[organize chaos] closet clean-out (#1)

I started with my closet. No, it wasn't the first item I initially had on my list. But it needed to be done. Desperately. I love to shop, and had a shopping weekend with my mom in Branson a few weekends ago. The Banana Republic Factory Store is a little heaven-on-earth for me.

Here is the problem I have when I shop: I bring new items into my closet... But never take old items out. I still have items in my closet from high school. They do not necessarily fit... But I always kind of hope that maybe one day they will again. I also have items that DO fit, but are never worn. But because they DO fit, I feel compelled to hang onto them.

And so my closet is over-stuffed, unorganized and is in need of a little make-over.

I was fortunate to have Martin Luther King Jr. Day off school this year. I seized this opportunity to get busy!

 "Before..."

First I cleared the floor. I have a terrible habit of hoarding things in my car. Whenever I "clean out" my car, I usually dump everything into a bag, and then when I "pick up" my things in the bedroom, those bags get moved to the closet floor. Another interesting item on the closet floor: the Anheuser-Busch bag containing all of my possessions from my last job at JB Hunt. For six months all of my notepads and pens and the teenie beanie have been on my closet floor. Another addition is the bag-o-t-shirts. (This is still on the needs-to-organize list, and still on the closet floor.)

Floor cleared!

Once I could actually walk in the closet, I felt immediate relief. I then took away the flip flop collection that doesn't see the summer sun, sifted through the hangers, took out every dry cleaning bag and straightened out my remaining shoe situation.

Tidy shoes...

Goodbye Bulldog Beach Collection

Next came the clothes. I knew I had to let go. I didn't let go as much as I probably should have, but I managed to take out 2 trash bags full of sweaters, tank tops, flip flops and purses I no longer need.

(Had to bring in the step ladder to reach

the assortment of tank tops on the top shelf!)

I brought in a plastic drawer organizer I have had forever and filled it with shorts, swimsuits and scarves. I straightened out the hanging clothes... All of my tops are by sleeve length. I keep my outerwear by my jeans and dress pants. Skirts and dresses go together - skirts first, then dresses by sleeve length.

(I am terribly sorry if you are bored to death. I have to record the process! If you are still reading - wow! Kudos to you!)

and... "After - Take One"

"...Take Two"

..."Take Three!"

I still need to organize my t-shirts... (see above photo)... And take care of the bags I moved OUT of my closet but INTO another room. But overall I am happy with this first bit of progress!