A GON Reader Asks:

First, let me say that I love your newsletter. I have received so many great ideas and tips to help keep things at home more organized and stress free.

I am struggling with one area of organization and I just can't seem to get a grasp on it...my closet. I keep my foldable clothes in an armoire and the rest gets hung up in the closet. I have no problem going through my clothes in the armoire, but the thought of going through my closet seems so overwhelming that I just never seem to get to it.

Just like many women, I have my 'skinny' clothes and my 'big girl' clothes, so I'm afraid of donating something that later I'll wish I hadn't gotten rid of. It has gotten to the point that I have two laundry baskets full of clean, folded clothes because I don't have any room left in the closet or armoire. Any suggestions on how to tackle this closet? Keep the tips coming! Thank you.

This fabulous GON reader 'Ask Maria' question was submitted by:

Judy Carlos

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Maria Gracia responds:

Dear Judy,

Thank you for your lovely comments. It makes me so happy that you enjoy my newsletters and are benefiting from them!

And what a great question you posed! Getting rid of clothing is a definite struggle for many folks.

Let me start by saying that it doesn't matter if the clothes are in your dresser, your armoire, your laundry baskets, or any other storage areas. The same rules apply to all of your clothing items.

I recommend you begin by giving this project a name ('Freedom from My Piles of Clothing' or 'My Clothes Declutter Mission' for example) and making it a daily ritual to say YES or NO to TWO articles of clothing. Add a 10-minute appointment to your phone or paper calendar for the next 3 months, same time each day if possible. Empty those laundry baskets wherever for now...even on the floor. Put a sign on one labeled KEEP and the other labeled DONATE.

Each day, you're going to pick up two items of clothing. Try each on in a room with a mirror. Decide how it makes you feel. Does it bring you joy, complement your complexion, flatter your figure, and bring out other positive feelings? Or is it too baggy, too itchy, make you look pale, age you, or bring out negative feelings? In this process, you'll likely also begin rediscovering yourself and what colors and styles work best for you right now, and those that don't.

Designate two clothing piles: A) Keep and B) Donate. After you try on the item, put it in one of the two laundry baskets. By the way, your decision should be solely based on how the clothes make you feel wearing them TODAY...not clothes you may possibly like six months, a year, or many years, from now. Don't keep clothes items 'just in case.' That's a recipe for permanent clutter.

Your mission is to put just as much in the Donate basket as in the Keep basket. This way, at the end of this project, your clothing volume will be 50% lighter. Every time the Donate basket is full, put those clothes in a new, opaque trash bag and drive them over to your local charity drop off. No looking back. Remember, the clothing in that basket was clothing that didn't make you feel good when you tried it on. Happily let it go, knowing that you're helping someone else out there with a color or style that works for them.

Once you've gone through ALL of your clothing (and hopefully have made several trips to a charity drop off center), you're ready to put your keepers that need hanging into your closet, and your keepers that need folding into your armoire. No more laundry baskets. If the clothes don't fit in your closet or armoire, you have more weeding out to do.

Be very careful about shopping for more clothing during this process. If you do and end up buying something, a good rule of thumb is 'two items of clothing go out for every one item you purchase.' This will ensure you don't add to your clothing build-up.

Hope these tips are helpful!

Just a very quick shout out to let you know that my latest issue of Anything and Everything is now available. It's the MAY 2019 issue and I know you're going to love it. Check it out:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

If you don't already receive it, it's a great time to get your hands on a full year of Anything and Everything because, when you do, we're giving away 10 Bonuses, AND All of the back issues...complimentary!

Here are the topics in the May Issue...

Stop Giving All Your Money Away
You wouldn't throw your money in the toilet, right? But, you may be emptying your wallet on these, without even thinking about it

An Organized Way to a Safe Home
An organized home is not only about keeping things picked-up and put away. It's also about keeping you safe. Here's why

Mother's Day Gifts that Don't Add Clutter
Your mom probably doesn't want, or need, more clutter, but you may still want to buy her a nice gift. These gifts don't add to your mom's clutter. They just add joy to her heart

Are Your Subscriptions Creeping Up on You?
Gym memberships, beauty boxes, movie subscriptions...oh my! These days, typical subscriptions are draining our bank accounts

The Case for Orchids
In case you think growing orchids is way too hard, think again. These days, orchids can be grown by anyone, even if you don't have a green thumb

May Recipe: 3-Cheese French Bread Pizza
If you're looking for a very quick dinner that your entire family will love and ask for again and again, this is it

Picture Frame Vase
This craft is easy to make, showcases a favorite photo, and looks beautiful anywhere you display it--home or work

Writing a Letter is Good for You
Sure, it's quick and easy to send an email. but writing a letter by hand benefits you and your recipient so much more

Mom-isms
In celebration of mothers everywhere, here are my top 20 mom-isms. How many have you said over the years?

If you don't already subscribe to my 'Anything and Everything' resource, you can learn about how to do so here:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

We have thousands of readers who LOVE it...and I'm certain you will too!

Maria

P.S. BONUSES...Only Until 11:59 p.m. on May 11th: When you sign up for your Anything and Everything Subscription, you will receive tons of bonuses, plus ALL the BACK ISSUES COMPLIMENTARY!

GON Storage Solutions If you store plastic grocery bags for one reason or another, it's very easy for a pile of these to look super messy. Here are easy ideas for storing these so they're easy to access when needed...
getorganizednow.com/storage-plastic-grocery-bags.html


GON Dirty Little Secrets These 4 words are the reason TO DOs often don't get done...
getorganizednow.com/dirty-little-secret-4words-todo.html


In ADDITION, on my home page, you'll also find lots of NEW and featured STUFF including...

Awwww...Snoopy If you love Peanuts comics as much as I do, check out this featured comic of the week

Morning is my featured theme of the week, and the two quotes on my home page reflect this theme.

Facebook Feature Dishwashers get dirty. Here's how to clean them...

GON Monthly Checklist: May Follow our May Organizing Checklist. It has an organizing task for you to complete each day, already thought out for you!

GON Challenges: May Our May challenges are focused on Organizing Outside. Meet the challenge for Week 1 this week.


Access all of the above on my home page. Visit:
getorganizednow.com

'Cut down your closet by 25% by asking yourself this one question: 'If I were shopping right this second, would I buy this?' If the answer is no, out it goes.'
-Unknown


I'd love to hear from you.

Comments, suggestions, or just to say hello. Just REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...Being organized creates a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

getorganizednow.com

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