Getting rid of summer means swapping flip-flops for boots, making room for winter coats, and swapping swimming gear for skis. That’s why there’s never been a better time to clean up and reorganize those wardrobes you’ve always wanted to conquer. Complete the task according to the tips provided by a professional organizer who is good at understanding your space and items.
Classify
Ginny Snook Scott, a California closet custom storage expert and chief design officer, says the first step is to take everything out of your closet and divide it into four piles: stack it now, put what you use or wear often; In the future, pile up clothes that you might put on again, or clothes that you might use on an occasion; Always pile up, put things you will never pick up; I stack it in season and put things which I use seasonally. Be honest and remember your goal: a neat, organized, and easy-to-use wardrobe.
Donation
Geralin Thomas, a professional organizer and owner of the Metropolitan Organization in Raleigh, NC, recommends donating all the clothes that no longer fit you, as well as the ones you don’t wear but still keep because you spent a fortune on them. “The money has long since been spent, and keeping this dress isn’t magically a substitute for the money you’ve already spent,” Thomas said. (Check to make sure the organization is now accepting donations.) Another option is to sell them on online marketplaces.
The next step is a difficult one. Snook Scott suggests taking a deep breath and moving everything from the “someday” heap to the “never” heap. “It’s bold but necessary,” she said. “It’s a waste of time to pick out what you can’t wear every day. Your brain records everything it sees. Organizing all the clothes in your closet on a daily basis can cause damage over time. This is the hardest step. But you can do it.”
Categorize Again
Snooker-Scott says that for most people, there are often many more items that “never pile up” than they anticipated. “It’s normal for ‘never sorted piles’ to make up 40 percent or more of the total number of items in your closet,” she says. “That means you’re wasting 40% of your wardrobe space and valuable time.
At this point, she said, the cleanup is not quite over. She believes that once we see how much space can be freed up by removing unwanted, unnecessary and unused things, we will have further motivation. Now it’s time to look for “never” and “someday” items hidden in the “now” pile.
Think Fast
With the motivation and determination still strong, move quickly to put all items in Never Stack into big garbage bags to donate, resell, or share. Be strong. Snook-Scott said, “Don’t take this opportunity to revisit your choices. Keep going and trust your first instincts. Next, temporarily move the garbage bag to the garage, guest room, basement, or attic so it doesn’t get in the way.
Home Extension
“Before you put anything back in your closet, dust or vacuum,” Thomas says. “Dust mites can damage fabrics and are very scary for allergy sufferers.
Once your closet is emptied, you’re about to enter the final sprint. Don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. Wire hangers are not used. Make it a habit to send wire hangers back to the dry cleaners for recycling. “Wood, plastic, upholstered or flocked hangers best hold the shape of the garment,” says Thomas. “Make sure the hanger you buy has a nice, elongated hook and chiseled shoulders. The longer hooks help to maintain the shape of the collar. The shoulder profile is similar to that of the human shoulder and helps to maintain the shape of the garment. Also, keep in mind that a slender hanger leaves more space on the rail.
Choose clips or clip-on hangers with felt or foam cushioning to hold skirts and pants in plush fabrics such as corduroy, velvet, or velvet. Tubular hangers are a great choice for pants.
Seasonal Strategies
Pack seasonal items in clear plastic boxes with large, easy-to-read labels that let you know what’s inside. Store them out of sight and in an easily accessible place.
When storing seasonal clothes, Thomas says, “out-of-season clothes are washed and dry cleaned before storing because antiperspirants, colognes and makeup residue can attract insects.”
Thomas also recommends making sure items are dry before storing them. “Dampness can cause mold and musty smells,” she said. “Never store your clothes in a plastic bag at a dry cleaner. Store them in a cotton zipper bag. There are no mothballs. There are no exceptions.”
Think in Groups
When deciding what to put where, Thomas recommends grouping “similar” things together to make it easy and simple. “Long-sleeved shirts, short-sleeved shirts and sleeveless shirts all fall under the shirt zone,” she said. Bottoms such as skirts and pants also have their own sections. “Grouping similar things together is called organizing by type,” Thomas says. Some people like to group clothes based on color, function, job, or occasion.
One More Thing
After a week or so of you appreciate how quick and easy it is to have a well-organized wardrobe full of things you actually use, it’s time to dispose of those bags that have been segregated from the “never pile.” But it’s important to remember this: do. No. Open it. Not even a glance.
Do you remember what’s inside? Snook Scott bets the answer is no. “These things are very helpful to you, but it’s time to move on,” she said. “Resist the urge to open the bag one last time.” Throw them at thrift stores or recycling organizations that are now accepting donations, or sell them online to start a new life with someone willing to use them.
Then move on. Snook Scott says, “When everything you have is visible and at your fingertips, your wardrobe gets the most out of it.” If you have to look for it or you can’t reach it, you won’t wear it.”