Before we know it, Fall will be upon us!
Now I know we've all bought some new summer clothes this season, and our cozy layers and favorite jeans are waiting patiently for their turn. 
Before that happens, let's do an assessment of your clothing closet. Out with the old and in with the new! 
Give yourself time and make sure you don't have distractions.

• Pick a date in your calendar and block it off. 
• Alert your family, partner, or roommates that you want to be left alone. 
• Eat a light meal about an hour before you start so you aren't hungry or lethargic. 
• Check to see if your donation/textiles location will be open when you're finished. 

Gather your supplies. 

• Set a timer for this allotted occasion! If you'll be distracted by your phone, use an egg-timer, or clock radio. 
• Bring in bags, bins, or boxes for any items you want to recycle, donate or throw away.
• Play some fun music if that helps motivate you. 
• Wear clothing that enables you to move easily and you don't mind getting dirty. Put a hat or scarf on and some closed toed shoes. 
• Fetch a step-stool or ladder for higher shelves.

Get started! 

• I like to start at the top and work my way down. 
  • Bring down your items one at at time to look at them individually, or all of it in one fell swoop. 
  • Touch and look at each item and decide whether you want to keep, recycle, donate, or throw away. Place them in the containers you've designated. 
  • After you finish this section you can either put the keep items back in the closet (or wait until you've gone through the rest of the closet to assess if you want to re-arrange.)
  • Keep working your way down until you've looked at every item from the floor. 

Finish up.

• Place all of your keep items remaining back in your closet. 
  •  Depending on how much time you have, you can organize the remaining items by color, season, etc. or leave the merchandising for another organizing date!
• Take the trash out immediately, and bring the recycling and donations to your pre-planned locations. ​

Some notes to consider: 

• If you have a large walk-in closet and can't tackle this in one-sitting, then choose one wall (or section of a wall) to finish, and make a date with yourself to do the next section another time. 
• Take rest breaks when you need to and drink plenty of water. 
• You will feel sentimental, nostalgic, and emotional at times. It might be overwhelming. Let yourself have a moment to experience the feelings, congratulate yourself for working on this process, and keep going. 
• Trust your instincts. Your first inclination is almost always the right one, so if you make a decision about an item, don't overthink it. 

Pat yourself on the back! 
As always, I'm available to help with this process. 
I will help you open up the boxes, ask questions, give feedback on fit and wear, and most importantly make decisions. 

You. can. do. this. 
'May your time and space be intentional and free!' 
- Kim

Whenever I work with clients to help organize or de-clutter their spaces,  I always take into account the emotional energy as well as the physical. 
Dealing with your belongings, especially if they are sentimental, can be exhausting. Overwhelm can set in when you realize that you have way more 'stuff' than you realized and that can bring up feelings of shame, guilt, and regret for not dealing with them sooner. 
My job is to help guide you through this process as well. While I'm absolutely not a medical professional, I have found that having a caring, empathic, non-judgmental person next to you during the process can bring you much needed support to keep going and stay focused, help with making decisions you wouldn't get to on your own, and some fun! Yes, fun! 
So, whether you book a session with me or go for it on your own, here are some simple steps to prep for your next big de-cluttering and organizing project: 
1. Make a plan. Depending on the size of the undertaking and how quickly it needs to be finished,  I suggest starting small and regular. For instance, 2 or 3 hour blocks once or twice a week. 
2. Be well rested and fed. Make sure you aren't overly tired or your attitude will tank quickly. Have a light to moderate meal an hour or so before you begin the task. Don't overeat or you'll feel sluggish. 
3. Delete distractions. Pets, children, partners, neighbors, contractors, and phone calls/texts/emails all pull your focus. Be realistic and honest -  If any elements will sidetrack you, make the proper plans before you start. 
4. Accept your feelings and pat yourself on the back. Many people put off organizing and de-cluttering projects because the emotions they know might come up will be powerful. I often encourage people to take a moment if need be, and allow the sensations to wash over you. They will pass, and having felt them can be a big relief. Moving through these moments is empowering and shows you how strong you really are.

May your time and space be intentional and free! 
Kim
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Photo by Luis Villasmil on Unsplash