Tip & Tricks: March 2016

“Some people dream of having a big swimming pool. With me, it’s closets.”

Audrey Hepburn

My Turn to Get Organized!

Cindy’s Before Closet (but I cheated and straightened up my piles a little before photographing).

Recently, I completed a 5 week course in Closet Design and part of the course was to design a real closet. So guess whose closet I picked? MINE!

So – the first step was to measure the space – I learned some nifty tricks about measuring…for example, did you know it’s easier to take your tape measure and start at one end of the wall and measure about 1/2 way, stopping on a number ending in 0? Then you take your tape measure and start at the opposite corner and measure over to where you stopped on the other side. Add the 2 numbers and there you go.

The next step was a wardrobe analysis. For some reason, this is a lot easier when I do this with OTHER PEOPLE’S CLOTHES!! I struggled through this and ended up NOT doing a very thorough job…figured I’d deal with it later (P.S. Not a good idea).

Next, the old closet had to come out – again, easier said than done. My closet had been in there for 60+ years….much more solidly built than many closets today…but with a strong husband and son, mission accomplished.

Once the closet was removed, my expert team (actually my husband) installed the entire closet with very little help from me (I was still trying to figure out what clothes to get rid of).

The ending is a happy one. I got rid of a TON of pants…I had the same concerns as everyone else…what if I gain weight and have no pants to wear? What if styles come back and I have no wide legged pants to wear? What if I run out of schleppy dog walking clothes? And guess what – each time I had that thought, my son was there saying “Get rid of it, Mom.” And I listened. It’s been several weeks and I haven’t needed any of the things I gave away…yet. And guess what? They’re all replaceable and I would bet money that I won’t need to replace them anyhow.

So – are you ready to see my new closet?? (Keep in mind, I’ve never had double hanging anything, I’ve never had perfectly neat closets… I am definitely a ‘shoemaker’s child’ in this regard). Below are pictures of my new closet and I love it!! (I haven’t color coded the clothes yet….but am so happy with the way it looks and feels!). Good things DO come to those who wait!

If you or someone you love is interested in getting a closet makeover, please get in touch with me. What a great Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Birthday or any day gift!

Left side of closet

Right side of closet

“Let My Clutter Go” Presentation

Tuesday, April 12th, 7:00 pm

Please join me at my upcoming talk to hear first hand about downsizing those ‘hard to let go of’ items we possess. All are welcome! Together, we’ll laugh at the lengths and excuses we use in order to avoid getting organized. And while the fun is happening, each person will be inspired to get busy as soon as they return home.

There is no charge to attend – participants are asked to make a voluntary donation to Planet Soul. I would love to see you there – friendly faces always inspire me.

Planet Soul is located in a residential neighborhood, 205 Slade Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21208. Please R.S.V.P. by email.

Survey Said…!

A “before” picture for your viewing pleasure.

Last month, I asked our community to participate in a 3 minute survey on biggest organizing issues. The most popular issue was… PAPER CLUTTER!

In response to the feedback, I’m going to be launching an online course for people who want a “Do It Yourself” approach to finally getting their paperwork under control. I’ll be running a small pilot program first with a limited number of participants. If you have any interest in joining the pilot program, please send me an email. The pilot will start in the next couple of weeks and the full program launch will take place in early summer.

“Helping Baby Boomers and their Parents Lighten their Loads.”

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in your home, contact me. Together, we can transform your home into a happy, tidy place where you can feel at peace. We can also get you ready for your next move….more enjoyable, faster and easier!