Wanting A Fresh Start in the New Year
Every New Year, we tend to want to start with a clean slate, a fresh start, new goals, and a renewed sense of purpose. We promise ourselves we’ll get more organized, let go of clutter, and tackle projects we’ve been putting off. This year, that desire for a fresh start took on a deeper meaning for me after an unexpected health scare.
When Cancer Changes Your Perspective
Facing a recent cancer diagnosis shifted my mindset almost instantly. While my focus was on treatment and recovery, my mind also wandered to practical, everyday things I’d never seriously considered before. One of my very first thoughts was: If something happened to me, what would my husband do with an entire room full of scrapbooking supplies? Would he know what to keep, what to donate, or what to toss? And would he even know how to cancel my monthly kit subscriptions?
A Wake-Up Call to Purge and Simplify
That thought became a powerful motivator. I realized how much I had accumulated over the years, more than 30 years of paper, embellishments, tools, kits,”someday” and unfinished projects. It inspired me to start purging supplies I no longer use or truly love. Letting go has been difficult, but also freeing. Instead of feeling like I’m losing something, I’m gaining space and peace of mind.
Let’s take a look at my room before.
Organizing with Intention
Along with purging came a renewed commitment to organization. I want my space to be functional, easy to navigate, and less overwhelming, not just for me, but for anyone who might need to manage it someday. Labeling, sorting, and grouping supplies by category has helped transform chaos into something calmer and more approachable. In order to do that I needed to purchase new storage cases, as if I didn’t have enough already. Lucky for me I had been gifted several gift cards for Michael’s and they were on sale, 50% off! Even better!
Talking with My Spouse and Writing It Down
Another important step has been talking openly with my husband. We’ve discussed what he should do with my supplies if I ever can’t manage them myself. I’ve started writing down instructions, from which subscriptions to cancel to which items have sentimental value. It’s not about being pessimistic; it’s about being thoughtful, prepared, and considerate.
Progress, Not Perfection
My room isn’t finished yet, and that’s okay. I’m giving myself permission to work on it slowly, in small increments, so I don’t feel overwhelmed. Little by little, it’s coming together. This process has become part of my healing, a reminder that progress doesn’t have to be fast to be meaningful, and that a fresh start can happen one drawer, one shelf, and one step at a time. Oh, by the way, if you’re wondering…….my prognosis is good. My cancer was caught very early so it seems I will have plenty of time to finish my reorganization. ‘Cause I’m going to need it!
I’m going to leave you with a few photos of my after.
I was able to get these punches off a shelf I was storing them on. They are very bulky and heavy, causing the shelf to begin sagging They were also thrown into a basket which made it hard to see what I had. I moved them to a cart where they are much more accessible. I am a very visual person. I need to see it so that I use it.
I put my new storage cases to good use. I had two smaller cases for my Autumn papers and embellishments. After purging some I was able to fit it all into one larger case. Yes, I store them on their side. It takes up less shelf space and it’s easier to access.
Finally, I organized my 49 and Market collections and ephemera. It is now all in one place where I can see it and easily access it. This is the shelf where those heavy previously mentioned punches lived. The basket now holds ephemera.
Final Thoughts
This experience has reminded me that organization isn’t just about tidying a space, it’s about creating peace of mind, honoring what matters most, and making life a little easier for the people we love. My health scare brought unexpected clarity, gratitude, and motivation. While I never would have chosen this journey, I’m choosing to let it shape me in positive ways, with intention, resilience, and a renewed appreciation for life and the stories I love to preserve.
Until next time, happy organizing!