How To Organize Your Closet

Why Did You Wear That: Clear the Way

By Kirsten|February 26th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

After tediously recapping all of this spring’s trends and having been late on more than one occasion because I was unable to navigate (read move hangers) in my overly stuffed closet(s), I realized that I was more overdue for a serious wardrobe purging than Paula Deen is for a colonic. The task seemed daunting and even considering taking on the less than glamorous chore left me feeling half anxious, half exhausted, one hundred percent unmotivated. I was able to come up with plenty of reasons why it could wait ranging from meeting a deadline to my favorite rerun of Sex and the City being on E!. Finally fed up with forgetting what even existed crammed deep in the abyss that is my closet, I uncorked a bottle of prosecco, put Pandora on shuffle and started shucking. I was fairly impressed with myself and during the process came up with some new rules for closet clean outs… because my previous advice is laugh out loud contradictory. What a difference five years can make…

Be brutal. This is not the time to be kind. Think of it like a game of fashion Tinder. Go with your gut. Are we swiping left of right? If you hate it, get it out of there. If you have not worn it in years and know you never will, kiss it goodbye. There’s no point spending any more time with something so-so. (That goes for dating and dressing).
Three’s company. Make three piles. If you are keeping it, leave it hanging. If you aren’t sure, pull it aside to revisit. If it makes you cringe with embarrassment for having ever owned it, kindly remove the hanger and toss it to the side.
Try it on for size. When I went through my wardrobe, there were a few pieces that I hadn’t worn in a while, but thought I loved. There were also a couple that I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to hold onto or have burned. Surprisingly, when I put them on, some of the things I loved looked stupid and the one’s I wasn’t so sure about were stellar. (This is why we make three piles).
Upgrade it. We spend all this money on beautiful clothing and then hang it on wire hangers we scored for free from the dry cleaner. Not only does this seem counterintuitive, it’s also not great for your garments. Get some proper hangers that will save your clothing as well as save you space (remember when we gave Katie’s closet a hanger makeover (hangover?)).
Keep it clean. This is a good time to rehang things properly (like not inside out) and inspect for any stains. There’s nothing more obnoxious than pulling out what you’d planned on wearing only to be reminded of that drunk teen who spilled a vodka cranberry on your chiffon blouse. Make a date with the dry cleaner so you can rest assured that everything in your closet is ready to wear.

A little preemptive spring cleaning is truly good for the soul because there is no room for anything new when you are holding onto the old… both literally and metaphorically, of course.

xx,

WhyDid

This post is sponsored in part by Lafayette La Cleaning Service | Maid & House Cleaning | Geaux Maids

WhyDid Wisdom: Out With the Old

By Kirsten|December 2nd, 2008|WhyDid Wisdom|

So, last night I decided it was time to finally clean out my closet (again). I mean, sure, I could have been dancing on the banquettes at Butter, but I figured this would be much more productive. Plus, I couldn’t find anything to wear.

I moved into a new apartment in June, so you would have thought that would take care of some of the extra clutter. Not so much.

I had been dreading this for so long, but after realizing that I hadn’t seen the floor to my bedroom in the last six months, I knew it was time. I was essentially living in a closet. I also noticed that I was late every single morning due to the sheer fact that I could NEVER find the piece of clothing I was actually looking for.

I’m figuring there are some of you out there who also are due for a little closet cleanse, so I’ve compiled a little list of helpful tips:

When is the last time you wore it? Seriously… If you can’t remember, it’s time to pitch it.
If there are holes (other than arms, legs, and neck), chuck it.
Your ex bought it for you? Buh-bye.
Sequins. Gone.
Does it even still fit? No? Well, then either get to the gym or toss it.
If you wouldn’t want your friends to see it, burn it.
If it looks like something Donna wore on the original 90210, time to go.
Midriff baring? Outta here.
Still has tags on it and you bought it 2 years ago? It was clearly a poor purchase.
Your niece has the same thing in pink? Adios.
And lastly, if you don’t love it, it’s merely taking up precious (especially if you live in NY) space in your closet. Make room for something you really love.