Closet Overhaul: How to Prep Your Wardrobe for the Changing Season
Closet overhaul season already? If you’ve been switching from heat in the early morning to AC in the afternoon, it might be! For most of us, we are in that place where the weather starts teasing us with the cooler months ahead, whether it’s crispy cool mornings, the rainy season, or just back to school time. Before you know it, it will be time to get out holiday decorations. But as summer draws to a close and all the vacations for the year are behind you, It’s a great time for a closet overhaul to make the transition from summer to fall and winter. It is an opportunity to organize your closet and take a closer look at what you own, including what it might be time to say goodbye to.
Closet Overhaul Golden Rule: Utilize Storage
How you store your clothes between seasons is important. It makes it so much easier to find what you need as you transition from season to season. As you start to pack up your summer clothes for the winter, store everything in a storage bin or a hard-back suitcase. Avoid boxes or bags, as those can be more susceptible to water damage, mold, and that musty smell from spending a season in storage. We love underbed storage containers, clear shoe boxes, and closet organizing tools that make the most of the space.
Layers, Layers, Layers
As you consider what to pack away during your closet overhaul, think about what items from your summer wardrobe might actually be useful in the autumn as a layering piece for outfits. Layers are great for the days when the weather doesn’t actually know what it wants, or when you’re out and not sure what to expect. Some of your lighter summer shirts might earn a space in the closet if they combine well with jackets and wraps. It’s also a good time to unpack the long sleeve shirts, gloves, hats, and other cold weather accessories. Keeping an eye on the weather and planning ahead can help you navigate the changing weather and have a better idea of what you want in your closet and what should go in storage. Over time, you can slowly put more summer clothes away and bring out more winter clothes as the temperature continues to adjust.
Knowing What to Keep and What You Should Finally Let Go
A closet overhaul is a great time to reflect and decide if any of your clothes are ready for a new home. As you start to put things away, think back on the summer:
· When did you wear it? Did it take up space but never get worn? Are you keeping it because it was expensive but you really don’t like it? Does it fit right? Is it worn out?
By honestly answering those questions, you’ll soon discover that you have clothes that no longer serve you and are ready to be donated or repurposed. As you go through your clothes, keep a box or set aside what you’re ready to say goodbye to. If it’s torn, worn out, or stained, throw it away. For everything that still has some life to it, there are so many charity shops, goodwill stores, and shelters who are desperate for your donations. As you pull out your fall and winter clothes, give each item the same scrutiny.
Organizing Dressers and Closets
Once you feel confident in what you’re keeping out and what is headed to storage, having a clean dresser or closet can help remind you what you’ve got to work with and prepare you for what you want to wear. Hang up your formal clothes, jackets, coats, and any layers you might want to add on like a sweatshirt or shawl. Heavier clothing that takes up too much drawer space can be hung or folded on a shelf in the closet. Leave your drawers for lighter garments and weather wear like hats and gloves. If you rely mostly on closet space for your clothes, look into collapsible hangers that can host multiple items while taking up space vertically instead of horizontally.
A closet overhaul is a great way to prepare for the next season and keep the stress minimized when you are getting ready for the day.