These 4 Easy Tips Will Help You Get (And Stay!) Organized In 2023
Get Your Ducks In A Row
If spandex could talk, my workout leggings would shriek that they’re stretched to the max. So, like many, getting into a regular workout routine is top of mind for my wellness goals in 2023. But there are other wellness resolutions on my list too. Organization for one! You may not think being organized contributes to a healthy state of well-being, but if you are Type A like me, oh it can! I get a calming sense when everything is in its place. I blame this on my college roommate who had a bin and a basket for EVERYTHING (thanks Lisa). Getting started is the first hurdle. It can seem overwhelming. Breaking down a game plan into manageable pieces might help you to tackle some organizational projects. If you can focus on these 4 primary areas, you’ll be on your way to orderly bliss.
For more organization tips, including Erin’s must-know tips for closet organizing, click here.
Getting Started
The first step to get and stay organized is to declutter. Whether you edit your closet, the graveyard of beauty supplies taking up residence under your bathroom sink, or toss outdated spices in your pantry, decluttering will give you less to organize. Clear out the riffraff. And, not sure who needs to hear this but it’s okay to throw away your iPhone box! For more tips, keep scrolling…
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How To Edit & Organize Your Closet (Plus, Louis Vuitton Giveaway!)
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.
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…
*I use revenue-generating affiliate links. Thank you for shopping through my links and supporting my mission! Erin xo
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Sign up and you instantly receive… FREE Wardrobe Basics Checklists, Closet Editing & Organizing Checklists, Zoom Call Tips, Capsule Wardrobe Shopping Suggestions and a Lookbook of outfit ideas! You can download and print all of these.
Get Our FREE Wardrobe Basics Checklists, Capsule Wardrobes & More!
Sign up and you instantly receive… FREE Wardrobe Basics Checklists, Closet Editing & Organizing Checklists, Zoom Call Tips, Capsule Wardrobe Shopping Suggestions and a Lookbook of outfit ideas! You can download and print all of these.