After the sugar rush of Halloween, I am thinking about the areas considered “spooky” in our homes. There’s a reason that so many horror movies take place in the basement. Have you been down there lately? Who knows what could pop out from behind all of those boxes full of… wait, what’s in there again?
Most of us are not sure what it is exactly in our basements, attics and even closets, that is taking up soooo much room. If you can’t see it, you aren’t going to use it. Putting something in the attic, thinking you will pull it out and use it every month is unrealistic.
Does the cobbler’s children have shoes you may ask? Yes, I absolutely practice what I preach. My attic and even some of my closets are completely empty.
I’ve even had closets in my home removed!

The foyer after the demo. While we still need to paint, the foyer is an open, inviting space now. All we needed was a small coat closet to the left of the door.
You can’t be truly organized until you rid yourself of unnecessary and unwanted items.
I realize some things stored in these areas are seasonal. (I’m Jewish, so we have no need for Christmas decorations.) However, my intern, Jillian (we’ll meet her later), informs me that she uses an entire closet in a three-bedroom apartment (that she shares with four other women!) to store her Christmas decorations. I understand this, and by all means use your attic for Christmas decorations you use once a year.
But if you haven’t used that crib or antique writing desk, it may be time to clear the space. And leave it empty.
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