1.11.2012

New Year, New You: Closet Overhaul


So last week I began New Year, New You--did you do your homework and get the supplies? Don't worry--there's still plenty of time. We will be working on your closet this week and next week. This week I'm tackling the dreaded Closet Overhaul. Get ready to make some space in your closet.  I do this every year and it works. Here are a few tricks I use to keep my closet pared down and organized:
  • Break out the Bags--Before you do anything, get supplies ready. You'll need trash bags and Space Saver Bags. And some free time. 
  • Divide & Conquer--This is the hardest step of the whole process, but worth it in the long run. 
    • Divide clothes into Keep, MaybeDonate, and Trash piles. I actually just keep the Keep on the hangers. If it's torn, stained, etc. & can't be repurposed, trash it. Tip: Many places give tax credits for donations!
  • Seasons Change--I swear by Space Bags (I use them for traveling too sometimes)
    • My winter clothes go into the Space Bags, since it's not cold in Atlanta for very long, and sweaters take up valuable space. Depending on the amount of clothes and/or climate, this could work for all seasons. Think of the space you could save!
  • Set The Mood--This might sound ridiculous, but when I'm doing my annual Closet Overhaul, I like to try to make it as fun as possible (and because Clean Your Room! Now! doesn't sound as fun).
    • Cool Your Jets! I get hot and cranky trying on clothes to see what fits (note: I don't try on every item I own, just some of the Maybe items). Once the crankiness sets in, I quit the whole thing. I vow to do it later, but I don't. If the room/closet is cooler, I stick with it. TIP: Speaking of cranky, don't do this when you have pms and your clothes don't fit right!
    • Tunage Time--Another way to keep it fun is to turn up the music. Time flies when I can sing and dance along to music--and I don't mean THAT hop-dance we do when trying to get into tight pants. Don't forget to use a good mirror and maybe practice that Runway Strut, you know, just in case.
  • Extra, Extras--I prefer doing my Closet Overhaul alone, but having friends over can make it more interesting, they can take your cast-offs, and can give you opinions on what to keep. Another idea is to add a cocktail/mocktail or two, whether you're at it alone or with entourage in tow. Remember: If you go into with a bad attitude, it'll take longer and you'll be less likely to finish. 
Next week we will help enhance your style, further clean up the closet, and add some extras.
You can do this!

54 comments:

  1. I did this last week. Luckily our building has a Salvos Charity bin. That made the process easier, because I just needed to take clothes downstairs. Since clearing the closet I've also been more conscious of what essential pieces I'm lacking.

    I wish I did this with friends though - very Sex and the City!

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  2. Great tips - i just did my yearly closet overhaul last week...it was tedious but I'm so glad it's done.

    Courtney ~ http://sartorialsidelines.com

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  3. I always TRY ON EVERYTHING before I decide if I like it want to get rid and so on. Sometimes I break the booty out and dance.

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  4. Yeah I ought to do this again... I usually give the things I don't need anylonger to my mum, since she volunteers in a red cross second hand shop, that way I know my things will make someone happy and also donate money for Red Cross:)

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  5. Super cool tips Elle! It takes me about 2-3 days to complete mine. I definitely do it in parts. Music always helps.

    http://averysweetblog.com/

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  6. Oh gosh I need to get this done! I'm such a procrastinator when it comes to cleaning.

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  7. I need to pick up some Space Bags. STAT! :)

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  8. I love this. I use to be somewhat of a hoarder. I kept *Everything* but when I had to pack my entire life in 2 suitcases and move to the states I got more practical. Now I'm not so attached to clothes and I do this every few months. If it doesn't work for me, it's gone!
    fun tips Elle!

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  9. I prefer to do closet clean outs alone too. Very few people understand the art of hanging clothes like I do... :)

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  10. I so need to do this... My closet needs a serious overhaul!!

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  11. Love it! I did a little tossing the other day making room for the clothes I got at Christmas. Definitely need to do more!

    http://mandycrandell.blogspot.com/

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  12. Great idea, though my side of the closet is surprisingly in good shape. But my hubby's?? A freakin' war zone! He has A LOT of clothes that he barely wears. But we're going to get him sorted out this year :)

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  13. The Divide and Conquer truly is the hardest step...sigh...I should start doing this overhaul soon.

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  14. I just organized my closet at school and will be posting about it later this week. Let me tell you, it was a CHALLENGE!! hahah!

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  15. :)) This is so great idea and post, fresh one! Love your point of view, it gave me some inspiration for my closet!
    kisses
    Jelena

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  16. I made a pile of things to donate last night! I'm really trying to slim down on my clothes, but I'm getting lower and lower already. I tend to wear a lot of the same things, so it makes it easier to toss somethings.

