Leading on from my last blog How to declutter and revitalise your wardrobe, you're now ready to create an organised system which is easy to maintain.
Organising our wardrobe is usually at the bottom of our to do list, right beside cleaning out the kitchen draws.
However, it becomes a priority when we regularly fish down the back for 20 minutes, give up looking, put on something random, miss the bus and arrive at work feeling stressed and badly dressed.
So, this is the good news. It doesn’t have to be that way! You can create and maintain an organised wardrobe with minimal energy. And if you design it yourself and it’s a pleasure to use, you’ll want to keep it that way.
Imagine a wardrobe where clothes are categorised and every item has a home. It takes minutes to decide on your outfit, as you quickly see your choices.
You feel organised and in control, making dressing a pleasure and not a battle.
Here’s how you can create your ideal wardrobe:
Step 1. Preparation
Allow 1:30-3 hrs to complete the process. The timing will depend on the amount of clothing you have.
As previously mentioned (in part one of my blog) schedule this time in your diary. Allow yourself contingency time, in case it's needed.
Clear space on your bed and floor. Take out all your clothes, accessories and shoes from your wardrobe and sort them into categories.
1. Start with the obvious distinctions such as long sleeved tops, jumpers, trousers, underwear etc..
2. Separate them into smaller categories such as smart long sleeve tops/ casual long sleeve tops/ sportswear long sleeve tops.
3. Lastly, categorise by occasions such as work, weekend wear, smart casual, lounging, night out etc…
If you like very specific categories, then make as many as you like. However, if a few will keep you organised, then keep it simple.
The more categories you have the more complicated it gets.
Now you have your groupings, bring together any storage boxes, baskets or storage solutions you have.
This will show you the options you currently have. Don’t be tempted to buy more, until you’ve finished organising. You will then know precisely what you need.
Lastly, give your wardrobe a good clean and feel the difference it makes.
Step 2. Location
Now you have categories, it’s time to decide on your layout.
Start with a sketch. Planning how you will utilise each space, is easier to do on paper.
Think of your wardrobe as real estate and ask yourself these questions:
Where are the most easily accessible places.
Where is the best area for storing occasional use items.
What is this area suitable for storing.
Once you have a clear vision, you can start moving clothes to their new locations. You may need to adjust your plan as you go.
Step 3. Utilising Space
Rail space
Use the front and middle of your wardrobe to hang the clothes you use most frequently. For example, if your work clothes need to be easily accessible, put them at the front of the rail. When you’re pre-coffee in the morning, your brain won’t have to think!
Put occasional wear at the back end of the rail. You will use these outfits less often, so a little more time to access them will be fine.
If you have only a little rail space, use it for lighter clothing. Bulky jumpers can take up valuable space and are best stored folded or rolled in draws.
If you are sharing the rail with a partner, make a clear boundary between yours and theirs. If you can, put them in a separate space altogether. This is the ideal solution as it saves arguments!
Once you have created your categories, make it look attractive. Play with colour sequencing, use wooden hangers and delineate categories by tying ribbon round the hangers and rail.
The more attractive it is, the more determined you'll be to keep it that way.
Storage
Seasonal clothes can be stored in clear or labelled boxes at the top of your wardrobe to save space.
If you have workout clothes, try rolling them up and storing them in a basket. This solution gives you easy access and prepares them to go neatly in your bag.
If you have draws, use the top draw for bras, the second for knickers and the third for socks.
Use draw dividers to keep everything neat and separated. Roll or fold for maximum attractiveness (yes really, once you’ve rolled up your knickers you’ll never go back!).
Use a shoe rack to keep unwieldy shoes together. Easily finding the complete pair, will transform your morning!
Step 4. Maintenance
Make it easy to keep your wardrobe organised.
Create useful habits and routines. Schedule a weekly time to do your washing and put it away. That way, there won’t be a pile up on the bedroom chair or a tendency to shove things in the wardrobe.
When you put your clothes away, tidy any sections that need attention.
Be honest, if you know you won’t spend time folding your underwear or rolling up your tops, then don’t try to do it. Putting pressure on yourself, will leave you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Good enough is better than a floordrobe!
Step 5. Keeping it that way.
Keep your wardrobe 80 % full. It will feel uncluttered, accessible and organised.
If you’re tempted to buy more, operate the one in one out policy.
Make buying more clothes a conscious decision.
Create a capsule wardrobe. Utilising a collection of 30-40 pieces, will ensure:
· You no longer buy clothes that don't go with anything else you own.
· You won’t buy the same or similar clothes, without realising what you have.
· You will have an outfit for every occasion. You'll make investments in clothes rather than buying into trends.
· There will be less decision making, reducing stress.
· You will positively impact the environment, by consuming less and minimising washing.
Now you have decluttered and organised your wardrobe, my next blog of the series will be: 'I have nothing to wear.'
This blog will investigate the meaning of that phrase, utilising the answers to help you create your ideal wardrobe.
If you can't face doing this alone, get in touch and we can do it together!
Online sessions are available.
10% discount gift (December-January) quote REVITALISE when booking.
Start the New Year with focus and clarity.
Comments