Spring it on! Getting a Grip on Closet Cleanup
April 2008 - Susan Jacobs

Despite the freezing temperatures and howling wind outside my window, it’s seriously time to think about getting ready for spring. For me, this kind of day is just right for a little organizational therapy!

The stores are tempting shoppers with spring fashions, but instead of reaching for your debit or credit card, how about sorting through your own drawers for the spring and summer fashions that have been hibernating?

To maximize your spending investment and create a pulled-together look, you must first know what works in your existing wardrobe. In other words, determine what fits, what flatters you, what’s appropriate for you now, and what can be tailored and salvaged for another season. You should also be open to recycling or donating items that you didn’t wear last year. These pieces make excellent contributions to charities and help lessen the guilt of not wearing them. Still like that item but don’t know how to tell if it needs to go? Use the following guidelines for editing your wardrobe:

• Throw out anything pilled, tattered, faded, scuffed, stretched or stained beyond repair; resale shops don’t want these items either!
• Clothing that’s too tight or revealing, or that doesn’t flatter your figure shouts “old lady” (or heaven forbid, “old man”) and must go! Wearing these clothes will not add joy to your day; they will drag you down, if not flat-out knock you over!
• As you toss, make a list of things that need replacing.
• For items you’re just not sure about, hang them in plain view. For whatever reason, if you’re not wearing them throughout the season, toss them.

This ongoing editing will allow you to have a current, well-maintained and manageable wardrobe.

Having taken this critical look, you’ll notice what I call “item patterns” or too much of the same thing; like a black dress, cropped pants, jeans or black pumps. Putting unique and interesting looks together is challenging when your basic pieces are all similar. So pick three favourites and get rid of the rest. Now you’ve made room to be creative and buy something different.

Finally, the last phase of initial wardrobe management: packing away winter items to make room for your newly edited spring/summer wardrobe. Follow the same editing process to eliminate extras or things you didn’t wear this past winter and toss any items that are in an bad state of repair. For ease and efficiency, use clear containers to store off-season garments in low-traffic closets, space permitting.

Having accomplished the “purge,” organizing your wardrobe space is next and will be so much easier. I must repeat: having an organized clothes closet is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Hang all your work clothes together, sorting them from sleeveless to sleeved tops, jackets, skirts, pants and dresses. If you have suits, treat pants, skirts and jackets as separates, hanging them with the others. This strategy creates many more outfit options since you won’t be waiting for an occasion to wear the suit. Use baskets to store casual t-shirts and shoes (flip flops, runners, etc.) and to ensure that your work wardrobe is prominent. Getting ready for your day now becomes pleasurable because all pieces work and your options are clearly visible.

Not only will wardrobe organization add harmony to your life by giving you control over your clothing and space, your appearance will speak confidence and success to those you meet.

Organizing does take some time, but anything worthwhile takes effort. This effort is all for you. And as I always say, your best investment is you.

	Double sponge clip hangers are excellent for skirts and pants.
Durable plastic hangers (white) are especially important in a crowded closet because they take up less space than wooden varieties.		Rubber tipped hangers work well for jeans, light sweaters and tops or scarves.
Clear drawer inserts make organizing jewelry a snap. Baskets are visually appealing, and great for organizing smaller things clothing that doesn’t need hanging or large storage space. Baskets also minimize stress when you’re trying to see things at a glance.	A multi-prong belt/tie hanger also works for long necklaces or even camisole tops that you wear frequently.