Organizing Your Closet
Part 1 – Sorting and Purging
Decluttering and purging a closet can be a big job – so big that I’m going to break the topic into two parts. This month, I will discuss sorting and purging and next month, I will talk about closet storage solutions, organization, and maintenance.
Let’s say that you have come to a point where you just can’t stand the disorganization in your closet one more day. Your favorite sweater is MIA; you can’t find the mate to your new running shoes; and your closet is packed to the gills.
So, gather up your resolve, put on some snappy music, grab your favorite beverage and let’s get started on a closet makeover! Remember, it took several months or years for your closet to get in this condition, so a transformation won’t be instantaneous. I suggest you block off 4-6 hours of uninterrupted time for the sorting and purging part of the project. ...But before you touch anything in the closet, take a moment to visualize your desired result. If you start to get discouraged or are pulled away from the job, recall that final result to keep you motivated.
The first step is to critically examine EVERYTHING in your closet. Yep, you are going to have to try things on, so bring out the full-length mirror and turn up the lights. For each item, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I love this?
- Does the item make me look good and feel good?
- Have I worn it in the last year
- Does it fit? (If you aren’t sure, then try it on and look at yourself in the mirror.)
- If it is damaged, can it be repaired and will I repair it?
If you answer “no” to any of these questions, the item must leave your closet. The only exception may be special-occasion items like a tuxedo or formal dress which you need but wear infrequently.
Sort through your shoes using the same criteria that you used for the clothes. If the shoes are uncomfortable or you haven’t worn them for a year, they need to go. You don’t need your last five pairs of running shoes – the last two pairs are plenty! Repeat the sorting and purging for all other types of items in your closet – hats, belts, socks, etc.
It is often easier to let go of things if you know they will be used by others or they will support a worthy cause. If the item is not usable, put it in the trash. You may be able to put some of the high-quality clothing in a consignment store or there may be a few special items that you would like to give to a friend. Bag up the rest of the items and donate them to your favorite charity to so that your gently worn clothes can be enjoyed by someone less fortunate. You will be doing a good deed and clearing the clutter at the same time. Some popular charities are the Salvation Army (www/salvationarmyusa.org), Goodwill Industries (www.goodwill.org), Society of St. Vincent de Paul (www.svdpusa.org), and Dress for Success (www.dressforsuccess.org).
If you have items you want to keep that need mending, put those items in a box and place them where you will do the mending, or just take them to your seamstress. Do not let those damaged items back in your closet until they are mended. If the items haven’t been mended in 3 months, discard them.
Congratulations! You have just completed the first part of your closet reorganization project. Sorting and purging eliminates the “clutter” in the closet and leaves you with only items that you love and will use. In next month’s article, I will show you how to find good storage solutions in your closet and then how to organize the items going back into the closet. Finally, I will teach you some tricks to help maintain your beautifully organized closet.
