preparing closets for a new season

AUTUMN, SEASONS, SIMPLE RHYTHMS + ROUTINES, SPRING, THE FAMILY HOME

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In the South, we really have two seasons: hot and cold. Since our family has always lived in an older home with small (and shared) closet space, typically, we only have enough room for what we can wear right now. This means every fall and spring season, we clean out each of our closets (the kids, with my help) and transition them for the new season. We also use this time, to actually clean our closets and dressers, to inventory what we have outgrown or outworn, and to list what we need for the upcoming season. Over the years, I have found this process to be almost therapeutic. It helps us to discover what we really love, our style, our needs. For the kids, it gives them opportunity to remember their favorite shirt or dress and to choose a friend/family member who  might enjoy it as much. When I had babies, it also served as a time of closure for me, a time to tuck away what has passed and prepare for where and who they are now. Cleaning out our closets is another tangible way we prepare for the changing seasons and simplify our home.

Since cleaning out closets can be dreadful for so many, I thought I might share a few ways we move through this bi-annual process in our own home.

PART ONE: CLEANING OUT YOUR CLOSET/DRESSER

  1. Set aside an entire afternoon per closet and only move through one bedroom at a time. If your children share a closet, allow for more time. You will want to work through each room until completion.
  2. Create four piles: KEEP, STORE FOR NEXT SEASON, REPAIR/ALTER, and GIVE AWAY
  3. Observe the way you currently use and organize your closet and dresser. Is it ordered well for how you use it? Do you feel overwhelmed looking at it or have trouble finding what you need or want? Are some drawers bulging or over-stuffed? Do you have heaps of shoes on the floor? Are your hanging clothes lying around? What about bags, ties, hats, scarves? Make organizational notes. What do you need to allot more space? Do you need something to contain smaller items like socks or undergarments?
  4. Empty each drawer and section of your closet, one at a time, placing each garment/shoe in one of the four piles. Be ruthless. Did you wear it this season? Does it fit you well or work well with your style (what you’re comfortable or enjoy wearing)? Do your children’s clothes have holes or unremovable stains on them?
  5. Vacuum and wipe down each drawer and closet shelf. Throw away or recycle broken hangers, empty shoeboxes, and clothing tags/paper you’re not using. Add a fresh lavender sachet to each drawer.
  6. Neatly fold and organize the garments or shoes you’re “KEEPING” and place them in the drawer or shelf.
  7. Place the “GIVE AWAY” pile in a bag and place them in your car. If you are giving select pieces to certain people, place them in separate bags now also, and move the bags near the front door or into your car. This part is important to do quickly with children, since they are likely to begin pulling pieces back out of bags.
  8. Move the garments needing “REPAIR/ALTERATIONS” to the room where you might do it. If you send them away, place this pile in a marked bag and place in the front seat of your car. This way you’ll remember to take them next time you’re running errands or heading to work. Make a note in your planner or agenda to set time aside to do it this week.
  9. Temporarily set aside the “STORE FOR NEXT SEASON” pile in a clear corner or shelf in your room. You will put them away in a bit.

PART TWO: UNPACKING YOUR PREVIOUSLY STORED SEASONAL GARMENTS

  1. Pull out your stored seasonal clothing. We keep ours in long flat containers under our bed.
  2. Inspect your clothing for holes and stains to make sure they stored well.
  3. Wash all stored seasonal clothing before putting them away. This will freshen any of the musty odors or dust that has collected while they were stored.
  4. Vacuum and wipe down storage containers.
  5. Place your “STORE FOR NEXT SEASON” pile neatly in the storage containers. Add a lavender sachet to help keep moths away and put the containers away. Since I store the clothes Blythe has outgrown for Olive, I label the clothing size and season on the outside of the container (i.e. WINTER 4T). This helps me easily know what container I need in future closet transitions. This was particularly helpful when all of my children were babies/toddlers and regularly changing sizes.
  6. Once your clothes are finished washing, fold or hang them neatly in your closet/drawers. 
  7. Create a list of what you need and want this season. Do you need to replace a well-worn basic? Is there a piece you want to tie together or mix up a few things you already own? Do your children have all they need for the upcoming season? Write it down or add it to your holiday gift list.

I hope this helps. Enjoy your freshly cleaned and organized closet!

 

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  1. Pingback: simple essentials | a cozy cashmere sweater – cloistered away | enjoying simplicity

  2. Just found your blog through Reading My Tea Leaves. I love everything! Your philosophy, your photos, your faith! I am adding you to my Feedly. :)
    This post was particularly helpful. Thanks for the clear, concise, thorough instructions!

  3. Yes this was great! It’s literally on my list of things to do–inventory the kids clothing. Since it got cold this week, I’ve realized my oldest has had a huge growth spirt I didn’t even realize, and none of her coats/sweatshirts fit anymore! I love how you do this.

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