Cleanin' the Chaos

OH, children -- I have started the epic task of cleaning/de-cluttering the jungle that has become my room. Granted, I started about an hour and a half ago... and I've managed to abandon the work for the written word, yet again -- BUT STILL! I've taken the first step in what I know will be an arduous journey, so cheers to me.

What prompted this sudden Urge to Purge, you ask?:

• If I am serious about moving out or travelling about, I know these objects will hinder my ability to do so. Numerous possessions = A royal pain to transport = I need to cut out the extras.
• I have not been able to properly clean my room since January due to the sheer volume of stuff in this space.
• I feel unsettled and generally anxious in my room and it's directly related to the amount of clutter around me.

Hrrmmm, rather bleak picture I'm painting. Never fear -- I'm not one of those clutterbugs Oprah likes to profile. Not even close. No, I just find the objects themselves are getting to me.

Case and point: I sorted out all the old textbooks and novels I no longer wanted once I finished with my undergraduate degree in 2008. It's been one year. All of those books are still stacked on my floor. 

Yeah.

I guess what it boils down to is that I'm looking for a fresh start and a clean slate. So, why not start with an area of my life that I KNOW I can control?

Sounds simple, though it's a touch complicated. See, as much as I have the urge to throw out everything I own, I am also a person who catalogues and preserves random bits. I mean, heck, I'm contemplating a career in archival studies, so that should give you a clear idea of the mentality I tend to have with mundane objects.

"But, this small note was written by __________ back in _______ on the same day that _______ took place. Perhaps it can reveal what led to _________ later on. Perhaps it will illuminate more on my younger self...." etc.

.... It's sick, I know. I have shoeboxes filled with odds and ends from grade school, high school, and each year of my undergrad degree. Oh, not to mention all the notebooks filled with old school assignments and the boxes filled with various delights from childhood. 

I even have a box filled with candles. 

WHY? WHY CANDLES, MOFFATT??

Though, I DID find $20 in an envelope. AND I also discovered $5 worth of pennies. So heck, cleaning really CAN pay off in certain cases.

Will have to keep you all updated on my exploits. Am debating whether a photo journal would be A) Helpful or B) Embarrassing. Could definitely fall either way.....