Organizing your closets — and controlling what you can

As this spring rolls around, we can all agree that our desire to control what we can is high. 

Traditionally we look at this budding season as a time of hope and renewal — when the days are longer, and we begin to feel a pep in our step. Currently, we are focusing on any actions to ease anxiety and bring inner peace, and what better place to focus than right in the haven of our own home?

Doing a deep dive, great purge, and overarching organization within our closets is a satisfying way to take control — and to move into the months ahead with clarity and confidence.

It's no surprise that there's science behind our inner drive to "spring clean" — with factors like sunlight triggering our serotonin at this time of year, and physical action leading to cognitive stimulation. There's also psychology linked to clutter affecting our mental state (and the need to weed that out), and there's a social aspect to cleaning with others, too. In many cultures, this is a communal activity that helps create memories and strengthen bonds.

As the "great purge" begins, start by taking a bit of an inventory of what your life looks like — not in an aspirational way, but by assessing what's currently true. Establish the following: this is who I am, these are my values, this is how I live. Consider how your life may have shifted in recent years. It's possible that your office has gone remote since the pandemic, and you no longer need to keep dozens of outfits appropriate for the office place or cocktail receptions. Keeping just one or two in which you feel awesome in case the need arises is smart, but pare down the rest. Perhaps you have relocated, had a child, or retired? As our life changes, so do our wardrobe needs.

This is much-needed personal care time, not another daunting chore on your "To Do" list. Think of it as an at-home "shopping" date with yourself, or — better yet — invite over a trusted friend to join in on the fun.  Bringing in someone to help you edit who isn't emotionally attached to the items can bring down the physical and mental load. Set aside a block of time, perhaps a few hours on a Saturday morning, and make it an occasion to remember. (Later, reciprocate the favor!)

Make it Fun 

Set up the scene with good lighting (preferably during daylight hours), put on an invigorating playlist, and complete the hangout with drinks and snacks. Go into the try-on session with the right attitude and a positive mindset. Complete the hair or makeup routine you would normally do beforehand so that you can emulate how you would look and feel when heading out in these outfits. 

Don't forget to don appropriate underpinnings when trying on your outfits, too.

First Pass

Start by gravitating toward those items that are easy and satisfying to wear. Create and try on outfits with your favorite garments that include the correct shoes, jewelry, and accessories. If you feel good and confident, it's a keeper! Maybe a selfie will help you remember how amazing these items look together.  When pleased with the wardrobe, move these favorite winners to the side — either on the bed, a chair, or a section of the closet if you have enough room — and prepare to tackle the rest. Take a moment to reflect and be curious: Where did you naturally reach for clothes — in drawers, items that are folded, or things that hang? This insight will be important when it's time to reassemble your closet.

Having completed the first pass with ease, now comes a bit of a challenge.

Second Pass

Inspect each of the remaining items of clothing and accessories (including the heels of your shoes) and determine if you will "keep it" or if it belongs in 1 of 4 piles: 

1. Store

      Those things you might need to pull out for a destination getaway or special occasion.

2. Mend

      Things to be taken to a tailor or fixed yourself.

3. Donate

      For items still wearable for someone else.

4. Toss

      Anything with a permanent tear or stain.

Third Pass

Take stock of what's left in the "keep" category. Try these garments on and pair them up with other favorites to make new outfits. Make it a goal to wear these outfits within the next month, even if that means out to the grocery store. (Personal experiences help us create connections, after all.) If they do not go with your favorites, and you really want to keep them, create a shopping plan for purchasing the missing pieces. Record this with pen and paper, or on a device. Often a photo of you in the garment can help you purchase a complementary item. In the "great purge," the goal is to donate at least 30% of the items that didn't make the first cut, as it is likely they aren't being worn anyway.

Lastly

Physically clean your closet — sweeping and dusting, wiping off door moldings and baseboard trims. Consider layering in fragrance/room fresheners. Dust all shoes and bags. Take action on the four piles. Put items back in that you wish to keep stored, in your preferred method (hung, folded on shelves, in drawers). Congratulate yourself.

In the midst of all this spring clearing — physically and mentally — let California Closets set you up with the perfect physical structure to support your preferred scene that will alleviate stress from managing and maintaining your wardrobe. When it comes to dressing, packing, and storing, we can help you make space for what belongs and take care of your pieces so that you feel your best and most confident self every single day.

Call 503.885.8211 to set up a complimentary in-home consultation. You can also visit our Homepage, or stop into one of our local showrooms located in the Pearl in Portland, West Linn (exit 8 off of 205), Grand Ave in Vancouver, and down in Bend on Newport Ave.