Start with a Clear Vision: Envision your ideal wardrobe before diving in. Consider your lifestyle, personal style, and the image you want to portray. This will guide you in deciding what to keep and let go of. A clothing rack is your most important tool. Remove the clothes from the closet, clean the space, and evaluate each garment.
One way to edit your closet is to follow The KonMari Method. Marie Kondo advises that you assess each item in your closet based on whether it sparks joy. It might be time to bid farewell if it doesn’t make you feel happy or confident. It sounds corny, but it can help you part with some of those items that you think you should love but don’t. Think about your lifestyle. Don’t hang onto wardrobes that belong to another part of your life.
Set Criteria: Establish specific criteria for what stays and what goes. Ask yourself if the item fits well, if you’ve worn it in the past year, and if it aligns with your current lifestyle. Check to see if an item is stained, ripped, or needs repair. If so, into the black trash bag it goes.
Take It Step by Step: Don’t overwhelm yourself by tackling your entire closet simultaneously. Break it into manageable sections, like tops, bottoms, dresses, etc., and tackle one category at a time.
The Three-Pile Method: As you go through each item, create three piles: keep, donate/sell, and discard. If you are undecided, place the item in a bag and store it in a second closet. If you don’t use it in six months, it goes!
Try It On: If you’re unsure about an item, try it! Seeing how it fits and feels helps you make a better decision about whether to keep it. If it doesn’t fit or flatter, out it goes.
Consider Versatility: Keep versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched with other items in your wardrobe. This maximizes outfit possibilities without overcrowding your closet.
Quality Over Quantity: Focus on keeping high-quality pieces that stand the test of time rather than holding onto cheaply made or worn-out items. There are some items you own that you will wear your whole lifetime. Cherish those.
Be Honest with Yourself: Let go of items that no longer serve you, even if they are expensive or have sentimental value. Holding onto them only clutters your space, making finding what you truly love harder.
Maintenance is Key: Once you’ve edited your closet, regularly reassess and declutter to prevent it from becoming overcrowded again.
Remember, editing your closet is not just about getting rid of things; it’s about curating a collection that reflects who you are and makes you feel your best every day. Happy editing!
Ann, you are right on with your travel tips. My mini vacations work great with the smaller overhead storage suitcases. However I still haven’t conquered my 3 week trips. However, I’m much better at what goes in the larger checked bag. I’m about to embark on my 19th adventure with OAT/GCT travel. This time I’m off to South Africa. 7 locations in 19 days, lots of packing and unpacking😵💫. Like you I use the cubes and bags, that definitely saves on repacking. As I finish one set of days I start on the next cube, then half way I start back on the first cube.
Closet cleaning I’m on top of. As I love to shop, and my entire wardrobe is from NPR. I have made a rule for myself, and that is the number of new item is the number of items I remove. Most removed items I take to the Cotton Kloset in Parker for consignment. Every Spring and Fall everything comes out of the closet, new season clothes are tried on, and that is where I going to start taking your advise with making the 3 piles.
Love your emails 😘 Sue Debevec
Thanks, Susan, for the update. You are definitely a savvy shopper, and I’m glad that you are still wandering the world and keeping your closet orderly. Have a wonderful summer!
I have loved all your tips for sooo many years. Travel tips of yours were definitely put to use on my recent trip to Ireland! Yes, May is a great time to go there!!! Thanks…
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So fun to read your Blogs. You’re the best Ann. Love You!
Ann, you are right on with your travel tips. My mini vacations work great with the smaller overhead storage suitcases. However I still haven’t conquered my 3 week trips. However, I’m much better at what goes in the larger checked bag. I’m about to embark on my 19th adventure with OAT/GCT travel. This time I’m off to South Africa. 7 locations in 19 days, lots of packing and unpacking😵💫. Like you I use the cubes and bags, that definitely saves on repacking. As I finish one set of days I start on the next cube, then half way I start back on the first cube.
Closet cleaning I’m on top of. As I love to shop, and my entire wardrobe is from NPR. I have made a rule for myself, and that is the number of new item is the number of items I remove. Most removed items I take to the Cotton Kloset in Parker for consignment. Every Spring and Fall everything comes out of the closet, new season clothes are tried on, and that is where I going to start taking your advise with making the 3 piles.
Love your emails 😘 Sue Debevec
Thanks, Susan, for the update. You are definitely a savvy shopper, and I’m glad that you are still wandering the world and keeping your closet orderly. Have a wonderful summer!
I have loved all your tips for sooo many years. Travel tips of yours were definitely put to use on my recent trip to Ireland! Yes, May is a great time to go there!!! Thanks…
I am so glad that you had a great trip. It’s just fun to spread your wings! Are you coming to Denver this summer?