Fall Wardrobe Closet Changeover
If you live in New England, you understand the need for this process. If you don’t, you probably can appreciate it as well due to changes in colors that might reflect the season. Regardless, it’s probably time for a good closet clean out, reorganization and transition.
The process is similar to any organizational project, but here are a few tools I like to use when it comes to closet clean up and seasonal shift. Here goes!
Remove all of your clothes, shoes and other items from your closet. I suggest you use a clothing rack to hang the items so you can take a good gander at them before returning them to their home. I like this one because it has three levels for hanging clothes including longer items.
Have four bags at the ready for items that need to be tossed (things with holes in them, stains on them, etc. – they are not worthy of donating), pieces that need to be cleaned or altered, items to be donated (clothing you haven’t worn in the past year, are no longer your style, or are out of date), clothing you’d like to consign (for higher end pieces that you simply haven’t worn, or barely worn, but might yield some additional cash).
If you aren’t sure of items (you love them, but you may lose those 15 pounds and would want to keep that piece), get a container that can fit under your bed or in an extra closet, fold these items and put them away. Until or when you lose weight. Nothing is more depressing than looking at a closet full of clothes that you can’t fit into.
Physically clean the closet. I like to wipe down any shelves (starting at the top of the closet and working my way down), vacuuming the floor (I just purchased the Shark mini vac and I love it). It’s great for keeping corners of your home clean as well as your car.
Use felt hangers to rehang the remaining clothes you want to keep that are applicable for the season. I purchase these in bulk from Amazon.
I also can find them at TJMaxx, Marshalls and Homegoods. The reason for this is that it saves space in your closet and gives it a unified and cohesive look. A pleasure to look at and so easy to get dressed each day.
For me, it helps to put items together (as in outfits) and I color code them as well. I realize this seems very obsessive compulsive, however, it makes getting dressed in the morning much easier. I’ve even taken pictures of outfits including shoes and accessories so I’ll remember what a great combination will look like together – in case I forget.
Out of season items need to be stored elsewhere. I realize until the real winter hits, some pieces need to stay in your closet. Just be sure to move them out as the weather changes.
If there are “gaps” in what I own (like a white blouse or t-shirt that would make the look of an outfit that much better), I write it down so I’ll remember to look for it in the future and complete the outfit. Easy peasy. I try not to stray from what items are really necessary. Easier said than done sometimes with the always changing trends however, one of the benefits to being more mature is that I am finally coming into my own in knowing what looks good (or not good) on me regardless of what’s “in fashion.”
As time goes on, it’s best to keep up with cleaning things out as needed. Again, not always easy to do, but if you can make an effort at least a couple of times a year, it helps to keep your mind free of the clutter we all accumulate. It’s also a huge timesaver when getting ready in the morning as well. When you make these changes, it also encourages you to tackle other projects – like a junk drawer or pantry.
The key is to break it down into easy steps and take one step at a time. Before you know it, you’re feeling more organized and are more easily able to find things and not buy items you don’t need. Win, win, win! Regardless of the size of your home, but especially in smaller spaces, the need to be organized and only keep what you use and need becomes even more important. Tackling one thing at a time is the way to go!
Good luck and send me your before and after’s – I know they’ll be inspiring to all of us! Tag me either on Facebook or on Instagram @nancymichaelsinteriors.com. And don’t forget to share this blog post with a friend!