January 8, 2009
Don’t Wait for Spring; Cut Closet Clutter Now!
Spring is traditionally the time for cleaning out closets and similar chores, but I think that winter is the perfect time to cut closet clutter. After all, if you’re like many people, right about now you’re probably still buried in holiday gifts and wondering where to put them all. If that isn’t a call to clean out your closets and get rid of things you never use, I don’t know what is!
People complain that they don't have enough closet space in their
homes.
The truth really is that most homes aren't closet poor, they
simply have poorly organized closets. Since winter is when many of us
spend a lot of time indoors, why not put that time to good use and
start off the New Year on the right organizational foot? Clearing out
the old to make way for the new is an incredibly liberating experience.
Here are some tips to get you started.
TIP #1 – START SMALL: If the task seems too daunting, don't try to tackle every closet in your house, or even one whole closet. Start with just one small area - one closet hanging rod, one drawer or one shelf. Once you have tackled that area, move on to another and so forth.
TIP #2 – ONLY THREE REASONS: There are only three reasons to hold on to an item: because it’s beautiful, useful or loved. Use this as a yardstick against which to measure each item. If it doesn't fit into one of these three categories, why are you keeping it?
TIP #3 – LOVE IT OR LOSE IT: Your closet should be a place you love to go to. Don’t let emotions or memories get in the way as you clean out. That’s at least partly how you ended up with overflowing closets that are more a walk down memory lane than efficient, workable spaces in the first place!
TIP #5 – THE “F” TEST: When purging items, ask yourself these questions: Is it FLATTERING? Does it FIT? Does it serve a FUNCTION?
TIP #6 – OTHER PURGING CRITERIA: When did you use it last? When will you use it again? What is the worst thing that would happen if you got rid of it? Would you buy it again the way it is now? What kind of comments do you get when you wear it? Would you feel comfortable giving it to someone else? Would you be embarrassed to give it away?
TIP #7 – AVOID “SOMEDAY” SYNDROME: Keeping clothes that don't fit is a waste of precious space. If something doesn't fit, get rid of it. Don't think twice, just do it! If you’re hoping to lose weight “someday”, go and buy more clothes when it happens. You’ll have earned it. Make your closet a working space with things that fit; remove everything else.
TIP #8 – VISABILITY IS KEY: Put back what you're keeping, but make sure everything in the closet is as visible as possible. Hang the belts (and scarves if that’s how you like them) so you can see them. Buy clear plastic boxes for other accessories and clearly label them. Get cubbies or plastic boxes for your shoes and dividers for shelves to separate sweaters, handbags, hats, etc.
TIP #9 – CREATE A MEMORY BOX: Instead of anguishing over tossing something sentimental and special out, giving it away or donating it, create a “memory” box time capsule and save it. Make sure these clothes are clean, and pack them away in archival quality boxes with layers of tissue paper and cedar blocks or chips. Store the box in a cool, dry place for maximum protection. Tuck it under the bed, on a high, out-of-the-way shelf or anywhere else it won’t take up prime real estate in your closet.
TIP #10 – SHELVE IT: Shelves serve one major purpose: they provide a place to put all the things that would otherwise go on the floor! You can make a real dent in your closet clutter if you carefully maximize all the space on your shelves and add extra ones, if necessary, and there’s room for them.
TIP #11 – USE THE RIGHT TOOL: Make sure you're utilizing the right hanger for the right job -- skirt hangers for skirts, pant hangers for pants, etc. Get rid of all the bent-out-of-shape metal hangers lurking in your closet!
TIP #12 – MAXIMIZE SPACE: Installing a good closet storage system – after purging the unused, unloved or unwanted – is the BEST way to ensure that you maximize every bit of space. Some are easy to install yourself. Others may require a professional installer, but it’s worth the investment.
TIP #13 – TRY THIS EYE OPENER: Having trouble seeing the value of clutter-free, space-efficient closets, apart from the fact you can find things more easily? Calculate the square footage your crammed closets take up in your home and then figure out how much of your rent or mortgage payment is going toward that space!
TIP #14 – ADOPT THE "ONE-IN, ONE-OUT" SYSTEM: Buy something only if you promise to give away something when you get home. No cheating allowed, if you don’t want to sabotage yourself!
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MILLER ORGANIZING. All rights reserved.
14 Stuyvesant Oval
NYC, NY 10009