Empowered to Declutter! Getting realistic in the busy season

As I write this post, it's mid-September. Here on the farm things are ramping up quickly for harvest! It's an exciting time where things move quickly and rarely stop if we can help it. Along with my work in Empower Her, I work full time on our family's farming operation. My hands are in livestock, field work, and office work, but during harvest you'll find me driving truck for chopping or in a tractor for tillage. That being said -- I'm not focusing on any big decluttering projects at the moment.

And that's ok!

I've learned a lot in my short time in the decluttering world. One of the most effective methods to decluttering is maintenance. As much as I would love to keep tackling closets and kitchen cupboards and make countless trips to the thrift store (and even the dumpster), the busyness of harvest season doesn't allow for it. But what I can do is maintain all of my hard work up to this point.

How will I maintain my decluttering process during our busy season?

1. Continue applying the "one in, one out" rule

Life moves on as harvest progresses, and someone is bound to need a new pair of jeans, or I'll treat myself with some late-night online shopping and new "stuff" will make its way into our home. I'm not going to punish myself or my family and swear off ever buying anything ever again! I'll just accept the new things and get rid of something that's been replaced or no longer fills a need in our home.

Example: I got a free crewneck sweatshirt from a business, and I got rid of an old crewneck sweatshirt I hardly ever wear anymore. No need to do a complete closet overhaul after harvest season ends.

2. Keep up the chore chart for our kids

The chore chart gets hung up when school lets out and the kids are on summer vacation. I love the order it keeps and somewhat routine we have with it when there otherwise wouldn't be. This will be the first time I keep the chore chart in practice during the school year, but I know it will be helpful for me if our kids are helping out around the house with age-appropriate chores.

Keep it simple: empty the dishwasher, put your toys away, bring dirty clothes to the laundry room, throw your wrappers in the garbage. Little things will keep me from getting overwhelmed and show our young kids that "teamwork makes the dream work" is the goal.

3. Give myself (and my family) grace

Now is not the time to crack down on brand new routines. Everyone will be burning their candles on both ends. Stress will be at an all-time high, even if things are running smoothly. Tractor rides and field meals will trump a clean kitchen counter at the end of the day from now until November. If I have to choose between a clean home and low-stress nights for me and my kids, the mess can wait.

Setting realistic expectations for myself will make all the difference. I might have to spend Saturday morning doing back-to-back loads of laundry to catch up from the week before. Dusting probably won't happen until I decorate for Christmas! That's ok.

I'm not here to make you think I have it all figured out. Believe me, I don't. Whatever busy season you're going through matters more than a spotless kitchen counter. Decluttering and cleaning routines will be there when you're ready for them! Take a deep breath and be where your feet are. You're doing great.

XO, Courtney