Tip # 5: Unobstruct Your Closet

The Closet Whisperer

If your closet could talk, what would it be saying about you?

As a Professional Organizer, I help inspire and motivate others to get unstuck from clutter, self-proclaimed junk, and other various roadblocks. My job is to guide people in creating a new vision for their obstructed space and then take action to remove anything that no longer serves the new space.

Having spent numerous hours working with closet clutter, I’m starting to believe I have developed a new gift as a “closet whisperer”. Working with hundreds of clients has allowed me the opportunity to observe, listen, and learn from the voices that are contained within the closet walls. Here are some of the “whispers” I overhear time and time again:

• “Move over, I can hardly breathe. It’s tight in here. You think it is easy living in this box 24/7 surrounded by so many polyester blends. I’m almost positive EVEN the set designers for “That 70’s Show” would reject us as “has-beens”!”

• “Pssst. What about us up here on this top shelf. We are in the land of the misfit clothing. We are tired of being the lost hopefuls. We get teased at the possibility of being worn, only to be rejected time and time again for missing buttons, fitting to tightly, sporting food stains, or simply because we no longer look our best.– Come on people haven’t you heard the saying, love us or leave us!”

• “I’m tired of the competition; I mean how many black pants does one person need? Yeah, yeah, yeah, at first we were the new and exciting ones, but now we have become insignificant and mixed in with all of the others, that look just like us. You claim you don’t have favorites, I don’t believe it for a moment!”

• “No one understands the loneliness of us loyalist in formal wear. I mean some of us have been here for 20 years and have NEVER seen the light of day. Oh I know, they have the best of intentions, but when that big moment comes…guess what….they go buy something new! We are left to mingle with the retired bridesmaid dresses of years gone by. I mean really, DID you think you would EVER wear us again? Why lead us on???”
  
  What would your closet’s conversations sound like?
  
  Like me, you too can become a closet whisperer. It is imperative that you set aside some time and listen to your closet; it is filled with wisdom and insight that can help launch you into a new and exciting fashion diva. Having tuned into the whispers, I’ve learned some practical strategies that you can use to release your clothing hostages and allow your closet the freedom to breath and work to your advantage. See below for four of my top tips.
  
  Tips from the whispers within:

1. Only keep clothes that fit perfectly and/or are fabulous (if you don’t know the answer, ask a trusted/loyal friend). A successful and leading fashionista working in the Boston area told me at a seminar “Keeping clothes in your closet that do not FIT or look FABULOUS creates a false sense of reality!”-Ginger Burr http://www.gingerburr.com/

2. Identify the colors that look best on you! This simple free test will allow you to identify your seasonal color palette, so you can add variety to your wardrobe: http://www.colormebeautiful.com/seasons/index.html

3. Use your closet for clothes ONLY; don’t use it as a dumping ground for any and all storage. Honor your clothes by giving them the proper space they need to serve you well when you need them!

4. After you sort, purge, and assemble your new closet space, assess what items you need to make complete outfits. No more great skirts without matching tops. Keep a list so that when you go shopping you’re not enticed to buy ANOTHER pair of black slacks. Only buy what is on the list! This will keep you focused. Here is a checklist of essentials for your closet: http://www.thechicfashionista.com/wardrobe-essentials.html

By listening to the voices within your closet, you will gain valuable insight into the steps you need to take to unobstruct your wardrobe.

Do you need help organizing your closet and need an accountability partner? E-mail me at Juliann@theunobstuctedview.com and let talk about ways I might be able to help you!


Unobstruct your view!

Juliann

Tip # 4 Unobstruct Your Vehicle

Some might say a vehicle is just a vehicle, a means to get you from point A to point B. I would argue that it is many things: a taxi cab, a food and beverage center, an office on wheels, a self-contained closet, an oversized file folder, and a moving trash receptacle. This gives new meaning to the word "transporting!"

When I met my significant other, the yin to my yang, I was amazed at what he could fit, let alone find in his vehicle. During long road trips, I’d find myself engaging in a silent contest to identify the most unique or interesting item in his truck. As our relationship developed, I grew bolder and peeked into the back seat and side-door pockets only to be ultimately tempted into the land of no return….yes you guessed it….the land of the lost…..uncharted terriortory…. a place where no man/woman has gone before…. … THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT.

I would dream about Monty Hall becoming the host of a new game show, a cross between the famous “Lets Make A Deal and“Cash Cab.” The ever debonnair Monty would sneak attach us while stopped at a traffic light. With lightening speed he would begin his shtick…”Hey lovely lady, I’ll give you $50 dollars for a pair of pens containing the name of a local bank on them….”. (YIPPEE I say to myself….we have ten pens… take your pick)! Monty continues with “I’ll double your money if you can show me a half eaten glow-pop ring!” (YES) "Ok folks, double or nothing….for $200 show me a pair of 7 5/8 needle-nose pliers.” (Tools you say.....EUREKA… …we are rich…we are rich…)

Isn't reality a kicker--NO MONEY-PROFFERING HOSTS--NO REWARDS FOR JUNK. Frankly folks, for most of us, CAR MESS=MADNESS????!!!!

So what would your vehicle be saying to you if it could talk? What is obstructing its view? Need a quick fix….follow these four steps:

HOMEWORK:

A) Take a quick inventory-seperate items into 3 categories
1) Here to stay-things that will remain in your vehicle
2) Take it away-things that will be transported to another area
3) Trash of the day-things that can be thrown out at the end of the day

B) Purchase a fun/colorful trash container-I just bought a small plastic container that I decorated with stickers to make me smile when I get into my car. Make a point of emptying the trash daily or every other day

C) Find a transportation box-I use an old wicker basket that is 8 X 11. At the end of each day, I fill this box with anything that doesn’t belong in the vehicle. I transport the items to their rightful home. When I do this daily, it doesn’t seem overwhelming!

D) Invest in a car deodorizer-nothing says clean like a fresh smelling vehicle. Now is the perfect time to select your favorite crisp scent. Enjoy the ride!

Need an accountability partner? Email me at Juliann@theunobstuctedview.com and let me know your plans.

Unobstruct your view!

Juliann