Spiral into Control

Having a functional wardrobe means more than just having items in your closet that you love, that fit your lifestyle, and that suit your body type.  It is also crucial to have a system. An organizational system.  Some of my clients like to colour coordinate, some separate into tops/skirts/pants, while others keep their work clothes and casual clothes separated. Which ever method you choose, being able to see what you have and knowing what you have is key.

If you don't have the time or the know-how, Karyn can help.  Karyn Beacock is a trained professional organizer and owner of Spiral into Control.  The following are tips she has shared in order to help you take control of your closet.

Did you know that we only wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time?

Spring is just around the corner and the perfect time to tackle organization of your closet. But before you can organize you must PURGE! But you say to yourself, “there are so many clothes-how do I know what to get rid of?”

To start, clear your schedule for the day, and set a goal to work through your closet until your spring purge is complete.

STEP 1- Clear out your entire closet, find a good space to work in. Look at each piece individually. Really look at it. Try it on if you need to. And then answer these questions. If the answer if yes, it is time for the piece to go!

· Is it ripped, torn or stained?

· Does it the not fit the way that you want it to right NOW?

· Do you feel less that fantastic in it?

· Have you been holding on to it since 1989?

STEP 2- Sort into categories. Be ruthless as you go through your clothes and in what you decide to do with them. It is important at this point to think about what your image is, what image do you want to project? Now is the time to make choices on your clothes which enforce this.

· Keep- These are the pieces that you feel amazing in, they are the classic pieces. These are the clothes that flatter & complement your figure and that you LOVE!

· Mend- These are the pieces that, if they were not ripped, you would be worn rather than sitting in a pile at the bottom of your closet. If they make the cut bring them in to be repaired. Every girl needs a good seamstress.

Donate/Give Away -Do you have a favourite charity. Do you have a cause close to your heart. There are not for profit organizations throughout Cananda who would be very greatful for the clothes you no longer wear (from 1989 or otherwise).Checkout www.canadahelps.org for a charity near you. Alternatively, do you have a sibling, a younger cousin who would benefit from your hand me downs?

· Sell It- For those who have the patience and talent, Ebay and Kijiji are great places to make money for quality pieces. Also, consignment stores are another great alternative, and they do the work for you.

· Throw Away-These are the pieces that are non salvageable. These are the pieces that are too far gone that it would be tacky to send them to donations. Make them into rags, if you are handy make a quilt but put them out of their misery now and do not pass them onto someone to have to deal with.

**Anything that you love and meets the “keep” criteria but it is out of season put away in storage for the appropriate season**

Once you have sorted through your closet there is one more trick to help with the closet purge. It is called the “Reverse Hanger Trick”

· As you place your clothes turn all hangers in the closet backwards

· When you wear something, wash it and then put the hanger forward

· After 6 months, anything left reversed is donated!

Spiral into Control - Professional Organizing Services focuses on Home, Office & Lifestyle organizing. Spiral into Control works with clients to provide and implement solutions for organized living. Working together to create order from chaos gives my clients more time to do the things they want to do!

Spiral Into Control is a member of the Professional Organizers in Canada. For more information or to get in touch with Karyn, check out www.spiralintocontrol.org

Sorting through and organizing your wardrobe shouldn't be stressful or time consuming.  It is a process that will leave your closet looking clean and fresh, not to mention your clothes will hang properly, look great and will be ready to wear.

Thanks for the tips Karyn!

Please leave your comments or share any other tips or tricks that you might have.