Closet Cleaning 101

Cleaning your closet can be an emotional experience. It can conjure up all kinds of memories both good and bad. If this is the first time that you have cleaned your closet in years, it might take the better part of a day. Select a time that it can be completed, otherwise, you might
find yourself in the midst of interruptions and a half emptied closet. Believe it or not, it can be a very cleansing experience. Completed correctly once, the task is very easy season after season.

In order to have a true “working wardrobe”, it is important to go through your closet on a seasonal basis. That means that no fewer than two times a year you should evaluate the items that are in your closet for fit, style and wear-ability. Some pieces need to be replaced seasonally, others just need to be moved out, repaired and cleaned ready for a new season.

Below is an effective way to approach cleaning your closet to make the most out of your wardrobe.

ONE: Take everything out and put them in loosely organized categories, such as shorts, pants, T-shirts, blouses, etc.

TWO: Pass through each category using the golden rule “If you haven’t worn it in a year, put it in the discard pile.” If you haven’t worn the item due to repair needs, make a “repair” pile.  Pass through each pile again to sort through any duplication. Pay special attention to the
repair pile. Evaluate whether an alteration or a repair would bring the garment back to life.

THREE: Clean the closet. Physically, get in there and really clean the closet to make sure there is nothing left under boxes, belts, socks, etc. There is no aesthetic value in dust.

FOUR: Try on each and every item. If it was an impulse buy, not your style, too tight or too big, put it in the discard pile. No exceptions!

FIVE:Plan your closet! Don’t just put everything back in willy-nilly. I like to hang my shirts back into the closet ‘light to dark – left to right’. It is a good idea to split up your suits that can be mix and matched. You will actually see the potential to work with more pieces if they are not hung together.

SIX: Shoes are hard to store, some just have to go. First, make sure that each and every pair will go with at least three items of clothing; if they don’t, discard. If they are sadly out of date, discard. Third, try them all on and walk around the house in them. If they hurt your feet,
discard. If your shoes need repairs or polishing, put them in the repair pile. Finally, get a good shoe rack. Your seasonal shoes (sandals, boots, etc.) should be moved when they are not being utilized so they don’t take up your valuable closet space.

DISCARDS: Now that you have all of these piles, what do you do with them? You have several options before putting them either back to your closet or into retirement.

Repairs: Never put anything back into your closet that needs a repair. If this is a discarded piece and the repair would make it wear-able again, take it immediately to the alterations or repair department. Some pieces only need to have their buttons changed or a hem-length
altered to bring it back to life.

Consignment: If you have simply ‘outgrown’ either physically or emotionally your pieces, they may be candidates for consignment. Be aware that a consignment store normally is very choosy about the garments they take. They too want pieces that are in good condition, clean, and saleable. Don’t expect them to take your 3-4 year old suits or out of date pants.

Emotional Attachment: Sometimes there might be a garment that simply has too much emotional value for you to discard. In that case, just remove the item from your closet. Place it in another closet or box and revisit it next season. There are numerous tools available today that allow you to minimize the space your clothes take by ‘vacuuming’ out all the air.  This would be a great place to use this space saving idea.

Donations: If your pieces are beyond the consignment sale date, consider donating them to a charity or homeless shelter. Be sure that you get a taxable form for your annual charitable deduction.

Swap: Your trash could be your friend’s treasure. If you are simply tired of your clothes you might consider getting your friends together and having them bring some of their clothes and have an old fashioned ‘clothes swap’.

Congratulations! You have successfully cleaned and organized your closet. Give yourself a pat on the back. One last trick to staying organized though. Always keep a shopping bag or laundry basket in your closest at all times for any alterations that need to be done or item that has lost its prime. The next time a donations truck comes by your house, you will be ready to release your tired, dated clothes.