My walk-in closet was a mess, and has been for a long time. After toby moved out, I took over all the space he had vacated, but never felt like "doing it right." All my sheets and other linens were just tossed in the shelves formerly occupied by his jeans and shirts. But my off-season clothing was still in the attic, and everything was just a jumbled mess.
Last weekend I decided it was time to change all that. It was the 3-day MLK holiday, I had zero obligations, no Zooms, no lessons, no dentist appointments, and no need to go to the grocery store. Perfect.
I started on Saturday morning -- pulled everything out and put it on the bed, including the stuff in the attic. Then started sorting into piles according to what the experts recommend -- toss, donate, sell, keep.
I tried on stuff that was either too big or too small and decided what to keep. My goal was to have everything in one place and accessible with no need to move off-season clothing to the attic. Another goal was to have nothing on the floor -- a big tub of shoes sitting in the corner got purged, and I now have a new laundry bag hanging on a hook. It will be a breeze to keep the floor clean and dusted.
All my black concert clothes and shoes are now in one place -- I'm ready for any formal concert at Drew as well as any Sunday afternoon Camerata gig. All my jeans and shorts are sorted. All my t-shirts are neatly tucked away. And everything fits.
The remaining flotsam from toby's departure was finally tossed.
By Monday night I had one large bag ready for the garbage pickup and two bags to take to Salvation Army. A few items went into the "eBay" pile, and the rest went into the garage sale pile.
Artie and I slept in the guest room for two nights. We both felt like we were camping in the RV.
Last weekend I decided it was time to change all that. It was the 3-day MLK holiday, I had zero obligations, no Zooms, no lessons, no dentist appointments, and no need to go to the grocery store. Perfect.
I started on Saturday morning -- pulled everything out and put it on the bed, including the stuff in the attic. Then started sorting into piles according to what the experts recommend -- toss, donate, sell, keep.
I tried on stuff that was either too big or too small and decided what to keep. My goal was to have everything in one place and accessible with no need to move off-season clothing to the attic. Another goal was to have nothing on the floor -- a big tub of shoes sitting in the corner got purged, and I now have a new laundry bag hanging on a hook. It will be a breeze to keep the floor clean and dusted.
All my black concert clothes and shoes are now in one place -- I'm ready for any formal concert at Drew as well as any Sunday afternoon Camerata gig. All my jeans and shorts are sorted. All my t-shirts are neatly tucked away. And everything fits.
The remaining flotsam from toby's departure was finally tossed.
By Monday night I had one large bag ready for the garbage pickup and two bags to take to Salvation Army. A few items went into the "eBay" pile, and the rest went into the garage sale pile.
Artie and I slept in the guest room for two nights. We both felt like we were camping in the RV.
the "Before" photos...
These are the "During" photos -- I did a little bit each day, and was able to sleep in my own bed on Monday night.
When I took the "after" photos, I was struck by how that very first one tells the story of my life: in view is a pair of my old ballet shoes (from teens and 20s) next to a strand of real pearls (acquired during my 30s), and overlooked by an awesome cowboy hat I bought in Kansas (when I turned 70).
But wait! There's MORE! Living Room Photos -- you asked about the corner where the piano used to be, and this is what I've settled on for now. I put back the rugs, straightened the sofa, added pillows (and Artie) -- looks wonderful. All the coats and shoes by the front door will go into the new closet included in the front porch project. I've always always always wanted to set up this corner as a cozy reading spot. And I've always wanted to move the piano to that inside wall, away from the heat and sun. And all of it feels exactly right, as in "Hey! What took you so long!" When the porch is finished and new windows are installed, I'll have everything repainted and will purchase either a smallish sectional or two love seats, or WHATEVER! Because I CAN!!!
And there's still more, but you'll just need to come for a visit!