Lessons Learned While Cleaning Out My Closet

Last week I wrote about cleaning out my craft room closet. To read more about that project, click here.

Today I want to share some things I learned while cleaning out the closet. Wednesday I’ll focus on the process, and Friday I will share pictures of the newly organized space.

I have always wanted my own space to work on crafts and write. So, when we moved into our current home 2 ½ years ago, I was blessed to get my own room that I have turned into an office. It wasn’t until I started cleaning out my closet that I realized why I had set up the room as an office instead of a craft room.

Photo Credit:  Teresa Collins

Years ago when I began to scrapbook, I dreamed of having a space much like this one. And believe me when I say I had enough stuff that I could have filled it up. But over the years, as God has led me to write, the desire to have this space has dwindled. I spend much of my time now on the computer either writing or connecting with others.

I’ve created a small haven where it’s quiet and peaceful to allow creative thoughts to be processed and turned into blog posts, articles, and even crafts that bring honor to God.

I promised to share what I had learned through cleaning out my closet. 

Here is what I learned:

Less is more. I pulled out tons of supplies that I no longer need or want. The more I pulled out, the more disgusted I became with what I had been holding onto for so long. I got rid of so many things I did not need. And, I probably still have more than I’ll ever use. At least my daughter and I will have lots to choose from now that we can see everything.

Use what you have. The only purchase I have made for organizing this closet is two bags of clothespins to wrap my ribbons around so  I can store them in jars  I already had. Look around your home and see what baskets, boxes, or containers  you can repurpose for your organizing project.

Organizing is more fun with a buddy. My 10-year-old daughter helped me in this project. Of course, she has a vested interest since she wants to use a lot of my supplies. But having her help certainly made the process go by quickly and made it a lot of fun. We laughed when we uncovered pictures of her brother and her as babies. She laughed when she found pictures of me as a child. Helping me out has also given her skills to use as she tackles organizing her own things.

What have you learned through the organizing process?