I have a confession. I absolutely love to bask in the glow of my closet at the start of a new season. Sound crazy? It’s really not. Let me explain before you go judging! My closet obsession is really not about the clothes, shoes and bags that stare back at me at the changing of the season. It is how well they are organized that makes me happy. There is just something refreshing about being able to see clearly and not have to waste time trying to figure out where a particular article of clothing could be in my closet. I am only guaranteed this feeling of satisfaction the first few weeks of a season before life grabs hold and I am rushing from here to there while leaving my closet in shambles!
New fall collections are hitting the racks but before I purchase anything I must get my closet in order. Knowing what is in my existing wardrobe will help me to make smart purchases that will compliment what I already own.
I have a pretty good system for getting organized and I would love to share it with you! Hopefully, this will save you some time and you can experience the same feeling of euphoria as I do when looking at a well-organized closet!
Here are 10 easy steps that will get you closer to an organized Fall wardrobe:
1. Prepare
Tackle this project on a day when you have time to finish it. Don’t pull everything out of your closet and then realize you have to go somewhere. You’ll end up feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. So set aside a few hours, and be sure to have some bins or trash bags ready to store things in. Also, make sure that the rest of your bedroom is clean and neat. You don’t need other messes distracting you from the task at hand. If you’re up for it, shop for new hangers and storage bins. I love having matching hangers, but it took me a while (I’m talking YEARS!) to accumulate enough wooden hangers to support my entire wardrobe.
2. Dump
This word is appropriate because I literally dump everything on to my bed or the floor! Take absolutely every article of clothing and every shoe from your closet. I would designate three distinguishable piles. One pile is for the things that you plan to keep for next year. Another pile is for items that you will donate to charity or sell on a site like Poshmark. The last pile is for things that are better used as rags or just need to be thrown out. Check out this site for what to do with old underclothes because you may be surprised as to how they can be upcycled.
3. Dress Up
Grab a mirror and a second opinion for this step. Take the time to try on things that you have not worn in a while and decide whether you should keep it or donate it. Rule of thumb, if you have not worn it in one entire season, unless it is a special occasion type of outfit, then donate or sell it.
4. Storing
This part can be a bit daunting so make sure that you are completing the task on a day that you can devote to this alone. Wash and fold your summer clothes that you plan to keep. Set aside a pile for the dry cleaner’s and mending. Pack your sandals away neatly as you do not want to have squished sandals when you open the bin next year. Store the things you plan to keep in a clean bin that will not allow bugs to enter. There is nothing worse than finding creepy bugs when you are unpacking your clothes next year. Ideally, use tissue paper to keep things from getting wrinkled.
5. Donate.
Pack up all of your donations. Do it neatly because the things that you are discarding are about to enter someone else’s wardrobe. Make sure you pick up a donation receipt. It will come in handy at tax time.
6. Unpack.
Now the fun part…unpacking your Fall clothes from last year! For me, this is like getting an entirely new wardrobe. You have had a year to get a fresh perspective and may have new ideas for how you want to wear some of your favorite pieces. If you need to purge any pieces, this would be the time to do so. Sort everything into categories (shirts, pants, dresses, accessories) and hang and/or fold them and put them in their proper places. Designate a system for this so that it is easiest for you to pick outfits in the morning.
7. Sort and organize.
I focus this step on shoes, purses, scarves and anything else that you may keep in your closet aside from clothes. You can organize by size, color, occasion or how often you will use an item. Search the Internet for storage ideas to make the “pretty” in your space! Put that glittery clutch on display.
8. List.
I have a running list for EVERYTHING in my life. I highly recommend grabbing a notebook and writing down the items you need to round out your wardrobe. Check out style blogs, like mine, and Pinterest for the latest trends while making your shopping list. Set a budget for each piece and peruse online and in store to get the best deal. Do not forget to replace your bras and underwear as needed.
9. Shop
Some people prefer to shop alone and some prefer to make it a girls’ day out. Either way, I encourage you to wear something comfortable yet cute, put on makeup and do your hair. You want to look and feel your best when trying on the items on our list. Love everything you purchase, otherwise, it is not worth the expense no matter how small.
10. Bask!
Now do you understand why I love basking in the glow of my closet after it is all organized? Enjoy your newly organized closet, and have fun getting dressed each day knowing that you have a perfectly edited closet worthy of any fashionista.
Bonus Tips:
1) Have a full-length mirror on hand to make it easier to decide what stays and what needs to go.
2) Have a pen and paper available to write down what you need to add to your closet.
3) Need help with organizing? With selecting new items for your wardrobe? Hire me! I am available virtually here or contact me here to set up an in person appointment if you are in the Washington, DC or Raleigh/Durham, NC areas.
Do you already have a system? If not, try using these 10 steps, and be sure to let me know how it goes!
By Fashion & Style Contributor, Karen Curtis, yourstylistkaren.com
This is a great guide to follow and came in great timing since my goal is to tackle my closet all this week and by the weekend be ready to take all clothes to the designated places.