The seemingly mundane task of cleaning out a closet may not sound like the most fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon, but think about the results... Wouldn't it be nice to see every item of clothing in your closet? Wouldn't it be nice to be able to pick out an outfit in less than 10 minutes each day? Wouldn't it be nice to feel happy while picking out outfits and getting dressed every day? Well, this is all possible IF you de-clutter your closet.
A. The first step to the closet de-clutter process is to physically remove the clutter from your closet. Take out everything! (This will make a mess... but soon the whole closet and your room will provide you with a fabulous feeling and an inspirational room for dressing.)
B. Keep four laundry baskets, bags or boxes handy to sort your clothes.
1. Keep *Put aside as these items will be organized shortly.
2. Donate *Goodwill, Salvation Army, friends or someone in need
3. Cherish *This should be used only as a last resort and/or for keeping for kids. There should be VERY few items in this bin.
4. Alter *Hire a tailor or alter the clothes yourself to make clothing more 'fitting' to your body.
C. When deciding which category to send your clothes, ask yourself the following questions:
1. Does the item FIT well? (Remember sizes vary across the board.)
2. Is the item FLATTERING on your figure from all angles? *Use a tri-fold mirror to check.
3. Is the item functional? Can you sit, stand, walk and bend over, etc. in the item?
4. Is the item classic or trendy, timeless or outdated?
5. Is the item in a complementary color?
6. What is your comfort level in the piece?
7. Would you rate this piece of clothing at an 8.5 or higher (on a 10 point scale)?
8. Does this item coordinate with clothes and accessories that you already own?
9. Where can you wear this item? Will you really wear this item within the next 3 months?
10. Does this piece of clothing 'fit' within your defined style?
11. How do you feel in this piece of clothing?
12. Does the piece still look new, or is it tattered or faded?
Pick out the clothes that are not worn (or should not be worn) by you and place these items in the appropriate bins (Donate, Cherish or Alter). *Ask a friend for his/her opinion or hire a style consultant for objective, expert advice.
D. Once all of your clothes are placed in appropriate categories, take out all of the 'Keep' items and organize them into sub-categories: pants [dress, casual, weekend], suits, tops [dress, casual, weekend], (dresses [formal, casual, professional, etc.]), (skirts [dress, casual, weekend])... You can even further organize by color, fabric, etc. Find what works best for you!
E. Put clothes on matching hangers (color coded, all wooden or fabric covered).
F. Use boxes/ baskets for classy storage for smaller items.
G. Have fun and love getting dressed every day!
It will make for a very easy selection process when your closet is organized.
Extra TIP: Select outfits for the next week to save time in your busy morning. Even include accessories and shoes to make getting dressed even easier and faster.
(c) 2008 CB All Rights Reserved.
