From the Desk of Clearissa Coward’s Command Center – Divinely Organized
How To Make Home Organization Easier And End Clutter
The reality is we are a society who likes to accumulate and, dating back to the Great Depression, we tend to keep everything we believe has monetary value when, actually, it really does not. We keep clothing that doesn’t fit any longer and grocery bags, we keep old toys and any number of other useless items.
I have spoken to quite a few people over the years who say they have very nice clothes they love but they don’t wear anymore for various reasons. They have outgrown them, they have gone out of style, etc. But yet they hang in their closets taking up much needed real estate.
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For example, a pretty dress or a nice suit you bought ten years ago cost, what was considered back then, a lot of money. However, the problem is you haven’t touched it in nine years because, as most clothes do, its time of style has passed. Or you have gained or lost weight and it no longer fits.
Could it come back in style someday? Maybe. Styles do often return. But this is not a reason to hold onto things you no longer use…”just in case.”
You may feel that because you spent “good” money for something, you are throwing money away. But ask yourself this… is it putting money in your pocket sitting there in the back of your closet with dust on the shoulders? Actually, it is not benefitting you at all. Would it not better serve you if you donated it for someone who truly needs it and will possibly use it? Would it not serve you better if you sold it on one of the online consignment shops? I think so.
One very important perk of purging the old things from your closet would be more space to be able to keep the clothes you are going to wear and to perhaps purchase new ones (that’s always a plus). That is a definite win. Did you know we only wear 50% of the clothes we own, by the way? Doesn’t that sound wasteful? I might even suggest buying a new outfit for every three to five you let go of. That would certainly be a positive effect of getting rid of things you can no longer use. But remember the ratio is one to five. 🙂
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Although new clothes make one feel good. I do not recommend buying new clothes for the sake of buying new clothes. I will admit putting on a new outfit can lift the spirits but be smart and think before bringing new “stuff” into your space. Remember the goal is to declutter not to restock.
Here is something you should do right now with items (it does not have to be clothing) you are holding onto for sentimental reasons or because you paid good money for them.
1. Find ten items you own but no longer use.
2. Grab a piece of paper and make three columns.
3. Write the items you are having trouble getting rid of in the left column. In the middle column, write “why I am keeping this item” and in the third column write “what will I gain by getting rid of this item.”
Try to be as specific as you can in both columns. My guess is that you will have a lot more information in the right column than you will in the middle.
If you can honestly fill up the middle column with more reasons of why you should keep it, and the items are in good condition, then perhaps you should not get rid of it. But in most cases, if you are honest with yourself and specific when making your list, that will not happen.
This is a good system for purging unused items and once you have purged and paired down your unused items a great way to remain in control of your organized space is the “one in, one out” or better yet, the “five out, one in” method. These methods work great for clothing. The concept is simple. When you bring one thing in, one item or more has to be donated, sold or re-homed.
Do you have a method for purging your clothing or areas of your home? Have you ever used the “one in, one out” method in the maintenance of your closets?
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Until next time…I remain in my Element – God Bless!
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I need to do this with hubby, he is such a hoarder 🙁
I know the feeling Dee. Mine is as well. I don’t understand it. Of course he says I hoard crafting supplies, but I don’t believe him. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and let me know if you try it with your better half and how it works.
I’m not stressing about clothes as much as toys.
Hi Melinda. Don’t stress over any of it. Just take your time and deal with it. Set aside a certain time each day and set your timer and work on your problem area exclusively for that set period. When the time is up, go on with your day feeling accomplished. Repeat until you get it under control. Hope that helps and thanks for stopping in.
organizing and de-cluttering is a never-ending chore – great post! Pinned and shared
Hi Carol, You are right. That is what most people don’t get. You can’t just do it once and it remains. It’s all about maintaining. I am about to begin a maintenance series. Thanks for stopping by.