De-Clutter Your Life

Photo: Photo by Jim DeYonker

Sure, Ashton Kutcher looked cute in trucker hats, and you did too -- in 2004. Now that cap collection just takes up valuable real estate in your closet. And that Seattle-grunge-inspired flannel shirt you hang onto for its sweet '90s memories ... well, it's hard to let go. But if your bedroom is overflowing with clothing and accessories that are more has-been than hot, it's time to take action.

Clutter vs. the Clock

Closets across America are bulging at their pocket doors, making it harder and more time-consuming for divas-on-the-go to pull it together in the morning and tackle the day with a positive attitude. The National Association of Professional Organizers reported in 2010 that 65 percent of people they surveyed said their home was at least moderately disorganized. A whopping 96 percent of them said they'd save time by being more organized. More time!?
Think about what you could do: file your nails, sip a marg with your girls, Facebook a little more (yes, it can be a verb). Having more time also means you could be more productive, save money and reduce stress, according to Darnita Payden, owner of Dr. DClutter Life Management and Ph.D. holder in counseling psychology. “Clutter can drain you emotionally and psychologically,” she said. “It can affect your mood, outlook and even your self-esteem.”

Fear and Loathing in Your Closet

It's all about energy, explains Missy Bystrom, a California-based professional organizer and the author of “Organ-ZEN-ation.” “Old clothes and beauty products contain old, stagnant energy,” she said. “When things are uncluttered, it clears the energy and allows productivity, creativity and life to flow.” So what's holding you back from combating that clutter and getting your energy to flow?
It could be fear, says Payden, a featured expert on A&E's “Hoarders.” “Whoa, the H-word!” you say, “I'm no crazy cat lady. I just have a few too many shoes.” The fact is, whether your organizational problem is large or small, the cause is often the same.
“The fear of 'It's too much to tackle,' the fear of 'I don't have enough time to do it,' and the fear of 'What if I need it again?' hold people back,” Payden said. “People are overwhelmed by it and don't know where to start.”
Here's where: in your closet.

The Old, The Tight and The Ugly

“Your closet should be a reflection of who you are now, not who you were in high school,” Payden said.
Get rid of the outdated and the ugly. “Those things aren't going to get any cuter,” she quipped. But even if they're up to date, keep only clothes that fit and feel right.
“There's no sense in hanging onto a pair of jeans that only instills guilt, self-loathing or remorse when you see them,” Bystrom said. “If you don't feel smokin' hot in it, then 'bye-bye.'”
If you can't remember the last time you wore it, donate it. If it's stained or torn and you're not going to fix it, trash it. And if you keep it only for sentimental value, snap a pic of it for digital trips down memory lane then let it go.
“Get some pizza (or some salad), invite your best friends and have a purging party,” Payden suggested. “Donate the things you're not going to use, or give them to your girlfriend.”
Your BFF's voice of reason may help keep your inner pack rat at bay.

Battling the Bottles and Beads

When you come out of the closet, head to the bathroom and take a whiff (of your beauty products). Better yet, check their expiration dates. Makeup lasts three to 18 months. If it smells “off” or has expired, chuck it. Once you've parted ways with that ancient acne medication, store your goodies in plastic bins. Payden swears by clear, dollar-store cheapies with lids.
Next up is your jewelry box or wherever you store your bling. Nothing's more frustrating when you're on the way out the door than finding your favorite chain tangled into a knot. Start by tossing those 1980s twisty beads your mom gave you and get organized.
"Don't mix metals and types,” Payden said. “Divide gold, silver and beads so they all have their own compartments.” She recommends over-the-door jewelry hangers, clear bins and even wooden paper towel stands with nails hammered in the post as cheap but functional jewelry caddies.

F is For Fun, Functional and Fierce

Once you've de-cluttered and organized all your pretties, you should feel pretty fierce.
“Once their space is uncluttered, most people wear nicer clothing, wear a larger variety of clothing, and feel better about themselves,” Bystrom said. “They spend remarkably less time getting ready and actually feel excitement about getting dressed.”
Your Monday morning routine just got a whole lot more fun -- and functional. Let it flow!