Making Room for the Season Ahead

Time for a Closet Swap? A Gentle Guide to Changing Seasons

It’s getting colder out, which means it might be time to pull out those sweaters!

For some of us, that also means it’s time to swap out our closets because there simply isn’t room for every season of clothing at the same time.

If that sounds like you, let’s get started — and remember, this doesn’t have to be an all-day, take-everything-out-of-the-closet-at-once kind of project.

Start Small

Depending on the size of your closet, taking everything out at once and putting it all on your bed might feel overwhelming.

If you’re someone who gets overwhelmed by big projects, please don’t make this harder than it needs to be.

Start with one rod. Or one shelf.

Take everything off that rod or shelf and put it on your bed (or wherever you’re going to sort your clothes).

Since we’re doing a seasonal swap, only take out the things you wouldn’t wear in the upcoming season — summer clothes if we’re heading into fall or winter, for example.

Then, take a look at each item and ask yourself:

·         Do I still like it?

·         Does it still fit?

·         Is it in good condition?

·         Did I even wear it this past season?

And here’s the important part: there are no wrong answers.

If the answer is “no” to one of those questions, it might be time to let that item go.

That could mean giving it to someone who might get some use out of it or donating it. If it’s in really, really bad condition, maybe it can become cleaning rags. And sometimes, unfortunately, it just needs to be thrown away.

That’s okay, too.

If the answer is “yes,” leave it in your “keep” pile.

Some people might want to sort their clothes by color at this point. (That’s just me.)

Keep Going — One Section at a Time

Once you’ve finished with that rod or shelf, move on to the next one.

You don’t have to finish your entire closet in one sitting. You can take a break. Come back later. Do another shelf tomorrow.

The goal is to make your closet work better for you — not to create another overwhelming project.

Once you’ve decided which clothes are staying, put them back into the closet.

Then, when you’ve removed all of the current out-of-season clothes, put them into a container, storage bin, or compression bag and move them to another area — maybe the basement, another closet, or wherever you store seasonal things.

Now Bring Out the Next Season

Once the summer clothes are packed away, it’s time to bring out the fall and winter clothes.

And guess what?

You’re going to go through those, too.

Use the same questions:

·         Do I still like it?

·         Does it still fit?

·         Is it in good condition?

·         Did I wear it last season?

Because things change.

Your taste might have changed. Your size might have changed. Your lifestyle might have changed. Maybe you bought something that you love more. Or maybe you simply discovered that you never reached for that sweater last winter.

That’s okay.

We don’t have to keep things just because we’ve had them for a long time.

Give Your Clothes Some Breathing Room

One thing I really want to emphasize is this:

Don’t try to stuff more clothes into your closet than will comfortably fit.

You should be able to get your clothes in and out without having to fight with the hangers.

You should be able to see what you have.

And you should be able to reach for something without three other things falling on your head.

A closet doesn’t need to be packed completely full to be useful.

Make Room for What You Value

Going through your clothes at least once a season can be really helpful. Whether you’re swapping them out to make more room or simply giving your closet a little refresh.

If you aren’t wearing the clothes you have, they’re taking up valuable real estate in your closet.

And that space is valuable.

So, as you’re going through your clothes, try not to think about what you should keep or what you should get rid of.

Instead, ask yourself what you actually use, what you enjoy wearing, and what makes sense for your life right now.

Let there be room for what you value — not just stuff you don’t want to make decisions about.

And remember: you don’t have to do it all today.

One rod.

One shelf.

One small step at a time.

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

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Getting Your Closet Ready for Winter

I don't want to put my shorts away! And I will probably still wear them - but it might be time to pull out a pair of long pants! When the wind blows at 30 mph - it gets a bit nippy!

I love the fall and sweater weather!  So - I guess it's time to take a look at your closet and get ready for the fall and winter.

If you are lucky enough to have a big closet where you don't have to change out your clothes with the season - then you might not have to go to the lengths that a lot of people have to go through.

With closet space being at a premium - and people having a "lot" of clothes - the winter/summer shuffle happens every year.

Be honest - and be realistic. As you take out your clothes - look at each and every piece of clothing and make the "big" decision. 

# 1     Does it still fit ?
# 2     Do I still like it ?
# 3     Do I still wear it ?  If so - when was the last time I wore it ?
# 4     Is it in good shape ?

