Ten Things To Do Instead of Shopping: #2. Declutter and Organize
November 25, 2018
There are many benefits to clearing clutter from your physical space. Though there is much that you are helpless to internally, much that litters your brain–things that you can’t easily sweep into a dustpan–this is not the case with your space. To some extent, you have total control of the physical space you occupy. Instead of adding more to your (or others’) pile, take the time to organize what you have… to remind yourself you don’t really need much more.
My tights were a storage challenge since I moved into my apartment, and so sat on my dresser in a pile for months. I eventually opted to store them all behind my bedroom door in a shoe hanger and with a “ball pit” ball to display texture and color. This organizer also sets limits. There is no more space for tights. So if I buy a new pair, a spot must be cleared. And, similarly, enjoying the color scheme of my vintage slips on the hook–also well-hidden behind the door that is always open–I know I shouldn’t pick up any more of those either!
Though piles aren’t my favorite thing, I often create a physical ‘to do’ lists on my couch. With my tasks displayed like this, rather than in a disorganized pile, I am always aware of what I need to accomplish. Because, of course, I want to be able to recline on my couch. I guess I should also mention that couch tasks are currently being worked on and the items on my desk are upcoming tasks/on the ‘to do’ radar… or ones that require an additional resource. This all helps me get things done. Like notice the hook (below) that got hung (above). Success!
This is just my vacuum, which I named. I have a thing with wanting to add my personal touch to everything. 
Yet another shoe hanger for the door–this one for my storage room. All my camera accessories and related goodies were in a pile that I couldn’t deal with: plugs, adapters, chargers, etc. I also had a hard time remembering the make and model of what I have. So viola! My classroom teacher skills work at home too. I guess I want my doors to be like pop-up books, revealing secret storage solutions when closed (which is really like opening them).
A word on dresses, as I have a million of them. I have collected vintage dresses since I was a teenager and a very avid thrift shopper. Though it might seem trivial or materialistic, to me, my dresses are like an archive. I enjoy being able to dip into them and adorn previous epochs. I enjoy the colors, textures and fit. I embrace the juxtaposition of their femininity with my feminist views, though this may seem contradictory. I think that is why I find it alluring. 