As temperatures are rising, what are you doing with your wardrobe? You’ve probably read articles on how to change your clothes. But why wait for the end of a season to do so? Now is the time!
I’ve started clearing my closet on a regular basis and couldn’t be happier. We only wear 20% of our clothes. So why do we keep the other 80%? I’ve consciously decided to part from clothes which no longer fit or I don’t like. Remember those Christmas jumpers. Well, they’re gone, too. If you’re in the Middle East, there’s no need to wear them. Not even at Christmas!
This weekend is the perfect time to give your wardrobe the make over it and you deserve! Here are 10 easy steps to create the wardrobe of your dreams:
1) Imagine your new closet. What do you want it to look like? No longer cramped? A place where you can see all your clothes? At once?
2) Take out all content. You may be surprised what you find. Photo albums, books and china do not belong here. Find them a new home. Your wardrobe should be home to your clothes and if you like shoes, accessories and jewellery. This may be a good opportunity to quickly wipe the shelves and draws clean.
3) When putting each piece back, ask yourself a few questions:
- Does it still fit? Does it still look good on me? Try it on!
- Have I worn it in the last 12 months? If not, will I wear it in the next 6?
- Is it still in good shape and not damaged, stained or torn?
- Are the shoes comfortable? Shoes that hurt won’t be worn, taking up valuable space in the closet.
- If I saw it in a store now, would I buy it? At full price?
- If it was broken, torn or lost, would I replace it?
- If you’ve answered any questions with “no”, donate, sell or throw it out.
4) Divide your closet into sections for long and short items. You may want to put up additional shelves or rods to create more space.
5) Hang up delicate items like dressy shirts and tops, blouses, dresses, skirts, as well as dress pants, trousers and suits. To save space, you may want to invest in multiple tiers hangers. Where will you keep your special and occasion wear? Do you have a separate closet for them? Use padded hangers to keep them in shape.
6) Fold clothes like jeans, leggings, t-shirts, tank tops, sweaters, sweatshirts and sports gear. Consider using space dividers and be careful not to place too many items in one pile. Pulling a piece out will become more challenging.
7) Use drawers to store underwear, socks, nightwear, belts, ties, scarfs and accessories. Drawer dividers ensure items are neatly and separately kept from each other.
8) Where do you keep your shoes? Do they need to go into the closet or is there space for shoe racks in your hallway or in a room near there? Depending on the space in your home, you could have a specific room with shoes beautifully on display. Alternatively, you can store them in clear boxes with a picture of them in front, giving you an easy overview of which one is where.
9) Store seasonal clothes (e.g. summer, winter, sports) in clear, airtight containers with a lid. Keep like items together (e.g. all tops and t-shirts in one box, all shorts in another). Post a written list of the content on the front of the box.
10) Any item that you’re not going to keep, ask yourself if it can be sold, donated or thrown out (e.g. torn, stained or broken pieces). You can sell on Dubizzle or eBay, at garage sales or through a consignment store in your neighbourhood. Donate to a shelter, church or charities like Goodwill and the Salvation Army.
Make other people happy with your unwanted items. Giving to others has been found a great way to increase your own happiness. It’s a double win for you! You’re feeling the relief from clothes that brought you down, you’re looking forward to opening your closet in the morning and you’ve gained more time since you no longer need to look for your clothes!
Are you going to give your wardrobe the make over it and you deserve? Contact me if you like additional support!
Until next time,
Agni