CLOSET EDITING
The most frustrating thing in the morning besides the alarm going off… is trying to find stuff, like the other shoe… or that damn, black cami!
Let’s stop that madness, save you some time and aggravation… and get organized together!
I know it’s an overwhelming project, and you’d probably rather pull your finger nails out, but don’t panic, I’m going to walk you through it.
First, you should watch my VIDEO above.
Done? Okay, now you should watch the VIDEO below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HlZWYQKP9w
Now…that you’ve watched both of those…Let’s talk mind games.
While you are editing. Your clever mind will try to find ways to keep crap.
You’ll hear yourself saying one or more of the following:
– Everything comes back in style. (True, but usually there is a new twist.)
– I spent a lot of money on that. (Great, but you never wear it. Let someone else enjoy it. Consign it!)
– I like it, but I don’t know how to wear it. (You probably don’t wear it, because it’s not your style or it doesn’t fit right.)
– It reminds me of my trip to Paris. (I suggest keeping sentimental pieces stored in a separate place)
Yup, I know all of your tricks. So keep that inner hoarder at bay, and let’s get down to business.
Grab about 100 pieces in your closet and put them on a rolling rack (like this one), and ask yourself the following questions.
1. No more than ONE size up or down.
This is the toughest one for us ladies, if it is more than 1 size up or down from your current size…get rid of it. Clients will plead with me to keep their “skinny jeans,” pledging to get back into them someday. Listen, I know you will get there someday too. But, having them hang in your closet as a constant reminder of the fact that you haven’t reached your goal is…depressing! Think about it. A daily reminder of how skinny you used to be. Get rid of them. And when you DO get skinnier, go shopping!
2. Is it damaged?
Is your sweater faded or balled up? Has your white shirt, yellowed? Does your t-shirt have holes in it? Purge the things that look old. If you think they look old, others will too. If you notice stains, put them aside in your cleaning or dry cleaning pile.
3. Have I worn it in the last 2 years?
If you haven’t worn a garment in two years, you’re not going to wear it.
The exceptions are special occasion dresses (assuming you might actually wear them again), and I suggest holding onto cashmere, leather and/or suede, unless it is very dated.
4. Do I look cute in this?
Just because a piece is new…or it still fits you after all these years, doesn’t mean you should be wearing it. If you don’t feel cute wearing it, donate it.
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ORGANIZATION
When you are finished EDITING…it’s time to ORGANIZE.
1. Invest in matching hangers
I tell clients to buy 100 shirt/dress hangers for every 3 feet of hanging space on your rack. It’s an investment, but it’s SO worth it!
2. Sort by type
That means, hang sleeveless shirts together, short sleeve next, long sleeve last. Group blazers together. Keep skirts and pants separated. You get the idea!
3. Sort by color
Use a system that works for you. I like organizing light to dark and I use the rainbow as a guide, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, etc.
4. Store off-season
Keep off season clothes, shoes in another space and free your closet up so you can really see everything you have.
If you have a really large walk-in closet and you can keep everything in one place, put off-season things in the back.
Phew! We’re almost done.
Now, you just have to get rid of your garbage, donate the clothes that are still wearable and go back through and see what might be missing…
But that can be a project for another day.
I know this is a serious project, but when you are done…and your closet looks great…and it doesn’t stress you out anymore…and it’s easy to find stuff…
It will be SO worth it!!
SHOP ORGANIZATION TOOLS
Folding Garment Rack \\ Amazon
Bracelet Display Stand in Linen \\ Amazon
Necklace Stand \\ Amazon
Earring Stands \\ Amazon
Black Velvet Bracelet Stand \\ Amazon
Dress\Shirt Hangers (Pack of 100) \\ Amazon
Skirt\Pant Hangers (Pack of 48) \\ Amazon
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
How To Save Time During Your Morning Routine
Wardrobe Basics Part 1
Wardrobe Basics Part 2
Thank you so much for stopping by!
*I use revenue-generating affiliate links. Thank you for shopping through my links and supporting my mission! Erin xo
Hi Erin! I love your videos and blog and have been an avid follower for the last year or so 🙂 I live in Chicago with limited space… I know you used to live in NYC and was wondering if you could give some tips and share how you kept organized and fabulous while living in a city apartment? I love my clothes and bags and shoes, but I have to keep somewhat streamlined since I just have my small closet and under the bed boxes. I would love to hear more about “NYC Erin” so I can apply those tips to my life 🙂 Thanks so much!
Hi Kate…
Oh my gosh, I totally hear you. I applied the same ideas, to my small closet. My love of closet organization actually started there. I did a story for WCBS with these guys http://bit.ly/1Q3uc8i – I think you have to keep a very lean, capsule wardrobe of like 100 pieces, sorted by type and color. Keep everything else under a bed or in a different place in shallow bins or baskets. Put all off-season clothes somewhere else. Fold your sweaters, jeans, camis, tees, and put them in drawers. Only hang things that need to be, like dresses, blouses, skirts, and trousers. Hope that helps a little? Erin xo
Nice series. Thank you. I hope your viewers will take a look at the “Dress for Success” organization when editing out their closets. It’s a fabulous way to help other women who may be less fortunate. https://www.dressforsuccess.org/
Also, I agree with all your tips except the one about looking cute. I think that is more related to a certain personality type. Personally, I don’t want to look or feel “cute”. I am feminine but don’t strive for “cute” in my style.
Thanks for all your hard work creating this video! 🙂
Hi Evie…
I really love Dress For Success! Such a wonderful concept. Thank you for reminding me of this terrific organization. I think ‘cute’ is a euphemism for ‘good’… You could really substitute cute for good or great and that should be your bench mark. If you look good, you will feel good. Thanks for your support and valuable feedback! Erin xo
I love Dress For Success! Such a wonderful concept and organization! I think cute is a euphemism for ‘good’ … do you look good or feel good in the garment? Hope that helps! Erin xo