Fight The Frump- Closet Help

It's Friday and we are fighting the frump with Fussy! Today we are covering closets! I am a pretty organized girl- but if I'm not careful my closet can get out of control and make my life feel that much crazier! Since spring is rolling in it's the time of year that I put away winter clothes, coats and shoes and pull out the sandals, capris, and tank tops! This weekend I am going to be tackling this chore- it's one that I love and hate. I hate pulling out all of my clothes and going through them with a critical eye, but I love knowing that my closet will be nice and organized and only contain pieces that I really like that flatter my body. (My body as it is- not how I want it to be, or how it was!) So where do you begin?

1. Pull out all of the heavy winter clothing that you wore on a regular basis- check it for any stains, missing buttons, etc. Make any necessary repairs, trips to the cleaners etc, then store away. (top of closet, under bed, basement, attic- try to get it out of your closet so you have room and only have items that are seasonal) If a piece is stained or beyond repair GET RID of it! Look at the remaining items in your closet- time to use your critical eye- are there clothes that you never took off the hanger? Clothes that you would try on and then put back? Why? If it is unflattering, doesn't fit, or just doesn't make you feel great, GET RID of it! Put away any remaining winter items in your closet, make sure they are clean, and stored so they will be ready to wear next year (cedar sachets will help keep moths out of your sweaters). The only things left should be clothes that are appropriate for spring/ summer. I also keep out a couple of lighter sweaters and long sleeved t's for transitioning from winter to spring, chilly days, and layering.

2. Don't overlook your shoes and hand-bags! Clean up your winter boots and store them elsewhere or the back of your closet, clean out and put away any hand-bags that you never use for spring/ summer. Having these things put away will allow you to have room, as well as save you time from digging through things that you aren't using. Check for any repairs that need to be made- drop them off at the shoe repair so they'll be ready next year. If you need to replace a pair, there are great bargains to be had on winter boots/ shoes on clearance.

3. Use your critical eye to go through your spring/summer clothes. Try things on- is it comfortable? Flattering? Does it fit? If the answer is no, GET RID of it!! This is a lot of work and takes a pretty good chunk of time to do this- ask your hubby for help with the kids or send them to Grandma's for the afternoon. The only things left after you weed out what no longer works, should be seasonally appropriate clothes that fit, flatter, and feel great! Make a list of any pieces you need so you have several outfits to work with. Carry your list with you so you can refer to it while you are out shopping- it will remind you what you actually need so you don't end up making purchases that you don't really need. (that's how you end up with a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear!) Now you can cruise the sales rack, consignment store, favorite boutique, garage sale, etc. and find the perfect piece to work with what you already have. Don't forget to look through your shoes! Nothing worse than having a great outfit but no shoes!

4. GET RID of the clothes that no longer work!!!! Don't let them sit in a sad pile, or tempt you to put them back in your closet. Find a consignment store, have a garage sale, call for a charity pick-up, have a clothing swap with friends, or drop them off at a local thrift store or charity shop. *Please don't donate clothes that are damaged or stained- cut them up with pinking shears and you'll have rags to use for spring cleaning.

5. Organize all of your keepers in a way that works for you and your space! Wether you hang your clothes by outfit, or by type (pants, skirts, tops, etc.) make sure that your organization is sustainable. (ie no stacks of folded tops that are so deep that they get completely messed up when you want to wear one that isn't on top).

6. Enjoy getting dressed from a closet that is organized and full of pieces that work for you!!

I will be posting photos of my own closet clean-up later this week. What are your favorite ideas for cleaning out your closet?

Thanks to Fussy for hosting- head over to Mrs. Fussypants to check out other great frump fighting ideas, or post one of your own.

Comments

[jill]

cool. i did organizing closets too!

[Dion]

The fact that your time is organized enough to undertake this impresses me as much as the actual closet organization!!

[HRH]

I love the closet purge. You feel so free afterward. I am in desperate need of a shopping trip after throwing all nasty summer clothes away or donating the ones that no longer fit. But that is the fun part.

[Darla]

I have the same problem - I am organized but my closet can get out of control in a heartbeat if I'm not careful.

I need to go through mine again (I swear it's an every 3 month project) and see what needs to go to the goodwill and what needs to be pulled to the front for the upcoming season.

Thanks for the reminder (and for commenting on my blog! =)

[Natalie]

Love the new blog look! Can't wait to go through my maternity clothes and purge them!