Man, oh man, I can only hope to get this organized. (Especially as I’m getting ready to head out of town as we speak…). You’ve given me another goal, something to add to cleaning out my closets one.

It was actually pretty fast to impliment. It took me 6 weeks to get the laundry done and all the clothes put away—then only about 45 minutes to organize them all!!

Since the organization is done by color families and not by outfits all I had to do was get everything together that was red, then pick out all the blacks, then tan…. on and on.

I did the color orgaizing that was obvious first—I have a lot of things that are blue and white for example.

Then, I moved on to the less obvious: I have lots of purple, but not a lot of teal. But I have one shirt (I really like ) that is purple blue and teal. I ignored the blue in the shirt and moved it over into the purple area, then realized all the teal things that would go with it. I had another shirt that was teal and cream….

I did have to buy about two dozen sweater boxes as I had previously kept my sweaters in a dresser. I used milk crates for the t-shirts and knit shirts—just moved from the other side of the closet. The crates are on the floor and the sweater boxes are on the shelf above the rod. I am going to add scarf hangers this weekend.

I moved shoes and luggage to make room in the closet. My everyday shoes (much weeded) went into a shoe organizer on the back of the door. It has mesh pockets (ventilation is good for leather) and is made out of canvas so should last a long time.

My pumps and fancy shoes went into a holder in the back of the closet. I hardly ever wear them so it’s good it is out of the way. I’ll try to find a picture of one… It has about 10 clear plastic pockets on each side and hangs on the rod. I had previusly used it just to store the fancy handbags. (Each one stuffed and wrapped in Acid-free tissue. I am complusive but things I buy last forever—it is the reason I have so many clothes). I have weeded the fancy shoes and purses too, so now I have room for both in the same holder. I am looking for a canvas version of it also.

I know! I know! I am cringing! I sound like Imelda Marcos as I write this!! When I buy something I buy quality and I take care of it. Things that I don’t even like anymore will last 20 years. I had a VCR for 14 years once. It wouldn’t die. It didn’t even have a remote. I jumped for joy the day it finally ate a tape.

I am also a regular shopper at the thrift store. They had a sale on purses last month. I came home with a Liz, an Ann Taylor, a Talbot’s and 2 others for $1 each. I left 6 Liz’s there and a Coach bag too. I just didn’t need them. I only keep what I use and donate back as much as I can. But, “giving away” is a constant assignment.

I was also going to tell you to not worry - the big closet in the bed room has about 20 Xerox paper boxes of Christmas ornaments, old toys, camping equipment and other holiday decorations waiting for me to go through - so I still have PLENTY to do! Not to mention the hardware and tools…. that’s another jumble! And that wardrobe in the Living Room… and papers—I’ll be busy for a while!

Have a great weekend!