If you haven't had to already, it's definitely time to formally switch out your closet from summer to winter clothes. While this is always bittersweet, it's good to have an organized, helpful system to switch out your seasonal clothing so you feel excited for all the warm and cozy you get to wear for the next few months.
Before you get too carried away here, know that the #1 important thing to do above all else is make sure that you have clean clothes going in to a clean closet and clean clothes going into clean storage bags and bins. If you're a fan of The Home Edit or Marie Kondo or our favorite organizational expert, Cindyology, you already know just how satisfying it feels when it's all done!
The Steps:
1. Start with easy wins.
Avoid getting overwhelmed setting aside the summer clothes you won’t be wearing for a while first (goodbye bikinis, sun dresses, and sandals!), and any light weight threaded material that won’t help keep the chill away.
2. “Do I Still Need This?”
Every time you pull out your clothes, take time to evaluate if they fit comfortably, and if you can see yourself wearing them next year (remember those old sweatshirts from middle school you never wear?! You probably don’t need them anymore (unless you want to make them into a Project Repat keepsake quilt- sign up for a 25% discount code and a chance to win a FREE quilt). There are tons of thrift stores that would love your older outfits, or you can give back by finding your local goodwill here. The more space you free up in your closet for your winter and future clothes, the calmer you’ll feel.
3. Package properly
Pack any clothing, shoes, and accessories you plan to store with special attention to the details. Pack your items in plastic or fabric boxes instead of cardboard, with the heaviest items at the bottom, and lightest on the top. Wrap your delicate shoes and accessories to avoid crushing, and add silica gel packets to avoid mold. On top of that, make sure everything is labeled clearly top make your life easier next summer, and don’t forget to take a pictures of your boxes if you need to remind yourself exactly where everything is!
4. Clean the closet and drawers!
Make sure to fully sweep and vacuum your closet and wipe down drawers and storage containers to get rid of any potential insects, dust, & food crumbs that can shorten the life of your clothes and prevent hard to see/invisible stains on the clothes from oxidizing and become permanent.
5. Don't pack/store everything. If you do, make sure your things are accessible.
Remember that in the winter, it’s important to layer! Save a few shirts, tank tops and other transitional pieces as layering clothes and so you can create seasonally appropriate outfits no matter what the weather (leggings with a dress - not a bad look!) and have some lighter things to wear around the house. You also might want to leave out some late spring items so you don't need to rush to unpack for summer. Or, if you have enough space, just shuffle the summer items to the back of the closet or the bottom of the drawers. It might be worth doing a deep clean anyway.
6. Unpack your winter clothes, hang the ones that belong in the closet, restock your drawers, and enjoy the season of fuzzy sweaters!
And don't forget to watch our first-of-its-kind sitcom/how-to video series, Adulting with Jane!
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