Curvy Closet Detox: Transitioning your Closet for the Spring….

Spring is one of my favorite seasons of the year.  The weather is getting warmer, the flowers are blooming and ofcourse it also time to do the ol’ closet switcharoo!  Getting your Closet ready for Spring can be a daunting task, but it is manageable.  Trust me. I am going to show you (5) easy way to get your closet in tip top shape.  In my dreams I am the Black Carrie Bradshaw, but reality sets in and I realize that my closet can only hold but so much!  Hence, the reason by a seasonal detox is key.

Getting Ready to Work

Before I start, I usually do a few things to change my surroundings to make it more calm and inviting.  First things first, I eliminate any unnecessary distractions.  I make sure “bae” has his  breakfast/lunch, that his television is tuned to wrestling or boxing (this gives me at least 5 hours of peace).  Grab a chew toy or bone for my Maltese Ivory and shoo her into the living room to play.    I draw back the curtains and open bedroom windows to let in the warm spring breeze.  Then I instruct Siri to play various tunes from my  playlist.  Hydration and energy is important.  Since I am not a coffee drinker I usually grab a cold Coke from the fridge.  Roll up my sleeves and were ready to begin.

Keep, Store, Donate, Repair…and Sell!

Establish 5 piles in which you will be organizing your garments.

• Keep   There are some items that can be easily transitioned from Winter to Spring; such as blouses that are light in color and fabric.
• Store Putting away fall & winter clothes here in NYC can be difficult. Brooklyn apartment are not known for their spacious closets.  Don’t have the room to store items?  Invest in a Space Bags (like this one from Amazon.com), In addition, check out mobile storage companies.  You pack your items in bins that are provided, they pick them up and store them at their facility.  If you need your items they can be delivered to you.
• Donate Items that are clean and lightly worn can be donated to your local Salvation Army. (Tip: Clothing Donation is a tax write off!)
• Repair Check garments to make sure zippers, fasteners and buttons and all other closures don’t require repair before they are stored.
• Sell  Garments lightly worn can be sold on sites like eBay and Craigslist.  Nothing wrong with making a few coins!  :o)

Transitioning from Dark to Light

Remove all your warm clothing.  I first start with the pants and skirts.  They are easiest to fold.  Take a look at each pant and skirt.  Are they clean?  Do they need repair?  Do you still like the garment?  Put each garment in the respective pile.  Next start organizing your blouses and shirt and lastly coats.  (Tip:  Don’t forget to keep at least (2) heavy sweaters and (1) heavy jacket.

Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

Congratulations!  You’re almost finished.  Grab a dust cloth and lightly clean all the shelving and walls.  Lightly go over any support bars, replace moth balls (I personally like the lavender scented ones.) grab the vacuum and tidy up that area too.  Your closet should be clear of all dust and debris.  Now stand back and admire your work.  (sigh of relief).  Time to hydrate!

Assess your Inventory

Start adding your Spring wardrobe.  Begin with the pants and skirts, followed by your blouses, shirts, blazers and suits. Try on pieces to make sure they fit!  We tend to gain a little more weight in the colder months.  (Remember that extra plate at Thanksgiving?)  Any items that are soiled, damaged, for donation, put them in their respective piles.  I would suggest having a small notebook to make notes of items that need to be replaced (or added).  Remember, organize your clothing from light to dark.  It will make it much easier for you to find the garment you need quickly.  It’s also helpful for mixing and matching too!  :o)

Now you should have a nice functioning, clean, and transitioned closet.  Take a moment to admire your work.  Looks great doesn’t it?  Your list should have a few items that you would need to purchase to make your wardrobe complete.  Now you can shop more efficiently since you know exactly what you need.    :o)

I hope you have enjoyed my first installment in the Curvy Closet Detox.  If you have any suggestions, please let me know in the comments.  Can’t wait to hear from you.