Address Your Closet and Look Sharp in 10 Easy Steps

 Address Your Closet and Look Sharp ~

in 10 Easy Steps!

After moving out of my parents' home at age 18, I came home after a few months for my first visit as an adult. To my horror, the bedroom I coveted was completely transformed. The black light Led Zepplin posters were gone as were the paraphernalia from my wild-eyed youth. 

Instead, a grown-up guest room stared me down. From that moment on, I vowed to also be a grown-up. 

I've been organizing closets and designing wardrobes since 1990. You, too, can tackle any unruly closet with the following arsenal:

1. Get a large plastic bag - or two or three.

2. Before addressing your messy closet, dress as if you're going somewhere special, such as the hair salon or to meet friends. 

Ladies have your hair and make-up in tip-top shape. Men, if you're generally clean-shaven, be showered and prepared as if for a work day at the office. Why? You may be trying on a garment you need help deciding whether to keep or donate.

Imagine you're going to the hair salon. We can't expect the stylist to make us look awesome if we haven't done our part. We dress nicely, put on our face and are excited at the prospect of strutting out feeling hot. 

3. Any garment not worn in at least a year might get tossed into the plastic bag. When trying on a garment you're not sure about, you'll have a better perspective and this gives the garment an opportunity for a second chance. If you don't like what you see, kick the garment to the curb.

4. However, if an item holds sentimental value, it's a keeper.

5. If you're undecided about an item, try it on. You'll instantly know whether it's a keeper or a loser. Keepers make us feel terrific.

6. With only the keepers in your closet, it's time to put all of your blouses/shirts, pants/trousers, skirts and dresses into sections. 

7. Organize the sectioned garments by color from light to dark. For example, from white to black items. Pants may be filed in half and hung on a hanger or if you prefer, they can be hung at the waistband. 

8. Count all of your metal hangers. You'll be putting those in the recycling bin and replacing them all with one style of hanger. You can get these at a dollar store or if you prefer, elsewhere. 

9. Take your bag(s) of unwanted items and donate them to an organization of your choice such as Goodwill or a shelter. Get a tax-deductible receipt for your records if you itemize.

10. If there are any gaps in your wardrobe, such as a white button-down blouse/shirt or a pair of black slacks, pick up what you need at your favorite store. If, after this exercise, you're unsure of your efforts, message me to complete this necessary, life-enhancing project. 

 AI Photo by Vector