Upstairs

You can't imagine the chaos that existed here for weeks.  Between the boxes, packing paper, all that had been in storage for three years and was now in piles everywhere--and for some reason lots of trash--it's hard for me to believe I ever got past that point!  From there, it was a tedious--and sometimes painful--exercise in editing, refining and letting go.  And my basement attests to it--it's chock full of everything that needs to be discarded or stored.  

While there are only a few pieces of furniture that didn't get used; there was a lot of redundant household "stuff" that needed to be sorted/weeded through.  This is my forever home, so no saving for the future.  My rule of thumb for books and decorative items: If it isn't going to be on display, it has to go.  For kitchen and entertaining items: If it doesn't fit comfortably into drawers and onto shelves, it has to go.  I don't want any overflow from one room or closet into another.  I've allowed myself three types of storage: Seasonal decorations, functional items used for specific occasions (punch bowl, picnic basket, etc.), and children's books and toys I'm saving (in case!).  

Now for a look at upstairs.

UPPER HALL

LAUNDRY ROOM

MY BED & BATH

QUEEN GUEST ROOM 

TWIN GUEST ROOM