Marilyn Bohn | Creative Organizer

This closet is where I keep some of my quilt patterns and directions for quilts in 3 ring binders on the top shelf. I also have quilt basting spray, bottles of buttons and various quilting and sewing notions. In the opaque boxes I have things like snaps, hooks and eyes, appliqués, ruby beholder and other supplies. Each drawer is labeled so I can find things quickly.

In the filing cabinet below I keep more quilt patterns and soft back quilting books. I thought it was pretty organized. But I organize, that’s just what I do (sometimes I drive myself nuts) so I opened the closet and set about organizing. Not until I saw a picture of what it had looked like did I realize how dreadful it had become.

This is the Before:

It took me over five hours to go through this closet and file drawer. I gave away every pattern I knew I would never make again, and patterns I had but had never used. I got rid of the burden of having them around saying, “make me, make me” and me never finding time to answer their call.

I was unrelenting and merciless to myself. It feels so good not to have all that extra baggage stuffing my drawers so I couldn’t hardly even get in them and now look at the difference:

This is the After:

It feels good to have everything neat and tidy and in it’s place. I put things away that didn’t belong there and I also organized my greeting card box. (The turquoise box you see) I even organized my buttons. Now I know what I have and it is manageable and I feel good helping someone else who can use what I gave away. I also tossed out so many copied patterns that were given to me that I know I would never make I actually got rid of an entire 3 ring binder. (It is on the shelf with other empties waiting its turn again).

When you organize a drawer, shelf, or closet ask yourself :

•Do I need it
•Will I every use it (be honest)
•Do I like it
•Do I have a purpose for it

By asking these questions clutter clearing becomes much easier and the results are wonderful. Organization takes care of itself and emotionally it is a breath of fresh air.