The first step in organizing your closet is deciding what you should keep and what you should get rid of.
Myths to keep clothes…
- It is from a great designer.
- I bought it abroad.
- I will not find this fabric again.
- I wore it for a very special occasion.
- I bought two of them because I love it!
- Fashion will come back in style.
- It was a gift from someone special.
- I bought it on sale at an amazing reduced price.
Instead, ask yourself:
- When was the last time I wore this?
- Does is still fit me as it used to (or is supposed to)?
- Do I have a sentimental value but I will not wear it again?
- Is the fabric still in good shape?
- How many times have I worn it?
- Am I wearing the same style of clothing?
- Do I see myself wearing this tomorrow?
- Do I really Love the item?
Use rational thinking and not your heart. Then these questions will guide you and you will have a clear idea of what you should keep and what you should toss!
Once you have decided on what stays, it’s time to organize!
Some tips:
- Having appropriate hangers will help you save space, locate your clothing quickly and maintain it in the best conditions.
- If you have wire hangers from the dry cleaners, throw them away. They tend to ruin shoulders BY deforming the fabric or leave a horizontal line when hanging any type of pants.
- Different hangers are ideal for different articles of clothing. Plastic hangers can hold casual jackets; wooden hangers can hold work clothes such as suits, skirts and blouses and heavy coats; metal hangers can hold casual clothing; and padded hangers can hold delicate clothing such as knits or blouses.
- Hang suits with the corresponding blouse, shirt or top so that the complete outfit is ready to go.
- If you have lack of space for jewelry, scarves, ties, or belts you can hang them, together with the appropriate outfit.
- Organize the shelves of your closet by type and color. If your closet is very small keep your t-shirts, long sleeve shirts and tank tops in one pile of the same color or color range–place tanks at the top, short sleeves in the middle, and long sleeved shirts at the bottom.
- Keep the off-season clothes in a suitcase or in boxes underneath the bed.
Gisela Lowenstein is the creator of The Glow System, an instructional DVD that teaches how to live an organized life.
For more from Gisela, join her Facebook page or follow her on Twitter @TheGlowSystem.
