If we go by the Pareto Principle (the 80/20 rule), we wear 20% of what we own 80% of the time, which means there are lots of things in our wardrobe that don’t get worn.
Ideally our closets would have 80% fashion basics of what we wear daily, with 20% for special event clothes.
A great way to truly see what you wear is to turn all the hangers around in your closet, meaning you hang the hook over the back of the rod. When you put away something you’ve worn, turn the hanger around, putting the hook over the front of the rod. In a year’s time it will be easy to see what you wear and what you don’t.
The first step is to go through what you have - then determine how to store it.
TRY ON EVERYTHING you haven’t worn recently including shoes! There is likely a reason you haven’t worn something. If you don’t love the way it makes you feel - get rid of it. You’ll free up space for items you DO love.
Get rid of what has outlived its use, is ripped or damaged, or doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Anything damaged should be thrown out, or used as rags, not donated
Are there missing buttons? Are the pants too long and need to get hemmed? Always have a place to put items that need repair. It is also a good idea to keep a bag in your closet where you collect dry cleaning so when you plan to drop off, it’s already together. A simple reusable grocery bag works.
When it comes to what to hang and what to fold, consider the space you have, and decide from there. I love a big walk in closet as much as anyone, but no everyone has one. It’s important to make the space you do have for clothing work for you.
Basic rule of thumb is that hanging is for business clothes, fancy clothes, blazers/jackets and thing you don't want wrinkled. But if you have a larger closet, I suggest hanging as much as you can. Don’t hang sweaters or heavy knit fabric because it can pull and cause the clothes to be mis-shaped.
Everyday pants can go either way depending on space. Items that go into drawers should be file folded. It is simple and makes it easier to find things. It also looks so much nicer than stacks.
Ideally our closets would have 80% fashion basics of what we wear daily, with 20% for special event clothes.
A great way to truly see what you wear is to turn all the hangers around in your closet, meaning you hang the hook over the back of the rod. When you put away something you’ve worn, turn the hanger around, putting the hook over the front of the rod. In a year’s time it will be easy to see what you wear and what you don’t.
The first step is to go through what you have - then determine how to store it.
TRY ON EVERYTHING you haven’t worn recently including shoes! There is likely a reason you haven’t worn something. If you don’t love the way it makes you feel - get rid of it. You’ll free up space for items you DO love.
Get rid of what has outlived its use, is ripped or damaged, or doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Anything damaged should be thrown out, or used as rags, not donated
Are there missing buttons? Are the pants too long and need to get hemmed? Always have a place to put items that need repair. It is also a good idea to keep a bag in your closet where you collect dry cleaning so when you plan to drop off, it’s already together. A simple reusable grocery bag works.
When it comes to what to hang and what to fold, consider the space you have, and decide from there. I love a big walk in closet as much as anyone, but no everyone has one. It’s important to make the space you do have for clothing work for you.
Basic rule of thumb is that hanging is for business clothes, fancy clothes, blazers/jackets and thing you don't want wrinkled. But if you have a larger closet, I suggest hanging as much as you can. Don’t hang sweaters or heavy knit fabric because it can pull and cause the clothes to be mis-shaped.
Everyday pants can go either way depending on space. Items that go into drawers should be file folded. It is simple and makes it easier to find things. It also looks so much nicer than stacks.
Organizing tools for clothing
While there are many tools out there to help get your clothing organized, I have a few go-to items that I like using.
Drawer dividers & shelf dividers - these are so helpful in not having piles or stacks fall into each other and they help designate a specific space for things. You are more apt to stay organized when they have a home and are easy to put away.
Clear shelf dividers
Drawer dividers
Foldable storage baskets - these are great for storing out of season clothing or items you don’t wear as often or are too bulky to keep in a drawer. (They are also great for bedding!)
Foldable storage baskets
Fabric storage baskets - these have a wire frame so they keep their shape. They can be used for anything including workout clothes, t-shirts, socks etc. The best part is that they come with a detachable clip label holder so you can label each bin!
Fabric storage baskets
Hangers - there are lots of options and depending on what you have a lot of, you may need some specialty hangers, but my go to are the velvet hangers. They are thin, so they take up less space and they keep garments from sliding off.
Velvet hangers
While there are many tools out there to help get your clothing organized, I have a few go-to items that I like using.
Drawer dividers & shelf dividers - these are so helpful in not having piles or stacks fall into each other and they help designate a specific space for things. You are more apt to stay organized when they have a home and are easy to put away.
Clear shelf dividers
Drawer dividers
Foldable storage baskets - these are great for storing out of season clothing or items you don’t wear as often or are too bulky to keep in a drawer. (They are also great for bedding!)
Foldable storage baskets
Fabric storage baskets - these have a wire frame so they keep their shape. They can be used for anything including workout clothes, t-shirts, socks etc. The best part is that they come with a detachable clip label holder so you can label each bin!
Fabric storage baskets
Hangers - there are lots of options and depending on what you have a lot of, you may need some specialty hangers, but my go to are the velvet hangers. They are thin, so they take up less space and they keep garments from sliding off.
Velvet hangers
