Photo via The Everygirl
It’s about this time of year when I start digging through the new fall fashions. It’s also about this time of year my closet and organization seems to get a bit unruly. Sandals and swimsuits clamor to make room with boots and knits. It’s dysfunctional and also makes me forget what’s in my closet and what might be purged as I made it another season without wearing it. I usually try and purge my closets every spring and fall and organize and store by season since my closet is not the largest. I found the Ziploc vacuum seal bags (you can find them at Walmart) work great to store seasonal items while minimally taking up valuable real estate.
Purging Your Closet
For those questionable pieces that just didn’t make the cut that season or are hanging in the closet year after year I ask myself:
- -Is it still in good condition?
- -Is it a classic or trendy piece?
- -Does it represent me currently where I want to be in life or is it still living in the 90’s?
- -Does it fit and do I feel confident wearing it?
Seeing what’s in your closet will make you realize what you currently own and what your current style and taste is. This should also help you save $$ from being a repeat offender and buying the same piece or style multiple times because you forgot it was sitting right in your closet!
Monetize What Your Don’t Wear
We all have pieces in our closet that are still in style but just not working for us anymore. Try taking these pieces to a local consignment shop and use the money you get back to re-invest in pieces you will wear. Alternatively consignment shops can be a gold mine as you can find great quality pieces and accessories for a much lower price than at the retail stores. Bags, shoes and coats? Try selling on Ebay for higher priced items that you don’t want to pay commission on. I personally use both locations of Peacock Boutique Consignment in Calgary.
Make Your Closet More User Friendly
- Simply putting your clothes back in order of color or season may not work for you. Everyone has a different preference depending on their situation and lifestyle. Personally I like to organize my closet by clothing type or category. I have my closet separated into blazers, blouses, dresses, pants and skirts. I went and invested in well made but fairly inexpensive wooden hangers as the plastic and metal always seems to break, sag or get tangled, leading to an even bigger mess. Denim and sweaters are folded on shelves. The only thing I organize in my closet seasonally and by how often I wear them is shoes. In the summer I place my sandals out front and center and when the weather cools off I pack them up and take out booties or pumps that I might want. This way it saves time in the mornings to finalize an outfit and head out the door. Cowboy Boots are a separate issue and get their own closet as they seem to be worn year round in my house so you always want access to them! So if you’re struggling to organize your closet some methods you can use:
By Season
By Clothing Type
Separate Work and Casual
Organize by how often you wear them
Use Technology to Keep You Organized
And if you are still struggling to organize your closet and your current style, you might want to check out closet organization Apps that help you catalog and style your own closet. It also lets you know which pieces are being used and even track a cost- per wear. Check out Closet +, Cloth or Stylebook if you are looking for a helpful App.
