Did you know that the average person wears only 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time?

How many clothes have you “lost” because you can’t see them or find them….or forgot you even had them?

Take back your wardrobe and find ways to change it up for spring! Think of it as shopping in your own closet. You’ll find treasures that you lost or may even find new ways of pairing up items. Give yourself a block of time, grab a drink and a snack and jump in!

1. DECIDE -Pull all your clothes out decide what to Keep, Toss, or Recycle.

KEEP- Only what you love, that fits and that makes you feel good in it. Have boxes or bins ready to contain them while you sort.

TOSS- Any clothes that are stained, torn, worn or damaged put into dark garbage bags. These items are in the trash.

RECYCLE- Any clothing that is still in good shape that someone else could use put into clear garbage bags or boxes. You can choose to donate them to a shelter or charity or make some cash and take them into a consignment shop.

Points to consider:
o If you haven’t worn it in a few years… let it go
o If you feel great in it…keep it
o If you don’t find it flattering….let it go
o If you wear it often and fits….keep it
o If you like it but never wear it…. let it go
o If was a good deal but it doesn’t match anything…let it go

2. ORGANIZE – Determine what you have and what you need.

• Sort your clothes by work wear and casual wear. Then break it down further. Group like with like,  ie: Jeans together, skirts together, long sleeve, short sleeve. Then see what you really have.
• Do you really need 10 pairs of black pants? Pare down the numbers again by choosing what you like and fit you best. Get rid of the rest. When you can accurately see how many items that you have you will make better purchasing decisions.
• Invest in some wooden or sturdy plastic hangers, tiered hangers, closet systems, hooks and baskets. When things are sorted and stored together, they’re easier to keep tidy.
• Keep out of season clothing in clear containers under your bed or in your storage area. Spring and Summer together, Fall and Winter together.

Most importantly, follow the one in, one out rule. Any time you buy a new clothing item, one of the old ones must go. Keep a donate box in your closet and fill it as you go. When it’s full, drop it off and start another one.

Cleaning out your closet is a great way to make better use of your space, get rid of things you never wear and feel good about what you have.