Home
>
Get Organized - Organization
>
Effective Closet Cleaning Tips - Let Go of More Than Skeletons

Effective Closet Cleaning Tips - Let Go of More Than Skeletons

I know I have a problem when I have to battle with the overflow every time I try to shut my closet door. Well, okay, it's not really a closet, more like an overgrown cupboard, but as it's all I have something's got to give. When it comes to clothes and shoes, I'm the worst. Perhaps it's the result of coming of age in the last two decades of the century ? living through wave after wave of recycled fashions. After all, aren't asymmetrical tops back in?

I have an established routine for weeding out my closet:

Step One: Take everything (and I mean everything) out and lay them in loosely organized categories, such as shorts, pants, T-shirts, blouses, etc.

Step Two: Pass through each category using the golden rule "If you haven't worn it in a year, put it in the discard pile." Then pass through and sort out the deduplications. After all, how many pairs of denim short shorts do you really need?

Step Three: Clean the closet/overgrown cupboard. Remember, dust bunnies don't have feelings or sentimental value; it's okay to throw them away.

Step Four: Try on each and every item. If it's more than a tiny bit too tight or smidge too big, put it in the discard pile. No exceptions!

Step Five: Plan your closet! Don't just put everything back in willy-nilly; make a mental plan, think about the seasons, and organize!

Step Six: Shoes ? Okay, so I like to give Imelda Marcos a run for her money, but shoes are hard to store, so some just have to go. First, make sure that each and every pair will go with at least three items of clothing; if they don't, discard. Second, if they are sadly out of date, discard. Third, try them all on and walk around the house in them. If they hurt your feet, discard. Finally, get a good shoe rack; if you have more shoes than room in the rack, repeat steps 1-3 until each shoe has a home.

Now you should have a big pile of discards in the living room. I have a two-step clothes dispersal process that works well for me. First step is getting together with all my girlfriends of approximately the same size and have a discard party. What's old and tired to you may be just the thing your pal has been searching for. A few munchies, several bottles of wine and you'll have a great time trading your old gear for something that's new to you. If you don't have girlfriends that are your size or your friends are fashion-challenged, you can always find folks to trade with online. There are plenty of fashionistas trading at SwapThing. However, always keep in mind your space limitations and only trade for a few things that really add some zing to your wardrobe! The second step is to gather all the discards at the end of your soiree and donate them to a local women's shelter. If you don't know any local organizations try doing a search in your area through the ShareThing program at SwapThing. Your old stuff can be a wonderful gift to a fellow female who has nothing to call her own. Good luck and get cleaning!

http://www.swapthing.com is a site focused on building a strong swap community online. The ShareThing program helps non-profits get access to item & cash donations as well as volunteers and professional services.

This article comes with reprint rights. You are free to reprint and distribute it, as you like. All that we ask is that you do not make any changes, that this resource text is included, and that the link above is intact.

apartment cleaning near Highland Park ..

In The News:

Holiday scams spike during Black Friday and Cyber Monday as criminals exploit your leaked personal data. Learn how to protect yourself from fake stores and phishing.

Commerce Department proposes TP-Link router ban over Chinese security risks. Learn how this potential prohibition could affect your home network and devices.

Hyundai AutoEver America suffered a data breach affecting 2,000 current and former employees, exposing names, Social Security numbers and driver's license information.

Washington court rules automated license plate reader images are public records, even when stored by vendors like Flock Safety, setting precedent for transparency.

Fake airline texts claiming flight cancellations are targeting travelers with convincing scams. Learn how cybercriminals steal personal data and credit card info.

Discover how iOS 26's new Adaptive Power feature automatically extends iPhone battery life by learning your usage patterns and adjusting performance intelligently.

New TikTok malware campaign tricks users into running PowerShell commands that download Aura Stealer, which steals credentials and authentication tokens.

Gaia Family offers fixed upfront pricing for IVF cycles with unlimited embryo transfers and financial protection, partnering with over 100 U.S. fertility clinics.

The Jetsons Act aims to position Pennsylvania as a leader in advanced air mobility by establishing regulations for hybrid ground-air vehicles.

Fake Geek Squad invoice emails are targeting users with convincing charges and urgent phone numbers to steal personal information and money.

Fox News Digital's artificial intelligence newsletter digs into a robot in Russia that faceplanted, George Clooney's alarm and OpenAI's rivalry with the New York Times.

Major data breach at Conduent exposes personal information of 10+ million people. Government contractor hit by cyberattack affecting Medicaid, child support systems.

Texas startup Janta Power raises $5.5M for innovative vertical solar towers that generate 50% more energy than traditional panels while using just one-third the land.

NASA's twin ESCAPADE spacecraft launched aboard Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket Thursday afternoon from Cape Canaveral, beginning their journey to Mars with arrival expected in 2027.

Learn how to set email reminders on iPhone and Android so you never forget to reply again. Simple built-in features help you stay organized and on top of messages.

Discover how Apple's passkeys revolutionize Mac security by replacing vulnerable passwords with biometric authentication and encryption for ultimate protection.

New survey reveals 78% of parents fear AI scams targeting their kids, yet nearly half haven't discussed these threats. Learn why this dangerous gap exists.

Chrome now autofills passport and driver's license info automatically. Google's latest browser update adds official document support with encryption and user control.

Scammers impersonate Department of Veterans Affairs employees claiming veterans owe money, but real VA communications only direct to VA.gov or official channels.

The AltoVolo Sigma hybrid-electric aircraft flies 500 miles at 220 mph while operating 80% quieter than helicopters, featuring safety systems and compact design.

Google search scam alert: fake customer service numbers can give scammers remote control of your phone. Learn how to spot these traps and protect yourself.

Electric vehicles overtake gas cars in total CO2 savings after just two years of driving, with emissions benefits growing over time as power grids get cleaner.

Louvre Museum reportedly used "Louvre" as password for surveillance system during $100M jewel heist. Learn how weak passwords put even famous institutions at risk.

Bipartisan AI jobs bill from Sens. Hawley and Warner would require companies to report AI-related layoffs and hiring to Department of Labor quarterly.

Joe A. from Shelton, Connecticut, lost $228,000 to a ZAP Solutions cryptocurrency investment scam after his divorce, highlighting rising online fraud.

Effective Closet Cleaning Tips - Let Go of More Than Skeletons

Get Organized - Organization