“You can’t compete with someone who is having fun.” – unknown
Up until last week I had cobwebs in my kitchen. They were higher than I could reach without a ladder or tool. I’d notice them but always on my way to getting something else done so they persisted.
It was the same with rehanging the hooks in the hallway that pulled away from the wall, the fascia board in my bathroom that came off when the kids climbed on the counter one too many times, peeling off the stickers Mr D applied to the cabinets when he was three-years-old, replacing two of the six light bulbs in the bathroom that used non-standard light bulbs, and on and on.
Because we rented out our house as an AirBnB, we’ve been chipping away at this list of little projects that I constantly noticed but never got done. Our first booking is in mid-June.
The whole project started because we have friends that have lived in France for three years. We wanted to visit them before they move in August. But every time I went to book the airfare this spring, the price jumped because of oil prices and I couldn’t afford them.
I’d been entertaining the idea of listing my house on AirBnB during the World Cup games here in Seattle but it seemed like so much work. But then I read The Fun Habit by Mike Rucker, PhD and his concept of activity bundling brought it all together for me. By combining the adventure of getting to see our friends in Europe with the work of getting the house ready, we could make the whole thing fun. [If you haven’t yet listened to the podcast with Mike, I found our conversation to be as inspiring as his book.]
I figured it was worth a try. Even if we didn’t get any bookings, at least we’d get a fixed-up house.
But then we did get bookings. Now I’ve booked our tickets because we have to be gone and we are madly finishing all these little projects. Michelle from the BoomerEcoCrusader blog is 100% right – decluttering feels great. Mr. D wants to know why we go to the donation center every week with a car loads of clothes, toys and books. Because we’ve had all that stuff pile up too much over the years.
Every night I fall into bed exhausted. But I also feel lighter. Like all those little projects were weighing me down in a way that I didn’t even realize. We’re earning this adventure one step at a time – with the bonus of coming home to a house that has all (or most) of the little things done.
(featured photo is one of our bedrooms after an extensive decluttering!)
Quote is from EnlightenedMind622
You can find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wynneleon/ and Instagram @wynneleon
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Surprised By Joy 
The kids earned their vacation! Love this!
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Wow. Sounds like where our family is at. We have lived in this house for 30+ years and have a basement (and almost every other room) to prove it. Every summer I start with hopes that I’ll get all the little stuff done so we can tackle the big stuff. But, I start, then stumble, then stop. Maybe this will be the summer! Keep going, you are building memories and habits. Peace.
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The bedroom is inviting. A job well done, Wynne!
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I am one of those rarities. When I have anxiety, questions or need a good plot for my next novel, I clean as the organization helps me plan!
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i absolutley love this approach! making it happen by making it happen. so much winning here! tomorrow my post is about an old word that has to do with cleaning for company, so this is that, but to the extreme and with an amazing outcome. the more you do, the closer you are to your adventure, and the busy work of the house is the case of killing two birds!
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Kudos on your progress and clever idea to bundle the tasks with a fun reward. Now, your trip will be all the sweeter.
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A great incentive to clean and declutter Wynne!
Love it 🤗
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Lovely room, Wynne. Nice view!
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Nothing feels better than purging stuff. I’m feeling the urge.
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An orderly clean house encourages good mental health and of course, physical health. A home is an ever evolving piece of family art. Kids are deconstructionists lol but it’s good to teach them how to keep their home and themselves, healthy. Making it fun was a very wise choice. I’m jealous of the France part lol
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Wow, what a big undertaking under a tight schedule. I’m glad you are completing tasks that you will be able to enjoy once you return. We often wait and do those things at the end when we are trying to sell. I’m impressed that you are taking a big trip with the kids and that you are renting your house out. Talk about new experiences! Hope you have a nice relaxing time once all the work is done!
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A special trip is such great motivation to tidy and spruce things up. I love this approach, and I’m so happy you got the bookings and have the chance to visit friends abroad. Amazing!
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It feels good to drop all that stuff off at the donation center, right? Not only are you clearing out your home, you’re helping others. I love looking at the space that all my clutter used to belong to!
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I’m so excited for you and your trip, and your cleaned-up house. And thanks for the shout-out!
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Letting go of stuff is an amazing feeling, I decluttered and gave away a lot last year when we moved and it was great. And yay that you got bookings and are going on the trip!
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What an exciting summer you will all enjoy together. The kids – and you – will not soon forget this because of the love and sweat you all poured into this. How amazing and exciting you’ll all be headed to France! I can’t wait to see all the updates and adventures that lie ahead!
Where will Cooper and the cat be staying while you’re away?
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