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  17. Love your tips! I definitely need to do this. I always try to evaluate my clothes, but I think it's been too long. Thanks for the inspiration. :)

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  18. Is it weird that I actually LIKE to do this?? I also crank some music, pour some wine & go at it! I'll be doing this soon & have some ideas in store for what I don't keep ;)

    http://www.theprettyfactor.blogspot.co​m/ - my first giveaway!

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  19. Great advice! I did my seasonal clean-out last weekend, and it felt so good to get reorganized.

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  20. I try to the reorganize and clean my closet out each season. and it's like a job that never ends. xoxo
    http://www.hellohellofriday.com/

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  21. I did this at the end of the year :), so much free space.

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  22. I've been tossing clothes I don't wear to the bottom of my closet for about a year now (a girl needs hangers for her new clothing).

    Although, I've been holding onto the clothing in hopes of having a clothing exchange with some of the young ladies at school.

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  23. I'm having to overhaul my closet so that I can pack it up for the move! This was perfect motivation... Thanks!

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  24. Cleaning and organizing your closet can feel so liberating!!

    ♥ Shia

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  25. Love these tips! The closet overhaul has to be one of the most frustration yet liberating/rewarding things to do. I really do dread it every year. And I try to do it 2xs a year because I have to do the spring/summer & winter/fall changeover. So very true about not doing it when you're PMSing or not feeling great. It's a major confidence killer I find. LOL

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  26. This post is so helpful because you have no idea how bad I need to clean my room and reorganzie my closet. Love the tip of making it fun and I know what you mean and getting it done alone, I think my room is too small for a group of friends anyway. LOL You have a really nice blog, following you now

    xoDale
    I have a fashion blog here in San Francisco if you have time to stop by :)
    http://www.savvyspice.net/

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  27. These are some good tips! Thanks for stopping by on my blog!

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  28. This is some great advice Elle. You sound very organized! Good luck with all your New Year's Resolutions sweetie!

    xo

    Reese
    http://rambleswithreese.blogspot.com
    http;//rambleswithreese.etsy.com

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  29. Music is an absolute must. It keeps the energy up for sure.

    I might add in a mend/tailor pile for things you love but haven't worn in a while because something isn't quite right.

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  30. i so need to get on this stat!!! thx for the tips.

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  31. It's been a work in progress, but we are finally seeing some major improvements in our closets! and are getting ready to donate. Homeless shelters can benefit from this closet overhaul! Thank you for motivating us to do this! it was long overdue!

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  32. I have been avoiding cleaning my closet for SO long, but I just need to do it! And you're so right- do it when you are feeling skinny so you don't get angry when clothes don't fit right! haha That makes a HUGE difference!

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  33. Think i'll be doing mine soon too, then again, been saying that for an age, thanks for the tips, i'll be checking this out everyday for some more :) + Following :)

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  34. What awesome advice! I actually go through my clothes once a season so I never have to take too much time going through them luckily.

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  35. You've reminded me this is something I need to do, but your great tips have taken some of the dread out of it. Thanks for the always good ideas

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  36. i love space bags!!! they are the best!!!

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  37. I did a closet clean our recently, but I still need to go through my dressers.

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  38. I think I miiight tackle a smaller version of this once my food baby goes away.

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  39. I totally want to clean out my closet now! Due to limited space, I try not to let it get too out of control, but I haven't done a major clean out in a while.

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  40. annual closet overhauls are def mandatory

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  41. I plan on working on my closet this weekend!! Great tips.

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  42. My closet has been pretty uniform, since I worked on it not too long ago, but I do love the idea of adding a cocktail as an aid.

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  43. I tend to do closet overhauls whenever I get bored of the stuff in my wardrobe. But sometimes I hold on to things longer than I should. Good tips, Elle!

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  44. Love the "hot and cranky" part. Ha.

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  45. I love space bags too. I have been putting off my closet clean-out, but I think it is time to go all in. You are provoking me:)

    *Erin

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  46. thanks for the tips. i really need to do a closet overhaul and think music will keep me motivated.

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  47. I did quite alot of work on my wardrobe last week. Excellent tips here, though.

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  48. I do this 2-3 times a year.. just finished reorganizing my closet last weekend (even sorted some of them by color), with a lot of "Donate" put aside, mostly because nothing seems to fit me anymore and I never went past size M.. that calls for a diet..

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  49. Happy 2012 gorgeous. Wishing you the very best on this new year to you and your love ones.


    <3 Marina
    Fashion.MakeUp.LifeStyle

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  50. I totally agree on the cool your jets advice. I have been trying to organize and down-size my life and I find that I am far more productive if I quit when I start to feel frazzled and irritated. Great tips :)

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