Fall is upon us, bringing the comforting embrace of cozy sweaters, warm blankets, and pumpkin-spice everything, from lattes to candles. As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to embrace the seasonal shift in style and comfort. But before you can fully enjoy all the seasonal delights, there’s an essential task that begs for your attention—cleaning out and updating your closet. If your wardrobe looks like it’s been hit by a whirlwind of last year’s trends and forgotten pieces, you’re certainly not alone; many of us struggle with cluttered closets that fail to reflect our current style.
You may be wondering how to clean out a closet? This guide walks you through the process of decluttering, organizing, and refreshing your closet to make it fall-ready. We’ll provide practical tips on how to assess what you truly wear and love, how to effectively categorize your clothing, and creative strategies for maximizing space.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to spruce up your living space, an organizing enthusiast on a mission to create a serene environment, or a fashion-lover eager to showcase your favorite fall outfits, we have all the tips and tricks you need to transform your closet into a beautifully curated collection that reflects the cozy spirit of the season
Closet Clean Out
Donation vs Keep Piles
Cleaning out a closet can feel overwhelming but breaking it down into manageable steps helps. Start by emptying your closet completely. Yes, everything needs to come out. Create two main piles—one for items you want to keep and another for donations. The key is to be ruthless! Ask yourself:
- Do you love it?
- Does it fit?
If the answer is no, consider adding it to the donation pile!
After sorting, bag up your donations and drop them off at a local charity. Now, you’ll have a clearer view of what you actually use and love.
Closet Organization Ideas
Closet Essentials
Now that you have a clearer space, let’s talk about how to maximize it. Every well-organized closet needs a few essentials. Invest in sturdy hangers to keep your clothes in shape. Add a shoe rack to keep your footwear organized and visible. Drawer dividers are a game-changer for keeping smaller items like socks and accessories in order.
These essentials can transform your closet from chaotic to orderly in no time. Remember, the goal is to make your closet a functional and enjoyable space.
Organization Bins
How to store clothes is one of the biggest questions that accompanies a closet clean out. Organization bins are your best friends. They come in various sizes and styles, perfect for storing everything from sweaters to handbags. Transparent bins are great because you can see what’s inside without having to open them.
Label each bin to make finding items easier. Group similar items together—like scarves, hats, and belts—and store them in separate bins. This not only keeps your closet tidy but also makes it easier to find what you need. And don’t forget to label your bins for easy scanning.
Color Coordination
Color coordination isn’t just for aesthetic purposes; it’s highly functional too. Organize your clothes by color to make it easier to find what you’re looking for. Start with lighter shades and gradually move to darker ones.
This method makes your closet look visually appealing and helps you quickly locate specific items. Plus, it gives you a clear view of the color palette of your wardrobe, helping you make more coordinated outfit choices.
Folding Clothes Hacks
Folding clothes might seem straightforward, but there’s an art to it. Mastering a few folding clothes hacks can save space and keep your items in better condition. For instance, rolling your T-shirts instead of folding them can save a significant amount of drawer space.
- Use the Marie Kondo Method: Start by folding items into thirds, then vertically place them in drawers or bins for easy visibility.
- Roll Instead of Fold: For T-shirts and casual wear, rolling can save space and reduce wrinkles, making it ideal for packing or drawer storage.
- Fold to Fit: Tailor your folding techniques to the item—use flat folds for sweaters and vertical folds for jeans to optimize space.
- Keep Similar Items Together: Fold and store similar types of clothing together to maintain a tidy appearance and streamline the decision-making process when choosing outfits.
- Utilize Storage Compartments: When using bins or baskets, consider folding clothes to fit the container, creating designated sections for different clothing categories.
- Consider Fabric: For delicate fabrics, use a gentle folding technique to avoid creases, while sturdier fabrics can handle more straightforward folding methods.
Shoe Organizing Hacks
Shoes often end up in a jumbled mess at the bottom of the closet. But with a few shoe organizing hacks, you can keep them in check. Invest in stackable shoe racks or hanging shoe organizers to maximize vertical space.
- Arrange shoes by type: sandals, sneakers, boots.
- Use clear shoe boxes for extra organization.
- Protect shoes from dust with the boxes.
- Make it easy to see your shoe collection.
Clothing Storage Ideas
Seasonal Clothing Storage Tips
- Clean Before Storing: Always wash or dry clean your clothes before storage to remove any stains or odors. This prevents any chances of mildew or attract pests.
