We’ve all been there — looking in frustration at a jam-packed closet, thinking “I have nothing to wear.” I uttered those very words just last month. So in an attempt to get a head start on my spring cleaning, I decided to reorganize my closet.
Cleaning out your closet is about removing emotion and taking a rational look at your clothes. That’s when the “If you haven’t worn it in a year, toss it” rule comes in handy — a phrase that strikes fear into the hearts of sentimentalists everywhere. It’s important to prune your wardrobe at least once a year in order to maximize outfit potential and not appear like you’re auditioning for an episode of Hoarders. The closet, after all, is where you start your day.
Begin by looking at each piece
I turned to professional organizer and author of Clutter’s Dirty Secret, Alison Roberts, for tips. As a first step in organizing your wardrobe, she recommends trying everything on while keeping in mind what works for your lifestyle.
“It’s not enough just to hold it up and think it will still fit,” said Roberts. “If necessary, have a friend with you so that he or she can give a more objective opinion. No point hanging on to items that aren’t flattering. ‘Keep the best and fling the rest!’”
Categorize everything
Go through and get rid of anything ripped, worn out or pilled. I made separate piles for items I wanted to keep, donate or take to the tailors to update for a better fit. There’s the additional option of selling your clothes at a consignment shop or on eBay if you think it may be worth it. Also check local listings for upcoming events to sell, such as Re-Fashion Vancouver. For clothes you know you’ll never wear but are emotionally attached to, such as wedding or prom dresses, “archive” them by packing them away elsewhere, like the attic or storage closet. Roberts suggested another option for those difficult-to-let-go items.
“Take a picture to remember it by, or write a short paragraph about why you love the item,” said Roberts. “Sometimes those actions will be enough to allow you to let it go. Or think of someone — a friend or family member — that might appreciate the item. Some people feel better knowing that the item is going to someone they know, instead of a stranger.”
An external rack is a great alternative for small closets.
Store and arrange
A good way to get more out of your closet space would be to pack away off-season clothing, such as bulky winter coats and heavy sweaters. Hold onto classic pieces that can be worn in the transition from winter to spring, like blazers or simple black skirts. Some of you may be tempted to hang onto items from previous trends in anticipation that they’ll be popular again, but I say only keep the ones which fit into your sense of style. Just because the boho look was all the rage a few years back doesn’t mean you’ll want to don that peasant skirt again if the trend re-emerges.
There are a few ways to go about arranging your wardrobe, largely depending on your closet capacity. For those more visually-inclined, like me, you can sort the clothes by colour. Most of my jackets, dresses, skirts, and tops which can’t be folded, hang on the rack according the colour spectrum, from red through to purple and the neutrals. A more efficient system, though, would be to sort your clothes by work and casual apparel. By separating office and play clothes, you’ll be spending less time coming up with outfits to wear in the morning.
Pictures are an efficient and visually-appealing way to store your shoes.
For accessories, try to display everything as visibly as possible. Keep belts, hats, scarves and jewelry in see-through containers or hang them on hooks and cork boards — you’re more likely to wear them if they’re in full view. Handbags, especially expensive ones, should be kept in dust bags and stuffed with cardboard, tissue paper, or even old T-shirts to help them keep their shape while they sit in your closet for a long period of time. For shoes, they’d ideally be in the box they came in, with a picture or description on the outside for easy reference once stacked. By being in a breathable container, leather shoes won’t crack or fade as easily as when kept out in the open.
The result of my closet reorganization.
After I finish reorganizing I’m left with two garbage bags full of clothes to donate and ideas on what to find for my wardrobe for the upcoming season. Hopefully you’ll realize you have some great items hidden away in your closet and become inspired to put together amazing new outfits for the warmer months ahead.
[Article first appeared in the March 14 issue of Richmond Review.]
celialeung.ca 
Love! It’s time to organized my closet too! Best, Kellie