The weather is turning cooler and you notice that your clothes aren't warm enough. Where are those sweaters, boots, long-sleeved T-shirts and jackets?
You're probably either rummaging around in your cramped closet looking for them, or trying to find time to locate them in another closet, or maybe in the basement. Closets never seem large enough for all of our seasonal clothes. Fall is the perfect time of year to make some ruthless decisions to get organized and make your life just a little bit easier.
Desk Shelf Unit
Ponder this: Your closet can be a major factor in how you start your day.
If you feel rushed in the morning, it's likely that you're standing in the middle of the closet wasting precious minutes surveying its contents while deciding what to wear. You probably see clothes that don't fit, clothes that never should have been purchased in the first place (price tags still in evidence), clothes that haven't been worn in years, and clothes jumbled in corners and on top of shelves. In other words, closet clutter.
Before attempting a closet makeover, take stock of your entire wardrobe and schedule uninterrupted time to complete the project. Now is the time to be coolly objective about what's wasting your precious closet space.
Making your closet work for you starts with pulling everything out of the closet.
Then sort clothes and accessories into three piles:
"I love to wear it." "I feel good in it and will maybe wear it in the future." Put clean clothes you're uncertain about in storage boxes in the attic, basement, etc. Remember that clothes tend not to improve with age. "I'm willing to let go of it." Recycle these clothes by taking them to a clothing consignment shop, thrift store or your favorite charity.
Now you have only the "I love to wear it" pile to deal with! Separate the pile into broad categories:
Career outfits/accessories Leisure wear Formal Drawer-bound foldables In season
Finally, narrow the categories further by making piles for suits, pants, jackets, skirts, shoes, accessories, etc.
You could put items back in your closet now in an organized fashion and enjoy the improvement. Or better yet, you could first create more organized closet space. Here's how:
Consider the closet pole placement. Can you relocate the pole, add another pole or make one pole into two so there's a lower and an upper pole? Add shelving where possible. How about another shelf just below the ceiling? Consider possible closet organizing tools. There are many types of closet organizers and closet systems, shoe racks and see-through boxes to suit your space. Use the back of the door when possible for tie/belt/scarf hangers. Wire drawer units are perfect for folded sweaters and workout outfits. Recommendation: Cache~Cachet's pretty garment bags are great for storing clothing while protecting against moth damage. Get rid of old hangers and replace them with new, durable, same-color hangers. Recycle wire hangers at the dry cleaners.
Your organized closet will save you time and stress. You'll know exactly where to find things and, better yet, where to put them back. It will be easier to mix and match outfits when you can easily see everything.
After you've created organized space, it's time for a reward. Why not go shopping for something you've been wanting? There's a perfect spot for it in your "new" closet!