Psychology of Cleaning out Your Closet

Much like hanging on to old resentments and hurts can interfere with our ability to grow and prosper, hanging on to old clothes and items that are no longer worth keeping can interfere with our ability to accomplish our daily tasks.  Cleaning out a closet can free you emotionally and physically. 

I was taught by my high school home economics teacher, DeAnn Pence, that you clean from the inside out.  She was right! This has so many applications in our life.  Keeping your closets and cupboards clean and organized can help your life be that way, as well.  If you are going to have impromptu guests and need to do a quick pickup/clean-up, it will be much easier if everything has a “home.”  That is why, in my house, I refer to where items “live.”  Likewise, if you are a busy person, getting ready in the morning is much easier if your clothes, make-up, accessories are organized in a way that fits with your lifestyle.

   

First step in cleaning out (your life or your closet) is to purge:

• Get rid of things you no longer need.
• If you can’t get rid of it, put in away in a spot that will not interfere with your daily routines.  
• Enlist the help of a friend if you just can't decide.
• Think about what clothes, resentments or past traditions are no longer useful or are holding you back.  

Be ruthless as you try on clothes that

• Don’t fit
• Aren’t in style
• You don't wear
• Are in disrepair and you either won’t fix or not worth fixing

Make three Piles:   Donate, give away, throw away.

After you get rid of some of the things that don’t belong in your closet, organize:

• If you are limited on space, organize your clothes by size.  If you have all your long items together, you will have floor space under short items to have drawers, racks, etc.
• Having uniform hangers takes up less space and makes it easier to get to what you need.
• Use baskets, bins, storage drawers to keep things organized. 

Just like with your life, take time as you go to clean up and clear out things, clothes, thoughts, resentments you don't need.  Getting rid of the old always makes room for some new.  But, before you get new, think about leaving some free space, it can make things simpler. 

Shop online at www.vacshack.com In the Oklahoma City area shop www.acleanerplace.com

Watch the clip talking about Kealey's closet and stay tuned for the "after".

Do you have a closet that you'd like made over?  Send pictures to acleanerplace@vacshack.com and we'll offer suggestions and/or give you a quote to makeover your closet.