It finally happened. Frustrated I slammed my computer shut and sat up. Only 4 days into quarantine I was sick of Netflix, Hulu, STARZ, Youtube+, Disney+, Amazon Prime and all the other streaming services that I was counting on to get me through total lockdown.
Day 5 …I moped around the house, starring at the clock waiting until the next meal time, the only exciting events in my day. Something had to give and in my desperation I did the one thing I have not done in 3 years.
I cleaned my closet.
I know the first thing that you’re probably thinking, ‘so what? That’s a one day activity max.’ So let me just lay out the sheer quantity of stuff that ‘my closet entails.’
- 6→ 3’ x 2’x8’’ drawers
- Walk-in closet with 2 7 foot racks and a 3 foot dress rack
- 6 storage bins 1’X1’X1’
- Attic storage for out of season clothes, 2 30 gallon bins
- Outdoor shoe rack
- Purse rack
Long story short, I have too much stuff.
So over the next 3 days I purged out 10 trash bags for Goodwill another bag for my poshmark (made quite a bit of $$$ too) and a couple pieces to DIY. Today, I am going to lay out for you the fool proof method to amp up the quality of your wardrobe and minimize the quantity of your wardrobe, without being worried that you are going to miss the clothes you give away. This method is great because it allows you to develop your style and see what your habits/fashion fears are.
First, you will need a small bin, a large bin and a trash bags. The small bin is called ‘I can and WILL DIY this into something that I WILL wear,’ the large bin is ‘I have not worn it in a while but I like it and it flatters me,’ and the trash bags are ‘It is either old, ugly, not flattering, or I use it as an excuse to not dress well.’ From there you do the first sweep and clean as you go.
DISCLAIMER: NOT ALL TRASH BAG CLOTHES ARE GOODWILL/SALVATION ARMY/SAVERS CLOTHES YOU SHOULD ONLY DONATE THINGS THAT ARE SLIGHTLY WORN/ NOT BROKEN OR STAINED
Second, you need to go through the clothes you love and for EACH one name 3 different events/occasions that you would wear it, if you can’t, donate it. If it is only for VERY special occasions (weddings, dances, galas, etc.) set it aside.
Examples
I love this navy scallop hemmed dress and it fits really well, I could wear it to work, an interview, church, or for a speech or award ceremony. KEEP
I love this flapper dress because I got it at a vintage consignment shop and it was such a good deal, the fit is great but I’d only ever wear it for a Roaring 20s party or a Halloween Party. DONATE
This skirt is absolutely to die for. Its a beautiful bright pink and can be pair with black items to make a statement. I could wear this on the day to if its dressed down with chunky sweater, or church, or a nice dinner. KEEP
Third, start looking for DIY pieces or things that can be upcycled into a new statement piece or wardrobe staple. Project should always be within the realm of possible. For instance if you can’t sew, don’t set aside a dress that you are going to attempt to make a two piece.
DIY example:
I took a plain denim jacket, cropped it and added silver tassels to the back using fabric glue (a true godsend). To make this…
A fun addition to a tailgating outfit or just a statement piece.
Fourth, repeat these step until everything in you closet or storage area is either a staple or piece that you wear and like.
Fifth, keep a little laundry bag in your closet and as you get new item or out grow things, keep setting things aside to donate.
As ridiculous as it seems, cleaning your closet is just a small way to get some control back in you life. Everything is so far from normal, for me cleaning out this space that means alot to me has allowed me to clear my head (and stay preoccupied) during this time. I hope you try a tip or two and that you stay stay and entertained throughout this quarantine.