For as long as I can remember, our front porch has been a bit of a chaotic catch-all. Which always gave me agita because, like probably most of us, clutter makes me anxious.
It’s very dysregulating to the nervous system, living in a junk drawer.
Over the years, Mom attempted to make it pretty and inviting. However, junk and clutter always seemed to find its way to those cleared off spaces. Those constant companions made for quite an uninviting entrance to our home.
Since moving back and working on decluttering our main floor and living areas, the porch was initially the catch-all again for the things leaving the house. But then, all of a sudden, I couldn’t stand it anymore.
So in one week, we took the boxes and bags of stuff and got rid of them. Whether that was over to Goodwill or other donation centers.
Did you know that some Walmarts take your old eyeglasses? Check for ones with a Lion’s Club.
Did you also know that some local florist shops will take vases from the bouquets people send you? We had five boxes of vases that we were able to give back to one of our local florist shops. The girl even stopped by to pick them up! I hadn’t known that a local florist would do that but it’s good to know. If you find yourself drowning in vases, try one in your area!
Now that the larger sitting area is basically cleared of clutter, it has been so pleasant and enjoyable sitting in this room. When it’s not hotter than hades, that is. Opening the old window fully allows for a nice breeze to flow through. It’s lovely to sit and sip a cold beverage and read or just watch the world pass by. We live on a surprisingly active street! Lingering on the porch gives the white space of the mind room to dream up other improvements and small changes we’d like to do to make it even more welcoming. Like installing a screen door again like the old folks had and adding back the mail plate for a finishing touch detail, for starters.
However, there’s still the other side.
Next, my focus will shift to the corners next to the built-in counter my brother built years ago. The counter is designed with two large openings that house two small refrigerators. These are our overflow fridges for beverages and back-stock food items. They are convenient enough to have here. It was a clever solution to a lack of storage problem. This area is especially utilized over the winter holidays when family comes to celebrate and extra good food is shared. The frigid New England temperatures make for a natural refrigerator!
I’ve gotten so used to them, though, I’ve lost sight of how unsightly they are. And now I need to make it pretty.
My next order of business, though, is to clean out either side beside the counter.
First: try to sell this infrared tent that has never been unpacked from the box it came in.
Second: clear out the right side of these yard and garden items that do not need to live here all year round and can be happily housed in the shed. I don’t mind keeping seasonal appropriate tools right here but these yard waste bags don’t need to be here. Sheesh.
Stay tuned for Part Two!
