New Year, New You: Closet Overhaul

So last week I began New Year, New You--did you do your homework and get the supplies? Don't worry--there's still plenty of time. We will be working on your closet this week and next week. This week I'm tackling the dreaded Closet Overhaul. Get ready to make some space in your closet.  I do this every year and it works. Here are a few tricks I use to keep my closet pared down and organized:

• Break out the Bags--Before you do anything, get supplies ready. You'll need trash bags and Space Saver Bags. And some free time. 
• Divide & Conquer--This is the hardest step of the whole process, but worth it in the long run. 
• Divide clothes into Keep, Maybe, Donate, and Trash piles. I actually just keep the Keep on the hangers. If it's torn, stained, etc. & can't be repurposed, trash it. Tip: Many places give tax credits for donations!
• Seasons Change--I swear by Space Bags (I use them for traveling too sometimes). 
• My winter clothes go into the Space Bags, since it's not cold in Atlanta for very long, and sweaters take up valuable space. Depending on the amount of clothes and/or climate, this could work for all seasons. Think of the space you could save!
• Set The Mood--This might sound ridiculous, but when I'm doing my annual Closet Overhaul, I like to try to make it as fun as possible (and because Clean Your Room! Now! doesn't sound as fun).
• Cool Your Jets! I get hot and cranky trying on clothes to see what fits (note: I don't try on every item I own, just some of the Maybe items). Once the crankiness sets in, I quit the whole thing. I vow to do it later, but I don't. If the room/closet is cooler, I stick with it. TIP: Speaking of cranky, don't do this when you have pms and your clothes don't fit right!
• Tunage Time--Another way to keep it fun is to turn up the music. Time flies when I can sing and dance along to music--and I don't mean THAT hop-dance we do when trying to get into tight pants. Don't forget to use a good mirror and maybe practice that Runway Strut, you know, just in case.
• Extra, Extras--I prefer doing my Closet Overhaul alone, but having friends over can make it more interesting, they can take your cast-offs, and can give you opinions on what to keep. Another idea is to add a cocktail/mocktail or two, whether you're at it alone or with entourage in tow. Remember: If you go into with a bad attitude, it'll take longer and you'll be less likely to finish. 

Next week we will help enhance your style, further clean up the closet, and add some extras.

You can do this!

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