Tips

Get your Closet under Control

The past two days have been really cold and cloudy, which was kind of a nice change of pace from the hot Chicago summer.  Days like this always inspire me to want to dig into a good “around the house” project… like clearing out my closet!  If your closet is less than ideally-functioning, if you have no idea what’s in there, if you start every day grumbling as you get ready – it’s time to take control of your closet!  A few of my favorite tips to get it, and keep it, working for you and for your wardrobe:

• It all starts with an honest evaluation of your wardrobe.  Touch and make a decision on every piece.  It should only be hanging in your closet if it fits and flatters you, and you actually wear it in your life as it is now. 
• If you’re having trouble assessing what you truly wear from your closet, turn all the hangers around to face the wrong way (hanger tip out).  After you wear something, hang it back up the right way (hanger tip in).  After six months, consider letting go of whatever is still hanging the wrong way.
•  Sort all your hanging clothes by type (pants, skirts, tops), then style (sleeve length, formal vs. casual), then color (light to dark).  This makes it easier to see and choose outfits – and try new combinations you never thought of!
• Dry cleaning plastic bags = bad for your clothes and clutter for your closet.  Get rid of them as soon as they return from the cleaners!
• Keep three open bins in your closet:  one for laundry, one for dry cleaning, one for donations.  Every time you add a new item to your closet, remove something you don’t wear anymore and put it in the donation bin.
  

A Linen Closet You Can Live With

Preventing Paper Pileup

Stress-free family travel

Simplify you life through green organizing

Simplify your spring cleaning

Streamline your summer with the kids at home

Get your closet under control

Start the School Year Right

Holidays Made Simple

Creating a Household Command Center