As days grow incrementally shorter, and whispers of autumn sneak into the evening air, it seems an ideal time to set aside quality hours with our closets. While there’s still plenty of sunshine and socializing left on our September calendars, our minds admittedly begin drifting toward fall fashion and future cozy fun, the moment back-to-school photos inundate our feeds. A transition to the next season is not far off, and we like to be prepared.

As life gears up again to a quicker pace, many even consider this ninth month a New Year’s-esque reset — a time to assess how our 2023 has gone thus far, and how we’d like it to look in the months ahead. A great place to start? In your sacred closet spaces, sorting through your wardrobe, of course!

Set Yourself Up for Success

As you look to organize your wardrobe for the mighty season swap, put yourself in the right headspace to help the activity feel exciting versus tedious. Crank up some inspiring tunes, or stream your favorite podcast for background company. (We might suggest California Closets’ Ideas of Order, featuring conversations with Jeremiah Brent and guests like Nate Berkus, Tan Franc, and Rachel Zoe.)

Donate Now, Thank Yourself Later

It’s time to get serious. Start by pulling out a “donation” bin, and be ruthless in your culling. Before putting away your summer clothing, go through each item with a keen eye and ask in earnest: What didn’t I wear? Why? In the future, will I really?”

Be honest with yourself. As we approach the season where falling leaves inspire a greater life metaphor for things that no longer serve us — take away the greater lesson. Let it go.

Make sure the items you’re keeping are in good condition. Before you stack them and tuck them away, consider putting a sachet or drier sheet between each item so they’ll keep fresh and will feel brand-new next time you pull them out. 

Activate Clean Mode 

Once everything’s been removed from your closet, take the opportunity to dust, vacuum, and thoroughly clean the space. Inspect all your pulled-out shoes for wear. Do any need to be taken to a local shoemaker, or can they simply get buffed up? Replace and wash laces on sneakers as you see fit. 

Shopping for Fall Starts at Home

Post-purge, have a look at everything you’ve previously kept from your fall and winter wardrobe. Keep only those in the best condition. Either donate or mend anything with small tears or spots. 

Assess what basics you already have before thinking ahead to what you’ll want to buy. After all, the best way to go shopping is to first know what you’re shopping for. Spend an hour reacquainting yourself with the clothes you own and love — creating new outfit combinations that will help the fall feel enticing. Learn new fashion trends, and become aware of missing pieces you want to acquire. Shop from your closet, then hit the stores.

As summer’s lazy days begin to wind down, and we morph into a more hectic phase, you’ll appreciate this foresight you had. You can now quickly throw together chic outfits that will maximize the season.

As you put away your fall findings, remember the trick to flip hangers backward after an item’s been worn. That way, you’ll be able to see at the end of the season what remains unturned.

(The same goes for sachets in between stacked sweaters or shirts, so you’ll be able to know if you didn’t wear something by the season’s end.)

Establish Structural Needs

After all is said and done — once you’ve analyzed wardrobe already-haves and future wants — it’s a good time to establish the structure of your closet, too. How can you spruce up your space? Does an overhaul mean you simply need more hooks, bins and hangers, or would you benefit from a structural change?

Should you need their assistance, experts in the field from California Closets are ready to help you create structural solutions — as you transition into your best fall yet. 

Call 503.885.8211 to set up a complimentary in-home consultation. Or visit us at www.calclosets.com or stop into one of our local showrooms located in the Pearl in Portland, West Linn (exit 8 off of 205) and down in Bend on Newport Ave.