Dedicated to my friend Gina who suggested I take the Kondo challenge and blog about it. Got a request? Drop an email.
I’ve been Kondo-ized. I applied the Japanese-way-of-tidying-up to my clothing, per the book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Maria Kondo. Unlike my first attempt, where I discovered my art of indecision, I made hard decisions and accomplished my mission. I now have a peaceful closet and set of dresser drawers.
Fellow Kondo-ized encouraged me to try again. Their inspiring words: “I Kondo-ized my drawers three years ago and never looked back!” The response to my show-stopping desire to transfer all my clothes out of the closet to a rolling rack I didn’t own yet: “Just throw your clothes on the floor!”
Time for me to toughen up, I’m going in. I had two days to myself during the holiday break. I did not worry about kid pick-ups or making dinner. I skipped the gym. The back and forth from my closet and lifting of clothes would be my workout. I wore yoga pants and super sneaks. I was serious.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Background: I hate organizing. H-A-T-E IT! I like things to be organized but I do so loosely.
Step 1: I pulled EVERYTHING out of my closet as instructed and threw it on the floor and the bed. I sorted into piles according to garment: jeans, blouses, skirts, tees, blazers, etc. Totally worth it! I found a molting, ruffled white top only Shirley Partridge would wear. Despite the plastic covering, the blouse was thick with dust. I found Jack Sparrow’s sword from the Pirates of the Caribbean costume and burgundy combat boots from the time I dressed as Courtney Love for Halloween.
“My God! What have I done? My room was a MESS! Every inch was covered in clothing. Where will I sleep?
Step 2: I was ready to love or reject my clothing, per the instructions. What brings me joy? I didn’t really talk to each piece; just one look and my gut knew we were breaking up or still in love. I am ready!
We interrupt this project for a Container Store break. I COULD NOT put all my clothing back on the old, mismatched plastic hangers I’ve had since high school or the freebie hangers from department stores. I was only going to do this once. I bought 100 “huggable” flat hangers, nine matching baskets and six drawer-organizer boxes.
Step 2 continued: If I loved an item, I inspected it. Kondo says “no” to pilled sweaters. With my sweater shaver handy, I shaved a hole through a beloved sweater I rarely wore but could not part with, so I thought. Out! I added to my closet, piece by piece, following the light to dark pattern and sub-categorizing by coat, blazer, blouse and so on. This kind of organizing is not new to me.
Step 3: Any folded clothes like jeans, tees or yoga pants, I placed vertically in a basket, like in a filing cabinet. I can see everything much better and I circulate wearing each item, not just whatever is on top. My shelves look beautiful except for one thing, my husband’s clothes are on a shelf next to mine, sabotaging my work. I had to Kondo-ize his clothing too.
We interrupt this project for a Container Store break. I bought more hangers and more drawer organizers. I had to order additional baskets, as it seems I am not the only one in town to organize a closet.
Step 4: Folding underwear and socks?!? Somehow I’ve managed to keep a Hanky Panky pile vs. Granny Panty pile and a White Socks vs. Black Socks pile in my drawers. My friend said Kondo-izing is the best; I believe her. I’m not returning anything so I am committed.
My new drawer organizer boxes came with dividers, like an egg crate. I folded my unmentionables into little packets and sorted by style. Respecting my potato-wadded socks seemed silly and a lot more work to put away. I un-wadded and folded them anyway, pitching the joyless and mismatched. Now, my drawers are beautiful and I don’t mean the lacy panties. I am at peace.
Step 5: I had the “talk” with my shoes. This was the most painful as I love my shoes. When Hubby says they look tired, I knew it was time to let go. Square toes, are so out of style even in their pristine shape. I stuffed my boots with “boot shapers.” WOW! They look great standing at attention.
End Result: AWESOME! I want my whole house to look this clean. The time and the money are worth it. I collected six bags of rejects, three of them hangers.
One Rule I didn’t follow: I cannot fit all my winter and spring things in my closet. Even if I could, I would NOT hang them together. This causes me GREAT stress to see pastels next to thick, black sweaters. So WRONG! I’m guessing Maria is not a fashionista.
Recommendations:
- Keep your reject pile VERY separate from the keepers. I ALMOST lost a brand new Donald Pliner suede boot, only ONE!
- Do not start reading a REALLY good book during this project. It’s like a Siren’s call, especially if you HATE organizing.
- Purchase at least 100 new hangers, baskets and drawer boxes ahead of time. You will save A LOT of money shopping on Amazon, but you must plan ahead and it won’t cut into your organizing mojo.
Great job, Francie!! I’ve read the book. Loved it! Still haven’t tackled my closet, but hope to soon.
Good luck Andra! I hope you find the time…that’s the trick. You really need two days! Crossing my fingers for you.
Great job, Francie! I would love to borrow that book; but wait, do I need to Kondo-ize my bedside table first, that is littered with stacks of other unread books?
Yes! Trim down your stack! You can borrow the book but you might want your own if you want to make notes or highlight anything. I’m telling you, once you get started, you will not want to stop. The thought of cleaning the mess up afterward slows you down a little however. Good luck!
Great work, Francie!! We just had all our kitchen cabinets and drawers refaced after some painting, which meant we had to empty everything out first. This was a great opportunity to take a hard look at stuff we rarely use, don’t remember what we ever used it for, and can’t justify putting back. Doesn’t it feel (and look) so much better? Congrats, and carry on!
It’s like peeling an onion in a good way. I tackled my closet and now I want to do the rest of the house. Congrats on your kitchen! I’m hoping I’m not far behind you.
Great job Francie! Thanks for inspiring me.
I’ve been wanting to tackle this for a while .
Yours looks amazing!
Thanks Kevin! Do it! You will be so happy. Share your success when you do.
You are so inspiring!
Barbara
Your turn!
So I’m a little late in responding but thanks for the shout out and glad it worked so well for you. Nothing like a broken ankle to allow you to catch up on email! Starting to wonder if this is like the ice bucket challenge where I’m up next. This is definitely on my list but may have to wait until summer. I’d also like a home office version of this!!!
You are next! Everyone wants to do it, they just need time. I have straggling things to store that I haven’t quite figured out yet…my purses and totes. It never stops!