A cluttered closet is never a nice way to start a morning. Here are five easy tips for cleaning out your closet once and for all (or at least til next spring!). Happy cleaning!
1. How does it make you feel?
First things first, does it fit and secondly, does it fit well? Does it make you feel confident? Does it feel like your style? Does it make you feel ‘you’? In her book, Japanese organizing expert Marie Kondo spoke about discarding everything that does not spark joy. Now, this might seem extreme with items in your kitchen, it does apply quite well to your closet. Needless to say, if the item doesn’t fit or make you feel good, chances of you wearing it are dim.
2. When did you last wear it?
The one-year rule is a good one. If you haven’t worn an item in the last 12 months, perhaps it’s time to toss it out. Exceptions include vintage, special pieces, and investment purchases. Be smart and practical, not soppy. (Hint: Wedding dress? Yes. First date dress with first high school boyfriend? No.)
3. Would you buy it today?
Over the years, we collect things that we don’t end up wearing. Sales too good to resist, friends who convince us against our better judgment, peer pressure to follow trends and those mindless shopping fixes. While looking at a particular iffy item, ask yourself: Would you buy it TODAY? If the answer is no, you know what you need to do — trash, swap or sell.
4. When in doubt, try it out!
If you are confused about an item, sometimes just trying it on solves the toss or keep question. The key is to try it on like you would wear it out — shoes, accessories, and all. If the final look does not leave you feeling inspired and if you can’t think of at least three places to wear it to, then it’s time to let it go.
5. If all else fails, try the hanger trick.
Here’s how the hanger trick works.
Step 1: Set a (realistic) cut-off date.
Step 2: Turn all your hangers in one direction.
Step 3: Flip the hanger around once you wear the garment.
Step 4: Examine your closet when your cut-off date arrives. You will know exactly which clothes you have worn and those that need to go.
PS: Your Le Tote closet needs spring cleaning too. Take a moment and refresh your virtual closet. Remove styles you are not feeling at the moment and add the newness spring demands. New arrivals, anyone?