Closet Clean Up Done Right!

My Expert Tips for Organizing your Closet

I survived! That’s the victory cry of every woman (wine or coffee in hand) who has attempted a major closet clean out lol.  It started with the nagging notion that some of this stuff has to go, NOW!  Then a wild wind of courage to just get ‘er done, and next thing you know you are knee deep in fashion.  In your eagerness you started yanking off hangers and tossing shoes only to be surrounded by piles of misfits, over-worns and bad choices.  You wonder how did this all happen to me? How did I end up with so much stuff yet still can’t find anything to wear?! That famous scene from Sex In The City comes to mind. How – is actually a great starting point. Lets’s look at the steps to a great closet clean up. You’ll see how visualizing this same process will give you aha moments of how this all came to be.

With everything there piled up, the last thing you would think of is taking a break.  But darling you must.  This is why Rule No.1 is most vital (even in hindsight)- book a full day or two, or three to tackle your closet. If you share this space with someone, give them advanced notice of the impending mayhem. Grant yourself the grace and luxury of time.  Do it right and it will be far less stressful the next go round.

TIME IT.    Whoa Nelly! Go Slow.  Be realistic with the amount of time needed.  Rainy days and snowed-in weekends are perfect timing. Preparation is also key.  This process is really a mind over matter (literally) deal. Be prepared for tears and tantrums. It’s nothing out of the norm.  Avoiding this is why your closet is in the shape it is so buckle up for the ride- no quitting allowed.

Here is your prep checklist–your most groovy playlist (the one you’d play getting ready for a night out), 4 bins/bags/sections (donate, store, replace, keep), good hangers (I personally prefer the flocked hangers – keeps fabric from slipping and because they’re flat they free up space.  Also wooden hangers for coats and bulkier pieces . Nice vintage ones make great keepers, or new ones from Ikea. No plastic hangers for style sake!  Wine/water/coffee/tea – no pizza (this is not the time for negativity aka carbs), full length mirror, neutral or black flats and heels, well-fitting bra and undies, spanx – yes shape wear!

TRY ON EVERYTHING.   Put on your favorite tunes, pour a drink and shimmy into your shape wear.  I’ve never seen wearing shape wear on any closet cleaning Pinterest board, but the idea came to me as a designer. Fit is everything to what we wear.  I realized that some pieces in my closet weren’t being worn,  no matter how swoon worthy they were, simply because of how they fit.  Wearing spanx and having everything “in place” so to speak will help you better decide.  If it doesn’t fit, you must get rid of it or tailor it! Wearing the appropriate shoe with each piece will work in the same way.

Designer Tip: a heel can completely change a fit -especially with skirts and pants. An appropriate height heel can relocate your ass-ets into their proper, perky and perfect position.  Same applies to my tip for wearing a good fitting bra during the clean out process.

I must state the obvious.  Shapewear cannot and should not be a means to fit pieces that no longer fit- if you get my drift.  If you don’t, let me put it plainly- if it’s too tight, donate it to someone who can do it right.  No judgement, no condemnation, life (and food) happens.  No looking back into figures gone by- we’re moving forward.  And if you do decide to drop the pounds it will be a wonderful reward to start over fresh and even more ravishing. You’ll have plenty of room for new and even more fabulous finds (did I mention you’ll be going shopping when you’re done -YAY).  Keep the thought of making room at the forefront of your mind. Making room for better is always time well-invested.

FAST AND FIERCE.     Now it’s time to take out the big guns- deciding quickly. I know I said take your time but not here.  This is the speed round. Think quick draw cowboy style. First decision- do you LOVE it, not like it – but more like “this makes me feel like a diva on Dynasty” (if you’re under 40 just Google Diahann Carroll). No time for faking it or compromise. If you don’t love the way it looks (on you) AND how it makes you feel- it was never meant to be my dear.  Release it to it’s rightful owner.  Next, inspect it. Think of your closet space as premium shelf space in Neiman’s. No room for worn out threads, holes  and missing buttons. Finally, decide with no regrets- keep it, donate it, replace it, or in case of seasonal items- store it away. In the moment you’ll feel like you are parting with a precious newborn but trust me your remorse will be short-lived.  Nothing is better than clothes than new clothes.

PLAY MATCHMAKER.      As you try each piece think of outfits you can create with it.  My personal rule is if I can’t get a minimum of three looks from that piece it’s not worth keeping.  No room for one hit wonders – unless it’s vintage or holds sentimental value of some sort. Nothing says ‘un-stylish’ like wearing the exact ensemble multiple times – that’s called a uniform.

If you’re doing it right by now your playlist is ending, and so are the drinks. If you’re one of the lucky few you’re ready for the finale. If not, like the rest of us, day two or three lays ahead. The privileged pieces who made your rigorous curating are now ready to be hanged and folded like the prized possessions they are. They have made your stylish cut- lucky beauties.  While you take a moment to admire your masterpiece here are a few finishing tips.  Make a list of anything that needs to be replaced (basics like worn tanks, tees and jeans),  also better hangers if needed.  Spruce up your closet with pretty storage boxes and scented sachets. If possible invest in newer lighting that mimics daylight.

Designer Tip: Now I wouldn’t be a friend, or good designer, if I didn’t leave you with a good ol’ Project Runway Tim Gunn shake up. Plus I did promise more shopping. Hence, next  post will be on how to shop intentionally so your next closet clean up won’t be as painful or need as much wine lol.  Until then play with some outfits and enjoy your new sparkly digs!

xoxo Roxy