This is our last organisation challenge for the month and I thought I’d end it with one that all of us can do. It’s that time of the year here where we are quickly switching from the last of the warm weather to the beginning of what I’m (unfortunately) tipping to be a long cold winter and that means that our wardrobes need a little clearing out and organising to get them ready for the chilly weather. Even if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere and it’s getting warm there, it might be time to do this in reverse and pack away the last of the cool weather clothes and get ready for that gorgeous, warm weather to grace your skies!
The easiest way to do this may be the messiest, but for me it’s also the most fun.
Step 1: Create a Washing Pile
Start with the clothes you’re going to put into storage. Fold anything that’s already clean and make a washing pile for the rest and add them to one side of your bed (or other flat surface). Then pull out all the clothes that you’ll be transitioning into and see which of them also need washing after being in storage for a while. Add them to the pile. Sort and start that washing. Yes, that’s not really that fun, but seeing all your clothes again after they’ve been in storage is a bit fun!
Step 2: Organise and Store
Organise all your clothes that are heading into long storage until next year. Have a look through and see if there’s anything you might not want for next year and make a donation pile for those. They could go to a charity or a friend of a similar size and style as you. Turn on some good music or an audiobook to keep you company and fold and store so that they are easy to pull out again at the end of the year. Once any of the washing you had to do is dry, also fold it and add the rest to the storage.
Step 3: Sort and Make a List
Now that all your warm weather clothes (or cool weather for our northern hemisphere friends) are stored away you can start to sort through your gear for the upcoming season. Check that everything is still in wearable condition and that you are still comfortable wearing that style and size. Make a list for anything that you feel that you’re missing and do a little research on what that would cost to obtain. I like to get new long sleeve basics each year and some cardigans for those days where you’re in a building that’s too warm for a thick jacket but too cold for just one layer. I’m no fashionista, so I like to keep it simple with basics with jeans and leggings with dresses.
Step 4: Give Everything a New Home
If they are coming out of long storage and going into your everyday drawers give them a new place within the drawers so that they are easy to reach and remember where to get them from. If they’re on hangers, you could move them to the easiest spot to reach them and move the clothes you’re not using to a less convenient spot. Winter coats and jackets can take up a lot of room, so it can be great to shuffle them based on how cold it is and how often you’ll need them.
Step 5: Check Your Shoe Situation
If you’re anything like me, you might not have appropriate shoes for the upcoming season (I live in ballet flats, TOMS and Chuck Taylors as long as I can) so also take a look and see what shoes you might need for any upcoming occasions or just general everyday wear. This will help you feel more prepared on those days you just want to roll out of bed and have an easy to find outfit ready to go. Easy to pair, but also super cute shoes are the best.
Do you do a wardrobe switch each year? Or do you just let it change over naturally as the seasons change? Tell me in the comments!