I was organizing a master closet recently and fell in love with my client’s simple, stackable jewelry box. I knew it was from The Container Store, and I knew it was time for a jewelry makeover at my own home. But I wasn’t sure where I would keep it. Until…we updated our closet with an Elfa drawer system recently. I saved the top drawer for this very moment.

But first, you should know where we came from.

About 13 years ago, my very new husband bought me this giant standing jewelry box. I was thrilled. At the time, I thought I needed more space, because I was working a job where I dressed up a lot. Hence, I needed more jewelry.

But now I organize. While I could wear costume jewelry while I do it, I’d probably get some funny looks! And in my off-time I spend more time at gymnastics meets and carting kids to practices than I do actually dressing up. So this is the perfect solution for my current life.

And let me go on a tangent for a moment. Hang with me. I’m constantly having to remind myself to organize for the life I’m living RIGHT NOW. Anyone else struggle with that? I’ll keep these dress pants for when I start working again. This top for when I’m done having babies. Listen, when those things happen, you will surely feel like you earned some new clothes, right?!

Okay – so here’s the beauty I’ve been dreaming about. Well, at least thinking about. It fits perfectly in my top Elfa drawer {Insert angels loudly singing}.

Let’s talk about how I began. I followed the simple steps I use for every organize.

Step 1: Donate + Discard

Nobody I know loves this part, but it’s necessary. Funny enough, I actually find great satisfaction in letting go of things! I know, it’s just not right.

I started by creating a pile for KEEP, DONATE, and TRASH.

I laid everything out and thought about if I wore it in the last year. Then, to be fair based on 2020, I thought about if I would have worn it in a normal year. That eliminated a TON of jewelry I was keeping around from my old business job. Did I mention I left that job almost 5 years ago??

If you are someone who feels better knowing your jewelry is going to a good home, then donate it! There are some great organizations in Kansas City who accept jewelry to help women in your city. How cool is that?! Dress for Success accepts jewelry donations and gives them to women who are getting ready to interview for jobs. Goodwill also accepts jewelry donations.

Step 2: Organize by Type

I honestly sort of mingled this step in with Step #1 – but you don’t have to! If going one step at a time makes organizing more attainable then that’s what you should do. But I typically organize by type as I’m laying out the “keep” pile.

Here’s what that ended up looking like for me.

I’m not a big keepsakes person, but when it comes to family jewelry I have a soft spot in my heart. So everything I put in the boxes in the back are organized by my special childhood jewelry, special pieces from my grandparents, and items that have been passed down to my kids. I plan to get some of these clear sealed bags to protect them, and them labeling them so we have a record of why they are special.

And the next thing on my closet update list is to purchase matching bins for our top shelves – so these will go in a covered bin for safe keeping – but easy access if I want to wear anything sometime.

Step 3: Put It All Together

This is always my favorite step! I brought my new 2-piece jewelry box to the table and went to work finding a new home for each item. I was honestly a little surprised how well everything fit, AND I have room to grow!

I LOVE LOVE using the ring spots for my stud earrings so I can actually see what I have! And clearly I don’t wear a lot of rings anyways. Did you notice? Maybe I should clarify…I do wear my wedding ring but it was on my finger. I put all of the items I wear the most in the top section for easy access. I wear earrings most days, so those all went in the top section. I also added smaller, everyday necklaces.

The bottom section I decided to use for my larger necklaces and bracelets that I really only wear if I’m going out on a hot date with the hubs. And the cool thing about the Stackers Jewelry Box from The Container Store is that you can buy as many different stackable layers as you want if your jewelry collection grows in the future!

What Are You Waiting For?!

It’s spring friends, let’s get in declutter mode together! If you need inspiration, follow me on Instagram and Facebook – I’m constantly posting photos for inspiration.

If you are overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, reach out! I love organizing jewelry and would get so excited to be part of that process with you.