around the corner.

So, that is just a little tidbit for now, but I will be back with more soon!