If you’ve ever watched “The Sound of Music” you’ll be familiar with Maria’s list of favorite things she recalled during bad times. Making a list of your favorite things is a great idea for getting your home organized as well.
Sometimes, even though a room feels too cluttered it’s hard to know what to let go of and what to keep., especially when it’s all “good” stuff. That’s when choosing just your favorite things can be really helpful.
The collage shows 9 of my 10 favorite decorative things. These have stood the test of time and have graced my home wherever my home has been. Currently these things all live in my living/dining room:
A replica tiffany stained glass picture, handmade pottery pieces, the loon my father carved for me, a favorite watercolor painting, my cherrywood tea chest, my mother’s antique lamp, a needlepoint pillow I love, and my small cast-iron lanterns (one of 2 is shown).
I have other decorative items as well, but they tend to change with my decor, the seasons, my moods. I’m not so strongly attached to those items even though they are all “good” things.
When I feel a room is getting too cluttered or in need of a change I choose my favorite things that MUST stay and everything else gets set aside in a box temporarily. Once I’ve got the favorites placed where I want them, I can add additional decorative items from my old stash or pick up some new pieces for a fresh update. Sometimes I just enjoy the favorites all on their own without any extras.
So, if your home is suffering from too many things, choose your 10 favorite items in each room and temporarily remove the rest. It’s amazing how your special things will shine all on their own and help you see more clearly what other items you really want or need in each room. Consider donating the not-so-favorites on to a local charity.
You can try this method for organizing other areas of your home as well. Choose your 10 favorite outfits from your closet, your 10 favorite books on your bookshelf or your child’s 10 favorite toys, and you’ll soon know what things in your home really matter the most to you. As an old year has closed and a new year begins, hold on to the best and let go of the rest. You’ll open up your home for new things to come.
So what are a few of your favorite things?
1. Could you please tell me where these stores are, I see them advertized on tv but, your store finder says there is no store near me. I live in the Pacific Northwest. Best regards.
Susan
by susan — 1/5/09 at 10:41 pm #
2. Hi Susan: It’s possible (and I hate to say it) that there’s not a HomeGoods store in your area as yet (sniff, sniff) but maybe you’ll find a “TJ Maxx and more” or a Marshalls? Their home sections are more limited but you can still find some great stuff there. Also check for HomeGoods stores in areas where you might tend to travel to visit a friend or family member or on business etc. There’s one in Washington DC for example. You may even want to check around for stores when you go on vacation. It’s definitely worth the visit.
by Joan — 1/6/09 at 10:31 am #
3. I love this idea! My 2009 resolve to live more simply will utilize this approach. Thanks for sharing it.
by Maureen — 1/6/09 at 11:22 am #
4. Hi Maureen: I’m hearing from so many who share your resolve to simplify their lives in 2009. I wish you much success and joy as you pare down to your very favorite things. Keep us posted on your journey.
by Joan — 1/6/09 at 3:29 pm #
5. Wish you could help me come pack some of my clutter away!! 10 things, maybe I could do that!! Love your needlepoint lamb pillow especially!
Stephanie
Angelic Accents
by Stephanie — 1/7/09 at 1:57 am #
6. Hi Stephanie:
I wish I could help you pack up too — I love helping folks pare down to their best stuff and end up with a whole new outlook for their space. I suggest putting on some favorite music and comfy clothes and just have fun with it.
Go ahead and take the 10 favorites challenge –I bet you find it easier than you thought. Let me know how it goes. And thanks for your kind comment about my lamb pillow — it’s been in many a room but never ceases to stand out as a favorite whereever I put it.
by Joan — 1/7/09 at 5:27 pm #
7. Your photo made me think of a shadow box I have in my bedroom which houses miniatures of many of my favorite things in life. I have seen lots of miniatures on the shelves of homegoods, TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Great way to reduce clutter and space problems without having to get rid of those fond memories.
by Terry — 2/7/09 at 4:12 pm #
8. Terry: Your shadow box frame is a great idea for housing miniatures to represent favorite things and/or for storing sentimental items so that they have a place of honor. Thanks for sharing your solution with our readers. Would love to see a picture of it too,
joan
by Joan — 2/9/09 at 10:46 am #