Hello lovelies! Are ya still with us? We’ve come so far!
We’re back with one of our favorite series! We’re already through the halfway point and this week? Closets! And not just any closet… {Dun Dun DUN} The master closet.
I know. Take a deep breath. We can do hard things.
For some reason, closets have always been so daunting to me.
Ours was once an avalanche of CNN proportions, waiting to happen.
And our closet was once {as we have perviously, not so unabashedly admitted} was a total catch all.
Because this.
If something didn’t have a home, into our closet it would go. If someone was coming over, into the closet it would go. If a child was screaming, into the closet they would go. So that you don’t call DHR, we’re totally kidding. Because we’re smarter than that. It was actually us. In our secret time out spot for hiding from said offspring.
In a parade of three children and just trying to figure out life, it was the place where things went to be lost. And stuff. There was no system. There was no sanity. It was an absolute nightmare.
Finally we, and by we I mean I, had a total meltdown of apocalyptical proportions and went all, well, hardcore and stuff.
Burn all the things!
Enough was enough.
But there had to be a happy medium somewhere. So we sat down and devised a system.
We keep calling every space in our home a game changer. Because they all are in their own way and we get exited about all things being made new. I’m all, change all the things! But really y’all. We truly mean it this time in the world of game changers, this is the presidential queen bee head cheerleader of game changers. And no, you don’t have to have a series of fancy nancy shelves to make it happen.
We actually started out by organizing and simplifying first, before we instituted a real system.
Getting ready suddenly became a whole lot less stressful, as we realized we weren’t running around like psychopath banshees anymore, and things are easily found. We had no idea getting ready could be such a cinch.
It can all start with a big purge to alter the way we look at a space, and then figuring out how to manage it from there.
So here’s a few things to remember when simplifying your master closet.
1. Clear the floors
And if they’re on the floors, corral them. This should be the number one rule of closets. It’s amazing how things accumulate quickly on the floors of such a space. Especially with littles in and out of it. It’s easy to ignore it before it’s too late and suddenly you wonder if maybe there’s a body buried beneath the Mt vesuvius of laundry, and how you managed to become a total clothes horse. Get it free and clear and try to keep it that way.
It’s an instant change that’s well worth your energy.
2. Have designated areas
No matter how small, sanctioned areas of a space designed to work for different items and people {if your closet is shared} make a huge difference in the organization.
From jewelry to scarves to belts to sweaters to his and hers and colors, think through your needs and design accordingly. If you have a go-to spot for a certain garment, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to find things.
3. Find a system that works for you
We personally decided to go with a family closet, because it has worked well with our children’s ages and our floor plan for now. We probably won’t always have it this way. But the key is finding your own system that works for you, now.
If you feel pulled in a direction, it’s always a promising place to begin.
4. Have fun with the process
Find what inspires you, and have fun with it. Does every closet need a chandy, garden stool, moose head and rug? Probably not. Will it make it absolutely more fun and motivate you to keep it that way when you’re dressing in style? Probably so. It’s more than just the functional, though obviously that’s so important.
If it’s pretty, you’re inspired to keep it that way. And it really is all about the little things.
5. Take a deep breath
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your closet won’t happen that way either. Closets are like a breeding ground for all things accumulated, so shake off that guilt and don’t let it stop you. Sometimes just the sheer overwhelmingness of it all is downright crippling. It won’t happen over night, but it will happen if you work hard. If you dive in and work on it now, you’ll be so glad you did. Just like everything else in the category of all things purgeapalooza, take it in shifts and work as you can. And as far as systems go, there are easier {and cheaper} solutions than what meets the eye in the land of ‘customized’ closets without the hefty price tag. So think creatively and find something that works for you.
Take a deep breath and go get em’, tiger. You’ll be so glad you did.
For a few more thoughts on cutting back on all things closet, be sure to check out another post, here.
If you’re like us and love lists, we have our free printable up this week {and we’re keeping it simple since closets are pretty straightforward} with a blank donation sheet so you can keep up with it all! {donation sheet}
This goes really well with our free 2015 planner, so check it out!
As always, share with us on insta with the #lazygalsguide – you guys are inspiring! we want to see that progress.
What are some of your favorite tips for purging the closet? Any favorite tips you’d like to share for a system that has worked for you?
We’d love to hear!
Bethe @ Texas Lovely says
Love this! I’ve been in a major purging/nesting phase lately, and the closet has been a big one. I’ve decided that I’m either going to wear everything in it, or it’s getting donated/sold. It’s amazing how many things I have saved because I “might” wear them someday, but when it comes time to pick out my clothes for the day, I NEVER EVER choose them. Thanks for the inspiration to keep on cleaning out!
ashley @ the handmade home says
So true, Bethe! ;}
Leen says
I am loving this series. I haven’t actually worked on any of my own organizational needs but I am enjoying living vicariously through you. James has had a couple of surgeries lately so I haven’t had time to breathe much less organize but soon, my friends, soon!
I love the idea of a family closet. I had never heard of anything like that before. Great idea, I bet it makes putting away laundry much quicker.
ashley @ the handmade home says
It’s totally okay too – whenever you’re ready and I think that’s key! ;} Laundry is MUCH quicker this way! ;}
Ashley H says
I have been reading your blog for a while now and just love all that you all do. You have inspired me to give my house a cleaning and redesign that it needs. I have purged many areas of my home and donated to a local organization that gives away items to families in need. So it’s a win-win for me and others. When I purged my closet- I found clothes that I had since high school (10+ years ago) and wondered when the last time Id even worn it!! Thank you for the inspiration I needed to purge my space
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you Ashley! It feels so good doesn’t it? ;}
Jen says
Ah, closets. My love/hate relationship with all things clothing continues from Mt. Never-rest (laundry) to the mysteries of the closet. I love seeing how others organize–even when I think I have a system, someone else’s looks much better. Loved seeing yours–it gives me hope for a “someday soon.” Meanwhile, the mountain calls….
ashley @ the handmade home says
HA! NEVERrest! HILARIOUS! And so true.
Rose L. says
At first I thought you had the longest closet I had ever seen and then realized there was a mirror there (something I avoid!) It is an amazing change, so well organized! Mine are helter skelter between 4 closets!!! Eventually it will all be organized. I hope.
ashley @ the handmade home says
You’ll get there, Rose! It sounds like you realize that it’s a process, and when you get to that point, you’re almost there! It is a never ending cycle you have to stay on top of and it’s also okay to not be there. It’s part of it! Go you!