I love talking about organizing.
The kind of love that makes you want to spell the word all cutesy with a “u” and surround it with hearts because you enjoy it so much.
What can I say? I’m Type A, and the hierarchy of my passions goes something like this:
Family.
Friends.
Coffee.
Oreos.
Cleaning.
Since this is the year of my being mindful of what’s in my home, I thought I’d do this next organizational piece on a little trick I’ve learned, called Shopping Your Closet.
First, let me share my Golden Rule of decorating.
Did you get that?
Every patch of wall, shelf, and flat surface that exists does NOT need to have stuff on it. In fact, it shouldn’t. How would your poor little eyeballs ever know what to look at first? How would they ever rest?
If you’re nodding in agreement, grab a tote bag or two. Walk around your house, and toss into them every little piece of something that you realize you really don’t have any attachment to. Things you hardly remembered were there, collecting dust.
Go on … it’s liberating.
When you’re done, you have two choices:
(1) Head right to the trunk of your car, place the totes in it, and the next time you head out, donate your items to Goodwill.
(2) If that’s too much, too soon, place them in a closet somewhere for a week {make a note of it in your calendar}. When the week ends, if you can’t recall what’s in there, refer to Step 1. Just do it, while keeping this in mind: things do not = memories;
memories equal memories.
Okay, so now that the bags are put aside, take a look around you. If you were honest and vigilant about collecting all that served no other purpose than taking up space, you should be left with only the items that you adore the most …
the things you take true pleasure in seeing.
Scoop them all up and put them on your dining room or kitchen table and decide which you’d like to display now, and pick a location. I love to decorate the mantle in my living room for each season, the corner nook in my dining room, and the top of my armoir in the den. That’s it. Just 3 focal points throughout the house are designated for vignettes, and the remaining surfaces are clear of clutter.
Once you’ve chosen what you’ll use now, store the rest in a safe place. I use the small closet in my dining room. When you’re ready for a change, do exactly as the title of this post suggests. Shop your closet. What is old will seem new again, and in the meantime, you’ll have visual calm throughout the house, which is an accessory in and of itself.
Your wallet and your sense of serenity will thank you.
Linking up today with the Monday Mingle at Tough Cookie Mommy. Did you miss the first “No More ‘More’” post? Click here to catch up.
Perfect, Michelle. Thank you for this reminder. And such beautiful pictures!
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Thanks, Katie! Have a wonderful day.
Oh, I love the pictures. Everything looks so light, bright, fresh, clean! Which I’m betting is also super representative of your personality and disposition
I love a sleek, modern look. Straight lines, not quite minimalist but almost look. So, I’m with ya on the no clutter 
sarah @sundayspill just wrote this gem …the sunday spill–about nodding yes and being matched up
I love your decorating style, Sarah … you know how I feel about your orange focal points!
AWESOME post and such great ideas Michelle!!!! I want full pictures of your gorgeous home asap!!! Hope that they come as you continue to write about a great theme for all us ladies!
Chris Carter just wrote this gem …Overwhelmed?
Thank you, Chris … they’ll surely come … though it’s humble, I love it!
Great post Michelle! You know how I feel about lightening things up…
Great advice about how to use your space {leaving empty space creates such calm!} and how to actually do the work of getting it light. I love it! Your home is *such* a serene place — it’s no wonder why. xox
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Would you consider guest posting, my organizational guru, you? Let’s talk!
love this. did you know i am a total neat freak? i love clean. and organizing.
christina just wrote this gem …birthday diy’s
Girl, we have so much in common!
Christopher grew up around a lot of “things” and clutter and I grew up moving a lot (therefore only keeping essential items). Therefore our home tends to be on the minimal side. If a photo hangs on the wall, it is because it was carefully chosen after lots of thought. The same with art or a mirror. Our home isn’t bare or totally minimalistic, but we don’t have just a lot of “stuff.” If it doesn’t have a useful function, it isn’t likely to be kept. Twice a year we go through everything we own (ever drawer and closet and cabinet and box) to give away anything that wasn’t used in the previous months. For us, it helps us feel less like we are storing up treasures here. We don’t want to be overly attached to “stuff.” Don’t get me wrong, I have some of my grandmother’s jewelry and china and neither of those things are used often, but both of them are displayed beautifully in our home. They have a story and wonderful memories. And someday my little girl will wear her great-grandmother’s necklaces.
Rach just wrote this gem …Happy Monday Morning!
You speak the truth. A place for everything and everything in it’s place, but every place does NOT need a thing. Clutter makes me feel anxious!
Amy just wrote this gem …28 Acts of Kindness
I know it’s such a simple task but I LOVE the idea of walking around and just simply grabbing things that I’m not in love with. It really is genius. I’m so good at donating things but by the time it’s all accumulated, I should really be donating 10 bags instead of 1. I’m such a pack rat and your organization is inspiring me! Also, Oreos = Love.
Evani just wrote this gem …Good Eats: The Porch Brunch
I am SO with you! (and so is my mother) I hate clutter. And while I don’t love cleaning, I do love a clean space. And organizing? My favorite!
Very good suggestions.
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{Melinda} What great ideas … I can use all the organzing help possible!
Spent a lot of time decluttering over the past few weeks and that really does help. It reduces my stress level!
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Love this! Especially your decorating tip. I’ve been trying to convince my family of this for years. Less is wonderful! If I don’t use it on a regular basis or love it with all my heart, I don’t want it in my house. This philosophy even led to the scandalous act of getting rid of hundreds of books. I haven’t regretted it once. Thanks for letting me know I’m not alone.
Happy Sharefest. I hope you have a lovely weekend.
misssrobin just wrote this gem …What are My Options When My Husband is Mean?
You are NOT alone, my friend. Less really IS more!
Thanks so much for linking up with me last week for Optimistic Monday. Please join me again when you have time! I love your idea here to get organized and clear the clutter. I SO need to get rid of “things” around my entire house. Have a great week! Stacie xo
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