How Do You Store Your Stuff?

Categories: Decluttering, Running Gear

Yesterday I had a long run on the docket. It was 28 degrees and falling. A fine coating of ice shellacked the pavement.

Do I wear a jacket? It’ll be the first time this winter that I’ve worn one. My inner pansy alert is sounding. I usually go without in 28 degrees but if it’s dropping…and there’s wind…

I gather my stuff: Garmin, which is usually on a kitchen counter where it charges…or in a kitchen drawer…or closet drawer.

Sunglasses (for wind as there is no sun..I’m pretty sure it overslept). Most likely on a mudroom counter…or kitchen counter…or dresser drawer or a closet drawer. Cannot find.

iPhone arm holder. Cannot find. Search all the usual haunts: kitchen counters and drawers, mudroom counters, cabinets and drawers, closet drawers and shelves, dresser. Nada. Now I’m pissed. Plus I’m wearing my jacket so I’m roasting which makes me extra pissed.

Finally, after an exhausting, cussword-riddled search (thank heavens I was the only one awake), I went out sans phone/tunes. Big deal right? Who can’t run 8 miles without music?

But it was a big deal because being organized is not brain surgery. Yet I can’t seem to corral my running stuff in one place for easy access.

After returning from my run, (which went great BTW, I managed to stay upright and my mood improved exponentially) I spent the day decluttering. I pulled out all the running gear I could find. Much of it is still at large. Note this does not include apparel, shoes/socks, hair accessories, or fuel. From now on I’m keeping it all in one, go-to place. But how? Where?

Oh and for the record, I found the iPhone arm thing. On a high-up closet shelf where I could not see without climbing. I must have whipped it up there. Sheesh.

Do you have this problem? Tell me how you store your running stuff!

Final days: Balega socks giveaway!

Psychology of the Closet Purge

Categories: Decluttering, Mezamashii Project, Mizuno

The other day I boxed up some clothing to be donated. Among the items on the chopping block:

2 pairs of jeans: the rise was just too high by today’s standards. Plus I just bought a new pair over the weekend. Out with the old, in with the new, right?

1 plaid shirt: Saving in case I ever needed it again for a Halloween costume. Oy.

2 mini skirts: Mini to me is just above the knee. So old the rise was high and tight. Ouch.

1 shirt: I last remember wearing to ride a mechanical bull in Grapevine Texas…8 years ago.

2 pairs of white capris: I’ve got 2 other pairs and these hadn’t been worn in…well who knows when?

Million dollar question: Why was I keeping this stuff hanging around so long?

Answer: Because I don’t feel like I ‘wore them enough’. They were not worn out and didn’t appear out of style until I tried them on.

These jeans are clearly worn out, yet they still reside in my closet.

We hang onto things for so many reasons. Keeping clothes in various sizes is common. I tend to be more emotional about things than the Caveman. He’ll toss away things he’s not using without a second thought. I leave them hanging while I deliberate, and then forget about it. Those skirts have been in the ‘purging on-deck circle’ for years.

I’m the same way with workout clothes I really don’t get rid of anything unless it’s worn out…or incredibly ugly (hello race shirts). In my defense, unlike my ‘civilian’ clothes, my workout wear typically doesn’t languish unworn.

According to Feng Shui experts, decluttering creates energy while clutter saps energy because one must ‘manage/maintain’ the clutter. There, I feel the energy flowing already. Now to deal with those purses…

Do you hang onto clothes/things longer than you should?

Does your closet need purging?

Mizuno giveaway ends tonight!