From the Floors Up

Simple Guide to Cleaning Out Your Closet – Part 3

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If you missed Part 2 of Simple Guide to Cleaning Our Your Closet, you can read it here!

Part 3 – Functionality, Appropriateness

In this final installment we are discussing whether or not your clothes are functional and if they are appropriate to the current demands on your life.

Does it need repairs? For how long has this been the case? If it’s gone unrepaired for more than three months it isn’t likely that you’re going to bother. Or, if you love it, then get it repaired right away so you can put it back in rotation. Just don’t leave it hanging and waiting. This includes tailoring, buttons, hole repair, seam tightening, professional stain removal, re-heeling shoes, and polishing shoes.

Is it worn or tattered looking? No matter how much you like the style, it’s not a keeper if it looks old and dingy. This includes snags in silk or sweaters, pilling, holes, unraveled threads, stains, loose seams, over stretching, and dull color.

Is it appropriate to your lifestyle? By this, we are referring to life changes that aren’t likely to be reversed. One example is transitioning from being young and single to caring for children and running a household. In this case, a closet full of nightclub dresses isn’t likely serving you very well. Another example is transitioning from raising a family to reentering the workplace. In this case, comfortable clothes such as yoga pants and sweatshirts need to give way to suits, slacks, and blouses.

Would you buy it today if you didn’t already own it and you saw it for sale at the store? In most cases, all of the aforementioned advice will be enough to make a judgment call. But if you encounter a garment that still perplexes you (meaning you’ve had it hanging in front of your face for more than five minutes,) use this test. If you wouldn’t buy it, then that means you don’t really like enough to keep it.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this series on how to clean out your closet!

Simple Guide to Cleaning Out Your Closet – Part 2

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Part 2 – Style

If you missed Part 1 of “Simple Guide to Cleaning Out Your Closet” click here to get caught up!

Ok now that we know if your clothes are relevant to your life, let’s talk about personal style and functionality. These additional tips will be immensely helpful with your closet purging project!

Is it my style at this point in my life? This one is especially important. Dressing is a way of making a huge statement about who you are. No matter how well something fits or how expensive it was, if it doesn’t feel like “you,” let it go. The only thing worse than it not showing the world who you are, is when it actually detracts to the point that you don’t feel like yourself at all while wearing it. 

Along those same lines, ask yourself – Do you feel good when you wear it? Clothing has a massive impact on the way we convey outward confidence. If it makes you feel average at best, toss it. Even if it’s you still consider it “your style.” Buy new stuff that makes you feel like a million bucks.

Is it a classic that will always be in fashion? If so, and it’s your size, and you love it, keep it. Timeless style looks chic and effortless and should always be a staple part of your wardrobe.

Has it gone out of style? If so, is it a style that will likely be en vogue again in the future? Keep in mind that nearly all styles resurface at some point. Except for uber trendy period pieces. So if you think it’s a safe bet to hang on to it, just make sure it passes the size test we mentioned above.

Next read Part 3 – Functionality and Appropriateness

How To Stage Your Home So It’s Ready To Go On The Market, But Not Stay There For Long

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Part 2 – Simplify

  • Sweat the small stuff. As homeowners we all get comfortable enough in our space to let the little things slide. Things like a shoddy screen door, cracked base boards, or un-retouched holes in the walls can be easy to ignore if you are around them on a daily basis. However, these details will make a big statement to someone who has never seen your house before, and the message will be “Neglect!” Time to make that nit-picky list and get to work on the small stuff.
  • Sweat the big stuff. Clutter is a sure way to make your house seem small and unwelcoming. It also makes it very difficult for a potential buyer to envision what their stuff might look like in the space. Make it easy for them by getting rid of everything you can. When it comes to selling a home less is DEFINITELY more. Do this in as many spaces as possible. Don’t skip the pantry, closets, or garage. How does one do this with limited space? In an ideal scenario rent a portable storage unit, known as a pod. You’re going to move anyway so why not start the packing process right away? If this isn’t an option, still start packing and neatly stack boxes in the garage.
  • Create simple unity. Paint over any area in the home that features odd or bold colors. People aren’t very good at seeing something other than the way it is. So if they see a purple wall they won’t able to envision it in beige.
  • Take you out of the equation. By this we mean pack away any personalized items that are expressive of your life and interests. For example, a wall-collage of family photos or a collection of magnets on the fridge. Make it so they can envision their own family in the house.

Next read Part 3 – Final Touches

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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