Okay, I’m opening up and showing you my closets…
The true test of the super organized= Are your closets clean???
What cobwebs are in your storage areas???
Don’t be a scared! Read on!
My stored stuff is never perfect (see pictures below for proof), but I make it a habit to regularly clean junk out. I keep a “maybe” bin for things destined for donating or gifting. And I get some sick satisfaction out of knowing where everything is stored. I know most people are not this strange, so thanks for loving my quirks.
First of all, let’s talk about storage units. If you have a storage unit, you better put on your big kid underwear for this… Unless you are actively moving and have no other option,
GET RID of your storage unit!!!
Over 10% of people in America have a storage unit. This is a relatively new phenomenon that has created a billion-dollar (largely unnecessary) industry. A majority of people access their units less than once a year.
The average storage unit sells at auction for $425 (meaning your stuff is not worth as much as you might think). Rental on most storage units is $1-2 per square foot, which translates into hundreds of dollars spent monthly (on what I consider useless junk).
The majority of self-storage customers rent long term, with 52% of those surveyed reporting that they rented their storage unit for one year or more. Only about 13% of customers rented storage for less than three months.
67% of self-storage renters live in single-family homes with garages.
Seriously, clean out your storage unit (see, “Letting go of Stuff: Developing Habits of Release”) and use that money and mental space for something else!!! Those of you without a storage unit don’t get a free pass, because I’m sure you have some letting go to do too!
Cathleen McCandless in Feng Shui That Makes Sensesays, “Clearing clutter is imperative to the success of your Feng Shui efforts… When you have too much clutter in your home, the flow of energy cannot circulate and begins to stagnate. The more stuff, the more stagnation, and the less your life flows and flourishes.” Cleaning out closets and storage areas reminds me of pruning plants. All things are healthier after a good pruning. Speaking of plants, having plants in your closet is a fun idea (See, “Positively Planting It”), especially if you are lucky enough to have a window in your closet.
Clutter is not only postponed decision making, it is postponed joy!Think about what fun things could be done with the money and space your clutter requires. You can always find places in your home for the things you want to keep (see, “Holding onto the Good Stuff”), especially once space has opened up from the removal of junk. I love Marie Kondo’s philosophy, “If it makes you happy, then the right choice is to keep it confidently, regardless of what anyone else says.”
Once the clutter is cleared, categorizing is key.I have closets assigned to specific categories and then I create further division using bins, baskets, and boxes on sturdy shelves. Forclothing closets, a rise to the right and gradated colors gives an uplifting feel (see, “What To Do About Clothes”). When choosing a home for your things store lighter items on top and heavier things on bottom.It is natural to be attracted to storing things closer to where they will be worn (hats at head level) and where they will be needed (coats near the door). Whenever possible, I recommend keeping things in storage accessible.I recently added a low clothing rod in Annie’s closet, which she absolutely loves because it allows her to reach all of her clothes by herself. Acceptable things to bury in storage include extra home building/repair supplies like flooring, tile, and other rarely (if never) needed supplies. Many of these “okay to bury” items can be disposed of if they would be easy to purchase again. Drawers are optimal for storage below waist level and hooks and wall mounted racks are great ways to utilize vertical storage.
Marie Kondo says, “The closet should be considered an extension of the room. It is a marvelous storage space that can be decorated just like a room”. I even removed the doors from my daughter’s closets, so their closets are truly an extension of their rooms. I appreciate the ease of access an open closet offers. I also love the idea of decorating closets with personal or private items that bring joy.Open storage works great for accessories as a type of displayed art (see, “Decorating with Functional Art”). Special miscellaneous items can be highlighted by placing them in visible spots or consolidating them in pretty containers. A closet that is 90% full is will look the best. I have at least one shelf in each of our closets set up as an open functionally decorative spot and it effectively brightens the entire space.
Hopefully, some of these ideas will inspire you to dig into your closets, clear clutter, and embrace more of the things that bring you happiness.
Love Always,
Meg
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