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Thursday, February 4, 2010

Clothing Closet Cleaning: Step 1--Sorting Items in Your Clothing Closet



We wear 10% of our closet 90% of the time!
My guess is that the percentage would be much higher, if we could see what is in our closets. How much time do you spend standing in your closet every morning (in a rush) trying to decide what to wear? Clothing closet organization is key to starting your day off right.

One of my favorite things to do is helping people organize their clothing closets. After cleaning a clothing closet, my clients have said that they feel renewed and excited to get dressed every day. Some even say that the sorting is a cathartic experience. They are excited to "shop" their closets. Clients enjoy being reacquainted with items that were lost in the abyss of their closet.

Getting started:

Pick an item and ask yourself the following questions:

Does the item serve you? (Do you wear it? Do you have a occasion to wear it?)
If yes, keep it.
In no, give it away (to some one or charity). Start a donation pile. Make a pile for each person you are giving items to.

Does the item fit?
If yes, proceed to next question.
If no, can it be altered (taken in/let out, shortened, etc.)? If yes, put in pile for alterations.

NOTE: It is time to accept the fact that buying clothing "off the rack" and expecting it to fit you properly or well is unreasonable!! Build the cost of alterations into the cost of a garment. Our bodies are not mannequins and we are not models. You will enjoy your clothing more, if it fits your body properly. Get a good tailor and be nice to him/her. He/she will help you look your best. A good tailor will help you camouflage your trouble areas and accentuate your best.

Is the garment flattering to your body type? Check out my links to Dress for Your Body Type and Common Body Concerns for more information. When in doubt about whether a garment or outfit is flattering, ask some one.

Does the piece need to be mended or repaired?
If yes, put aside to take for alteration or shoe repair. Make note of needs to be addressed with each item.

Does it need to be washed or dry cleaned?
If yes, add to dry cleaning or dirty clothes hamper.

Is the item outdated?
If yes, can it be updated by a tailor? Keep the items and take them to your tailor. He/she will be able to advise you on what can be done. Ask how much the changes will cost. Then you can decide if it is worth updating or give away and purchase a replacement item.

Take the items for donation/give away out of the house immediately. Visit your tailor and dry cleaner ASAP.

Next week, I will address Step 2-Arranging Your Closet.

Be Balanced,
Julie

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