On Formspring, an anonymous reader asks:
Could you please write a post explaining how you organize your stuff (makeup, legwear, clothes) ? Thank you!
A pertinent question! Since our move out of the overgrown-with stuff, J.F. Sebastian-style apartment last year, I’ve cut my belongings in half and began establishing actual storage systems. Because this isn’t something I can dedicate a whole lot of time to, it’s still a work in progress, but I’m proud to say I finally have my makeup and jewelry situation under strict control.
We have two bathrooms – one is communal and the other is dedicated to my makeup and accessory arsenal. It’s fairly compact so organization is key, or the space turns into a powdery minefield of brushes, hair clips and lipstick, where chaos reigns and all things get lost forever. I split my stuff between a chest of drawers, makeup case, a cabinet and a shelving unit.
The secret to keeping this powder room streamlined is assigning specific areas to specific items and products. All pencils in one cup, all chain necklaces on one rod, all hair products in one box, etc.
I do have a few jewelry dishes around, but even they have their assigned residents.
If going to such lengths seems excessive, I beg to differ, because cursing like a sailor while digging through twelve drawers for that one prized accessory or that specific shade of green eye shadow isn’t conducive to a pleasant outing. So – no exceptions. All things must go back to their home base within 24 hours.
The system works. I love walking in here and knowing exactly where everything is – not a statement I could have made last year, when the mere thought of locating anything specific in my old bathroom was enough to summon panic.
If you’re just getting started on your path to streamlining, be brave – it will get a lot worse before it gets better. Nonetheless, if you have half a day to dedicate to this project, it will serve you well, forever. Here is a quick How To, to help get you on your way:
- Have lots of boxes/trays/organizers/cups, etc. on hand
- Empty all your drawers and cabinets
- Separate everything into categories
- Fill shelves and drawers with trays
- Fill trays with sorted stuff
- Sit back and admire your grand accomplishment
- Put everything back, every time
This is a perfect post for me right now, as I have the luxury of an entire room dedicated to costuming, accessories and all that, but currently most things are in certain pile on the floor or in giant chests where their contents get shuffled, and I am determined to get it into the beautiful, organized workspace it should be this summer. Thanks for the tips and the beautiful photos!
I’ll definitely be referring back to this in a couple of months when I start university. Your sorting skills are admirable!
I loooove these pictures! Everything is in its right place and in such a stylish and beautiful way!
I love this and I totally agree. Having a place for everything (and being sure to return things to the correct place) keeps things much less hectic.
That red box with gold detailing/lock… I have the exact same thing floating in my pit in black! Unfortunately, the red velvet lining was ripped out :(
I should start utilizing the vast amount of jewellery boxes and stash boxes I have. I can never find anything!
I spent more time lusting after your jewelry collection than paying attention to organization. Gorgeous things you have!
Thank you.
The one mistake I make is being too damn lazy to put it back once it’s served its purpose and then I go bananas looking for it later.
Life is just so much cleaner, easier and joyful when everything is in order. Anything that saves me time for the other things I’d rather be doing is a godsend.
great post! i’m so disorganized, especially with accessories.
Thank you for answering my question!
This was very, very helpfull.
(It felt weird reading ‘an anonymous asker’ hahaha
I’m F.)
I’ve been super excited about moving to my very own place for the first time and this post was both inspirational and useful! Thanks for sharing :) I also love the picture and editing, as always. How could I not?
I am envious of the space you have to create such a set up, this is something I fantasize about! I also really like how much you play with depth of field in your photos, and whatever effect or filter you used, they sort of look like old snapshots, except with awesome detail and colors.
This has really inspired me to reclaim my beauty supplies!
After moving around so much in the past year, from 3 different places, everything of mine has been a mess. So much to where it effects my everyday style, since I can never find what I am looking for in a timely manner.
So I am off to go thrifting for many cute boxes and trays and take back control of my stuff!
Thank you so much Zoe!