Secret to Success: We worked with what we had and stayed positive!
Step # 1: Clear out every single item of the room that you choose to organize and place it in a cleaned, cleared-out space.(We were mainly organizing her closet so we took everything out of the closet and placed it in the living room.)
Tips: It helps to have soothing SPA-like music playing in the background or listen to an audio book! Also try some calming lavender aromatherapy,and drink green tea with honey. (Don't have green tea or lavender? Light your favorite candle and grab your favorite beverage!)
Step #2: Don't freak out! Yes, it may seem like a lot of stuff but it's really not... Stay calm and sort through everything.
- Ask yourself- When was the last time that I used this? If you have not used it within the last 6 months, chances are you are never going to use it so get rid of before you end up on next week's episode of Hoarders! If things are broken, have holes, too small, too big, have stains, or are just so ugly you can't stand the sight of them: Throw it away!
- Also, ask yourself: Does this item serve a purpose- Will I use this everyday? If the answer is yes then it's safe to stay-if the answer is no then it's got to go! Set up three boxes/piles and label them: Trash, Donate, and Not-Sure. Everything else, we will assume is safe to stay.
- Mop, Dust, Wipe Down, Vacuum, Steam..Don't skip this step because it is very important. Everyone (except Oscar the Grouch who lives in a Trashcan) enjoys a clean area.
- Also, having a clean space may help with your organization/de-cluttering-once you have seen the sparkling potential of your new clean area you may feel as if some of those old items just don't belong...A clean house leads to a clean mind!
- Storage bins are great for keeping your undergarments sorted however they are not necessary. My friend is a college student so sticking to a non-existent budget was imperative, so we used what we had. Cardboard boxes can be cut to be made more accessible and you can always 'glam' them up later..
- You should be proud to show off your closet. Your closet should not be a room that needs to hide behind its' door when guests come over. If you try something on and decide not to wear it, immediately hang it back up or have a bin for "deal with it later" items.
Step # 3: Once you have sorted through every last bit of stuff make sure that the area that you are working in is clean.
Step # 4: Begin putting your stuff back in an organized, sensible manner. Sensible meaning whatever makes sense and works for you: It does not have to be any certain way.
Tips: For the closet- In the following order hang: tank-tops, t-shirts, long sleeve, sweater, coat on one rack; shorts, Capri pants, jeans, and pants on one rack. You may also organize by color, season, or occasion-work, casual, formal, active, etc... Group similar items together such as: belts, hats, scarves, purses, etc. Also, make sure that the items that you wear or use the most are in the most accessible spot (not too high, not too low, just right...Goldilocks, anyone?)
Step # 5: Take a break. Do some yoga, meditation, or eat a yummy snack!
Step # 6: Finish hanging-or putting away- and sorting similar items.
Step # 7: Remove any non- closet items-the closet should be kept neat and tidy.
I hope this helps! Good luck with your organization!
Questions/Comments?
