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The easiest way to organize/clean your closet is to do it in stages.
- Get rid of anything in your closet that is outdated or worn out. If the item is a classic that has just worn out, but you really still "need" it in your wardrobe, consider replacing it. Look for frayed collars and cuffs, worn elbows and knees and generally "tired" looking pieces.
- If you've got pieces in your closet that you hate (or that were given to you but you'll never wear them) get rid of them. This is also the time to get rid of those things that you purchased at a "great" price, but they don't go with anything in your closet.
- Clothes that don't fit (that you're hanging on to until you lose that last 10 pounds) should be removed from your closet. Put them away in an extra closet or pack them away until you've lost the weight. If you can't wear it now, it shouldn't be in your closet.
This completes the first phase of your closet cleaning. You can donate old clothes to charity or give them away--but get them out of your closet. Everything that is left in your closet at this point should be clothes that are not worn out or outdated, you don't HATE them and you can wear them (size-wise). The next phase will be a bit more difficult.
If you've had your "Colors Done" it will make this a bit easier. If you haven't, you should consider having a Color Analysis (ask your friends that look wonderful to recommend someone--bad color analysts are as prevalent as bad hair stylists).
- Everything that has managed to get into your closet that isn't the right color for you should be removed. Clothing in the "right" colors will make you look and feel better--and will mix and match more easily.
- If you have items in your closet that don't "feel" right, this is a perfect opportunity to get rid of them.
- If you have things that need repairs (hems, buttons, etc.) either get them fixed or remove the items (usually, if you ignore repairing something, there is something else wrong with it--try it on and decide if you really like it).
- If you have items that haven't been worn in more than a year, they should be removed from your closet. We recommend you store these items and if you need them, you can retrieve them--but if you don't need them for another year, they should be disposed of.
The remaining items in your closet should meet all of the following conditions:
- They should be in colors that flatter you.
- They should fit.
- They should look and feel good.
- They should be in good repair.
Separate all items into categories: blouses together, skirts together, pants together and jackets together. Even if you purchased "outfits" break them apart (you'll be able to assemble more outfits). Purchase "good" hangers. Metal hangers poke and stretch your clothes. Look for padded hangers for good blouses and sweaters (which really should be folded and stored flat). Buy skirt hangers with the tips covered so you don't leave marks on your skirts and pants are best if they are hung on pants hangers from the bottom using the wooden clamp hangers. Jackets and shirts can be hung on padded hangers or even tubular plastic hangers.
Once you've sorted your clothes, you'll see where you have holes in your wardrobe. You may have a shortage of blouses (very common, since they tend to wear out faster than jackets, skirts and pants) or you need to replace a favorite jacket or blouse. Draw up a shopping list and purchase only what you need.
Remember: Love it Madly, Need it Badly--Or Don't Buy It!
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