Shopping Bag Series: My Closet is Clean

Not shopping for eight weeks has really made me examine what belongs in my closet and what doesn't.  I kept thinking about what was in there just taking up space--the things I didn't really like but wore because they fit well enough.  I used to be in love with some of them, but as time passed, I either got over it or they started to be a little too well worn.  Each item was an impediment to all of the really beautiful things I could be wearing and storing in my tiny closet.  So, this weekend, I decided to really clean everything out from shoes to clothes to jewelry.

Overcome by this organizing and cleaning fit, I started with my dresser drawers.  I pulled out all of the scarves, underwear, socks, workout gear and pajamas.  Anything I didn't like or didn't fit went either to goodwill or into the trash (somethings just aren't meant to be shared).  I was impressed with how quickly I managed to find space in my dresser drawers for items that had been crowded before.

Next, I pulled everything out from under my bed and the top of my closet.  All of these items were either out of season or were too big or too small.  I made a pile of clothes to try and sell and one to take to goodwill.  I didn't let myself worry about wasted money or trying to fit back into anything.  I was able to put what was left back into the top of my closet (no more under the bed storage) for revisiting when the weather is officially warm. 

Then, I tackled hanging items within my closet.  I tried on several things to see if they looked good or bad and asked the husband for help when I wasn't sure.  Other items, I knew I was ready to part with, so several blouses and a few dresses were added the sell or goodwill piles.  I also pulled some shoes I haven't worn in forever hoping for a cash exchange that can go towards my spring/summer clothes. 

The last items to go were the jewelry piles on my dressing table.  I looked through all of my necklaces and archived (put in a jewelry box or with my beading supplies for reworking) anything I wasn't interested in wearing right now.  I made a pile of stuff I thought I could sell at Buffalo Exchange, too.  I only got rid of one set of earrings because I don't buy many sets I won't wear for the long term.  And, I found a few pieces I decided to try and pawn for a little cash. 

I ended up with two big bags of clothes for goodwill and one bag of clothes and a little bag of jewelry to sell.  Afterwards, my closet is cleaner, my dresser drawers aren't stuffed to breaking, I know where my winter clothes will be stored, and my jewelry stash is easier to navigate (not a pile of chains in a mess).  I even made a list of some items that will be nice to have for spring but that aren't  requisite.  I will make sure to post that list in March as my Spiffing Up My Closet series returns.  I will also be sure to let you guys know how selling stuff goes.  I did manage to pawn one piece of jewelry for $35 that is a nice way to add to my cash stores.