- Use Acid-Free Tissue Paper: For delicate fabrics, such as wool or silk, lay acid-free tissue paper between folded garments to help maintain shape and reduce creasing.
- Choose the Right Containers: Opt for breathable storage bins, avoiding plastic that can trap moisture. Cotton or canvas bags are great alternatives.
- Avoid Overpacking: Resist the temptation to cram too many items into one container. Overpacking can cause unwanted wrinkles and damage. Leave some space for air circulation.
- Store Accessories Properly: To keep scarves, hats, and other accessories in good condition, consider using small bins or drawer organizers to keep them visible and untangled.
- Maintain a Consistent Temperature: Store seasonal clothing in a temperature-controlled environment. Extreme heat or humidity can damage fabrics and cause mildew.
- Check Regularly: Schedule a seasonal check-up to inspect your stored clothing. This way, you can catch any issues before they become significant problems.
Coat Storing Tips
Coats and heavy jackets take up a lot of space. Proper storage can help you manage this bulky outerwear. Use sturdy hangers to maintain their shape and consider garment bags for long-term storage.
- Use Quality Hangers: Invest in sturdy, wide hangers to prevent coats from losing their shape and developing sagging shoulders.
- Consider Garment Bags: For long-term storage, place coats in breathable garment bags to protect them from dust and pests while allowing air circulation.
- Keep Them Clean: Always clean your coats before storing to remove any dirt or odor, ensuring they stay fresh during off-seasons.
- Utilize Under-Bed Storage: If closet space is limited, use under-bed storage bins to keep rarely worn coats out of the way while still accessible.
- Maintain Dryness: Ensure coats are completely dry before storing to avoid mildew growth and unpleasant smells.
- Rotate Seasonal Items: At the start of each season, rotate your coats so that frequently worn items are easily accessible while others are stored.
- Check for Damage: Regularly inspect stored coats for any signs of damage or pest activity to address issues before they worsen.
How to Store Clothes
Storing clothes correctly can make a significant difference in their longevity. For delicate fabrics, use padded hangers to prevent stretching. Fold heavy knits and stack them to avoid hanger marks.
Store items you wear less frequently in the back of the closet or in storage bins. Keep frequently worn items at eye level for easy access. This not only protects your clothes but also keeps your closet organized and user-friendly.
Updating Your Closet for Fall Fashion
Fall fashion is all about layers, textures, and warm tones that reflect the beauty of the changing season. Updating your closet to embrace these trends can be both exciting and rewarding, as it allows you to express your personal style while staying cozy. Start by incorporating key fall pieces like cozy sweaters, stylish boots, and fashionable scarves that not only keep you warm but also elevate your outfits.
Making the Most of Your Wardrobe
To maximize your wardrobe, consider mixing and matching your summer items with new fall additions for a transitional wardrobe that seamlessly blends seasons. For instance, pair a lightweight summer dress with a chunky knit cardigan and ankle boots for a chic look. This approach ensures you’re getting more use out of your existing clothes while creating versatile outfits that can adapt to fluctuating temperatures. Remember, updating for fall doesn’t necessarily mean buying a whole new wardrobe—it’s about smartly integrating new pieces into what you already own.
Investing in Timeless Fall Staples
A quality trench coat or a versatile cardigan is essential. These classic items can be styled in multiple ways; for example, you can wear a trench coat over a casual outfit for a polished look or layer it over a cozy sweater for added warmth. Such pieces will serve you well for many seasons to come, proving their worth time and again. Always prioritize quality over quantity when curating your wardrobe—this approach not only promotes sustainability but also ensures you have stylish essentials that withstand the test of time. Embrace the beauty of fall fashion by creating a wardrobe that reflects your unique style while being practical and environmentally conscious.
Clothing Storage Made Easy at CubeSmart
Cleaning out and updating your closet for fall can feel overwhelming, but with these tips, storing your extra clothing at CubeSmart can make it a fun and rewarding experience. From storage lockers to large storage units, we have the space you need to stay fashionable. By decluttering, organizing, and safely storing your wardrobe, you’ll create a more functional space at home while ensuring your seasonal pieces are easily accessible.
Start today and transform your closet into a haven of order and style with the help of CubeSmart. If you need personalized assistance, our storage experts are available to help you choose the right storage unit for your needs.
