I spend a lot of time organizing closets this time of year, including my own! The change in season is an excellent time to both organize your space and take stock of what you may need to augment your fall wardrobe.  Below I’ve included my tried-and-true recipe for saving time getting dressed each morning (and enjoying what you are wearing!):

Store all out-of-season items. Make sure everything is properly cleaned before storage (stains can linger and moths favor items that have come in contact with your skin).  I prefer canvas storage bags to plastic because they allow your fabrics to breathe. Be sure to stow in a dry and dark place (water and light can damage your clothing). I store shoes in boxes; making sure that they are clean and dry prior to storage.

Be critical.  Try everything on that you have not worn in the past 6 months. Aside from obvious reasons (such as season or pregnancy), question why an item has not been worn. And, it’s ok to let things go. Just because you used to love wearing an item, or because you have never worn an item, doesn’t mean that it belongs in your closet.

Everything remaining in your wardrobe should bring you joy.

Recycle. Items that you “might wear one day” can be turned into cash by selling at your local consignment store.  If you are in Seattle, I recommend Take 2 Consignment or Sell Your Sole (for your designer pieces). There are also plenty of online consignment options available as well, including Poshmark and Thread Up, or The RealReal for designer items.

Group like items together. For example, long sleeve blouses, short sleeve blouses, then camisoles. I also prefer to organize by color within a category (ex. long sleeve blouses, light to dark). Blouses, trousers, skirts, dresses, and jackets should be hung. Sweaters and denim should be folded and stacked (no more than 3 to 4 items per stack, for accessibility). I prefer to fold my t-shirts and store in a drawer but this is personal preference (and depends on how much hanging space you have). Shoes should be placed on shelves where they are visible. A trick for getting more shoes on a shelf is to place shoes opposite directions (toe to heel).

Take advantage of the ‘prime real estate’ in your closet.  The most visible and easy to access areas in your wardrobe should be reserved for the clothes you wear most often.  Getting dressed each morning is easier when you can readily find what items you have in your closet.  And don’t cram too much onto your racks; instead give clothes space to breathe and you can better see what you have.  I also recommend using a consistent hanger; it’s less distracting to the eye.  My favorite hangers are these slim velvet hangers because they save space and are easier on your clothes.

Hope you have found these tips and tricks helpful.  What do you do to keep organized? How do you transition your wardrobe for a new season? I’m always looking for process improvements!

Thanks for reading! ~Jenn