COLUMN: Start the year off organized
The new year has finally arrived! After surviving family gatherings, endless holiday parties, frigid weather, and crazy shoppers its finally time to sit back and relax! Well, maybe not.
As always, the holiday break seems to have ended much too soon and the time has come to begin a new semester. It’s time once again for new faces, new classes, early mornings and all-nighters.
With so much “newness” around, now is the perfect time to make a fresh start … with your closet.
Although it’s not quite time to put away your winter threads, now is your chance to start making room for the new spring and summer styles. And what better way to start a new year than with an organized closet?
Cleaning and organizing a closet can be an overwhelming task, but it can help extend the life of clothing and make your life easier. Nobody should live in constant fear of a clothes avalanche. By splitting the task into steps, you’ll accomplish more in less time and avoid getting frustrated.
Start by removing all the random items out of your closet such as; suitcases, boxes, shoes or sleeping bags. This will make it easier to move things around and focus on your clothing.
Next, choose a part of the closet to start with, such as a shelf or the floor. This will help make the task a little less intimidating.
Get a couple boxes and mark them “keep,” “garbage,” “fix,” “charity/sell,” “odds and ends,” and “storage.” As you sort through your closet place items in the corresponding box. For example, items that need to be dry cleaned or taken to a tailor should go in the “fix” box. Use the “odd and ends” box for loose buttons, belts, and orphaned gloves or socks.
It’s a good idea to keep the “fix” box in your car so you take care of the items when you are out.
While you’re sorting through your closet take inventory of what you have, need, and want. Keep a notepad and pen near by and when you see items that you need or need to replace write them down. This will make shopping a lot easier and it will help you avoid buying things you already have, or have too many of, which in return will save you time and money.
Once you’re done sorting, grab the “keep” box and evaluate each garment. If you haven’t used it in the past year get rid of it because chances are you won’t ever wear it. Sort the items you’re keeping into categories.
You can do this by season, color, tops, bottoms, etc. This will help you decide exactly what part of your closet it should go in and it will make it easier to find things when you’re getting ready.
Store out-of-season items in storage bins or space bags. This will free up closet space and keep the items in good condition until its time to wear them again. Put delicate items, such as party dresses or dressy coats in zip-up garment bags.
Replace old or broken hangers. They can damage your clothing and usually end up taking space. It’s also a good idea to invest in an over-the-door shoe organizer. It will free up closet space and keep your shoes in pairs.
Once your done find out what organizations in your area take donations, have a yard sale, or sell your unwanted items to stores that buy used clothing. There are many stores that specialize in buying used apparel items. Consignment stores are also a great way to get rid of items that may be taking up space.
Let’s face it, nobody likes to tackle a messy closet, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. Make it fun! Have a friend or roommate help you, order take out, and put some good music on. It will make time go by faster and the whole process a little less painful.
Once you’re done you will have an organized closet and a faster morning routine. Not to mention an excuse to go shopping … the perfect way to start a new year!
– jimena.h@aggiemail.usu.edu