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Wardrobe Organization for a busy mum

Yes I know, as busy working mums we are balancing way to many balls.  I am dizzy just thinking about the sport matches this weekend.  We are told by the media to feed our families with a good balanced diet, to keep a track of the budget and make sure the superannuation is being look after, then there is the cleaning, shopping and oh I forgot, my mum.  Yes now that she is getting older and dad has passed away there is a lot to organize for her too.  So I know that you don’t want to be told to go and organize your wardrobes as well.  This is a to-do task none of us get around to doing. 

Think of how much time you may save, if you can see clear of all the stuff in there that you don’t wear?  Money to be saved also if you have a wardrobe that is organized and working as a unit.  Not heaps of separate pieces just sitting there on their own being ignored.  So with that in mind and winter upon us, it is time to follow these simple steps to freeing your wardrobe space.

·            Take off your ‘emotional’ hat.  This is the most crucial part of the task.  If that is not possible, then consider hiring an image consultant to sort it for you.  As subjectivity is the key.

·            Make 4 piles on your bed marked, KEEP, MAYBY, ALTERATION’S and DISCARD.

·            KEEP – All the clothes that fit, are not tired, work for your body shape and are not out dated.

·            MAYBY – All clothes they may still fit well, but might not be worn as often due to its Special Occasion type or its age.  All good ‘classic’ pieces that only get worn ‘every now and again fit in the MAYBY pile.

·            ALTERATION’S – Some items may just need a hem to give it new life, some may just need a tweak so it does fit better.  Adding shoulder pads or repairing old zips do not seem such a hassle if you take the pile to your local alteration shop in one hit.

·            DISCARD - This is the tricky bit I talked about.  Now there may be items here given to you as presents, bought by your sister or recommended by your best friend.  For whatever reason, if you have not worn the item for over a year or it does not fit, or it is way out of date or worn out then it belongs in this pile. You can donate it to charity, give to friends or bag up and store in garage for another 6 months.  After that it should be moved off the premises.

·            With your remaining clothes start the fun part by sorting into seasons?  By separating summer from winter clothes, you can store one group and give the current season more room to breath.  This allows you to see what you have and wear what you have.

·            Now sort by ‘type’ of clothing, and hang all tee-shirts, blouses, jackets together. And all trousers, jeans and skirts together.

·            Lastly, if you go the extra mile and sort or grade into colours it will be much more fun for you in the mornings when getting dressed.

Wardrobe Storage tips

·       Take all your clothes out of the plastic dry-clean bags.  Clothes need to breath.

·   Invest in good hangers that will give support.  Wire ones will just ruin the fabric and shape of item.

·  Use the Damp Rid in the bottom of your wardrobe if you experience cold still dampness.
 These little beauties will save all your expensive suits and woolens.

·   Silverfish are best kept at bay with drier conditions so the damp crystals area Investment.

·  Keep a spritzer bottle close by with one part Eucalyptus and nine parts water.  I use the spray on any woolen item that smells stale or may need refreshing.  Great for the suit that should have gone to the drycleaners but didn’t.  Many a Costume Department swears by this one.

Posted by Caaren Hulme,  Fashion and Image Consultant.  www.stylizit.com.au

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