This month marks a shift in the thinking and planning for
many of us. Summer vacations are behind
us, we look forward to cooler temperatures and we plan for the upcoming
holidays. Below are some strategies to
help us make in organizing clothing and
closets.
Most of us have attachments to our clothing, especially
those that were expensive. I have had
great success with a local consignment
store and recommend them. It is less
hassle than a yard sale and you will get some return on your financial
investment.
Of course, I also recommend donating to worthy charities.
Not only will you make your space more livable, but you will be helping
those who simply cannot afford purchasing clothing otherwise. It will be a double blessing!
o In
the closet, remove all empty hangers first.
Look at each piece of clothing and make a decision to sort as follows:
o It fits, I wear it—leave it in the
closet
o It does not fit—donate/sell pile. It will probably be out of style when it does
fit.
o It needs repair--if it is useful, place
in a repair pile. If not repaired in one
month, remove it.
o I do not wear it or like it—donate/sell
pile
o I am not sure--place in separate pile,
label and date. If not worn in one year,
donate/sell.
o Clean
the closet area, and reconfigure the rods, shelves if needed or desired.
o Additional
hanging space can be made by installing an adjustable hanging rod.
o Replace
wire hangers with more suitable ones but save a few if needed in garment bags
when traveling. Orderly Places has a tip
sheet on types of closet hangers.
o On
closet shelves, clamp on dividers can be used to separate clothing or they can
be placed in suitable containers.
o Use
hanging racks for the backs of doors or on rods to store bulky or specialty
items.
o As
you return items, sort the clothes you will wear and keep by type-blouses,
pants, dresses, skirts, etc. Sub sort these by colors as much as possible. Place items worn together with each other. This makes it easier to know what you have
and find items easier.
o Look
at what you have and make a list of items you really need but are not there for
future purchases. Determine to buy only what is on your list. One suggestion is to limit the number of
prints and multi color designs and use mainly solids. This allows more flexibility in creating
outfits and using accessories.
o Clothing
in drawers or chests or on shelving should be organized with the same process
as with closets. Use dividers or
containers to separate categories, colors, etc. in the drawers.
o Some
clothing can be rolled rather than folded to make sorting and access easier.
o Shoes
can be stored on hanging sorters or under shorter clothing in racks or
shelves. If they are stored in boxes,
use clear plastic or label with pictures or descriptions. I also recommend sturdy under the bed
containers for off season shoes.
o Evaluate
the accessories you have to determine if they are still usable. I had quite a collection of scarves back when
Oprah made them popular and finally gave them up after taking my own advice. They still have not made a comeback and if
they do, they will be different, I am sure.
Additional unrelated tips:
In the next month or so, stock up
on cold and flu products. It is often difficult
to find those you prefer when they are needed most.
As much as I hate it, now is the
time to plan for the holidays. Pencil in
some activities, gifts, meals, etc. in your planner. More tips will follow in the months to come.
