Spring Cleaning Closet Edit: Easy as 1, 2, 3!

Before Rayne's closet make-over
A messy closet before Rayne’s make-over.

Before you shop for those “pops of  spring colors”…make room in your closet! If you’re like most people, you open your closet door, look at a bunch of clothes, and feel like you have nothing to wear. Don’t worry! I got you covered.

Step 1: Make Three Piles as You Edit
· Keep Pile: Consists only of things that fit you, flatter you, and those things that are fashionable. All sentimental items can be stored in a box or treasure chest.
When making the ‘keep’ pile ask yourself the following questions:

1. Have you worn this garment in the past year?
2. Does the garment have any stains, tears, or pilling?
3. Does this item fit you properly?
4. Is the fabric comfortable?
5. Is the fabric in good shape?
6. Does the cut flatter your body type?
7. Is this your style personality?
8. Does the color look good with your skin tone, hair color, and/or eye color?

· Tailor/Repair pile: Items that look great on you, but may need a little mending or tailoring. An item such as a jacket that can be updated by switching out the buttons or shortening its length would fit into this category.

· Donate pile: Clothes that don’t fit, have not been worn in more than a year, and colors that don’t flatter you.

All the clothes that were donated from a successful closet clean-out.
All the clothes that were donated from the closet pictured above. Remember, one man’s trash is another man’s/women’s treasure!

Step 2: Be Proactive
I know, you may be tired at this step. Try not to let those unwanted clothes sit there too long.

  • Take your repair pile to the tailor.
  • Sell any designer items at a consignment store, eBay, or donate.
  • Have a “clothing swap” party with your friends. Tell all your friends to bring over their unwanted items and swap. I recommend “swapping” over cocktails. It’s so much fun!

Selling Tip: I went to sell my unwanted clothing at a consignment shop. When the buyer was examining the clothes, a pair of my dirty underwear flew out and went behind the counter! The buyer had to pick them up and hand them back to me. How embarrassing. Did I mention they were my “I ran three miles and sweated like a piggy” gym underwear? Be sure to double check the bags and pockets you take to the consignment shops. You don’t want this to happen to you!

Step 3: Organize your closet
Coordinate your clothing. Hang by the type of garment and then by color. For your t-shirts, sweaters, and jeans, make tidy stacks and place them on shelves or in a dresser drawer.

The "after Rayne's make-over" closet.
The “after Rayne’s make-over” closet.

If you have a smaller closet, organize according to the season. Anything out of season can be stored in garment bags tucked under your bed or in a storage space.

After a successful closet clean-out, you may feel a bit lost. Don’t worry; it’s a normal feeling after removing clutter. You’re in the process of transforming into a more polished you. Spring is one of the best times to start with a fresh clean slate…so let’s get organized!

For more style tips check out Rayne’s book, Ultimate Guide to Style on Amazon!

https://www.stylebyrayne.com