This year has been different on so many levels that I hate even throwing “closet organization” into the mix. But last week, I switched my wardrobe over from summer to winter and found myself approaching it from a very different perspective than ever before. So I thought I’d share my advice on how to organize your closet in 2020.
Store MORE Stuff
In years past, I usually wouldn’t do a complete changeout between the seasons. Many of my summer pieces can easily be transitioned to fall or winter with the addition of tights and cardigans. So I would keep some of my fancy dresses and nice skirts in reserve for events and social occasions throughout the colder months. But this year…yep, you guessed it…we don’t have many special events or occasions on the calendar. So instead of letting those pieces hang in my closet, taking up space (and being a depressing reminder of our new reality), I stored them away!
Edit Your Summer Wardrobe as You Go
If we’ve learned anything this year, we have learned that life is too short for boring clothes! We also felt first-hand the power that clothes can have over our moods. So keep that in mind when you’re doing your changeout.
When you’re changing out your clothes, it’s best to take everything out of the closet and make a big pile on your bed. Separate the pieces by type – dresses here, skirts there, floaty tops over here, and so on. Approach one category at a time and thoughtfully evaluate each piece. Think to yourself, “Will I be excited to see this in 6 months when I pull it out of storage?” If the answer is no, then you might want to put it in your donation pile. If you can’t remember the last time you wore a garment or never really liked it anyway, consider if it’s time to say goodbye.
Edit your summer wardrobe and make a pile of donations as you go. Be intentional and thoughtful about what you pack away and store. It should feel like Christmas in March when you get your storage bins back out and unpack your clothes!
Don’t Make Donation Decisions Based on Fit
Did you notice that I didn’t say to try on each piece of clothing and get rid of it if it doesn’t fit? That’s because many of our bodies have changed during this pandemic – which is totally normal and understandable! At this time, don’t make decisions about what to keep or get rid of based on size alone. We don’t know what the winter will bring and or what our bodies or lives will look like come spring. Just because something doesn’t fit NOW – under these extreme circumstances – doesn’t mean that it won’t fit in the near future.
But be honest! If there’s something that you know didn’t fit you before Covid and really hasn’t fit in years…THAT is something you should go ahead and consider donating!
Edit Your Winter Wardrobe as You Hang It Up
Now that you have room in your closet, it’s time to fill it up with your winter clothing. Follow the same editing process that you did with your summer things but think about your current lifestyle. Do you need to keep out your sequin dresses or leather skirts? Chances are that this winter’s wardrobe will be way more casual than in the past. Put your fancier winter pieces back into storage!
Now, this IS the time to try on your clothes. If something doesn’t fit currently, but you still like it, DO NOT JUDGE YOURSELF. Just put it back into storage and pull it out again in a year!
Prioritize ACCESS in your Closet
Once you have gone through your winter pieces and edited them for your current lifestyle and size, it’s time to think about how to organize your closet. This year, I prioritized access to the clothes that I will be wearing most often. That means all of my cozy sweatshirts and colorful sweaters are in the easiest place to reach in my closet. I’ve even hung up my joggers and more casual pants – whereas before, they were folded up on a shelf – slightly out of view. The key to organizing your winter wardrobe for 2020 is to make it work for you – in this moment. Make sure the clothes you will be wearing most often are in the most accessible parts of your closet. Also think about reorganizing your shoes and your accessories. Put fancy heels to the back, and comfy slides and winter boots to the front. Similarly, prioritize access to your stud earrings and simple, everyday necklaces instead of your dangly statement pieces.
Winter 2020 may not be the most fashionable season of our lives, but it may turn out to be the most comfortable and practical! If you have any questions about how to organize your closet 2020 or need help deciding what to keep or donate, let’s set up a Virtual Closet Cleanout or Styling Session!
