Are you bored with your wardrobe? I was reading an old copy of Self Magazine (December 2008) with a study from Stanford University. It reports, “People who arrange their clothes in categories may be more satisfied with their choices even if their options haven’t changed.” With the economy still on the down, being satisfied with what we have is a great incentive to get our closets in order. This may not cure your pangs for Nordstrom’s runs, but may help you from breaking the budget on new clothes.
For some, an organized closet is thought to be an unreachable goal. But organizing your closet can be done!
Here are my Ten Steps to Organizing Your Closet for Good!
Step 1: Give yourself enough time and space to get the job done right. Have five bags for sorting ready to be used.
Step 2: Take everything out of your closet. Yes, I mean everything. You need a fresh palate for a truly organized outcome.
Step 3: Try everything on. Have a friend or family member with you for a second opinion.
Step 4: Ask yourself these questions as you try on your clothes:
- When did I wear this last?
- Why haven’t I worn it in a while?
- Does this make me feel beautiful? Empowered? Stylish?
- Does it need to be altered? Mended? Cleaned?
- When would I wear this in the next six months?
Remember that we usually wear 20 percent of our clothes 80 percent of the time!
Step 5: Sort as you try on. Have a pile for keep and use the five bags for :
Bag 1: Throw away
Bag 2: Repairs
Bag 3: Alterations
Bag 4: Give away to friends/family
Bag 5: Donations for Working Wardrobes
Step 6: Take note of the items that need to be repaired or altered. You will need to save space for these items and make sure you have enough hangers them. Remove all bags out of the room and make process them immediately. If you are donating, giving anything away to others, repairing or altering items, deal with them that day. Put the items in the car and set appointments in your calendar to finish the job. Bring anything to the trash immediately.
