Design Happens

With warmer days ahead, now is the time for closet organization. Online readers are searching for organizing shortcuts and stylish storage. Let’s face it, switching out a seasonal wardrobe can get ugly, especially if you have kids. It IS possible to make any closet or storage space stylish and functional.

When I’m organizing closets for a seasonal overhaul, it is a minimum two-day, 4-step process: wash, toss, store and stock.

Step 1: Wash/Dry Clean Winter Coats, Snow Gear and Sweaters.
Step 2: Toss Old, Unused or Outgrown Clothing.
I trash the bad and donate the good. When I was a stay-at-home mom with infants and toddlers, who outgrow clothing several times every season, I participated in children’s consignment sales. This is a great way to cash in on old clothes in order to buy a wardrobe in the next size. Here in Knoxville, we’re getting ready for the Duck Duck Goose event, the largest children’s consignment sale in the region.
Step 3: Store Cold-Weather Clothing. Early spring weather is unpredictable, so as a rule of thumb, I keep boxes of winter clothes accessible until Mother’s Day weekend. This is where stylish storage comes in handy.
Step 4: Stock Warm-Weather Clothing. Before organizing closets, make a list of everything you need for spring and summer. As you load up shelves, closets and drawers, take inventory so you can formulate a detailed shopping list. Knowing exactly what you have and what you need is essential for staying on a budget.

Even when it feels daunting, stay the course. Good closet organization is always worth the effort because it’s an everyday time-saver and the best way to greet the first warm, sunny days.

How do you organize closets for the changing seasons?