Since the people on the show seem to get a month to do the entire process I decided that I should too.  Rome wasn't conquered in a day folks-- it took time!  So, since the first step is clothing, I decided that in order to keep in line with the KonMari method I would tackle my clothes.

Before: Clothes everywhere!

Before: Shoe shelves a mess

The way that Marie says to complete the organization is to take all of your clothes out and place them somewhere all together.  Everyone on the show seems to put everything on their bed, so I did too!  She says "only when you are actually confronted with exactly how much you have, you start to realize what you need to do."  I decided to take some before pictures, excluding my dresser, and was mortified at the sight!  I couldn't even put away all of my clean laundry because there was no more room.  I just had laundry baskets and piles of clean folded clothes that hadn't been put away plus a dirty clothes hamper full of dirty clothes.  Too much!  Well, my fear became a reality when I piled everything on my bed.  I couldn't even reach the top to put more on-- I had to toss it on top!  I was doing this alone and was so embarrassed at the amount of clothing that I had accumulated over the years and the fact that I hadn't even worn most of it in years.

During: It was as tall as I am!

I went through piece-by-piece and did exactly what Marie says to do... Does it spark joy?  Yes?  Keep.  No?  Thank it and get rid of it.  After doing this for HOURS I ended up with 9 bags of clothing to give away!  NINE!  I cannot explain how much lighter I feel.  It's crazy that I had accumulated that much clothing and had moved it between homes as many times as I did!  The clothing treated me well and it was time to pass it on to someone else that could use it.  It is a pretty great feeling!  After friends and family looked through the clothing I decided to donate the rest to a women's shelter and Goodwill.

Now comes the hard part-- folding.  I hate folding clothes and putting them away.  I suppose I hated it more before because I had so many and putting them away was a pain!  Marie recommends a specific way to fold all clothing and it actually makes a lot of sense.  It saves so much room and looks incredibly neat and tidy (the point I guess).  I signed up for a newsletter from a organization blog called For the Love of Tidy and her folding guide is incredibly helpful!

For the Love of Tidy

All tshirts & tank tops folded neatly.  I have so much more room!

It was a very cleansing exercise and I feel so much lighter after getting it done.  I have decided to make this a bit of a series here on Lashes & Leggings and am going to try to organize my personal space in the apartment using Marie's KonMari method.  So, this will be followed by four more posts for the remaining categories of organization.

After: Organized and so much more space

After: All shoes have a  place and easily accessible

Are you interested in trying the KonMari method of organization?  Have you already used it for your home?  Please share in the comments below!

2. Blender Bottle: I am new to this world and am slowly learning which protein powders and which pre-workouts that I like (I really like the FitMiss Delight Vanilla Chai Protein Powder) and the blender bottle makes it so easy to take along with you!  I sometimes use iced coffee as my base and put the vanilla chai protein powder in as a morning boost!  I carry a few packets of the FitMiss Strawberry Margarita pre-workout in case I need an extra boost of energy and focus for my workout.

3. Headphones:  I like to listen to music or watch Netflix/YouTube while I'm on the treadmill/elliptical and I need a secure pair of headphones.  I'm not a huge fan of the bulkier pairs, but I know a lot of people like the larger, noise cancelling options to help them focus.  I am interested in getting a wireless pair for the New Year, so I am always open to suggestions!

4. Sneakers:  These are the Nike Women's Air Max Thea and when I was on the hunt for an olive green sneaker these caught my eye.  I became obsessed with the olive and faux leather signature Nike swoosh that I knew I had to get them. I like this pair not only for their looks, but also because they give me just enough support in my arches and still leave room to breathe.  I have a few other pairs, but these have been my recent go-to.

5. Extra pair of socks:  I usually get to the gym already in my socks and sneakers, but just in case I'm coming from somewhere else I pack extra.  I hate the standard black or white socks and usually opt for a brighter pair.  I also hate having to find matching pairs, so I found an incredible pack of socks that doesn't have a specific "mate" and I am never searching!  Great find!

6. Hair elastic: Again, I am usually going to be dressed and prepared for the gym including having my hair up in a pony, but there are always tragedies like broken hair ties! In case mine breaks or I need another one I always make sure I have some extras on hand.

7. Toiletries:  I used to hate the idea of waking up and going to the gym before work, but I have come around.  One thing that I let myself realize was that I could get ready for work at the gym when I was done!  When I'm done with my AM workout I like to take a shower and prefer to use my own products instead of the weird body wash/shampoo combo that the gym offers.  So, I fill empty travel sized bottles with my favorite shampoo & conditioner and bring a travel sized bottle of my favorite body wash (Rose Jam by LUSH USA).

8. Face/Body Wipes: For days that I am not going to work or somewhere specific after my workout I carry some wipes to quickly cleanse my face and body.  They smell like coconut and I love them!  They are nice to have for a quick refresh post-gym sesh! I got these from TJ Maxx for $3.99 and there are over 80 wipes per pack!  I would totally recommend looking through a Marshalls or TJ Maxx for great deals like this!

9.  Makeup:  On days that I do go to work I bring my makeup bag.  I have paired down my routine to include just the necessary products for a quick and simple daytime look.  I don't need too much for a regular day at work, so this bright travel bag by Tarte cosmetics was perfect!  I can fit everything and the tassels & pom-pom are adorable!

10.  Moisturizers:  For days that I am running errands post-gym I like to use a nice moisturizer after I've washed my face.  I am a huge fan of the Glamglow Glam Starter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer in Nude Glow.  It smells amazing, moisturizes and leaves this incredible glow on the skin that is perfect for a post-workout face!  When I am feeling a little less flashy I use the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice moisturizer.  It is light like a serum, but packs a big moisture punch.  Plus-- I get to smell like watermelon all day!

Along with the mentioned items above I bring a towel for my hair and a wrap for my body.  I have found that these items make my daily workout and morning routine that much easier.  If I am going to work I also pack my outfit for that day and my gym has a great dressing room area that leaves me no excuse to not do a morning workout! Is there anything that you have in your gym bag that I don't?  Let me know in the comments below and I may add them to mine!