DE-CLUTTER DE HOUSE (Seasonal Clothing)

This is a good time of year to clear the way for Spring clothing. Take a plastic bag and look through your closets and drawers for items you're willing to donate. When was the last time you wore ...................? (fill in the blank.) If it's been more than a year or two, consider dropping it into your local clothing drive bin for someone who really needs it and could use it now. What a guilt-free way to let go of unused (or unloved) clothing!

As for clothing we hope to wear again when we lose that extra weight, I finally decided that if I ever DO lose these extra 20 lbs., I deserve some new clothes to celebrate in! I no longer have too-small/tight clothes staring back at me from my closet. Meanwhile, someone, somewhere is enjoying clothes that fit...and I have a closet that all my clothing fits in.

Dresser drawers can be purged, too. Underwear, socks, nightgowns, pj's, sweatshirts, turtlenecks, etc. can be sorted and inspected. If it's not ship-shape, ship it out! Even the jewelry box on top of the dresser can be sorted out, and outdated or unloved costume pieces can be given away to friends or relatives who might enjoy them. (Just be careful not to give them back to someone who gave it to you!) Shown here is a necklace holder my Dad made using a piece of wood and some golf tees. He also made a smaller version mounted by the back door to hang our car keys.

Finer chains and necklaces can be moved from the jewelry box and stored in an inexpensive tackle box with small compartments to keep them from getting tangled. For organizing within drawers, try using dividers or containers to keep things together, especially small items like socks and underwear.

When it comes to children's bedrooms, set the example with your room and then help them do the same. Outgrown clothing or toys can be passed down to younger siblings or friends, if not donated to those in need. Take the opportunity to teach them to think of others less fortunate and help in their own way. Rearranging furniture can give new life to a room without having to spend money on decorating--AFTER all the clutter is removed!