Dedicated to my friend Gina who suggested I take the Kondo challenge and blog about it.  Got a request? Drop an email.

I’ve been Kondo-ized. I applied the Japanese-way-of-tidying-up to my clothing, per the book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Maria Kondo. Unlike my first attempt, where I discovered my art of indecision, I made hard decisions and accomplished my mission. I now have a peaceful closet and set of dresser drawers.

Fellow Kondo-ized encouraged me to try again. Their inspiring words: “I Kondo-ized my drawers three years ago and never looked back!” The response to my show-stopping desire to transfer all my clothes out of the closet to a rolling rack I didn’t own yet: “Just throw your clothes on the floor!”

Time for me to toughen up, I’m going in. I had two days to myself during the holiday break. I did not worry about kid pick-ups or making dinner. I skipped the gym. The back and forth from my closet and lifting of clothes would be my workout. I wore yoga pants and super sneaks. I was serious.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Background:  I hate organizing. H-A-T-E IT! I like things to be organized but I do so loosely.

Step 1: I pulled EVERYTHING out of my closet as instructed and threw it on the floor and the bed. I sorted into piles according to garment: jeans, blouses, skirts, tees, blazers, etc. Totally worth it! I found a molting, ruffled white top only Shirley Partridge would wear. Despite the plastic covering, the blouse was thick with dust. I found Jack Sparrow’s sword from the Pirates of the Caribbean costume and burgundy combat boots from the time I dressed as Courtney Love for Halloween.

Cool in the day…

“My God! What have I done? My room was a MESS! Every inch was covered in clothing. Where will I sleep?

Head smack!

Step 2: I was ready to love or reject my clothing, per the instructions. What brings me joy? I didn’t really talk to each piece; just one look and my gut knew we were breaking up or still in love. I am ready!

We interrupt this project for a Container Store break. I COULD NOT put all my clothing back on the old, mismatched plastic hangers I’ve had since high school or the freebie hangers from department stores. I was only going to do this once. I bought 100 “huggable” flat hangers, nine matching baskets and six drawer-organizer boxes.

NOT in MY closet.  My rule, not a Kondo rule.

Step 2 continued: If I loved an item, I inspected it.  Kondo says “no” to pilled sweaters. With my sweater shaver handy, I shaved a hole through a beloved sweater I rarely wore but could not part with, so I thought. Out! I added to my closet, piece by piece, following the light to dark pattern and sub-categorizing by coat, blazer, blouse and so on. This kind of organizing is not new to me.

Step 3: Any folded clothes like jeans, tees or yoga pants, I placed vertically in a basket, like in a filing cabinet. I can see everything much better and I circulate wearing each item, not just whatever is on top. My shelves look beautiful except for one thing, my husband’s clothes are on a shelf next to mine, sabotaging my work. I had to Kondo-ize his clothing too.

We interrupt this project for a Container Store break. I bought more hangers and more drawer organizers. I had to order additional baskets, as it seems I am not the only one in town to organize a closet.

Step 4: Folding underwear and socks?!? Somehow I’ve managed to keep a Hanky Panky pile vs. Granny Panty pile and a White Socks vs. Black Socks pile in my drawers. My friend said Kondo-izing is the best; I believe her. I’m not returning anything so I am committed.

My new drawer organizer boxes came with dividers, like an egg crate. I folded my unmentionables into little packets and sorted by style. Respecting my potato-wadded socks seemed silly and a lot more work to put away. I un-wadded and folded them anyway, pitching the joyless and mismatched. Now, my drawers are beautiful and I don’t mean the lacy panties. I am at peace.

Step 5: I had the “talk” with my shoes. This was the most painful as I love my shoes. When Hubby says they look tired, I knew it was time to let go. Square toes, are so out of style even in their pristine shape. I stuffed my boots with “boot shapers.” WOW! They look great standing at attention.

End Result: AWESOME! I want my whole house to look this clean. The time and the money are worth it. I collected six bags of rejects, three of them hangers.

VOILA!

Hangers make ALL the difference.

Socks! Hanky Panky’s look the same. G-rated post.

One Rule I didn’t follow: I cannot fit all my winter and spring things in my closet. Even if I could, I would NOT hang them together. This causes me GREAT stress to see pastels next to thick, black sweaters. So WRONG! I’m guessing Maria is not a fashionista.

Recommendations:

• Keep your reject pile VERY separate from the keepers. I ALMOST lost a brand new Donald Pliner suede boot, only ONE!
• Do not start reading a REALLY good book during this project. It’s like a Siren’s call, especially if you HATE organizing.
• Purchase at least 100 new hangers, baskets and drawer boxes ahead of time. You will save A LOT of money shopping on Amazon, but you must plan ahead and it won’t cut into your organizing mojo.