I tend to go through and organize my wardrobe twice a year… early Spring and early Fall. Experience has taught me that an organized closet is not a luxury it’s a necessity! Staying organized is essential to not overspending. Doesn’t matter the size of the closet or the amount of clutter stored there, organizing your closets helps you use what you have, know what you need and spend your hard earned dollars appropriately.

We all need some guidelines when cleaning out closets and drawers. First, there should be nothing in your closet that isn’t currently wearable and coordinate well with other pieces. Secondly, separate out those pieces that are nostalgic or vintage, need alterations or mending from everything else. Third, avoid holding on to old clothes until you lose that extra 20lbs. As you go through the rest of your wardrobe, on each piece ask these questions:

1. Have I worn it in the last year? If not… Bye bye!
2. Is the color unbecoming... if so, it’s outta here.
3. Does the garment need alteration… and has forever? Fix it or lose it!
4. Does a friend own the exact same item? If it looks better on them … dump it.
5. Too fabulous to be forgotten before your next event…it’s history.
6. Such a classic style that it’s dull…. see ya!
7. A vivid reminder of an awful event…. Why would you keep it?
8. Doesn’t give the style image you’re trying to portray…. Dump it.
9. Wrinkles way too fast…what a headache, bye bye!
10. Item was a comprise. Unless it’s an absolute wardrobe staple … it’s gone.

Now that you’ve gotten rid of the inessentials, organizing remaining wardrobe so you know what you’ve got.

First separate by season, then store off-season clothes in another place. Winter sweaters, vintage and nostalgic pieces can be stored under the bed in storage boxes or in 3–drawer cart in your closet if you use them regularly. Winter coats, jackets and outerwear can also be stored in bins under beds or overhead in closets.

Shoes should be organized and up off the floor when possible. Clear shoe boxes or clear hanging shoe organizers always work for me. The key is being able to see them so you know what you have at a glance. Any shoes that need repair shoe be repaired or discarded.

As you go through your closet, separate pieces by style… Short sleeve- long sleeve. Hang suits and complete outfits together. Invest in good hangers instead of wire ones that can damage garments.

Dresser drawers should be organized so you can quickly see what you have. Drawer organizers for hats, gloves, belts, scarves, ties, hose and other smaller garments are a good choice and add much added ease in the searching out an item.

Using just a few of these tips will decrease stress and dressing time and allow you to honestly evaluate your wardrobe needs. Now you can bargain hunt for a deal on that perfect addition to your wardrobe. Yep, we like that!

Suzanne O'Connor