Thursday, March 29, 2007

How did you know? It's what I've always wanted! Could never have too many of these.

Last night I went through my closets and, no exaggeration, got rid of 75% of my stuff. It was either old, never worn, or wouldn't come close to fitting. For most of the pants, it was the latter. When it was done, I had a headache, but I feel better today. Lighter. And, girl, you should see my closets. They are straight from a magazine. All uniform wood hangers and closet organizers....and minimal. Seriously, I'm down to nothing. Let's see if I can keep it that way. I'm tempted to show you a picture, but I'm curiously embarrassed by how little there is.

16 comments:

Murphy Jacobs said...

Must be the weather. I've been clearing my closet with much the same intention, only because I'm trying to decrease my size, I'm checking to see if what I have has a prayer of fitting again in 20 lbs or so. Mostly, I find I'm getting rid of my "depression" clothes -- stuff I bought a few years ago when I didn't want anyone to notice I was around. I don't feel that way anymore and I'm picking those pieces out and tossing them in the good will pile. There's some 80 year old woman out there who will make a splash in them for cheap.

Because I share my (pretty small) closet with The Husband, it's never going to be a fashion photo closet. However, it's improved.

Michael said...

That's interesting, Sherri. There really is a psychological component to it, isn't there? For me, it's the OBVIOUS METAPHOR FOR MY LIFE, but there's lots tied into hanging on to old stuff, or just any stuff. I'm trying to pare down my life, I'm clearing out my closet, I'm getting rid of the past (where these clothes fit), I'm letting go of THINGS.....So many layers!

But I can't dress in too many layers now, cuz I don't got 'em. ;-)

Michael said...

Oh, and it's not that I ran out of room. I have a 3 bedroom house and each bedroom has huge closets. And I'm Homo Alone. ::does the McCauley Culkin impersonation::

Murphy Jacobs said...

Hehheh. Well, there are technically 3 bedroom closets in this house, as well, but ONE is dedicated and quite full of COSTUMES because once upon a time The Husband and I performed at Renaissance faires, and we did any number of other costum-y things, which led to quite the collection of skirts, bodices, tights, armor pieces, and general weirdness that we are neither quite yet to release into the wild.

But, yeah, closet at metaphor -- I'm there.

freakgirl said...

I covet having the clean, bare, elegant home I just know you have.

But I can't do it. My closet is overflowing with crap. I clean it out twice a year and still...99% crap.

I've just come to understand that my house is dusty, my house is cluttered, but my house is one that you can feel okay about spilling a glass of red wine in. And I like that.

I fear that when you do come visit me, you will become unnerved at the sight of so much...stuff.

Michael said...

Well, I've already seen a few pictures. I'll study them beforehand and steel myself for the experience.

Of course, I kid. My house is not so clean or spare or elegant. My bedroom, yes. The rest is kind of slapped together Pottery Barn/Pier One/a few mismatched things in earth tones. Oh wait, but not my den. It's a sleek black leather sofa and minimalist furniture and perfectly stacked bookshelves. Hmmmm....

But yeah, probably less "stuff" as you say. I grew up with tons of "stuff" around, so maybe my style is a response to that. Still, I'm hardly ever more comfortable than when I go back to my parent's house, where you have to move 3-4 items around to set your drink down.

I will get drinks, right?

The Other Andrew said...

I look at the California Closets ads in American magazines and think "THIS is why they rule the free world."

freakgirl said...

"I will get drinks, right?"

Are you new here?

Andrew - a free California Closets makeover is my secret dream. Well, one of my secret dreams, anyway. After my flying car and cigarettes with vitamins in them.

abnitude said...

how freeing!!! what a good feeling you must have.

The Other Andrew said...

After my flying car and cigarettes with vitamins in them.

Har! You very funny ladeee!

Michael Guy said...

My recent binge-cleaning also included my closet. And as you note, I am sorta' feeling sheepish about how little remains. But the discard rule was simple: If I hadn't worn or touched an item in nearly a year...out it went. I held on to shirts for silly sentimental reasons and I guess I'm house-cleaning old sentiments as well.

But think how much more room we have now for new things!

Michael said...

I'm quite certain that my remaining pickins are slimmer than yours, mon frere. I was ruthless. But you had nicer things to begin with. Mine was mostly GAP basics, etc.

I hope NOT to replace with too many things. My goal is a few good quality items that'll last. But we'll see. ;-)

Ur-spo said...

good for you!
nothing like a closet purge to cleanse the soul.
Trick now, to keep it from accumulating again!

Michael said...

Therein lies the rub.

The Other Andrew said...

::drums fingers::

Can we come out of the closet now? I'm done.

The Other Andrew said...

While I've been obsessively checking back here for something new, I've found myself quietly humming "Trapped In The Closet"... which ain't easy, let me tell you.