PURSEnal Problems: Clearing out the unnecessary

Hello, my name is Stefanie, and I collect purses. Whether it’s small, large, red, green, clutch, satchel… etc, I just really have an affection for anything that can hold all of my belongings, in style. In my New Year's post {link}, I mentioned that I was going to attempt to tackle some of the closets in our apartment. In one of those closets, I store all of the bags, purses, clutches and wristlets I am so attached to. Honesty, there was nothing seriously wrong with the way the bags were stored. They had a designated space. I could see and reach each of them. They weren't in the way of anything else. However, in my efforts to clean up and clear out, they were the first thing that needed to be tackled. In case you didn't count the amount shown above, there are over 15 bags there. Ok, so some of you are probably saying to yourself, “you only have 15 bags?” some others might be saying “what in the heck do you do with 15 bags?!”. 

I may have failed to mention that in addition to the 15 bags stacked on the shelf, there are over 15 little clutches/wristlets/wallets in a bin as well {don't judge, I admitted I had a problem}. 

Notice the bin in front, stuffed with scarves, that slides back and forth to reach the shelf behind. Not ideal, guys. Not ideal at all. 

I feel most unorganized when my things just become part of the scenery. For example, I get up, get ready, grab my coffee, bag, and coat, and I’m out the door. I don’t take the time to notice that there is an entire shelf dedicated to bags in my closet! Whether you can relate to owning 30+ purses, or you think I'm a little on the crazy side, the idea here is to remove items that are unnecessary for me. So I began organizing like any sane person would…

Obviously, this is extreme, but sometimes this is what helps to ensure that I actually address the problem. I dumped everything from the closet onto the ground, cranked up some 90's music, and got to work.

When it was time to place everything back into the closet, I had to ask myself a few questions {and answered honestly} before replacing all 30+ pocketbooks. 

1. When was the last time I used it? - If it had been over 6 months, buh-bye bag. Some people go with the rule, "If it hasn't been worn/used in a year, toss it". Well you guys, I've outsmarted that rule. If I know it's been almost a year, I will use it just so that I can keep it. Smart girl right? So 6 months = new rule for this girl.

2. Did I enjoy using it last time? - This may sound a bit odd, but let me explain. Have you ever worn something and once you step outside you say to yourself "I hate this, why did I wear it, it's      fill in the blank     ". {too big, the wrong color, uncomfortable, etc}. Maybe you've never had that exact feeling with a bag. But have you ever carried that bag that always slips off your shoulder and is soooo annoying? These are the bags I decided it was time to say goodbye to as well. 

3. Would someone else like this more? - I am always more motivated to remove something from my closet when I know that it's not serving me as well as it could someone else. And just because a bag doesn't work for me, doesn't mean it won't work for someone else. Donating things or selling them on eBay is a big motivating factor for me. 

After answering these questions about each item, I knocked out 15 items! I was quite proud of that, but now on to the whole purpose of clearing out the bags, making my closet a bit more functional. I wanted to put items back in a way that made sense, was easy to use, and looked clean. 

Using the shelf system that was already in the closet, I turned it vertically and refilled it will the bags I had decided were worth keeping. 

I added small command hooks to the side of the shelf where I could hang the wristlets. 

Look at how much space is down there now! Provided, I was wearing one of the pairs of winter boots that are usually down there {it's freezing, I'm sure most of you can relate}, but as you can see, there's plenty of room for them. Ahh, it's like a breath of fresh air. 

Ok, I may have forgotten to mention a few other bags I kept that are not pictured above. In addition to the bags on the shelf, I have my bags for work/travel, aka the big boys. These are the guys I use when I need to bring my laptop, a ton of paperwork, or everything but the kitchen sink into work or on a trip. I placed the two bags for work that I use multiple times per week on a hook in the closet. Easy to grab, easy to put back.

I stored the two {down from four!} travel bags up on the shelf again.

Then I took all of those winter accessories and placed them right in front. Still simple enough to get to, but the frequently used items are placed in front. 

I added some labels to each bin, since now I would be looking up at them, making them easier to use. 

After putting the items back into the closet, I actually pulled out even more items to donate. About three scarves, two jackets, a pair of boots, and of course, all the bags. Yes, the scarves bin is overflowing. I probably should donate a few more of those puppies, but 3 was already a lot to part with for me. 

Here's a look at just a few of the items to be donated/eBay-ed {definitely not a word}.

It's so refreshing to clear out things that are unnecessary. And honestly, it doesn't require to much to do so. Just a little honesty on your part, do you really need that?

Cost: Well this was another free one since I had the organizing systems, but the shelf and units were purchased at Target.
Time: 1 hour. It took a little while for me to start saying goodbye to items, but once the first one was permanently removed, it got easier and the process moved much faster. 

Have any of you tackled any spaces of overflow lately? How do you prevent unused items from becoming part of the scenery in your home?

Thanks for visiting!