Have you been looking at your cluttered clothes closets and promising yourself you will clean them out and get them reorganized? It looks like an overwhelming task, but if you break it down into steps, it won’t take as long as you think. So put on some comfy sweats and some fun music, and get it done!
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Pull Everything Out
Your first step is to empty your closet. You want to start with a clean state. As you remove items, sort them into three piles; Keep, Donate, Throw Away. Resolve to donate anything you haven’t worn in over a year. Go through keepsakes and other things you are hanging on to for sentimental reason. Do they still speak to you? If you don’t feel a strong attachment anymore, let them go!
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Clean out the dust Bunnies
Take advantage of your empty closet to give it a thorough cleaning. Get on a stepladder and wipe down the shelves with a damp sponge or rag. Dust off he hanger bars and hooks, and any rack and storage containers. Knock down cobwebs. Finish by vacuuming or sweeping and mopping.
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Get Rid of Plastic Dry Cleaning Bags
Do you bring clothing home from the dry cleaners and hang them in your closet to keep them clean? Get them out of there – they can’t breathe! The plastic traps moisture and chemicals in the plastic can leach into clothes causing them to yellow or become discolored. If you have clothing for occasional wear, like a formal dress, a tuxedo, or a winter coat that only comes out a few times a year, store them in canvas or other fabric hanging bags. They still protect the clothes from dust and wear and tear, but let air circulate to keep clothes fresh.
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Replace those Wire Hangers
If you are using dry cleaner bags, you are probably keeping your clothes on those nasty wire hangers as well. Toss them! They are flimsy and can leave your clothes misshapen. Get strong plastic hangers for blouses, shirts, and dresses. Don’t drape pants or shirts over hangers; use clip hangers instead. For suits, coats, and other heavy items, close sturdy wood hangers.
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Hang up Everything You Can
Take advantage of how every much room you have to hang as many of your clothes as you can. Have a huge walk-in? Hang everything and reserve drawers for lingerie, socks, hosiery, pajamas and tee shirts. Not enough space? Take out the items that suffer less from folding, like jeans and sweaters, and store them in drawers or totes. If you only have a small space, look for the hangers that can hold multiple shirts or pants to maximize your space.
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Treat Yourself!
You did a great job! Admire your beautiful, clean organized closet. You probably noticed that you need to replace or update some items. After you drop off your donations at the local thrift store., take yourself shopping for something new and nice. Even if it’s just a scarf or tee-shirt, you deserve a reward for you hard work!
