Easy spring (no really, it MUST be spring!) closet clean-outs

April 14th, 2008

Okay, so spring’s here (I swear) & I think everyone can agree that we’ve just all about had it with this weather. I know I have. So I’m going to challenge you to do a little spring cleaning in your clothes closets only I’m gonna help make it easy for you.

When I’m working with clients, ideally, I like to be able to view all of their inventory so we can take stock of what’s worthy of their precious closet real estate. The closets of my dreams have 3 key things…

1.) Great lighting

2.) All items in one area

3.) All pieces arranged by item, then by color within the item, i.e. all trousers together, darkest to lightest, etc.

The idea is to make your closet look as much like a boutique or retailer as possible. This provides you a visual snapshot of what you own so you can identify what’s missing and can access things quickly, not to mention, put them away.

Here’s how you do it:

Take out each item in your closet (this includes shoes, belts and for ladies - handbags), and decide if you love it or don’t love it. Here’s a hint: most people wear 20% of their clothing 80% of the time so this is where the truth rubber meets the road. Be honest. If you don’t love it or just don’t have strong feelings about the item, then it’s time to go. They’re not getting any younger and chances are you purchased it either thinking it was a great deal or that you’d have something at home it’d go with - but you don’t.

Make 3 piles: keep, toss & donate. Then re-org your clothing putting them back in the closet with like items together, from darkest to lightest. I also recommend using either padded or wooden hangars as these will help protect and preserve the shape of your garments. Good luck!

Entry Filed under: Relationships