MJ
Dec 1, 2022
Start by pulling everything out and tossing anything that is out-of-date and/or smelly.
Give the shelves and drawers a good wipe down.
Place most frequently used items near the front at eye level.
Place tall items in the back of the refrigerator and small items in front for easy visibility.
Group similar things together. Dairy on one shelf, fruits in one drawer, vegetables in another, condiments in the door etc.
Each time you take out the trash and recyclables do a quick check of the fridge and freezer and toss old or expired items.
Have I used this item in the past two years? Is this item no longer my style? If you haven’t used or displayed it recently, let it go.
Do I like it? If yes, great! Put it in a special place around your home. If not, donate it so someone else can enjoy it.
Do I have multiples of the same thing? Do I need 10 Christmas mugs or five platters for the turkey? Donate the extras you no longer need.
Is the item broken? If so, get rid of it. Or make a plan to fix it.
Anything that does not belong in a clothes closet should be re-homed (e.g., boxes of printer paper, old dog beds etc.). Sort clothes, shoes, boots, bags, hats, belts, scarves and more into Keep, Toss, Donate, Sell, and Repair.
Keep items that are in good condition. Anything stained, torn or twisted should go. Keep items that fit you well. Stick with your current size. If your size tends to fluctuate, keep items one size up and down in storage containers. Keep only items that you love how you look and feel in them. Any items that spark bad memories have to go.
Divide items into casual wear and business wear and return to closet. Next, sort into categories: shirts, pants, skirts, jackets and more. From there, subdivide into sleeveless, short sleeve, long sleeve, short skirts to long skirts etc. If you want to go even further, sort by color. Use the same style hanger, and shoe racks/boxes, boot hangers, dividers, etc. as needed.
Keep a donation bag, box or decorative basket in the closet. Each time you determine an item is ready to go to a new home, drop it in the bag. When the bag is full, close it up and immediately put it in your vehicle. The next time you run a few errands, drop off the bag at your favorite charitable organization or consignment shop.
Set a calendar reminder for six months out to take a peek in the closet and review items again. It gets easier and quicker every time.
Is the item still age appropriate? If not, donate or sell it.
Is the item in good condition and ready to be played with? If not, toss it.
When was the last time the item was played with? If it has been a few months, donate or sell it.
Would you buy this toy again? If not, let it go. If there are items you know the children have outgrown but are wary of giving up, set the items aside in a Hold box and revisit them again in six months.
And don’t forget green options for your legitimate incoming mail. E-bills and paperless options are available from most every organization.
If you need some guidance in 2023, contact me at (608) 345-1836 or melanie@resetorganizing.com, and let’s get started.