I think it’s been four years since I last gave my bedroom closet a thorough cleaning. I’ve been trying to ignore the situation, or doing little patches on a big job to tide it over until I could do it the right way. It’s been on my mind to do this for some time, and it seemed to be more and more pressing as we moved into November. I felt that I needed to start my Fall cleaning with this project, although it’s the least important of the things that need to be done before Thanksgiving.
I started on the closet this past Tuesday, and spent three or four hours a day for the next three days, working on just MY stuff! I started with the shelves. I emptied all but the shelves that hold my socks and accessories. I moved all the prescription drugs, ALL the moisturizers and sun blocks, the tissues, and cleaning supplies, shoes, wash cloths, purses, jewelry boxes, cosmetic bags and electronics. I swabbed down the shelves and wiped a ton of dust off everything. I reorganized so that everything was put back efficiently, and used the one extra shelf that gained me to store a ba-zilion candles that I have accumulated over the years. Now that I know where they are, I may use them better.
Once everything was put back on the shelving, I started with clothing that is a size or two too small. I know….if you haven’t worn it in the past six months, it should be thrown out. I cleared out about a third of the closet for GoodWill, and another third went into storage for the svelte me that must be about ready to return. I washed everything washable that is going to Goodwill, folded it and bagged it up. I’m ready to give it away.
I tried to dust the top shelf, but I need to have someone either come in with a ladder or a taller chair, and both vacuum and wipe things down. I gave it a shot, but there’s still dust up there, I know.
I re-organized the tops that I wear so that shirts are located by color and sleeve length. I did the same for Dear Husband, but you know that only lasted a day or so. We still need to have him look through jeans and slacks and pull out those that don’t fit.
The last thing I worked on was the stuff stored on the bottom of the closet. I threw out some empty shoe boxes and stored the rest. I have tote bags, and an old piece of luggage that holds travel organizers and purses. I need to find room for these things without returning the closet to its previous clutter. Wish me luck!
It’s great to be able to see the floor, and see what’s in the closet. Unfortunately, now I need to bring up my winter clothes! I plan to give away a lot of clothes that are in storage, and add just those winter things that I can wear. Remind me to never again buy a polyester sweater!