We all get to that moment where there could be an entire nation hidden in our closet and we probably wouldn’t even notice. Usually, this is the sign that maybe it’s time to declutter and organise your wardrobe. Sometimes it looks like a scary task, especially if you have a lot of clothes and not a lot of space. But that’s even more of a reason actually to take the time and tidy up.
In this helpful guide, we will give you a few useful techniques that will help you organise your closet, free space for new things and overall, make your life a lot easier.
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One season at a time
As tedious as it sounds, seasonal and even monthly check-ups should be mandatory if you want to keep your closet space tidy. Winter clothes take up too much space in the wardrobe and there is no sense in keeping them there. So choose a day when you’ll be at home, put on your favourite playlist and start organising.
- Take everything out and put in on your bed. Take this chance to thoroughly dust and clean the inside of your wardrobe.
- Separate the clothes you will not be using this season from the ones you will.
- From the pile of clothes that you will not use, check if there are any that are too small or big, ones you don’t wear as much as you used to or you just don’t like anymore.
- Put those clothes in a box and you can donate the ones that are not damaged and throw away those that are.
- If you don’t like throwing away clothes, you can keep even the damaged ones and use them for many things. You can do patchwork, cut them up into strips and use them to tie taller plants, such as tomatoes, if you have creative kids, you can teach them how to make clothes for their dolls, and much more. Whatever you do, though, just don’t keep them in the closet with the clothes you are wearing.
- The clothing that is not in season you can put in vacuum bags so they don’t take up as much space and store them wherever you can.
- Use the fact that all of your clothes are out from the closet so that you can check if any of them need alterations or a trip to the dry cleaners.
- If you have any seasonal clothes, you will need in the next couple of months, dig them out from the attic or basement and put them in the washing machine.
- Repeat the same procedure of separating damaged from non-damaged clothes, checking if all of them fit you, if you still like them, etc.
- When you start putting the clothes back inside, place the ones you wear the most in the front and the others in the back. If you have space for hangers, use as much of them as possible, as it’s a lot easier to plan your outfits that way and see what you have available.
Say goodbye to unused clothes
We all have those spontaneous shopping sprees that end up with a few strange pieces of clothing that you’re not even sure you will wear at all. Yes, they looked awesome on the mannequin, and maybe one day you will get invited to a dog bar mitzvah that will be perfect for the cute sweater you bought. However, chances are if a couple of months have passed and you still haven’t worn those clothes, you never will.
And this applies not only to things you bought on a wimp. It also goes for uncomfortable clothes, something you’ve worn before but is no longer your style, things you hope you can wear in the future, etc. It’s hard to let things go, especially if they have a sentimental value, but every once in a while, it is necessary. Just like in life, our closet needs to be free from old and unnecessary items to make space for new experiences, people and things.
Do regular clean-ups
Sometimes life is just too chaotic to care about the way you put your clothes in your closet. Still, we recommend that you take the time and tidy up at least every week. Make sure nothing has fallen out of place, the clothes are not damaged and all of them are folded carefully so that they take up as less space as possible. Doing this regularly will help you a lot and make the seasonal clean-ups a lot easier. It will also help you create a routine of cleaning your closet that you can later teach your children if you have any.
Donate the clothes you are not using anymore
As we mentioned earlier, the best way to get rid of unused clothing is to donate it to charity shops, second-hand shops, and charity organisations. It’s great for the environment and you will give your items a chance for a new life.
You can make your donation box so that every time you do a clean up of your closet, you can put the clothes there, and donate once every month or two.
Search the internet for a local shop that you like and call them beforehand to see if they are currently accepting donations. Carefully check if all the clothes you want to give away are in good condition without tears or broken zippers. Wash them or give them to a dry cleaner if needed.
Another thing you can do is give those clothes to a family member or a close friend. You can organise a clothes swap party where everyone will come with items they no longer need or want to wear. You can get rid of unused clothes and find something new and exciting while also helping your friends.
