Happy & Healthy
how to do the closet detox
In 8 easy (well, maybe not) steps
Alright. Let me start off by saying that I always manage to lose things (see this for proof). My Chanel sweater (an exclusive gift I once received for Christmas and can’t be bought anywhere), my Gucci heels from last season (also, no longer available), my leather jacket (yup, my brand new one). Long story short: I lose everything.
Luckily, most things miraculously reappear, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t cost me a tremendous amount of stress. And that is precisely why I need to introduce order and structure into my closet. Plus, since we’re in a new season, it’s time for a wardrobe detox anyway. The process is never fun, but afterwards…
1. Everything out
And when I say everything, I mean everything. If the thought alone makes you panic and want to jump out your window, then it’s alright if you want to do it compartment by compartment. Start off with everything that’s folded, then everything you have hanging, then your lingerie, and so on.
2. Time to get soaked
I once knew a woman who had a different cleaner for every day in the week. They each had their own specialty. One always cleaned the windows, the other did the laundry. And every Wednesday someone would drop by to clean her closet. We’re most likely to only do that twice a year so think of all the dust you’ll clear out.
3. Toss, take, store
Remember when Carrie moved in with Big and had to clean out her walk-in closet? Well, that’s exactly what you need to do too. Make three piles. Wait no, go for four. One pile for clothes that no one is going to want which you’re going to give to good will.
The second pile of clothes is a pile of things your friends or colleague might be interested in, and if not, you can always add it to pile number one. Then there is number three. The ‘store’ pile. These are the things you don’t need everyday. Think ski clothes, winter gear and perhaps even ball gowns if you had them. Then there is the final pile, number four, which is all the clothing you are going to wear and can head straight back into your closet.
4. Storage
This is the most dangerous stage of the process. You’re going to be tempted to throw everything into a bag and never look at it again. If you do that, you might as well just throw it out. Always keep these things in storage boxes or bags. Plus, don’t forget to add a something to avoid moths. Now I know what you might be thinking, those things smell. But they don’t have to. Head to your local dry cleaner for the good kind to make sure those moths won’t be feeding off of your things. Then there is the ‘labeling’ chapter. Clearly mark on the outside of the box or bag what you have stored inside of it. I sometimes even add a rating: ‘Really nice ski gear!’ ‘Worth unwrapping!’ I do that so it’s always easier to locate things.
”You’re probably guilty of frequently thinking you have nothing (absolutely nothing) to wear but that’s a mindset you will from now on be avoiding”
5. In the closet
Carefully check every item of clothing you have. Is it clean? Are any buttons missing? Does it fit? This way you’ll know that everything in your closet are things you can immediately throw on. It’ll give you peace of mind. You’re probably guilty of frequently thinking you have nothing (absolutely nothing) to wear but that’s a mindset you will from now on be avoiding.
6. Fold
Carefully stack all of your folded items. Use your ironing machine if you need to. To make sure everything has been folded into the same size, it works to use a magazine or some cardboard as a guide.
7. Logistics
You can always opt to color coordinate your closet, but I’m more of a type by type kind of girl. And then once all of the same items are together, then I’ll color coordinate. So jackets with jackets, jeans with jeans, sweaters with sweaters and then work your way from light to dark.
8. Inspiration
Use the inside of your closet door as an inspiration wall. Hang up photos of outfits that make you happy. Preferably outfits for various situations. The casual look, the perfect office attire, the party gear and the wedding guest for example. This way you’ll know what looks you are going for and it’ll be easier to pull out of your closet. Or you can hang up photos of your style icons: Olivia Palermo, Carine Roitfeld (click here for her lessons in style)… That way you can quickly check their style ingredients and learn a thing or two from them as well.
It might require some time, but believe me, you’ll wake up happier every day. Well, at least until September when it will be back to looking like a pigsty and you can start again with step number one.
