Enjoy this guest post from our friends over at Top Shelf Closet, located right here in Wilmington, NC!
Have you found yourself staring at the clutter in your closet, thinking I need to do something about all this stuff? Maybe you don't know where to start or even what options are available to you. While options such as installing custom closet shelving are excellent ways to organize your clothing, start by asking yourself the following questions:
When was the last time you went through all the belongings in your closet to get rid of items you no longer use?
You could state that there is nothing in your closet that is useless and that you love everything there. This could be true, but like the old saying, sometimes truly enjoying something means letting it go.
If we really "love" our stuff, then what do we use so little of it? Regarding items in our closets, the majority that we hold onto but never wear fall into the following categories:
Clothing no longer fits
The article of clothing is broken and needs mending
The accessory is no longer in style
After purchasing it was decided the piece of clothing is not as cute as you thought
There are few spaces in the home, more personal than your clothing closet. A story could be told about who we are based on these items. Each piece can bring an emotional connection with it, so it becomes difficult to throw an item out unless you turn the separation into a celebration!
Below we have come up with six exciting concepts to make it a little easier to give away those bright neons from the '80s and '90s.
1. Earn Extra Income
You have probably heard one person's trash is another's treasure. This applies to closet items and selling gently used items online, at a yard sale, or in a consignment shop is a great way to put some extra dough in your pocket.
Online -
There are dedicated sites to selling your items such as Poshmark, but you can also use outlets such as Facebook, Craigslist, eBay, LetGo, and many other sites and apps.
Themed Yard Sale -
Make your sale stand out from the rest by coming up with a theme, so your transaction feels more like a party than a boring rummage sale. Funny signs placed in the area are an excellent way to market the sale.
Consignment Shops -
Use a local consignment shop to place your items for sale for you. This is an excellent option for designer clothing!
2. Have a "What to Not Wear" Party
Have some honest but trusted friends come over for an evening of drinks and fashion. Have a mirror set-up where you can model the clothing but let the friends decide if something should stay or go.
3. Visit some Local Non-Profits
Go and see some of the charitable organizations in your area to learn what they do and what donations they can use. When it comes time for you to clean out, you will have a personal connection with these charities and know what they need. When you look at an old suit that you kept because it got you your first job, you can now pass that on to an organization that gives the homeless clothes to wear for job interviews!
4. Pop-up Living Room Boutique
All of your friends and family know you only buy the best of the best. Why not use those connections by setting up a shop in your home and having them come over to shop through your items. Start with the ones who are continually wanting to borrow your things. If you don't like the idea of pricing the items or taking money from family, consider a "cover charge" for coming to shop. This could be as simple as a plate of your favorite baked goods or a fine bottle of wine.
5. Project Runway
On the television show Project Runway, they can come up with some exciting outfits out of the oddest items. Why not repurpose your items by donating them to a local design school where the students can create new outfits from your old clothing. If you see something you like, offer to purchase it from them and allow them to sell the rest to fund their studies.
6. Plan Multiple Days
Just as Rome was not built in a day, the abundance of clothing you own also took time. Taking more than one afternoon to sort through it all is fine, create a calendar that makes the process fun and spreads the organization out over several days or weeks. Below are some of our favorite themed cleaning out days.
It Once Was This Color Day -
Sort to find all stained and faded items and toss them.
Raggedy Ann Day -
Clothing that has been heavily damaged can be cut into smaller pieces to make cleaning rags.
No Longer Fits Day -
If it doesn't fit toss it, donate it, but whatever you do, don't put it back.
If you would like some help with doing this contact your local professional organizer at Seaside Styling and Organizing today!