Ten Steps to Organizing your Closet

CLOSET ORGANIZING TIPS

Spring is coming sooner than we think, and along with that is spring cleaning and shopping! But before you start throwing it in the bag- clean out your closet in order to save time, money and space. Take inventory of what you have, need and no longer want and the way to do that is with a closet clean out. Yes, this can be an overhwhelming task but, if you follow these steps it can make it a little easier... If not, then don't be afraid to hire outside help from the professionals like The House of Fly by Lady Silk .

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
You will need a FULL DAY to complete this task or devote a few hours every weekend to get through it although it is better to try to complete it all in a day or you might lose steam. Crank up that Pandora station that you love so much and rock out while you beautify your closet. Hangers- get rid of all your mismatched miscellanous hangers and buy inexpensive plastic ones in the same color from Walmart, Kmart or Target, and buy luxe velvet ones from TJ Maxx or Target.

Step 2: Do Your Laundry!
This exercise will only work if you have access to ALL of your clothes! So wash, dry and fold EVERYTHING before you get started!

Step 3: Remove All of Your Clothes!
From your closet, drawers, armoire, chair or floor and lay them all out on your bed in piles: tops, pants, skirts, sweaters, dresses, etc...

Step 4: Define Your Current Personal Style!
Not sure how? Figure out your own signature style personality, then look into your closet and see what you have the most of and get rid of everything else. If you are a glamour girl, then toss those boho style dresses, or if you are a girly girl, do away with all those track suits that no longer fit your current style.

Step 5: Yes Piles!
Go through the piles on your bed and keep only the clothes that you have worn in the last two years, fits you well, has no rips, stains or missing buttons, is a great color on you, not a duplicate of what you already have (unless it’s an LBD or great fitting jeans, you can never have enough). Place these items back into your closet and organize by color, style or outfit.

Step 6: Maybe Piles!
Items that go in your Maybe pile are pieces you might not know how to style like a skirt with a pattern that you love but don’t know what short to pair it with or a dress that would look great with a little bit of tailoring. Only put in items that can possibly be saved… Throw these items into one bin.

Step 7: No Pile!
Toss ill fitting clothes, pieces that you never really liked or are not flattering, faded tees, styles that you have outgrown and anything else that does not make you look and feel fabulous. Place these intems into bin number 2.

Step 8: Divide No Pile!
Divide your No pile into what to throw away and what can be donated to the Goodwill, Salvation Army or at a clothing swap (like the one the House of Fly will host in March ). Only donate items that are in good shape. No one wants items with holes and stains that won’t come out. If you would not pass it down to your little cousin or let your friend borrow it, throw it away!

Step 9: The Maybe Pile This one can be tricky. Be real with yourself and figure out why you are unsure about it in the first place. Take photos with your camera phone, if you bought a basic blouse, would you be able to wear that skirt? If not then take those items to a consignment shop in your area or online like Tradesy, The Real Real and Poshmark, and receive cash for gently worn clothes and shoes!

Step 10: Shop Til You Drop!
Now shop! Fill in the blanks and only buy pieces that you need first, and then buy your “fun” pieces. Buy only what fits you well, what you love, and what can go with at least three things you already have in you closet!