I always tend to feel more at peace when I pay my bills too, it takes me to the "everything is OK" place, bills are paid, nothing hanging over my head.
i think that is why i put the previous booze $$ towards my mortgage principal, it is something I can see every month when i get the statement.
i think you are doing very well at putting your sober house in order. and you are correct, it doesn't happen over night, but you can chart your progress too.