I go through my closet twice a year - once in the spring
and once in the fall and have been doing this for a long time.
Here is the process I use:
Closet - Before
Step 1: Take everything out - and I mean everything.
Here is where you'll wish you had never heard of me! Yes, when you organize,
things get worse before they get better. You need to trust the process and trust
me!
Step 2: The hard part. Start going through every shoe, every
blouse, every pant...you get the idea. Take a hard look at your clothes. My
guideline is if you feel depressed, tired, or ugly when you put the garment on -
out it goes. You're never going to wear it anyway and someone else will
absolutely love it!
This means you need to try things on. I can just
hear you groaning in despair! You're groaning because you know that some of the
clothes are not going to fit and this is not a good feeling. This is exactly why
you need to try everything on. If it doesn't fit IT DOES NOT go back in your
closet. If you're not ready to part with it (for whatever reason) put it in
a storage container with a year from now marked on the lid. If you haven't
opened that box in a year maybe that will be the permission you need to give it
to someone who can wear it right now.
Supplies:
- Black garbage bags (I hope you know why I say 'black!) for throw
- Bags or boxes for donations
- Box for clothes that can be altered to fit
- Box marked "Take to Another Area"
- Nice hangars
- Clear shoe-box size bins
- For more great organizing product ideas visit my blog
As you're going through the clothes put
them in the appropriate bags and boxes. If you find things that you want to keep
but don't belong in your closet resist the urge to go put them away somewhere
else in the house right now (you can do that later!). If you leave the bedroom I
will lose you!
For those of you who've heard me speak and/or have read
my book
Organize with Confidence you know all about the 'Elizabeth
Circle'. Your whole bedroom is the Elizabeth Circle as you organize your closet
and you cannot leave the circle until you are done! You may want some strong
coffee and a sandwich!
Step 3: The fun part. What is left in your
bedroom now belongs in your closet and you get to start putting things away.
Hang up your clothes and put them back by category: Blouses, pants, jeans,
skirts, jackets, etc. In each category hang your clothes by color - lights to
dark. You can now see at a glance how many white blouses you have and know that
next time there's a killer sale on white blouses that you don't need any!
Use the small clear bins for hosiery, small purses, belts, scarves,
out-of-season shoes, etc.
Closet - after
Step 4: Pat yourself on the back!
You've done it! Your closet looks fantastic. But more importantly, you'll feel
incredible! You can now get dressed every morning - not stressed.
Step 5: Take the bags/boxes out of your room right away, throw
the trash out, bring your alterations to your wonderful alteration person, and
take the donations away that day.
Fearless Organizing Assignment:
- Set a date in your calendar to organize your closet
- Get all the supplies that you need
- On the date you picked in #1 organize your closet and be strong!!
Give yourself a great reward when you're done!
My reward is to go shopping for a mother-of-the groom dress for Chris' wedding in July!
