Before you start you should hit up your local discount store or IKEA and purchase some medium & large plastic containers or fabulously, patterned storage boxes. These will come in handy when you start to sort. Also pick up some sticky labels and a sharpie.
• Set aside two to four hours to attack a small closet or 4-6 hours to wrestle a walk-in!
• If you can convince your best friend to come over and make it an event, that’s even better! Whether she helps or just laughs at your old 80’s hypercolor shirts, it’s all worth it. So put on your fave cd and let’s go!
• REMEMBER: If it hasn’t been worn in over a year and it’s not sentimental, sensational, vintage or special occasion, DUMP it, SELL it (isn't that what Ebay is for?) or DONATE. If you have been a size 18 for 5 years STOP holding on to those size 10 jeans! If you lose weight then you can treat yourself to a brand new pair and if you stay the same size then stop torturing yourself! You are beautiful no matter what size you are!
• Ready? Take everything that's not on a hanger out of your closet. As you remove each item, sort it into one of 6 piles:
1. TRASH: This means if it’s stained, old, ratty, holey,
out of style and UGLY…DUMP it!
2. SELL: Anything without holes or isn’t worn out
that you know you can make a little cash on,
you will need a stash for a few new pieces to add
to your wardrobe. I am a firm believer in this!
3. DONATE: Charities always need all types of clothing
in various styles and sizes. Do your part.
4. PROJECTS: That little black dress that you are hanging
on to even though you are too lazy to sew
the button on. Sew it! And use that baby!
5. STORAGE: Spring is here and near! Pack up all those winter sweaters and coats for next season and bring
out the bright skirts and sandals!
6. KEEP: Once your closet has had it’s makeover then
you can carefully put your good clothes back
in their new places.
• You should have nothing in your closet that is NOT currently wearable. Yes, toss the spandex, overalls and your high school prom dress!
• If you haven't worn it in a year… get rid of it!
• Make sure everything in your closet goes with something else.
• SEPARATE!:
1.) By color: from light to dark
2.) By type ( jackets, blouses, pants, skirts, etc.)
3.) By style (short-sleeve, long-sleeve)
• Say NO to wire hangers! ( drop them off at the dry cleaner’s to recycle)
• Use padded hangers for your delicates.
• Use wooden hangers or colored plastic ones. Stick with one color!
• Place baskets in for laundry, dry-cleaning, and alterations/mending.
• Use double-hanging rods for shorter items.
• Get rid of dry cleaner plastic covers as they clutter up your closet.
• Store small loose items in drawer systems or plastic tubs.
• Put purses and bags on shelves or hooks inside your closet.
• Take shoes out of their original cardboard boxes.
(*Tip*: RE-USE shoe boxes using decoupage making them into decorative storage)
• Use a shoe rack to keep shoes in sight and organized.
• How does it really look? This is where a friend can come in handy. If that orange sweater makes you look like the great pumpkin…you know what to do.
• Take into consideration that your closet is the home of a womans' most beloved possessions. Adorn your closet with a curtain (as shown above) instead of a door. Fabrics add just the right softness to any room. Don’t’ be afraid to get a little crafty! Add ruffle trim to the edge of the shelves to “foof”-erize. Create your own space with your own style using a painting, a vase, or a gorgeous jewelry box. When you take the time and add that little touch you will feel like a diva even when you slip on your trousers for the office!
• Congratulations on a job well done! Now take a hot bath, put on your favorite pair of jeans and go out and celebrate! The least you can do is treat you friend to dinner. She has alot of your fashion secrets to keep under wraps!
To maintain your fab closet you should repeat these steps
every 6 months.
Set designer: Liselotte Watkins 
