Cleaning Closets

Our house has one of those large walk-in master bedroom closets built big enough for two people.

When my wife and I moved into our new house 12 years ago, I conceded total ownership of the closet to her. It just seemed easier. I took my few clothes to a spare bedroom closet.

Despite the fact that the closet was built for two and occupied by one, it has remained full since day one. I’ve observed that from the periphery. I don’t actually enter the closet. It seems dangerous.

Before my wife’s last trip, she discovered that she had no clothes to take on the cruise. I didn’t know what was in the closet, but she said there was not a supply of useable garments. So, she had to go shopping. She needed more clothes.

Apparently last Friday some event horizon was crossed. A dramatic announcement was made. It was Time To Clean The Closet. She asked, “Will you help”?

Warily I replied, “How?”

Luckily my role was simple. All I had to do was load the (hypothetical) bags of clothes in my truck and cart them off to Goodwill.

Now, having made not only a decision, but also an announcement, my wife realized that (the hypothetical possibility of) a cleaned closet would offer more room for more clothes.

Stage 1 of cleaning the closet was therefore buying more clothes.

Days pass.

I enter the bathroom and notice a pair of shoes sitting on the edge of the tub. “Why are those there?”, I ask.

She replies, “I am trying to decide if those are resale, charity or throw-away”.

I expect tomorrow will involve a trip to the shoe store for Stage 2 - buying more shoes.

I’m afraid to find out what Stage 3 might involve.

UPDATE: MY wife responds here - Organizing a Closet (aka Just Throw it Away)