Its that time of year when your closet can use a refresh to get ready for the upcoming warmer weather. This weeks question how do I store my winter clothes? This is a great question because storing your winter clothes properly not only protects them from dust but keeps them in good shape and ready to wear in the fall. These are a few of my tips and favorites things that I personally use and recommend.
PURGE
Spring is a great time to purge the winter items you didn’t wear, don’t fit properly, are no longer your style and are not in great shape.
UNDER THE BED
If you live in a small space you will gain storage by utilizing the space under the bed. You can store winter items you are not using and make room in your closet for spring and summer.
CONTAINERS Containers are the easiest and least expensive way to store out of season items. I love linen and these are not only functional but look great too! These clear containers are favorites because they are available in many different sizes so you can store sweaters, shoes, boots, and accessories. Using inserts in your boots before you contain them will help them retain their shape. Don’t forget to label your containers so you will know what is inside.
HANGING STORAGE BAGS One way to store winter coats and jackets is to use hanging storage bags. These are made from natural, breathable cotton fabric and are great for storing multiple items.
If you want more tips and ideas on spring cleaning your closet you can watch my recent segment on River City Live by clicking the link below or go to the video page at the top.
This week I had the pleasure of collaborating with J.Crew for their Transition into Spring event. The event focused on tips to transition your closet from winter to spring and we got a sneak peek at new spring arrivals.
Spring is a great time to reevaluate your wardrobe. Decide what items you are ready to let go of to make room for the new things you will love and wear. Here are a few of my tips to spruce up your closet for Spring and prepare for warmer weather.
PURGE WITH A SPRING MINDSET
How do you start to purge? By letting go of clothes that no longer fit, are not your style, you haven’t worn in two winter seasons and items that are not in great shape. Include bags, shoes, and accessories when purging from one season to another.
CHANGE YOUR HANGERS It’s easy, inexpensive and gives you immediate results. If you do nothing else changing your hangers can and will make a big difference.
CONTAIN AND LABEL WINTER ITEMS
Containers are the perfect solution for utilizing vertical space in a closet. Stack multiple containers with seldom worn shoes or off-season clothing and accessories. If you have a spare closet keep all winter items together for convenience and you will gain more space in your closet for Spring and Summer clothing. These are my favorites for storing almost anything because they come in many different sizes.
UTILIZE THE SPACE UNDER THE BED
There are differing opinions on storing items under a bed. The simple truth is if you are tight on space storing off-season items under the bed allows you to have more space in your closet for the current season. Under Bed containers come in many different sizes but make sure they have lids to keep out dust and bugs.
KEEP YOUR BOOTS IN SHAPE
Boot inserts help boots retain their shape so when you pull them out in the fall they look great! These are my go-to for my own boots as well as what I use with my clients. I also love these to store booties on a shelf. They keep them free of dust and allows you to store the booties standing up to retain their shape.
Spring is the best time of year to refresh and revitalize your wardrobe. Your self-esteem will be renewed by only keeping 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.
Invest the time to reap the reward for the closet you deserve.
Looking for an outfit that is timeless? This white linen shirt, white jeans and leopard belt from J.Crew are one of my favorites!
Welcome to the Neatly Designed blog, where I share my favorite organization tips, and must-have organizing products.
I have been asked by many followers on social media how did you become a professional organizer and can you give me tips to get started. It took me a while to go back through the years and remember the beginning of my career but here we go!
I actually started organizing without realizing it was a business because 12 years ago it was a career not many people knew about. I went to a friends house while our kids were at school and we were sitting in her kitchen and the countertops were covered with paperwork and other miscellaneous items. I asked her if she wanted help clearing the countertops and she looked at me like I was crazy or the best friend she ever had I couldn’t tell.
She said are you sure you want to do that and I think I said yes so fast that it made her laugh. In my mind, I was envisioning how that space could be used and what a difference it would make preparing meals for her family and how calming it would be to walk into a space free of clutter. We started by getting rid of items that were trash, sorted items to be filed and I could see the more we tackled the better she felt. By the time we reached the end of the counter, I lifted a stack of papers and saw a bar sink. I said I didn’t know you had a sink there and she replied yes and now I will be able to use it!
We were done by the time the kids finished school and as we were walking out the door to get the kids she said thank you and I remember the next words out of her mouth like it was yesterday you should do this as a job. I replied they have jobs doing this? She said I don’t know but you should look into it your good at it. You have to remember this was 12 years ago and we had computers but not like they do now and there was no social media so I began to research the prospects on my own.
These are the steps I took to get where I am today. It may not work for everyone but this is what worked for me.
1. Help friends and family get organized so you can make sure it is a fit for you before you invest time and money. In my opinion, you either have a passion for organizing or you don’t there is generally not a middle road. As an experienced organizer, I can say it is the most rewarding job but it also is a lot of hard work. Many think it is glamorous but it can be a very emotional experience for clients. As an organizer, you wear many different hats. You not only help purge clutter but you are a therapist, a motivator and a confidant.
2. If you realize its something you want to do the next step is to join NAPO. The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals will give you information and tools to get started in the business. You can take classes, join groups and learn the trade from other experienced organizers.
3. Choose a name for your company and have a business plan. If you want people to see you as a legitimate business you have to make yourself legitimate. That includes insurance, banking, a website and physical help for larger jobs. Although I did not have social media back then it is something that is important in today’s world and needs to be a part of your business.
4. Be patient. It takes time to become successful at any job and being an organizer is no different. When you have a job that takes you into peoples homes you have to build your reputation. Word of mouth has been everything in my business.
5. My last bit of advice is to be yourself! I know in the social media world it’s easy to see what others are doing. Don’t focus on them and feel like you are not measuring up be yourself and do what you are best at.
Did I cover it all? I hope so but if not feel free to comment and l will be happy to answer any questions. Like any other job do what you love and love what you do!
