Wardrobe spring cleaning has many benefits
Spring cleaning may not have been such a to-do in younger years, but it is something to look forward to considering the phrase, ‘out with the old, in with the new.’
Cleaning out a closet of clothes, bags, shoes and other accessories is something a person can benefit from whether it’s for an internship, job or simply plans to stay home for the summer.
There are some things to consider when going through the closet. Ask yourself these questions:
1. Does it fit me?
2. Have I worn it in the past year?
3. Is it in style or does it represent my style?
4. Does it give me confidence when I wear it?
5. Will I realistically ever wear it again?
One helpful technique to tell how often or if you ever wear an item from the closet is to turn all the hangers backward. Once an item is worn, flip the hanger around to the normal way. After a month or a season, check your closet for the backward hangers.
If the item is meant for a different season, it is OK to give it some time if unsure about whether to throw or keep it.
Once through with asking questions or going through a process, it is time do decide what to do with the items.
Selling gently used clothing to stores like Plato’s Closet in Sioux Falls has become popular. Who wouldn’t mind a little extra cash to spend on new things?
Another option would be to give the old clothes to a Goodwill, Salvation Army or a shelter in the area.
If the task seems a bit boring, take the cleaning to the next level. Make an event out of it by forming a clothing swap group on your floor or among friends. Each person could bring a few things that are no longer being worn but are still wearable and trade off with another.
When going through makeup, pay attention to the expiration date on the packaging. Throw anything that has changed colors, has an odor or has not been used recently.
I consider organizing the fun part. After going through the closet, the next step would be to put everything back and reorganize with shelves, hangers (don’t pass by those nifty Command strips), drawers and other means of arrangement.
Scarf organizers are the new rage. For Christmas, I helped my mom pick out a set for my cousin only to find out she had already gotten me one.
The organizers are offered in basic colors and designs with pretty swirls or in the shape of flowers. There are also simple hangers with circles to store scarfs, jewelry, belts or whatever else can fit.
If feeling adventurous, try creating one by combining shower rings and a regular hanger.
If leaning toward the option of having jewelry out of sight or simply have too much of it to keep all on one dresser, there are options for inside-the-drawer organization.
An object I have found to work wonderfully for earring storage and display is a muffin or cupcake tin — a spray painted one I found secondhand, a silver shade to match the decor of my room at home.
To go for a more vintage or dainty vibe, try out some antique tea cups available at second hand stores as new storage.
Spring cleaning may be exhausting at times, but in the end there are several benefits.
Needy people could be helped with your generosity, a feeling of success or relief can occur after the throwing, giving and organizing and there can be more room or money for the new in life.
