Suzanne O’Connor’s Bargains LA

Spring Closet Organizing

Springtime is often a time when people organize and clean out clothing closets. Count me as one of those and then some. Living in a big, cluttered, confusingly spread out city like Los Angeles, I get a better sense of calm when things are organized at home.
But let’s be more practical than that, shall we?

The truth is when your closets and drawers are organized, you don’t spend unnecessary funds on new clothes, accessories or household items you don’t need. Staying organized is essential to not overspending. When you can’t find something quickly, you end up buying it again ‘cause you can’t find what you’ve already got.

So take the time to clean out your closets. The lost afternoon will give you a sense of accomplishment and help you save money in the long run.

Need some guidelines to help you get started? Try these tips from an article I wrote in 2006:

First, there should be nothing in your closet that isn’t currently wearable and coordinate well with other pieces.  Secondly, separate out pieces that are nostalgic or vintage along with items that need alterations or mending and put them aside. Third, avoid holding on to old clothes until you lose that extra 20lbs. If you do lose that twenty pounds you deserve new clothes!

As you go through the rest of your wardrobe, on each piece ask these questions:

1. Have I worn it in the last year? If not… Bye bye!
2. Is the color unbecoming… if so, it’s outta here.
3. Does the garment need alteration… and has forever? Fix it or lose it!
4. Does a friend own the exact same item? If it looks better on them…dump it.
5. Too fabulous to be forgotten before your next event…it’s history.
6. Such a classic style that it’s dull…. see ya!
7. A vivid reminder of an awful event…. Why would you keep it?
8. Doesn’t give the style image you’re trying to portray…. Dump it.
9. Wrinkles way too fast…what a headache! Chuck it!!
10. Item was a comprise. unless it’s an absolute wardrobe staple …toss it!.

Now that you’ve gotten rid of the excess, organize the remaining wardrobe so you know what you have.

First separate by season, then store off-season clothes in another place. Winter sweaters, vintage and nostalgic pieces can be stored under the bed in storage boxes. For lighter spring sweaters try a 3–drawer clear cart in your closet.

Winter coats, jackets and outerwear can also be stored in bins under beds or overhead in closets. Shoes should be organized and up off the floor when possible. Match up your pairs and stack them in clear shoe boxes.  If space is tight, try a hanging shoe organizer. Any shoes that need repair should be repaired or discarded. Store smaller looser items in drawers.

As you go through your closet, separate pieces by style… Hang suits and complete outfits together. Pants and skirts, blazers and jackets. Use good quality hangers. 

Organized dresser drawers so you can quickly see what you have. Invest in some drawer organizers for hats, gloves, belts, scarves, ties, hose and other smaller garments. These drawer organizers make it much easier to find an item.

Finally sort through your vintage and items needing repair. If it’s fashionable quality vintage, keep it. If not, donate it. All items needing repair should be taken in or mended by you immediately. You can’t use them if they need repair.

By being organized you can use your closet space to it’s fullest, saving time and money. Now get to it!