Closet Switching – To Do or Not To Do
Declutter your mind, by organizing your home
Here in the Midwest: Chicago, to be exact, we can have extreme weather conditions over the course of the year. We have subzero temperatures in Winter, which require all of our heavy gear like boots, hats, gloves, scarves, and much more. Seasons come quick, and a well-organized closet can keep the all-season wear from busting that closet door down.
We then transition into Spring, or so we hope when anything weather-wise is possible. We could have a snowstorm, torrential rainfall, or a sneak peek into a beautiful Summer Day. Summer can be blistering hot or a rainy washout…we never really know. All this being said is why I feel like “closet switching” is not a good idea. I understand that due to space restrictions, some people need to pack away the “seasonal clothes.” My suggestion would be to pack away only the extreme seasonal clothes if possible. With erratic weather conditions, we sometimes can have three seasons just in one day. If you pack away too many seasonal clothes and the weather conditions turn, we will tend to buy an item or two that we already have packed away with our seasonal items.
Some suggestions I have made to my clients…If you are lucky enough to have a closet in an extra room, you could assign one closet as Fall and Winter and the other room with a closet to Spring and Summer. If you need an item from one closet or another, it would be right in the other room. Under the bed storage bins are also another one of my favorite items. These handy bins are clear with wheels on the bottom, so you can easily pull them out and look at what is inside. They make the best use of your space and can be used to pack things away seasonally but still keep them close at hand. If you have no other choice than to pack up your closet seasonally, you can use this time to purge and give items attention that might need special cleaning or repairs. Remember to keep a donation bin close at hand for items that no longer fit you or your current style. Once a week, I put on an item I haven’t worn in a really long time. I ask myself: Do I feel great in this outfit? Is it flattering? Does it have any stains, or is it in need of repair? If you don’t love it, let it go! You need to look and feel fabulous! And remember, we only need one or two “painting outfits,” not a whole wardrobe.
Here’s a quick guide to speed the process along and keep things tip top tidy!
- Bins are a lifesaver and can fit anyone’s budget.
- Take the time and go through your all-weather wear. Does it fit? Is it stained? Maybe it’s time to retire it altogether.
- Shoe racks I have two in my front closet. This allows me to keep my shoes in front and organized, so I am not digging on my hands and knees.
- Baskets: Yes, who doesn’t love a nice rattan basket! I have three on a shelf that home my gloves, scarves, and hats, all separate and easily accessible.
Now what to do with the pile on the floor? DONATE IT! I love to pass my gently used items on to someone else, afterall someone might find this to be a treasure.
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