When I lived in Los Angeles, space constraints and frequent moves made it impossible to hang onto things I didn’t care about. Since coming home to San Diego, I have more space. Not only do I have more space, but I am reminded every week at family dinner that I actually have two spaces because my childhood bedroom is still not cleaned out. Does anyone else have this problem?
So, I’m working towards the declutter. Here are my steps towards a clutter free closet.
1.) Recycle anything that is too destroyed to wear.
- Denim can go to Blue Jeans Go Green. Bonded Logic turns denim into insulation for homes and they, in turn, donate a portion of their products to build homes for those in need for charities such as Habitat For Humanity. You can donate at Madewell or send in your items.
- Cut up t-shirts, ratty towels and sweatshirts into cleaning fabrics. This will allow you to get the most out of the fabric and use fewer paper towels!
2.) Sell anything that is in excellent condition, high quality, or high-end label to a thrift store or online.
3.) Anything that can’t be sold that is in good condition, donate!
- Salvation Army
- Goodwill
- Father Joe’s Village
- San Diego Rescue Mission
- Women’s shelters
- Animal shelters (they need towels and blankets the most, but sometimes have thrift stores of their own)
I’m hoping that once the clutter is gone, it will become clearer what I’d like to do with this space and how I’d like to change things around to feel more like my own space. I recently read Marie Kondo’s The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, which has really helped to inspire me. It’s also really helped me to realize that some of my sentimental habits are a littttttle overboard. For example, all those tchotchkes I have from Bar Mitzvahs and Sweet Sixteens and college: why do I have them?
However, Kondo emphasizes strict adherence to all of her rules. I’m really not going to do that. I am going to have more stuff than Marie Kondo and that is ok with me.
How about you? Have you read Kondo’s book? Are you an organization maniac or a hoarder? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
PS. Kondo’s book is now available as a manga, which sounds like so much more fun.
by Breanna Marie 