…but at the same time want to hold on to useless stuff or hobby stuff you don’t have the energy to do. I feel like if I didn’t have so much stuff I wouldn’t have all the clutter to make me feel anxious, like there’s just so much stuff. I have a very small wardrobe (well, boxes of clothes since I haven’t had the energy to go an buy a wardrobe) with mainly work related clothes, but that’s the only thing that I’ve managed to keep minimal and tidy.
I know the clutter is mainly stuff I could try and keep in trays/open boxes to help maintain it but also going shopping for the right kind of trays seems overwhelming.
Keeping clothes under control is a big deal imo. Clothes have so many pain and pleasure points that is easy to hold onto our pasts and pretend futures through them.
Clothes plus creativity are my bane. 'One day I’ll wear that elegant dress I just need to add a new zip." I’ve had to limit myself by keeping a project box. If it doesn’t fit I need to swop something out or chuck the project away.
Basically Dana K White’s container method (https://youtu.be/_24PoIZSmVs) has been my saving grace. I’m now looking for ways to create zones based on function and then limit my ‘inventory’. It’s a numbers game for me. Less inventory means I function better in my space. And functioning feels so good when it happens well.
Sounds to me like you found a way to function better around work clothes and better is good. Definitely worth a high five in my book !
You’ve seen right through me with this comment. So many clothes I feel awkward in and yet I know I’ll need them when I’ll struggle to do the laundry. And some clothes I feel like I could improve by removing that ruffle of the neckline or shortening the hemline.
And of course the sewing machine needs adjusting so one doesn’t simply start sewing…
Occasionally I admit defeat and have to throw out projects that just aren’t getting finished. And tell myself not to even start some, just give it away to someone who might like it as it is, and I think being able to control that impulse and admit my shortcomings is something.
Less inventory definitely makes life easier, sharing a house or a flat meant I could only have my projects in one room, now they’re sprawling a bit again. I think I need to take my partner’s annoyance to heart and limit my project space to one corner.
It’s a common creative person dynamic I think. Not so much a shortcoming as unharnessed talent. I definitely get more projects done these days because I struggle to make decisions and less projects means simpler decisions. (My brain isn’t as sharp as it used to be so I need to help it any way I can haha).
(Also I totally didn’t spend a whole weekend googling amazing huge craft cupboards that would never fit in my house).