The start of each new season
can be a good time to embrace the phrase “out with the old, in with the
new.” If your wardrobe could use a
spring makeover, here is how to start tackling that project.
Changing temperatures can
signal a closet rod turnover, especially if you have limited space and move
seasonal clothing in and out according to what you’re currently wearing. Take some time to go hanger by hanger and
pull out items to donate. Criteria to
consider are: 1) Does it still fit? 2)
Am I wearing it? 3) Do I still like
it? If an item doesn’t pass this simple
test, it’s just taking up your space.
Better to move it out and free up space for something new down the
line. The same goes for folded clothing,
shoes, accessories like scarves and ties, and even belts and purses. There’s no need to crowd limited space with
items that don’t work their way into your regular rotation.
Once you’ve pared down to the
good stuff, organize what you keep for easy retrieval and post-laundry put
away. I subscribe to the rainbow method
of hanging each color of clothing together from white to black with groupings
of tan, peach, coral, red, brown, green, blue, purple, and gray – or whatever
your wardrobe entails - in between.
Within each color section, group from least to most fabric, like
sleeveless to long sleeve. When it comes
to patterns and prints, just hang them lightest to darkest in shade within
their color family. You’ll always be
able to find what you’re looking for, and putting clean laundry away will be
fast and easy.
Maximize your shelf space by
using bins and containers when applicable to hold folded clothes, clutch
purses, and rolled up belts. Determine
where you have more room for items like ties and scarves – hanging on an
organizer on the rod or rolled up in bins on the shelf. Arrange shoes in a neat and orderly fashion,
whether they’re lined up on a shelf, on a rack, or on the closet floor. Try to consolidate suitcases, travel supplies,
and other storage in another closet or storage space so items that are not in
use all the time are kept out of your clothes closet.
When space is at a premium (and it usually
is), pull out keeper items that won’t be worn in the warm months, like winter
coats and sweaters. If they can’t be
stored in another closet in the home, use large clear plastic storage
containers to hold them cleanly and securely in the attic or on garage shelving. Having this rotation method allows you to
keep season-specific items within reach and out of season clothing in nearby
storage.
One weekend project can turn
a jam-packed, all-weather closet into a sleek and stylish hub for getting you
dressed and ready and out the door looking your best this spring.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star April 12th.
