This is the time of year when the seasons dictate that we get into our closets and remove the dark clothes of Winter and bring in the brights of Spring! It is also the perfect time to purge ourselves of those pieces that no longer fit or are out of style or are just hanging there taking up space. One thing we surely don’t want to do is to pack them away, only to bring them out next year only to be ignored and unworn.
It’s easy to find advice on how best to clean your closets of clutter. But here are some proven tips that can help you get this often-hated task started.
Before you begin, be sure you have set aside a few hours to dedicate to this mission, put on some loved music, and dig in!
- Empty Your Closet. Some experts advise you to clear everything out of your closet, so you can see the empty space and envision how you want to arrange things. Where will your shoe rack go? Will you have bins on the floor for pocketbooks or scarves. What is planned for the shelves above the racks? Hang short skirts or blouses above these bins and long dresses or pants in areas where nothing will be stored below.
- Gather bins or boxes for donations and discards. As you go through your items one by one, place items that you know you will donate to a local charity into a bin or cardboard box. Put things that you would not want because of tears, stains, or broken zippers into another box to be trashed. If an item needs only a button sewn or a stain cleaned, think realistically about if and when you can make these repairs.
- Pragmatically review each piece in your wardrobe. Ask yourself these key questions:
– Is this piece representative of my current life or is it a remnant from a previous life? (If you are no longer working in an office environment, perhaps those suits or high heels no longer serve you.) Is it in style?
– Does this piece make me feel good when I wear it? (We are looking for an excited reaction – not a lukewarm one.) When was the last time I wore it? (If you haven’t worn it in over six months, it is probably time to part company.)
– Does it fit? If it needs alterations, refer to Tip #2. If it is waiting for you to lose that last 10 lbs., think about donating it to someone for whom it will fit. - What to do with those items you just can’t decide to let go of? Hang these items in the front portion of your closet so you can easily see them. Pick a date four weeks out and write it on a tag you can hang from each hanger. If you don’t wear the item within that time, you probably won’t wear it within the next year. Might as well let it go now. If you do wear it, review the questions in Tip #3.
- Selling. Many communities have an Internet Yard Sale site on Facebook. Check to see what is in your area and list your items with a clear photo and description. Review prices of like-items online so you can price your item
appropriately. You can also investigate third-party clothing sellers who list your items and take a commission. Two such companies are Poshmark and Threadflip. - Donating. Consider bringing your items to a charity, such as Goodwill or The Salvation Army or to a local community center, which often serves meals to the homeless or at-risk population or provides clothing and groceries in a food pantry
When you are done, enjoy the fruits of your labor! Not only will your space be uncluttered and more organized, but you will feel a sense of satisfaction. You will feel more confident in your “new” wardrobe … and the good feeling you get from knowing that others will benefit from the clothing you no longer need is an awesome bonus.
Transition Liquidation Services helps seniors and their families deal with issues concerning right-sizing, decluttering, transitioning, and elder care. For more information, call Marie LeBlanc at Transitions Liquidation Services at 617-513-0433.