The Uncluttered Closet-Gaining Control over your Wardrobe
Mary Lou Andre
It's true. We wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time. In fact, many people have thousands of dollars worth of clothes and still feel that they have nothing to wear. You can gain control over your closets once and for all by following a few simple strategies.
Organizing your closet The first thing to do is clear out unwanted clothing. Consider consignment for items in good shape, or donate them to charity, a local theater group, or your children's dress-up trunk.
You know it's time for an item to go when it:
Hasn't been worn in over a season. Exceptions are classic evening wear, sentimental favorites, and high quality classics.
Is permanently stained.
Is torn beyond repair.
Was bought only because it was on sale -- a bargain is only a bargain when it is in style, fits, and works with what you already own.
Once you have weeded out unwanted items, it's time to organize.
Use hangers that won't end up in a tangled mess in you closet. Sturdy, swivel hangers for both skirts and dresses really do the trick.
Keep the wire hangers under control by setting up a recycling bin for them in or near your closet. When the bin is full bring the wire hangers back to the dry cleaner or give them to a local charity for clothing donations.
Assemble complete outfits, including accessories, on one hanger. This will make daily dressing and packing for a trip a snap.
Line up shirts on one side of the closet to free up space underneath for items such as a chest of drawers, shoe boxes, or shoe stacks.
Avoid tumbling sweaters by stacking them two to three high on a shelf. Consider using shelf dividers in between stacks to keep them extra neat.
Move clothes that don't currently fit, but you're not ready to get rid of, to another closet or storage bin. Everything in your day-to-day closet should fit, be in season, be in good repair, and flattering to your figure and lifestyle.
Transitional and Special Occasion Clothing Storage Tips
Separate your clothing by season and type (professional, casual, special occasion) to make choosing your outfits easier and error free.
Choose a date each spring to put away your winter clothes and bring out your warm weather wardrobe. Do the same in reverse in the fall.
When switching your wardrobe, inventory your clothes. Make notes on what you want to replace or update.
Store out-of season clothing at your dry cleaner. Most dry cleaners will do this free of charge for the cost of the dry cleaning.
If you choose to store out-of-season clothes at home, put them in a cedar closet, hanging garment bags, storage chests, or in clear bins that fit under a bed or in other out of the way places.
Make sure the clothes you are storing have been laundered or dry cleaned. Even if clothes appear clean, invisible stains can cause permanent spots and attract moths.
