The Surprising Lessons I Learned from Organizing My Sewing Closet
Ann Dooley helped me organize an overflowing closet. I didn't expect it to change the way I see myself.
I am lucky to have a whole room to myself.
It’s my home office, but it’s also where I paint, sew, and do hand embroidery.
Over time, one closet slowly filled with sewing supplies and unfinished projects until my sewing machine and serger no longer fit inside.
A few months ago, I connected with Ann, from Dooley Noted.
She invited me onto her podcast, where we had a wonderful conversation about connection in parenting and the role it plays in both our work.
Afterward, she offered me a consultation to organize that overflowing closet.
Knowing what to do isn’t enough
I’ve spent the past seven years gradually decluttering and organizing my home using the KonMari method.
I know how to create systems that are practical and easy to maintain.
And yet, organizing always ends up at the bottom of my to-do list, patiently waiting for “someday.”
During our call, Ann looked at photos of my closet and asked thoughtful questions about how I actually use the space.
One of her suggestions was to store my fabric upright, so I can remove one piece without creating a mess. She also suggested raising the back row slightly higher than the front, making everything visible at a glance.
These small adjustments create a system that won’t fall apart the first time I use it.
But what helped me even more than the practical advice was the connection.
I felt understood and safe, and my nervous system relaxed.
For the first time in my life, I could talk to someone about a disorganized space without worrying that I’d be judged for my shortcomings.
When the call ended, I couldn’t wait to get started.
The hidden cost of clutter
Organizing a cupboard full of things I use occasionally doesn’t feel urgent.
So I kept putting it off.
It’s easy to ignore clutter when it’s hidden behind a closed door.
But every time I postponed it, I reinforced the feeling that I’m the type of person who doesn’t resolve problems.
It affected my mood, my energy, and the way I see myself.
The relief came before the closet was finished
A few weeks ago, one of Ann’s posts inspired me to organize my towel closet and add a small decorative item to fill the empty space.
While my son was at school, I borrowed one of his stuffed animals. I felt slightly guilty, but I reminded myself that sometimes it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission. Later, he generously agreed to let it stay.
It’s a small, playful detail that reminds me that even an ordinary linen cupboard can lift my mood.
That small success gave me the confidence to finally tackle my sewing closet, which was admittedly a much larger and more intimidating project.
The moment I opened the closet and started taking things out, I felt a sense of relief.
That’s when I realized how much mental energy I had been spending pretending it wasn’t important.
Even before I finished, I felt lighter because I was finally moving forward.
The story I’d been telling myself
As a child, I was judged harshly for my messy room.
It really was a disaster, and my parents had every reason to be frustrated.
Whenever people came over, I would shove things into overflowing drawers so no one would see.
Over time, I built an identity around my messy room.
I told myself I didn’t need an organized space because I was innovative, unconventional, and simply had different standards from other people.
It became a badge of honor.
But in truth, I always found it hard to concentrate or relax around clutter.
It wasn’t a choice. It was something I tolerated because I didn’t know how to change it.
This project began because I wanted to fit my sewing machines inside the closet and protect them from the dust.
But the benefits go far beyond having an organized closet.
Ann helped me realize I’m not a messy person.
I’m someone who sometimes procrastinates organizing because it feels demanding or less urgent than other things.
But I’m also someone who enjoys learning, improving, and taking action.
The fear of what other people might think was never a strong enough reason to fully organize my space.
This time, I wanted to create a peaceful, functional space that brings me joy because I deserve to experience that every day.
And here’s the biggest surprise of all.
I had a lot of fun doing it.
About Ann Dooley
Ann is a connection-first home organizer who helps parents organize with their children, not for them.
She guides families to develop internal motivation to tackle the clutter, and provides access to her nearly a decade of experience troubleshooting organizing and parenting challenges.
In one brief virtual consultation, she helped me tackle something I'd been avoiding for far too long and reminded me that I was capable of creating a home that feels peaceful and functional.
Ann offers a free consultation, because relief is within reach, and sometimes you just need someone to show you the way.
➡️Here’s a link to Ann’s publication: Dooley Noted
This is the post that inspired me to transform my towel closet:
Gallery: Five Drawers Worth Opening
One of the things I’ve discovered is that storytelling makes organizing feel less like a chore and more like a shared adventure.
These stories help children care for their space without pressure or judgment.
Livy and the Dress That Needed Space (collaboration with Dooley Noted)
You can also explore my full Tidying With Children series.
Explore the full library of articles, stories, and parenting resources here.
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That little penguin 🐧 sparks so much joy!
I am so glad I was able to offer you the kind of support, both gently hold space, and ignite something within you to take action. And the result, on top of the internal shift, is both beautiful and functional! 👏👏👏
I love this! I also can’t concentrate or create around clutter. Organization goes way beyond having things in the right place. It brings us clarity, confidence, peace of mind, mental space. I adored watching that unfolding here!