Decluttering Your Closets

NOW  is the perfect time to do a closet evaluation.

Did you know the garments hanging in your closet probably represent an investment of $2500 to $10,000 or more?  It is amazing how much money we spend on clothes and often how little we have to show for it.

It would be fun if we could throw all our clothes away and start over but who can afford that approach!  Instead you want to find out what pieces of clothing you have that will be core pieces, or building blocks, and just add to them where needed.

Take a glance in your closet.  Many of us have invested in a closet full of errors.  We need to find those core pieces to work with.  That means it is decision time!  It may be difficult to part with some of those finds-bargains that have never been worn, gifts that were never quite right, garments you loved 15 pounds ago, etc.  Just remember when you give up clothing that no longer looks or feels good, you are giving up something that no longer enhances you.  However, you are making room for something that will!

The best wardrobes begin with a plan.  You need to plan specifically how you will invest the next fifty dollars, five hundred dollars, or however much you will be spending for your clothes and accessories.

You literally want to go into your closet and evaluate each article.  Make this a regular habit, semi-annually.  Evaluate your Spring/Summer wardrobe, and then your Fall/Winter wardrobe at the beginning of each season.

Ideally you should set aside a large block of time when you are alone to complete this project.  Actually fix your hair, put on your makeup and hosiery so you are prepared to try the garments on.

 Start by asking yourself, "Have I worn this in the last year?" and if the answer is NO, more than likely you will not be wearing it this year either.  Therefore, do not waste your time with it!  Sometimes there are specific items such as evening wear that you have not had the occasion to wear and those will be exceptions.  Now get to work!

 

Step 1 Clean your bedroom and make your bed.   

   

Step 2  Get a couple of garbage bags and/or boxes.   

   

Step 3  Work only with the clothing you will be wearing that season.   

 

 

Step 4 As you pull items from the closet, put them in four piles.  You may have to be ruthless in your sorting especially when it comes to the throw away or loser pile.  These are the items you could donate to charities if still in good condition.  The piles are for the "Keepers, Sleepers, Losers and Sometimers."   

   

LOSERS  Don't be surprised if this turns out to be your largest pile.  These are the items that are totally useless.  These are the items you have not worn in a year or more or can no longer wear.  The lines may be wrong for you or it may be outdated; it no longer fits; it can't be altered or the fabric may be in bad condition.  You may find these may be inexpensive, rather poorly made or items purchased on impulse.  Really look at this pile and analyze WHY they are losers.  Why didn't they work?  Was it the color or style?  Too expensive to clean?  Emotional purchase and you had no place to wear it?  Poor workmanship?  Too small?  Inconsistent with your personality?  Try to detect the patterns.  For example, if you toss a lot of v-necklines, remember to avoid them in the future.   

   

KEEPERS  The clothes you actually DO wear.  These are the clothes we tend to "live" in.  The line, color, style, fabric, fit and personality seem to work.  If it needs minor repair, put it aside with a note to fix it NOW or replace if worn out.  The keepers will become the foundation of your wardrobe.  Take stock of these and write them on your inventory sheet.  You will start to get a clear picture of what you have and what you pieces you need.   

   

SLEEPERS  These are the items you don't wear often and find yourself hesitant about.  These are items that still have some life in them.  Sleepers may not be currently fashionable, but may be a good candidate for alterations and updating.  For example, the good wool pants with the wide legs that can be easily altered to a narrower leg.  If they are worn or of poor quality, they are not worth the time or money involved in the alteration.  If the garment's color is not one of your most flattering, but is good in all other ways, don't toss it out!  Frame your face with a scarf, or wear a complimentary color in a layer piece.  In that case, resolve to find the right accessory or layering piece within one week so you can begin wearing that garment again.   

   

Don't fall into the trap of thinking an item might come back into style.  Fashions do come and go, but when they return there will inevitably be some change (usually in the line or silhouette) and they will never be exactly the same.     

 

 

SOMETIMERS  These are the clothing items you have the occasion to wear just once in a while for special occasions.  Keep them to the back of your closet.   

   

Step 5 Repeat the process with your shoes, handbags and other accessories.   

   

Step 6 Decide where you will dispose of the losers.  Some of the pieces you will just want to throw away.  Others can be given to friends or

charities.  If the pieces are in excellent condition, you may want to consider taking them to a consignment shop.  You just might earn be able to earn enough to purchase a new garment!   

   

Step 7 Put the items that need cleaning or repairs in separate bags with a note attached that states where you want to take them and commit to getting it done.   

   

Step 8 Vacuum the closet and tend to any moths or silverfish.   

   

Step 9 Separate the keepers into groupings of like items (jackets, blouses, skirts, slacks, dresses). 
Your eye naturally travels from light to dark, so colorize each group (whites, beige, yellow, orange, red, green, blue, purple, grey, black).  This will make it easier to see what is actually there and help you become more creative with what you have.
  You will see new ways to mix and match the suit jacket you've only worn with its matching skirt, and thereby create a myriad of "new" outfits - without spending a penny.  This is known as shopping in your own closet!
 By now you will also have enough room so your clothes are not jammed together and you can actually see everything at a glance.  Remember, if it is hidden, it is forgotten.   

   

Step 10 Experiment with new combinations!  You cannot tell how things will look on you just by looking at them on a hanger.
 You need to try them on.  Look at the colors hanging there.  Are they all neutral?  All bright?
 Look at the textures.  All knit?  All smooth?
  Look at the mood.  All ruffled?  All tailored?
 Make notes about what you see.
 This is helping you to discover what really works for you and to define the needs yet to be met.
 Maybe you need more accent colors to balance the neutrals or textured fabrics to all interest to all the flat, smooth pieces.
  Make notes or take pictures of interesting new combinations you discover as you try the garments on.

* Post the list inside your closet door ready for those times you just can't think of what to wear.   

 

By following these ten steps, you should be well on your way to an organized and exciting wardrobe.
 
 Your plan should be coming together and you should have a good idea of where to begin to update your closet.  Put the needed items into your budget.
 Now, have fun shopping!

 

 

If this seems to be too over whelming, contact me to come help you.  I make "house calls".  410-654-2459