For some of us, getting rid of the things we've accumulated in our closets over the years is not a problem. But for most of us, it’s no easy task. If you’re looking for ways to clean out your closet, Hazelview Properties has tips on how to build the courage to give things the boot and how to choose what to purge from your closet that will make your space feel more organized.
Purge things you rarely touch
It’s time to ditch items you no longer wear or haven’t worn in a while. If it’s been sitting undisturbed in your closet for more than a year, it’s time to let it go.
Choosing what to purge
Create three piles and separate things by what you absolutely love, items you’re not sure what to do with and items you are 100% ready to get rid of. People tend to hold on to expensive purchases and sentimental items. The truth is, if you wore it only once since you bought it, chances are you’re never going to wear it again. And if something has sentimental value, don’t worry. The memories will always be there. If it helps, take a picture of it.
What to save
When purging your closet, think about if your more questionable items work well in combination with others. The more you can match an item with, the better and the more worth saving it is.
Don't just throw it all away
Once you've chosen your items, one of the best ways to dispose of them is to donate them to places like Value Village or the Salvation Army.
Clean
Once you've purged, the next step is to clean. Empty your closet completely and do a deep cleaning -- something we all hesitate do. Try using Seventh Generation non-toxic products which are a healthier and more sustainable choice.
Shop
This is the fun part – well, sort of. Instead of shopping for unnecessary items, this is your chance to purchase items that will help you organize your space. Velvet or open hangers are great because they are thin, and allow you to neatly hang everything without slipping off. Wicker baskets are a nice way to store many items and they actually look stylish on open shelves. Another useful trick is to use shower hooks to hang your purses and scarves. They are cheap and available everywhere.
Organize
Organize your closet in a way that makes sense. Arrange things by colour or in groups (skirts, pants, sweaters), which will make your life easier when you’re in a rush. Keep the items that you use often within reach and reserve the top shelves for seasonal items. And finally, label everything - purses, swimwear, accessories! This will save you time and prevent you from making a mess.
Light
By decluttering your closet, you’ll naturally let in more light into the space. But if that’s not enough, it might be worth investing in brighter light fixtures for greater visibility. The other option is to get battery-powered lights and hang them inh dark areas of your closet. A well-lit space will encourage you to keep things tidy and clean.
Plan to purge
Don't let your refreshed closet fall into disarray. You can keep tabs on the items you're using and what you're not with a clever hanger system. Add an event on your calendar to clean up the closet again one year from the day you cleaned it. Place all clothing items on hangers facing the back of the closet. When you wear something, turn the hanger around when you return the item to the closet. When the year rolls by, you will be able to tell what you wore and what you didn't wear with ease and be able to ditch things with a clear conscience.
Organizing your closet will save you time and money. You’ll be less stressed when searching for clothes in the morning and less tempted to shop for new items. Hazelview Properties hopes these suggestions get you ready and excited for Spring cleaning.
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