Thankfully, I have the gift of organization and look forward to the task of separating, folding, and packing clothing by season. For those of you who are frazzled at even the thought of separating winter from summer clothes, here are some guidelines to stop you from throwing everything in a lawn and leaf bag and throwing it in the back of your closet.
MAKE FOUR PILES
Pile 1. Keep - This is the pile that you will be hanging / folding back up. It's your winter clothes, but maybe some clothes that you will still wear in the winter to the gym or under a sweater. (I was taught the importance of layers very quickly my first winter back in Chicago).
Pile 2. Give Away - Yes, give away, meaning, if you didn't wear it last summer, chances are you won't next summer. We know 'those' clothes. Typically they are the ones you claim you will fit into next summer. Again, sorry... chances are you won't. Do you really want to take the time to fold it, store it, and schlep the box labeled, "Maybe Next Year"? Come on, this isn't a SpecialK cereal commercial. This is reality. Shed the clutter, and then by all means, shed the pounds.
Pile 3. Throw Away - This is along the same lines as the give away pile, only these are the clothes that have stains, rips, or haven't been in style since your senior prom. Nobody wants these clothes.
Pile 4. Pack - This is the pile of summer clothes and shoes that you know you will not need all winter. This is not the place where I go into fashion rules. That's a whole other blog.
USEFUL TIPS
* Wash and make sure everything is VERY dry when you pack them. For extra freshness, put a few fabric softener sheet in-between clothes so they stay smelling good and are ready to go next spring.
* Use clear plastic bins so you can see what is in them. These bins are great for storing under you bed. If your bed is generally low to the ground and they won't fit, invest in some of these bed risers to get a little lift.
* Take what you put in what storage bin a step further. Pack by location of where you will be putting your clothes away next season.
For example, your boxes should be labeled:
- Closet - Shirts
- Closet - Skirts / Pants
- Dresser - T-Shirts
- Dresser – Shorts
* Summer shoes are typically destroyed by the end of the season. By destroyed I mean they have fallen apart or... let's face it... smell. I'm talking about ballet flats, flip flops, and those suede soled sandals. Get rid of them and hit up the Old Navy $5 flip flop sale next summer. Otherwise, you are going to open that bin next spring and wonder what you were thinking.
* Summer purses are a wonderful thing. We change them out often, don't we? Take my advice and clean all of them out before you pack them. Get out the gum wrappers, loose change, receipts, lip gloss, and for you moms, the stray goldfish and 'puffys' floating around.
* When it comes to children’s clothing, chances are they aren’t going to fit into it next summer. Keep to you four piles above. But label the box you are going to save by size. For example: Blake – Summer – Size 12mo to 24mo.
* As long as you are packing up, why not throw some household seasonal items in a bin too. Clear some space out of cabinets and drawers to make way for holiday items (like your eggnog moose glasses). Some things that come to mind are: table cloths, bed spreads, and seasonal throw rugs.
As sad as we all are to see summer go, it’s time to get excited about the holiday’s, taking cover under our down comforters, and putting on our favorite sweater on a chilly night. The level of frustration that goes along with the task of packing up summer and breaking into winter is pretty high. Take your time, do a thorough job, and please, call or email me before you give up and start throwing things in a lawn and leaf bag!
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