New Year Cleaning

Forget spring cleaning, the beginning of a new year is a great time to get organized. I'm sure you've added more stuff to your closet over the holidays and with the cold and quiet days of January looming before you, it's a good time to spend an afternoon cleaning out your closet. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. EDIT

If you don't like wearing something, get rid of it. If you don't feel good in an item, you're not going to wear it, so just get rid of it. This includes tops that you're always tugging at, colors that don't make you feel good, pants that always bug you because they're a tiny bit too short or too low or too tight. There's a reason why you don't wear certain things, even if you don't know what it is, so just toss it. This includes things that you spent a lot of money on, it doesn't matter how much you spent on it if it's not working for you. Go with your gut. I find that most of my clients already have the right instincts, but have a hard time purging on their own.

If something doesn't fit you, get it out of your closet. For the most part, if something doesn't fit you, get rid of it. If you know you're going to be gaining or losing weight in the next three to six months, it might be OK to hang on to a few items that you really love and that would be hard to replace. If this is the case though, you still need to get these items out of your closet - put them in a box under the bed or in a guest room closet. You should only have items in your closet that you can put on tomorrow.

If an item is worn out or damaged, toss it or fix it. If an item is just worn out, it has to go, no matter how much you love it. If it's something that can be repaired, pull it out of your closet and don't put it back in until it's wearable.

2. ORGANIZE

Group like with like. Now that you've purged everything you don't love and wear, it's time to get organized. Start by grouping like items with like - put all your pants together, all short sleeve tops together, all skirts, etc. Within each category, organize by color from light to dark. The more you can store on hangers, the better. It's much easier to see what you have when it's hanging than when it's in drawers. Use non-slip Huggable Hangers for sweaters to avoid pulling.

Don't compartmentalize. You'll get more wear out of your wardrobe if you avoid compartmentalizing items - for example, separating work shirts and weekend shirts. Most likely, 80% of your shirts could be worn either to work or on the weekend depending on what you pair it with. Also, don't limit yourself by separating spring and fall clothes because most can transition throughout the year. With your clothes doing double duty, you'll find you have increased your wardrobe without buying a thing.

Organize accessories. If you can't see something, you're never going to wear it. Display accessories so that you can see what you have. Store jewelry in stackable trays or hang necklaces on hooks on the wall. Line up shoes on shelves or shoe racks (not in boxes) so you can easily see all of your options.

3. DONATE/CONSIGN/TRASH

Donate. Donate most of what you get rid of. Goodwill and Salvation Army are great places to donate your clothes for a good cause.

Consign. Consign pieces that are still in good condition, up-to-date and no more than three to five years old. This is a good option for those quality pieces that just don't fit you anymore. Keep in mind that most consignment stores are picky and will not take everything you have. You won't usually get a fortune for your clothes but you might get a little and you can put it toward updating your closet.

Toss. Trash anything that is in bad condition, has holes, etc. Or lingerie items that can't be donated. Just, literally, put them in the trash bin.

4. ENJOY!

Now that your closet only contains pieces that you love, wear and that fit and flatter you, you're going to love getting dressed in the morning. And you'll have more fun accessorizing now that you can see everything you have. Enjoy!

And if all of this feels too overwhelming for you, call me and I'll walk you through it.