Going from one season to another is never easy work. No matter the size of your closet, it will never be big enough to accommodate every single season with enough space. But where are you going to put that amazing Zara leopard printed jacket you just bought? Time to make a choice. And a clever one! Here are five steps to organize your wardrobe?
1. Bundle Your Clothes
How do you need organize? Start by bundling! When I clear out my wardrobe, I always start by putting absolutely e-very-thing on the floor. So I know that even if I want to give up at some point, I can’t because it would be a big mess in the room (and I can’t stand that).
I make three piles, what I’m wearing, what I can’t wear this season and what I’m (honestly) not going to wear again. Keep whatever you wear every day. Even if it’s only a few tops and jeans. Make a separate pile for things that aren’t seasonally appropriate anymore. Of course, you can still jazz up your summer dresses. Put away these things in a suitcase and store them until it starts to get warmer. Now, nicely fold the clothes you keep and tidy your wardrobe. It feels more spacious already right!
2. Put Away What You Don’t Wear
Now, you still have another awful pile of things you are not going to wear, miserably laying on the floor. You have three options.
First, some pieces may have some value left in them, sell your clothes! Plan a whole afternoon and take pictures of the pieces you don’t want. There are a lot of good websites that will help you sell your pieces. My favorite is Vinted, because it’s easy to use and I always sell things very quickly (generally within a week). Otherwise, there are plenty of websites such as eBay, Shop-hers, TheRealReal, or even ASOS Marketplace. A bit lazy? Your niece/sister/cousin will always be happy to have some of your clothes. Want to do a good deed? You can give your beloved clothes to a charity shop! All you have to do is walk in with the bag of clothes and hand it to the till.
3. Tidy Your Wardrobe
Your wardrobe is now empty, and you are going to put back the few clothes you decided to keep. It is then up to you to decide how to organize it. By category? Color? Style?
So, how does it feel to have a clean and tidy wardrobe? Now you have plenty of space to welcome your new style crush. Will it be the leopard print? The backless jumper? Or any of the trends spotted on the catwalk?
4. Buy now, decide later
What I learned from organizing my wardrobe, is that I often spend money on things that I didn’t even wear! I love shopping, and it made me shop smarter. Before buying a piece, I always wonder, is it a basic? Can I really walk with these heels? This is so trendy but does it actually suit me? Being honest with you, I still now buy whatever I see. I come back home, try it on, try a few combinations. If after one week I’m still not wearing it, I just bring it back to the shop. No shame, you have one month to decide, take advantage of that!
5. Keep organizing regularly
No pressure, but once every three months is the good routine. Now you’ve sold, or given away your clothes, you know how easy and quick it is. And even though you might not need to, it always feels good to have a tidy wardrobe (they call it feng shui don’t they?) Also, it might feel good to avoid spending hours looking for an outfit in the morning. Having a smaller choice, you’ll be able to pick quickly and only with the trends you decided to keep!