Get Rid of the Negativity and Start to Love Your Closet

You’re probably thinking the word love is a bit strong when talking about closets but our closets reflect who we were, who we hope to be, and who we are right now. We spend so much time looking at our clothes and thinking negative thoughts but don’t let go of the items that make us feel bad. Do any of these sound familiar?

I wish I could lose weight

I wish I was young again

I use to be so skinny

I paid so much money for that but I don’t like it or wear it

Maybe one day I can fit into that again

I can’t wear skirts my legs are terrible

Why did I buy that?

This color looks awful on me

I feel so uncomfortable when I wear this 

I hate everything in my closet and would love to start over

I am probably forgetting a few but I think you get my point. If you have said any of these things to yourself you are not alone and this is why I am so passionate about purging. My goal when organizing closets is to help purge and create a closet for who you are in your life today.

The size of a closet doesn’t matter, whether big or small when you look in your closet it should bring feelings of calm and have only clothes you love and make you feel good when you wear them. Turn off the negative thoughts and start creating a closet you will love.

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How to Refresh Your Closet in the New Year

We are almost a month into the new year and as an organizer, I feel it is never too late to get organized and give yourself a fresh start. There is no better place to begin that transition than purging and organizing your closet. Your closet should be a reflection of who you are today no matter the size of your closet.

Remove Everything Out of the Closet
The best way to clean and organize any space in your home is to start with a clean slate. Removing everything will get you the end result you are looking to achieve. 

Keep, Toss, Donate, Consign
This is the time to finally let go of the “what if” clothes. Those items keep you living in the past and my job is to help clients choose the clothes that fit the lifestyle they are living today. You should only keep clothes that you love, make you feel good when you wear them, fit you well and are in style.

Clean the Closet and Make Necessary Changes
This is a step that can be overlooked but it is necessary. Vacuum the dust bunnies and figure out what is not working for you and fix it. A fresh coat of paint can make a closet look brand new. Small changes can make a big difference in a closet.

Change Your Hangers
Changing your hangers is so simple, inexpensive and will give you a clean uniform look with immediate results.

Keep Like Items Together
Color coding your clothes allows you to quickly see what you own which prevents overbuying and saves you money.

Use the Vertical Space on a Shelf
Use the vertical space on a shelf for stacking containers. I love these for shoes, sweaters or accessories. Don’t forget to label!

Utilize the Space Under Short Hanging
Are you lacking drawer space? This is a favorite to use under short hanging or if you have extra space in your closet. It not only adds drawers but it is easy to take it with you if you move.

Make a List of What You Need
Take inventory of what you need as you get rid of items. Do you need another pair of white jeans? New undergarments? Keeping a list will help you buy only what you need.

Keep the Current Season in Your Closet
Your closet is prime real estate so it is important to keep what you will be wearing this season in your closet. Store out of season or seldom-used items in labeled containers with lids under a bed or in a spare closet.

Don’t Forget Shoes
Shoes also need to be purged when cleaning out a closet. Take them all out and let go of the ones that hurt your feet, you never wear, are no longer in style or are in bad shape. If they need repair, repair them or let them go. Don’t let the fact that you paid a lot of money guilt you into keeping shoes. Consign them and use the money to buy something you will wear.

Keep a Shopping Bag in Your Closet for Items You No Longer Want
When you put something on and you don’t like how it fits or the way you feel in it do not hang it back up. Drop it in the bag for donation or consignment.

Enlist the Help of a Professional
If you feel stuck it never hurts to have a second set of eyes when you are cleaning out a closet. A professional organizer can help you make the tough decisions you have difficulty making.

Tackling your closet can renew your self-esteem by keeping only the things you love, wear and make you feel good about yourself. You will save time by not searching for an item and feel less frustrated and have a sense of calm every time you open your closet door. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make these simple changes. Invest the time to reap the reward for the closet you deserve.

Photos by Julie Ryan Photography

 

 

 

 

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10 Ways Your Closet is Sabotaging Your Self Esteem

Does how you feel about yourself keep you from clearing the clutter in your closet? As an organizer, I see many closets with clothing that has not been worn in years, undergarments that don’t fit properly, and clothes that are either too small or too big. How you see yourself has a lot to do with why you may be paralyzed to make any changes in your closet. These simple tips will get you motivated to begin transforming you and your closet.

CLOTHING BRANDS FIT DIFFERENTLY

 The size you wear in one brand can be totally different in another brand. Understanding this is huge because so many women think that if they are a size 10 in one brand they should be a 10 in all brands and there is nothing further from the truth. So be kind to yourself and don’t just buy one size across the board because you will end up with clothes that don’t fit and are never worn.

INVEST IN NEW UNDERGARMENTS

I can’t say this enough get fitted properly for new undergarments. It can really change the way your clothes fit and how you feel about yourself. Purge undergarments that are not flattering or have seen better days. Regardless if you are the only one to see your undergarments it will make you feel better about how you look and feel in clothes.

LET GO OF “USED TO” CLOTHES

Don’t keep clothes that make you feel bad about yourself when you see them. I call those “used to” clothes because that is how clients describe them to me. Looking into your closet and seeing items that “used to” fit only reinforces negative thoughts and low self-esteem. Your wardrobe should be about who you are today not yesterday!

REMOVE EVERYTHING TO SEE CHANGE

If you want to see real change when you are cleaning out your closet remove everything. It really is the only way to see what you own and what you want to keep. I like to use a garment rack to make the process a bit easier because it allows you to see what you own. Three simple rules to follow when deciding what to keep I like this and will wear itdoesn’t fit and I don’t like it, maybe but I need to try it on. It’s that easy don’t overthink it.

KEEP A LIST

Make a list of items you need to replace as you let go of the old. It is the easiest way to keep track of what you need without overbuying. 

STICK TO NEUTRALS 

If you want a closet that is easy to work on a daily basis it helps to stick to neutrals. Black, white, cream and splashes of color in your accessories and shoes will make planning what you are wearing so simple. 

STRIPES, FLORALS AND POLKA DOTS

Now, let’s discuss patterns. They are great for some people but for others, it may be the reason you have items in your closet that are never worn. Stripes, florals and polka dots can be fun to wear but do you feel good when you wear them? If the answer is no, let them go. Simplicity is not boring just easy.

ENLIST HELP

If you feel like you cannot tackle your closet without help you are not alone. A professional organizer can help you make decisions you are unable to make. They will give honest opinions by asking questions and motivate you to keep moving forward to attain your goal.

YOU ARE NOT TOO OLD

Age seems to always play a role when purging clothes in a closet. Although you may not wear mini skirts any more wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident. Buying “you should” clothes, also known as clothes people think you should wear for your age, can make you feel bad about yourself and take up valuable space in your closet.

SAY GOODBYE TO THE PAST

Even in clothing, it can be hard to leave the past behind. Holding onto clothes that no longer reflect who you are and the stage of life you are in is keeping you and your closet living in the past. Embrace the body you have today and build your wardrobe with the items you love!

Cleaning out your closet can be a challenge when you begin the process. There may be some unexpected emotions that arise but once you purge the old you can move forward and enjoy the new you and who you are today. Try it, the results can be life-changing!

Photo: Julie Ryan Photography