How to organize your closet
It’s that time of year where I switch out my wardrobe for spring and summer. And tuck away the thicker and warmer apparel. And pull out the lighter fabrics and washes. So, this past weekend I took a bout 3 hours to thoughtfully switch over my wardrobe, over on Instagram (@caitfore). I asked you all for your questions around this topic. As I do this for a living through C4 Styling and I want to make sure you all feel encouraged to do this on your own, especially since we’re staying home for awhile due to the Coronavirus. Even though this year is vastly different than any before. Cleaning out my closed does give me hope about spring and summer events. And dream up outfits to wear to these events gets my so excited. What’s the first thing you’re going to do once the quarantine is over?
Now, onto cleaning out your closet. This is a great time to edit it down, and organize the items you love the most. And here’s how to do it.
HOW TO EDIT YOUR WARDROBE
TAKE EVERYTHING OUT OF YOUR CLOSET
It is overwhelming and daunting. But, It’s important to do this so you can see everything you have. So you can put back only the items you need in the optimal spot for you.
EDIT EVERYTHING
Items you don’t wear anymore
Be brutal with this part, if you haven’t reallllllly worn an item. And you can’t think about how to wear it 3+ new ways. Put it to the side to get rid of.
Is the fit off? Do you always mess with it when you put it on? Or like always end up taking it off. Get rid of it. Or tailor it.
You can save these clothes for your favorite friend, sell on Poshmark or eBay, or even donate to a local charity.
Items that do not fit
Fit = when a garment correctly hangs on the body.
The seams of a shirt line up correctly over the shoulders.
The fabric lays correctly on the legs of pants and jeans. That allows you to move and do life comfortably.
You’re able to wiggle your toes in shoes.
My only real caveat is if you are pregnant / postpartum. Because hello, your body is in a major or just had a major life moment happen. You don’t need to worry about editing out clothes. I just recommend that you put the clothes, that DO fit you, in a spot in your closet that’s easy to reach. Because I want you to know what you CAN wear, and so you will feel your best. Instead of beating yourself up over putting on clothes that don’t fit, yet.
Items that don’t work with your current life style
If you used to wear a suit and don’t now. Toss ‘em.
If you now wear suits all the time, but now don’t need as much of a casual wardrobe, pair it down.
ORGANIZE WITH PURPOSE
Separate items into like categories - jeans, pants, skirts, sleeveless, short sleeves, long sleeves…
How to organize items in the correct place.
It’s important to have your closet(s) and dressers(s) drive how many clothes you have/keep because of the space you do have to use
I personally have a lot of hanging space in my closet. (As I believe most people do, that live in homes that are about 30-40 years old. Otherwise those gorgeous historical homes have little closets and so folding is going to be a better option.)
Hang my tops (blouses that are make of nicer materials), jackets, jeans, pants, skirts, and dresses. As they take up the most space, and are easier to see hanging up.
Fold casual and intimate items in my chest of drawers.
After I cleaned out my closet I had more room in the cubbies in my closet. I’ve had a hard time getting all of my casual sweatshirts and pajama bottoms to fit in my drawers. So I moved my sweatshirts to the cubbies in the closet. They’re easy to get too and look good too.
Items by length - Short to long
Items by color - I prefer warm to cool. Yes, like a rainbow. This is a big thing for me. I know people love a good rainbow throughout their closets. But, I never think like that when I am getting ready. And if you do, cool. But, I step into my closet and think, “I want to wear jeans today.” I got to my jeans, and decide the fit and color I’m drawn too. Then I think “I want to wear a shirt that can handle a full day with the kids, i.e. that I can wash and looks cute.” so I got to stops and select one with the sleeve length that matches the weather. Then I move to belts, jewelry, and shoes and ask myself the same questions until I’ve got a look. It sounds more time consuming than it is. I would definitely recommend you try this method the next time you’re trying to put together a good outfit.
Items need to face toward the flow of the closet - if you enter your closet and “shop” by walking it left to right or right to left. Make sure all your clothes face YOU. Not the wall. This makes it SO much easier to know what you have in your closet.
Items by use-ability - if you are constantly wearing business professional to work (or need to for Zoom calls), but you place them at the back of the closet and have a hard time reaching them. You gotta move them to a spot that is easy for you to grab. It’s totally okay to do that.
THE POINT OF REORGANIZING YOUR CLOSET IS TO MAKE IT WORK BEST FOR YOU.
So, what’s not working well for you. What parts of your closet or wardrobe make you wince and wish were a different way? This is the time to make it better for you. So go do it!
ITEMS YOU’LL NEED
Velvet Hangers - They are an investment, but they are definitely worth it. I have used them for years and love the unified look they create, and how they keep garments shapes in tact. I usually buy my velvet hangers at Costco. But you can buy them here too.
Bins - these are my favorites to use in my closet, and in our basement to hold the out of season styles. These help keep the things we don’t need everyday out of the way. But in a pretty way, of course.
Steamer - I love a smaller travel size steamer for everyday steaming needs, or if you get in something new that needs a little de-wrinkle. The larger steamer is great for a garment that needs a heavy steam, and if you need a bunch of things steamed too.
Decor - I love sprucing up a closet with fun pieces of fun home decor to make the space feel much more put together. You can add a fun art print, movie quote, cork board for your vision board inspiration, diffusers and cute little stools too. It’s one of the first places we begin our day and I think we need to make it a special and enjoyable moment. So why not make it spark all the senses!?
NOW WHAT CLOTHES DO YOU NEED?
Now if you’re like okay how do I know what to buy now? Or if you’re wondering if you need to add things to your closet, and don’t know where to start. I have a couple of resources available for you on C4 Styling.
The first resource is my FREE Spring and Summer Checklist. All you have to do is sign up for my weekly newsletter. And once you do, it will send you a message with the link in it. Just download the list and get to shopping (if you want/can right now).
The second resource I made for you all is the C4 Styling Wardrobe Checklist . I use this with all of my clients. It helps give us a baseline and shows us where we need to focus. I updated it and went in deep on how to get your wardrobe together with this document. And you can use code SPREADLOVE to save 50% off on your purchase of the digital download.
Reach out to me! Truly. I love personal shopping and creating custom Pinterest boards. I find the best items in your budget and style and create custom pins just for you to shop. You can email me and I’m happy to set up a time to help you.
I hope this helps you get your closet organized and feel good for spring!
xo,
