40 Bags in 40 Days: Overview

So Lent is over and I thought I would get back to you all with how I did on my 40 bags in 40 days. If you follow me on IG, then this is probably all a repeat for you.  But I think it will be fun to see the pictures in one place at one time.

I never did follow the actual 40 bags in 40 days philosophy.  I just took the time of Lent to tackle a single area in one day or a huge area over the course of many days.  And I’m pretty proud of the work that I did.  Nothing is perfect and I certainly have more to tackle.  But I’ve organized and purged areas that I have literally been meaning to do for YEARS.  And I’m a purger!!  lol

I made progress in my bathroom drawers…a surprisingly hard area for me to tackle.  I brutally tossed makeup and hair accessories.  And I don’t miss ANYTHING!

40 Bags in 40 Days

I got rid of half of my shoes and I find my closet soooo much more peaceful.  It is easier to see what I have, what I might really need and know that I truly wear the shoes that are left.

40 Bags in 40 Days

And socks!  That was an embarrassing mess of a drawer!

40 bags in 40 days

I spent a lot of time in my sewing room.  A huge thing that I did was get rid of all of my yarn and knitting and crocheting supplies.  It’s been such a burden to me that I don’t really enjoy that type of craft.  I had sooo much and I was just pulled down by it.  So I gave it away to someone.  That was a big box!

I went through notions especially and tossed.

40 bags in 40 days

40 bags in 40 days

40 bags in 40 days

I went through my garment fabrics and got more realistic about those fabrics and project ideas.  Another HUGE box gone.

I rearranged furniture to better suit my layout in my sewing room and actually display my quilts.  I’m so happy with how it is looking but there is still work left to do!

40 bags in 40 days

I would do it all again in a heartbeat.  And I will continue to go through things.  There were books and clothes and all kinds of things not pictured…but I made a huge dent and gave myself hope that I can truly get rid of things that I don’t need.

And remember…this is coming from a very organized person.  I’m learning that even if “everything has its place” that doesn’t necessarily mean that it should stay.  I had homes for the things I got rid of.  I’m not a crazy hoarder.  But I could see how much LESS I need.  And the areas that I tackled make me so HAPPY now when before they were at best lackluster.

It was hard to keep up the pace of doing something every day for 40 days.  But I would say that between the really big projects I tackled and the smaller, every day ones, that I was pretty successful at maintaining it as work in progress.  And it has definitely helped to change the eyes that I see with.  It is simply the case that I personally work better with less.  I’m more efficient, less anxious and more productive.  So here’s to more of that in the future!!

11 thoughts on “40 Bags in 40 Days: Overview”

  1. I am thrilled to see that I am not the only woman with a sock problem! I am a classic hoarder and have also just had a big clear-out – definitely very satisfying! Well done!

  2. I used your first post this Lent to tackle some needed areas in our home. I haven't kept it up as well as you – well done! – but we are probably 20 bags lighter and still working at it. I think it's a continuous process for me. I'm also much more conscious of what comes into the house and ask what should leave if this comes in. I am a bit of a hoarder, mainly of fabric, yarn and associated stuff, but clearing out does clear your head enormously and make space for thoughts to be focused on using what's left.

    1. Oh good for you!! Every bit is a step in the right direction. I really tried to take it SLOWLY. I didn't want to burn myself out. And sometimes I needed to buy the right piece to organize a location to truly clean it out well. Ironic but true.

  3. Welllllll done!
    And you should be very proud of yourself.
    I am so glad I found your blog. It is great to read this accomplishment you made
    and I am proud to know you

  4. Way to go, Angela! Guess I'd better get underway–because your photos sure make the point that life could be so much simpler with a good purge! Thanks for the kick in the seat of my pants!

  5. I'm glad you posted about this at the beginning of Lent. I didn't purge everyday, but made a big dent in the number of things I have myself. I want to keep working on it bit by bit. I am very impressed that you tackled your sewing room. That is the room I dread doing the most! Who knows what I will find! 🙂

  6. This is great! When I read the title I interpreted the post to mean that you were making 40 bags in 40 days. Knowing you, that would be a doable goal too. 🙂

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