Not-So-Perfect Parent: A New Year: A New Closet!

It’s the dawn of another New Year. And I, like many others, are once again setting out to improve myself – to perfect my imperfections and shorten my list of short comings. But instead of focusing on those stubborn 10 pounds that always seem to return just in time for swim suit season – I decided to take on more short-term resolutions. Things that I could complete in a day or a weekend.

I was smart enough to finally recognize that the toy closet is simply a lost cause, and the only way to get it under control is to light a match. So instead I focused on my closet believing that this project could be something I could master. But just in case, I hired a professional. Paige Money is the owner of a Fort Worth boutique called, “Charmed I’m Sure”. Not only does Paige provide wonderful insights into methods for making the most out of your closet space, she also offers great tips into ways to make the most out of your wardrobe.

As we were sorting through layers of old sweatshirts and parting with old college t-shirts, I interviewed Paige on the art of a closet makeover.

Q: How do you get started with a closet makeover without feeling overwhelmed?
A: Set a reasonable goal and give yourself plenty of uninterrupted time to complete the task. For example buy good, solid hangers in advance, and take a tip from Joan Crawford – NO WIRE HANGERS. Remove them from your closet entirely because they can ruin the shape of your clothes! In addition, set up a pickup time for donations, drop them off at a favorite charity, or arrange to resell them at a consignment shop.

Q: What are some quick tips to keep in mind when you start to organize your closet?
A: Take everything out of your closet and evaluate every piece of clothing. Throw out (donate or resale) anything that is “tired”, ill-fitting, outdated, or damaged.

Another easy and very useful tip is to hang everything according to item and then color. For example, put all of your pants in one area of the closet and organize them according to color from light to dark. If possible, I also recommend keeping out-of-season clothes in another location. There are so many storage solutions that can assist you in using space efficiently. Under the bed, in the attic or even the hall closet can be great options for storing out-of-season clothes.

Q: What are the benefits of an organized closet?
A: You will be able to better utilize your time and wardrobe more effectively with an organized closet. Taking a little time on the front end will save precious minutes when you’re late for a morning meeting, the carpool line, or a hot date. I promise, you will never regret any time that is spent in organizing your closet.

Q: How often should you purge your closet?
A: Twice a year…Before the spring/summer season and fall/winter season. Get it done before the beginning of the season in order to keep your wardrobe fresh. Add a few key trendy pieces to your wardrobe just in time for the new season. Store winter sweaters in plastic bins to keep out moths. Cover out-of-season handbags to protect from dust. Keep shoes in clear boxes.

Q: You use a digital camera when doing a closet makeover. How does this help with organization?
A: Using a digital camera can help you remember how to put outfits together. This is especially helpful during a “fashion crisis”. It is always a good idea to snap a quick picture of an especially cute outfit, so that you can use it for later. Also, if you keep your shoes in boxes, it is helpful to have a photo on the outside of the box so that you can see what you have inside.

Money says that you should “organize to utilize! A closet should be organized, free of clutter and updated.” I must confess, I love having an organized closet. Believe it or not, I stood in my closet during a moment of stress with my kids. It was therapeutic for me to be in a peaceful place free of clutter and the free of the noise associated with a battle over the game controller. I never thought I could have a Calgon moment in a closet. It was wonderful and the perfect way to kick off 2008!