How to Declutter Your Closet: Simple Steps to an Organized Wardrobe

I love helping my clients make peace with their closet belongings.

This can be quite challenging when going at it alone.

Just think for a minute about what is in your closet. Now picture how you would like it to look in a perfect world. I hope you realize that perfection does not exist, but you can get that space tamed so you do not get stressed as you search for that favorite sweater or the new belt that will match the outfit you plan to wear at 5:00 p.m.

Here are some simple steps to Organizing Your Wardrobe. This is the process I recently went through with one of my clients.

Goodbye Worn and Torn – Old schmatas (tattered garments) can be put in the circular file. Even Goodwill and other charities do not want discards that are beyond repair. So if there are large holes in those crocheted sweaters or there are stains that will never come out, kiss it goodbye and do not look back.
Repairs To Errand Bin – Clothing that needs a stitch or a hem requiring a visit to the alterations shop will not walk there alone. You need a bin that will be strategically placed near your exit door so you will take it to the clothing doctor, unless it falls under step 1.
Maybe Someday (Really?) – you can keep a few items that you are just not prepared to let go. Hang them in a corner of your closet or place in a bin and if you do not wear within 6 months, have a heart to heart with yourself and determine if you really want to take up valuable Real Estate space with those pieces.
Find Another Home – pick out the pants, skirts, shirts, dresses, shoes, hats that you know you will not wear again and put them in a trash bag, old tote bag or bin. Set a date to either deliver to your favorite charity, ask your Professional Organizer to take it away, or call a Charity to pick it up. The main point is to get the wearable discards to another residence.
Put Your High End Garments To Work – if you have designer pieces that are in good shape, Consignment Shops might be a source of revenue for those pieces that do not fit your body or taste. Take note, do not get offended when you bring your clothing to the shop for acceptance. The owners are very persnickety about what they want to merchandise to their clientele. So save yourself time and effort. Inspect the clothing for fabric flaws. Also, consider the season – will this be timely and do you have enough pieces, as Consignment owners tend to require a minimum number of pieces to open an account. If you are not familiar with stores in your area, ask your friends on Facebook for suggestions.
Arranging the Keepers – Now you should have the pieces you know you will wear. You can strategically place these in easy to reach areas by season if you have the room. Plan a place for long hanging dresses and pants. Sort by category of clothing, and then by color within those zones.
Do The Math – Maintaining your new look can be a lot easier if you remind yourself that when you bring a new item home, two must go. After all, you want to keep that nice trim look around for a long time.