Spring is a time for renewal and reorganization. Cleaning is an important part of that, allowing you to get a fresh start and get a better understanding of what’s in your closet. Decluttering your wardrobe can be time-consuming, but it has a host of benefits. A well-organized closet will help you see what you’re working with, allowing for more efficient outfit assembly and saving you time when searching for a specific piece. It can also save you money, preventing you from buying something you might already have.
OXXO Cleaners That Care believes in the power of a well-organized and structured closet. We’ll outline how to declutter your closet with ease, including how to organize and maintain your newly-categorized space. Spring cleaning can be an even more empowering time when you give yourself the gift of more closet space!
Getting Prepped for the Job
Before you start the process of decluttering, take some time to think about your goals for the space. Are you interested in minimizing the size of your wardrobe or do you need to increase your storage space? Whether minimalism or a cleaner space is the ultimate objective, outlining your goals can give you a “north star” to work towards as you declutter. Some people feel anxiety about the prospect of decluttering. Identify any worries you have and reassure yourself that the end goal is worth it.
Define your personal style as you prepare to declutter. Consider what outfits and styles you feel most comfortable in and which ones you’re more likely to wear. If you have a lot of clothes that you buy for special occasions but never end up wearing, it might be time to let them go. Outline what colors, silhouettes, and patterns you gravitate toward, and keep that in mind as you move forward. Knowing these things about your personal style can help keep you focused during the decluttering and organization process. Every functional wardrobe should include outfits in which you feel comfortable and stylish, pieces that can easily mix and match, and combinations for a range of looks.
Having the right supplies on hand is also helpful. You’ll need some donation boxes for the clothes you decide not to keep, along with trash bags for junk or destroyed items, and items for storage solutions. This could include plastic totes, cubes, hanging totes, extra hangers, and labels. Basic craft supplies like markers and scissors might also be useful as you work through your closet, getting rid of things you no longer need and storing ones you do.
Sorting Your Wardrobe
Sorting your wardrobe might take the most time, but it can be deeply satisfying. Remove everything from your closet, thoroughly clean the interior, and assess the space. Think about how the space might best be utilized and if there are any other storage solutions in your home you want to use for clothes, such as dressers. Once your closet is clean and ready, establish a system for sorting your clothes and accessories into keep, donate, repair, and discard piles.
Pile it On
Take every piece of clothing from your closet and wardrobe and dump it out onto a large open space, such as a bedroom floor. This is a good time to immediately remove things that are damaged beyond repair, such as socks with large holes or undergarments that have long had too many loose threads. Remove them from the pile and begin sorting the remaining clothes, keeping items that still fit well and that match your lifestyle and aesthetic. Don’t keep anything that no longer fits you or that you no longer like. Your personal style often changes over time, so don’t be afraid to donate or discard something that you don’t believe you’ll ever wear again. Donate items that are still in good condition but that you don’t think you’ll ever wear again.
Make Repairs
Some garments might need some slight repairs to become wearable again. If you have shirts missing buttons or dresses with slight rips, consider bringing them to a tailor or a seamstress for repair. Once these much-loved garments are restored, you can add them back to your outfit rotation. Finally, discard anything that is either well beyond repair or not suited for donation. It can help to have assistance with this, such as the advice of a friend whose guidance you trust. It can be hard to discard or donate clothes that you have an emotional connection to. In these cases, logic and an outside perspective can be invaluable.
Organizing Kept Clothing Items
Organizing your closet can be a stressful prospect, but once you get started, you’ll likely find the process very enjoyable. As you work through your pile to keep, decide which pieces should be folded and which ones should be hung. Certain pieces, such as suits and dresses, require hanging both to maximize space and prevent damage to the garments. Padded hangers might be a good investment for pieces you wish to protect, as are hanging bags. Any formal clothing in your closet, including suits or formal gowns, should always be stored appropriately since this fabric can be more delicate than standard clothing material.
Think about how to categorize your clothes for easy access. Some people find it easier to color-code their clothes. This can help with matching, such as when you know you want to wear a specific color for a special occasion. Alternatively, you could organize clothes by occasion, such as work or casual wear. For the sake of space, consider storing clothes by season. You can keep off-season clothes in plastic tubs and rotate them out when appropriate.
At this stage, utilize your organizers and storage solutions. Shelf dividers, drawer organizers, and totes can streamline this process. Labeling will help you know what’s in every container or tote, and careful stacking will ensure everything is neat and accessible. Resist the temptation to rush through this process. It often takes hours or even days to properly organize a closet, depending on how many clothes you have and the size of your closet. If you have help, utilize it, and always practice safety precautions if you have to move heavy totes or climb on a ladder.
Maintaining a Decluttered Closet
It’s a big job to sort and organize a wardrobe, but maintaining it can pose an even bigger challenge. Periodically review your wardrobe to keep it decluttered. It’s a good idea to take stock of your wardrobe at the start of each new season, rotating out your pieces and purging anything you no longer want or need. If you store your clothes in totes, go through each one to be sure of what you have and prevent any unnecessary purchases.
Many people find the “one-in, one-out” rule helpful. This is the practice of discarding or donating one old item for every new item you purchase. If you have friends or relatives who have similar tastes to yours, you can offer them some of the pieces you don’t think you’ll wear anymore. If they don’t want the clothes, donate them. It can be tempting to store or stack these discarded pieces in your vehicle or in a garage space prior to donation, but this can end up causing more clutter. Do your best to take unwanted pieces to the donation center quickly, so you can maintain a clean and well-organized space.
Take good care of your clothes to ensure they last a long time and stay looking fresh. Wash and dry clothes regularly, following any special care instructions and bringing certain pieces to the professional dry cleaners when necessary. If you notice stains or spots, including oil stains or food residue, treat them right away to prevent the stains from setting in and ruining the garment. Fold and store clothes properly, hanging any delicate items as you go. Having a trusted dry cleaning company on hand can be invaluable. It can take a long time to treat and clean every item in your closet, especially items that require special care. Bringing clothes to the dry cleaners can save you time and stress. It also ensures your clothes always receive the best care and attention.
Keep Your Wardrobe in Great Shape with Help from OXXO
Decluttering your wardrobe can help you to better utilize your clothes and enhance your living space. While decluttering can take some time and effort, the results are well worth it. Throughout the year, well after you’ve completed your spring cleaning, remember to maintain your work by performing regular touch-ups on your wardrobe. Removing old pieces even as you add new ones, or donating items you no longer need, can help with this.
If you need help keeping your clothes in tip-top condition, OXXO Cleaners That Care is here for you. We proudly provide professional dry cleaning services that are both convenient and environmentally friendly. We use only the finest products and cleaners, so you can be sure your cherished pieces will be returned to you as good as new. Visit a convenient location across the USA to learn more about OXXO Cleaners That Care, your professional dry cleaners!
