Spring Cleaning: Organizing Your Closet!

Spring is here and that means...SPRING CLEANING! Seriously, I think people think I am cuckoo for cocoa puffs, but I LOVE to clean. I'm so not the type of person that holds onto things I don't use. I am the "purge" type of person. If something is just sitting there collecting dust, it's out of there.

My favorite place to organize/clean is my closet! I think it's because I'm super obsessed with my clothing, accessories, and shoes! I find myself organizing/cleaning out my closet daily. That's why I post multiple items for sale each day. A lot of people are like "Why are you selling that?" My most common answer is "I don't wear it anymore." or "I bought it and never wore it." It's not that I don't like it anymore. Maybe I bought it for a specific occasion or maybe it doesn't fit anymore. Whatever the case, I'm not going to use up prime closet space for things I don't wear.  Here are a few tips on how I get my closet to stay in tip top shape!

1. Remove any and all emotional attachment from your clothing, shoes, and accessories. They are things, not people. If you become too attached, you will never get rid of anything and hold on to everything. Don't be surprised when you find yourself looking at items that are 10+ years old...or even worse on the next episode of "Hoarders". Not pretty you guys...let those items GO.
2. Organize your closet by type of clothing: Spaghetti straps, tank tops, short sleeve tops, 3/4 length tops, long sleeve tops, vests, sweaters, cardigans, short skirts, maxi skirts,  strapless dresses, spaghetti strap dresses, tank dresses, short sleeve dresses, 3/4 sleeve dresses, long sleeve dresses. <- This is how my closet is organized. I keep leggings, undergarments, camis, and jeans all folded in my dresser.
3. Now that your closet is organized by type of clothing it will be easier to look through it and decide what you DO NOT need. I go through my closet section by section and purge any and all items that have one or more of the following criteria: 1. Haven't worn in 1 or more years. 2. Don't fit correctly. 3. Aren't flattering to my body. 4. Too similar to another item I have. 5. Won't wear again (most likely a special occasion item).
4. Have THREE bags ready for these items to go into. Bag One: Sell, Bag Two: Garage Sale, and Bag Three: Donate. You can also have a bag for items that need to be stored. I don't like storing my items. I like all items to be available at all times.
5. BAG ONE: Items should go into this bag if they are brand new, worn once, or like new condition. If you sell these items, you will want to price them accordingly. For example: If you are going to sell a maxi dress (originally $48) and it is brand new, take 75% of the original price, so you could sell that brand new maxi dress for $36. If the same maxi dress was worn once, you can sell it for 50% of the original price, so you could sell for $24. If it is "like new" condition, you can sell it for 40% of the original price, so you could sell it for $19. Now of course items vary and so do the conditions of items. Always be open to negotiations :)
6. BAG TWO: Garage Sale. Items should go into this bag if you would like to sell them, but you don't mind getting only a few dollars for them. They are normally well loved items that people who frequent garage sales will appreciate. For example, your old favorite tank top, workout pants that you really put to work, jeans that are pretty worn in, etc. As soon as items are going into this bag, you will want to start planning WHEN your garage sale will be. Don't just put together a bag for it and let it collect dust.
7. BAG THREE: Items should go into this bag if you'd like to donate to a local shelter. Make sure you do research before you donate. A lot of places that accept donations have listed on their website what they need. Make sure the items aren't falling apart and still have some use in them. Also it's important to make sure the items are going to a good cause and not just to resell.
8. Last, but not least...a final rule I have for myself since I shop...A LOT. For every item I buy, an item must come out. For example, if I buy 6 new items, 6 old items must come out of my closet. I'm pretty good at sticking to this rule, but sometimes it can be hard. It also makes you reevaluate the purchase you are about to make. Do you really need that item? Do you have anything similar? Look at your closet before you buy new things. Just because it's a good price or on sale doesn't mean you need to buy it. But sometimes you do...like 60% off sales...those are REALLY good and don't happen too often. Just kidding...sorta.

Feel free to leave comments about any closet trouble you're having...I'd love to help!

Until next time

xoxo,

J.