Being quarantined for weeks now I'm sure there are only so many projects you can do to keep busy! It is the beginning of Spring and it's a rainy day here in Upstate New York, so I thought why not use today to organize, sort, and clean out my closet. My closet is in desperate need for a clean up, out with the old and in with the new. 2020 is for new beginnings and new shoes, not clutter and old sweaters from three years ago. Keep the past in the past, make space for some new basics and cute go to's. My "Spring cleaning" has been going better this year compared to previous closet clean outs. I plan on having a new place in a few months and definitely don't want to move half of these clothes considering I don't wear them! You know how you just keep clothes thinking you will wear them again or say hey this might come up, I'll need this.. and it never does, well half of my closet is like that! SO to make room to update my wardrobe, I have to reorganize, sell or donate all these extra pieces. Here is my best advice to you on how to clean your closet to make room so you can start your online shopping spree!
1. Clean and Take everything out of your closet, YES I SAID EVERYTHING! Have your closet be completely empty, see the space you're working with!
Extra tip: Place dryer sheets or air fresheners on the sides of your closet or in your dresser drawers, it will keep your closet/space smelling fresh.
2. Create 3 piles for your clothing. Keep, Store, Donate/Sell.
Extra Tip: If you don't remember when you bought the shirt or you haven't worn that dress in a year, donate it! Don't hold onto something that in the back of your mind you know you will not wear again!
3. Color Coordinate. You might think this is crazy, but I do this and it helps me so much when I'm trying to decide my outfit choices daily! I normally have a color in mind I want to wear based on my mood or what I plan on doing, so color coordinating may take some extra time but will be totally helpful in the long run. I organize my clothes by sleeve length as well! (this maybe too much effort for some but hey doing both work for me)
Extra tip: Pick one color scheme for your hangers, I know it sounds excessive but your closet looks so much more organized and clean when there aren't a million different types of hangers.
4. Placing items back in your closet. Now that you know what you want to give up, what you need to hide away for this season, and what you want to actually keep, it's time to place them where it makes most sense to you!
Extra tip: Any clothes you need to store for another season/occasion, place up high in plastic bins with labels, or my favorite way to store my out of season wardrobe, vacuum packed storage bags, they keep your clothes clean, and compacted so they take up a lot less space! Any clothes you wear most often keep in the "prime area of your closet." You want your "go to" outfits to be front and center and your lesser used items put below.
5. Don't forgot about shoes and accessories! Use small fabric or clear shoe cubby bins/organizers to keep track of your shoes.
Extra tip: Shoe organizers are also great to store leggings or lingerie.
Extra tip: Put those old magazines to good use, roll them up and stick them in tall boots to keep them from falling over, and to keep there shape looking new! Use shower curtain rings to loop around racks in your closet to hang scarves, small handbags, or belts, it helps save space and keeps you organized!
P.S.
Here are some methods to help you avoid clutter and feeling better about buying new clothes!
- Buy a pair of jeans, donate an old pair you haven't worn in the past 6 months!
- Need new socks? Buy two pairs of socks, throw out those old ones with holes!
Can't remember when you last wore something? Use the "flip hanger method," Make all of the hooks to your hangers facing towards you, when you wear the item you put it back the opposite way. Continuously do this for a few months, after some time goes by, you will notice hangers you haven't touched or turned around, that means its time to give those clothes away! Don't hang onto something for those "what if" moments, make room for clothes that will become your new favorites!
xo Nik
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