So, it's about that time. Time for graduation. And moving. And turning into a "big girl." And finally time to clean out my closet! I'm ready to get rid of the random things that I have accumulated from themed parties here at college, and for things I STILL have from High School (for some reason).
I've been looking into different ways to go about cleaning, organizing, and rebuilding my closet. Cause honestly, most of the stuff I have now, I have had for years. And it's the perfect time to just throw it all out and try some new stuff. (Okay...maybe not all of it. I'm kinda obsessed with some of that stuff...). So I have spent the past few days cleaning, organizing, and getting rid of some things...finally!
Here are the 10 steps I followed to get my closet under control!
1. Clean your room.
I don't know if it's because I'm still young and make a mess every time I get dressed in the morning, but clean up everything off your floor. This helped me to make sure I had all of my clothes together for when I started organizing.
2. Launder everything that needs it.
Like I said before, you want to make sure you have everything in the right place before you get started. It just makes it all a little easier.
3. Take a before picture.
This is obviously optional. But for me, it's motivation. Wow, I have that many clothes? Awkward...Also, it's fun looking back when you get to the after!
This, sadly, wasn't all of my stuff. Some of it was sitting in three laundry piles, about to be cleaned, and I still have some stuff in the closet at my parent's house...
4. Organize everything by type.
Basically, put all like things together. For me, I had piles of workout shirts, workout shorts, shorts, jeans, t-shirts, shirts, dresses, sweaters, jackets...you get it.
5. Immediate throw outs.
When you do this, make separate piles for the things you don't want anymore. You can have three: throw away, donate, and sell. Sell the nicer, less used things. Donate the things that are still in good condition, but would not be likely to sell. And trash things that obviously need to be trashed.
- Find out what doesn't fit anymore. This was one of the biggest things for me to start doing this. I have a lot of clothes that I have had since freshman year of college. And let's face it, my body just isn't the same as it used to be. And whenever I go to put those clothes on, it makes me feel pretty blegh. And then I start hating everything I put on. So lets eliminate that, and eliminate those articles.
- Figure out what you haven't worn in a long time. If you pick up something and say "Oh, I forgot I had this!" Just go ahead and toss it out. You forgot about it=you don't wear/need it.
- What have you had for a long time? This was the hardest for me because I don't like to get rid of stuff I like, and if I have had it for a long time I probably like it. But these things are also starting to look like I have had them for a long time, and they are going to look much better in the trash.
- Over it. There are probably some thing's in your closet that you just don't even want anymore. You just haven't really had the chance/an excuse to get rid of it till now. That high school senior t-shirt? Oh gosh, high school...Or the cut up white t-shirt with random color spots on it from paint party? Okay, bye.
6. Start counting and eliminating.
Once you have gone through everything that obviously needs to go, count things that remain. When you sit and think "oh, I have 50 t-shirt...." it starts becoming a tad embarrassing. Let's get rid of some. For me, this is good because it is so easy for me to just throw on a t-shirt and go, without trying. And I want to start looking like I tried. Pick your favorites and donate the rest. Or you notice that you somehow have 4 white v-necks? Let's get rid of some of those.
A general rule I followed was get rid of everything but your favorites, then get rid of one more. And it was super hard for me. There are some things I still wanted, but could see myself not wearing as much. Those clothes go into a "maybe pile" (more to come on this later.)
I have found several other blogs that have talked about a wardrobe capsule. This is getting rid of everything but 37 pieces of clothing (most being pretty versatile). These 37 pieces consisting of (about) 15 tops, 9 bottoms, 9 shoes, 2 dresses, and 2 jackets. WHAT?! That's it?! I tried this, but you really have to have a very neutral colored wardrobe, which I don't have right now in my life. I think I narrowed it down to 20 "cute" tops (more on the dressy/professional side), 20 "comfy" tops (shirts you can wear around the house, to Wal-Mart, or whatever else), and some t-shirts.
7. The "maybe pile."
There are two options you can do with your "maybe pile".
- Once you have rehung all the things you are keeping, and made a list of what basics you need, figure out where you might have some room for some of those extra "maybe" pieces.
- Pack them up (black bag or a Rubbermaid), and put them in an extra storage place. Pull them back out in a few weeks/a month, after you have lived with your "capsule closet" for a while, and see if you really still want them.
8. Don't forget
Don't forget to go through your underwear and accessories. I know I hoard when it comes to that too. With my jewelry, I need to find a way to display what I have so that I see it while I am getting ready.
9. See what you have, and figure out what you need.
Once you have gone through everything, but it all back in your closet, but try to do it with some form of organization. I categorize by what the clothes are (sweatshirts, cardigans, shirts...) and then put them in rainbow color order. For me, it's just easier to work with.
This is where I refer to the French Wardrobe basics. I looked at that list and saw what I had on it, and made a list of the stuff that I still needed to complete it. Now I'm going to go buy the stuff I still need. Some things I will get a lot sooner than others, like a gray v-neck way before the leather pants...if I ever get the leather pants.
10. Shopping.
The more you get rid of, the more free space you will have for new stuff. When you are shopping, remember quality over quantity. Spend a little extra on a really nice piece, instead of buying something you kinda like just because it's cheap. Since you will have all the basics covered, you can go and buy a couple crazy patterned or colored pieces, and know that you can make it work with something that is already in your closet. Try and make sure that it will work with a few different outfits.
