The Intrepid Declutterer

Spring is in the air, and for many divas that means shopping. There is nothing like a fresh new season to inspire a wardrobe remodel. After an exhilarating day of buying new clothes and shoes and accessories, the question that faces many women is, “Where do I put it all?”

If adding an additional room to your house is out of the question, then finding more room in the space you already have is essential. So now it is up to you to make some decisions. Have you worn an item in the past year? In the past 5 years? Have you tried on that dress, those shoes, or that belt in front of a full length mirror? Is the piece a staple, or part of a fad that is unlikely to return?

When you are still having trouble deciding whether to keep a piece, try a few deeper questions. Are you holding on for sentimental reasons? Find a photo of yourself wearing the piece, or take a photo of yourself with it on. And remember that a material thing is not a memory! Did you spend a lot of money on something and are now reluctant to let it go? Think about the realistic current value of the piece. Would you buy it right now at that price? Would a consignment store be able to sell the item? If not, it may be time to recognize that you enjoyed your time with an investment piece, but it has depreciated in value and now has to go.

After carefully analyzing what is going to stay in your space, think about how you are going to reorganize. For example, what clothes do you wear most often? Those things which are used daily should be the most accessible. Consider the closet space easiest to reach as “prime real estate.” Move less used items to less used parts of the closet, but don’t give up your system. You will waste space if you don’t keep every area neat and purposeful.

Another thing to consider is whether or not items would be better stored in another way. Are shoes taking over? Cubbies, storage bins, shoe racks, and over the door hangers can help to keep shoes up off the floor and in your line of vision. Consider moving shoes that are rarely worn but necessary into clear storage boxes at the top of your closet. This leaves prime closet space for your day to day wardrobe, and moves lesser used objects to a lesser used part of the closet.

Purses are a fun way to dress up your mood, but too many can be a stealer of space. Try putting like with like and lining them up together. The more you consolidate like items, be it purses or perfume, the easier it is to see what you have and where you have it.

Hanging all of your clothes on matching hangers is a great way to find a little extra room in a crowded closet. By having the same hangers, your clothes will hang together better and you will reduce visual clutter. Make sure when transferring your clothes that like is with like (short sleeved shirts together, long sleeved shirts, dresses, etc.), they are all facing the same way and in spectrum order. That is, Black, White, Brown, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet. It sounds silly, but you will love to look at your clothes when they are so nicely displayed.

Now that you have a whole new closet, shop away! There is nothing like bringing those bags home from the mall and having a home for all your new clothes.

Top 5 Excuses for Clothes Clutter

1. I paid a lot of money for that.
2. Someone special gave that to me.
3. I might need it someday.
4. They don't make these anymore, at least not like this.
5. I just can’t make a decision!