Cleanse Your Closet

by Ann Hayward 07/14/2019

You've thought that now might be one of those times to try a cleanse. Then you think a little bit longer and go, "Nah, maybe next time." But there is a cleanse that doesn't require juicing, drinking exotic drinks, or gut-wrenching reactions: a closet cleanse.

No, that doesn't mean you hide in your closet while you avoid drinking the cleansing elixir, it means clearing out your closet to start fresh.

How to begin a closet cleanse:

Whether it's a change of season, a new season of your life, a new size or just a need for something different, all closet cleanses should begin the same way and flow through until you have just the right clothes, shoes, scarves and other accessories to make your life smooth and your day starts out put-together.

-  Review everything in the closet. Pull it out, look at it, try it on. Don’t return it to the closet if it doesn’t fit, you don’t like it, or you don’t wear it.

-  Bag up all the items you’ve decided you can’t or won’t wear for giveaway to charity. Don't go back into the bags for things when you have second thoughts. You know you won't wear it, and it merely takes up space. 

Organize the items that are going back into the closet in one of these ways:

  1. By outfit (matching or coordinating tops and bottoms together with scarves, belts, sweaters or jackets)
  2. By type (blouse, skirt, slacks, dress, etc.)
  3. By season (warm weather, cold weather, transitional, layers)
  4. By style (work, casual, dress, evening, event, etc.)

-  Try on every pair of shoes. If they don’t fit, out they go. 

-  For the ones you keep: check for wear, damage, worn heels, or gaps between the sole and the upper. If any shoes need repair, put them in a bag to take for repair on your next trip out the door. Don’t delay or they will languish in a bag in the bottom of your closet until the next closet cleanse.

-  Review your accessories: hats, scarves, gloves, belts. If you've arranged your clothing by the outfit, scarves and belts should already be with their coordinates. Otherwise, hang belts and scarves. Even gloves hang on clipped skirt hangers. Place hats above or on shelves protected from the weight of other articles.

-  Finally, tackle those purses and handbags. If handles are cracked or worn, plan to have them repaired, or place them in the giveaway bags. Take care to check each pocket or flap for personal belongings, that hidden $20 or your favorite lipstick. If the purse is too small for everyday use, tuck it away in a box meant for special events only.

With everything tucked back into its place, and all the extra clothing and accessories removed, you’re ready to start the new week cleansed.

If you find that your closet remains too small, it might be time to reach out to your local real estate professional to see if you can find a better fit.

About the Author
Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]