Is Your Closet Ready For The New Season?

Five steps to get your closet ready for the new season

If you’ve been to the stores any time in the last few weeks, you’ve probably seen all the new season merchandise. If the vast array has you tempted to pull out your credit card and take home some goodies, let me tell you that your timing instincts are right: for even if the weather isn’t cooperating where you’re at, the selection in the stores will never be better than it is right now.

So if you live in a small town and/or if you wear an average size, grab while the getting’s good. Otherwise, when you’re ready to shop, you’ll have to settle for what’s left.

But how do you know what you need?

By knowing what you already have.

If you haven’t inventoried your seasonal wardrobe recently, take time to do it now. If you wait until the season is in full swing, you’ll pay more and have less to choose from if you find that you need to make some purchases. So take advantage of pre-season sales and selection by prepping from the new season now.

How do you do it?

By going through your closet, piece by piece.

If the very thought of such an exercise sends your blood pressure soaring, don’t let it. The stress comes from disorganization and will only continue until you do something about it. Once you get your closet in order, updating your wardrobe each season and getting dressed each morning literally becomes a snap.

Here’s how you tackle this task:

1. Make Time To Do ItIf you’ve been putting off cleaning your closet because you can’t find a chunk of time to do it, do it in stages. There’s no rule that says you have to do it all at once.Start by doing ten pieces at a time or a foot-long section at a time, or all of one type of garment at a time, like tops, pants, skirts, etc.Instead of sitting in bed and watching the nightly news, for example, watch the news as you also go through your closet. Or take a few minutes as you change out of your work clothes each evening to go through a few more pieces.Before you know it, you’ll have gone through everything.
2. Sort As You GoSo what do you do with each piece? Make a decision to do one of five things:KeepKeep everything that fits and flatters and that works well with other pieces in your wardrobe.TossToss any piece that is worn, stained, frayed, or ripped beyond repair.RepairIf you have pieces that need new buttons, hems, or other small repairs, set them aside and tend to them when you’re done.

   Donate

   Donate any clothes that don’t fit, flatter, or that you’ve stopped wearing that are in good repair. Don’t send anything to a donation center that should be tossed instead.

   Consign

   Want to recoup some of the cost of your most expensive pieces? Consign them. Some consignment shops will pay you when the pieces sell; others will pay you cash on the spot when you bring them in. Want to add to your wardrobe without adding to your debt? Sell some of your old clothes to pay for your new purchases.

3. Put Like Pieces TogetherOnce you’ve gone through every last blouse, skirt, and pair of shoes, put everything back in your closet with like pieces together: all shirts together, all skirts, all pants, etc. This will enable you to mix and match easily, as well as let you see what you have and what you don’t.
4. Make a ListSo now that you know what you have, make a list of the items you need to round out your wardrobe.Yes, it’s really as simple as that.
5. Go ShoppingWhat’s the best way to shop? With a list. Not only will you be sure to get what you need, you’ll be much less inclined to buy impulsively.Want to make sure you stay within your budget? Take cash and leave the credit cards at home. That way, you’ll weigh each purchase VERY carefully.

Getting your closet in order for the new season isn’t difficult once you get organized. If you take the time to do it – even if you have to stretch it over a couple of sessions – you’ll be able to gain control over your wardrobe and have one less thing to worry about.