Fall Closet Clean-up
Here we go again, fast forward into fall! Last weekend’s snowfall brought reality back to us and what’s just around the corner. Chilly mornings and evenings mean it’s time to change out the closets and get our cold weather gear dusted off and ready for the next fun filled season.
I always write about what on my mind currently or what I may be up to in my daily life and how I think it relates to all of those around me. So, last week was my closet clean out! Hurray!
With the change in the weather and a shortage of closet space it’s time to re- organize and relocate what we will need for the colder weather. I move clothes from one closet to another from summer to winter, that way I can keep down the crowding in the closets and renew the wardrobe to suit the changing climate. (Because I have limited space in my circa 1936 house).
Although it’s hard for me to do, I enjoy the feeling, so much of having a clean closet with everything organized (for awhile!)
I’ve found one of the best solutions for storing shoes is to put them in clear plastic storage shoe boxes and then stack them on the top of the closet shelf. I can see what shoes are where, the shoes are kept clean and uncrushed and in case of a mid -winters escape to a tropical climate, I can find what I need easily. I also organize my clothing by color and that is soothing to my eye when I look in for the daily choices.
I also put something fun and whimsical or decorative in the closet, so it’s like a display. Sometimes cowboy boots adorn one of the shelves in a display style or purses put out in an artistic manner make it more fun to go into that space. Pictures, hats and notes can add a sense of whimsy or nostalgia to a place that we have intimate relationship with.
After going through all the summer and winter clothes, I find it invigorating to get rid of clothing that has not been worn or is outdate by giving it to one on the local charities in Mammoth or in Bishop. A tax credit receipt is available from any of these organizations to use on your taxes.
A new second hand store, named “Second Chance” has just opening in the Mammoth Mall that will benefit “Disabled Sports of the Eastern Sierra”. Of course we all know of the “Cast-off “located on Chateau Rd. that benefits our local hospital. In Bishop there are several locations as well.
As well as recycling our unused clothing, these stores are great places to find fantastic treasures that others have donated. I’ve found some incredible vintage pieces over the years.
It’s important to me as the season changes to do a type of purging in order to feel the experience of the new season. We also clear out office materials, books, catalogs during this time of the year at the store and prepare for the winter season when we will not have the time or inclination to do these chores that seem suited to our “off season”.
After going to the latest trade show in Sept. and ordering new pieces for the stores, I want to have a new look in my store as well as in my home.
As I always say, de-cluttering just clears the way for new and wonderful things and experiences to enter our lives. I truly believe that when we are free of the old clinging debris we can walk freely into the day and enjoy life more fully! Who knows what new and next for us to enjoy each day.
This starts for me in my closet, since it’s one of the first things I see every day.
Next chore, the garage! Ugh….
Of course there are plenty of storage pieces that can help in the garage as well, like the closet. A web site with many choices to help with organizing is www.holdeverything.com or visit one of their stores located in shopping malls outside of Inyo and Mono counties. Also, some better buys can be made by going to Google and putting in whatever kind of “storage” pieces you need. I recently bought 2”x2” clear plastic boxes for keeping beads in order. Thank goodness for the internet for certain purchases! Locally, High Country Lumber/ Ace Hardware have some storage containers as does KMART.
It’s a relief to start the winter with everything in order, inside and outside of the house and get ready to enjoy the next beautiful season in the Eastern Sierra!
Happy Fall everyone….enjoy the day!
RS