If you can't answer "yes" to all of the above questions - Get Rid of It!

This is especially true for kids - as they tend to outgrow their clothes at an alarming speed! If the kids summer clothes still fit now - you have to judge it you think they will fit by next spring. It all depends on the age of the kids and their growth pattern.

Once you have cleared out all of your summer clothes and put them into piles of keep, donate, mend....  then it's time to put your fall/winter clothes back into the closet.

You should go through the same procedure as above. Make sure the clothes still fit and you still like them and wear them.  If not - why have them take up valuable closet space?

Putting things back in your closet by color (yes, I do that....) makes it easier to find something when you are looking for a certain piece of clothing.

An organized closet makes getting dressed and out the door in the morning easier and stress free!

Happy Fall!



Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life 

Organizational Consulting Services

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Winter Gear - Get Your Essentials in Order

As the weather turns colder it's time to start clearing out your closet of summer things and getting your winter gear in order.

Start by trying on last years coats, boots and gloves.

Do they fit? If not, you might consider donating them.

If they do still fit - are they in good condition?  Check for any rips or missing buttons.

If you need new ones, now is the time to buy them so that you are not caught unprepared when the weather turns colder and the snow starts coming down in buckets!

After you have figured out if you need to replace any items it's time to think about storing you summer items. But first, check to be sure that they are clean and in good condition.

Once you are done with your outerwear -  it's time to check your clothes closet for your winter sweaters.

Go through the same process as with your coats. Check to be sure they still fit and are in good condition. It not, donate them or repair them.

If you need to rotate your summer clothes out of your closet and into storage - be sure to only store things that you still like and will wear next year. If you haven't worn it all summer - are you really going to wear it next year?  Don't store things that you will never wear or use.

By getting your essentials in order now - before you really need them - will guarantee that you will be ready when the snow starts to fly!

Here's looking forward to a snowy winter!


Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life 

Organizational Consulting Services

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Getting Your Car Ready for Winter

It's not winter yet - but we have snow at some of our higher elevations - so - let's get ready for winter!

Check your tires. It might be time for snow tires soon!

Check to make sure that you have the essentials needed for winter - like a snow brush & ice scraper. It you don't - get some.

Make sure that your car is in working order and all of your fluids are filled up. 

Living out in the west - and driving long distances without a town or gas station in sight - brings about it's own problems.

Unlike being in a big city where there is a gas station and help within a block - living out in the west - with lots of land and few people - presents it's own challenges.

So – the question is ..... are you prepared ?

Now is the time to stock your car with winter essentials.

In your backseat:
* Snow brush
* Ice scraper (or two – various sizes)
* Blanket
* Gloves (keep extra’s in your car)
* Hat
* Scarf

In your glove compartment:
* Paper
* Pen
* Matches (in something waterproof)
* Candle (in a tin) – this can be used if your flashlight doesn’t work or for extra heat
* Tissues
* Hand wipes
* Cell Phone Car Charger
* Flashlight (make sure the batteries are good – or get a windup one)

In your trunk:
* Salt, cat litter or something to throw under your tires if you get stuck
* Extra Windshield Fluid
* Extra Antifreeze
* Spare Tire
* Shovel
* Jumper Cables
* First Aid Kit (basic)
* Towel (this can also be used as an extra blanket)
* Rope
* Bungee Cords
* Duct Tape (so many uses!)
* Tire Gauge
* Tire Repair kit
* Road Flares
* Fire Extinguisher (small one)
* Plastic Garbage Bags

If you are going to be driving outside of the city limits I would also suggest that you keep water and snacks in your car, especially if you have kids. You never know when an accident might keep you tied up for a long time and you will need water to keep you hydrated and snacks to keep the kids occupied.

Being prepared is always the best defense. Now relax and embrace the weather.

Organizational Consulting Services

 Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life


http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

It's Winter - Is Your Car Packed With The Essentials?

It's cold out there ! Below zero !

Living out in the west - and driving long distances without a town or gas station in sight - brings about it's own problems.

Unlike being in a big city where there is a gas station and help within a block - living out in the west - with lots of land and few people - presents it's own challenges.

So – the question is ..... are you prepared ?

Now is the time to stock your car with winter essentials.

In your backseat:
* Snow brush
* Ice scraper (or two – various sizes)
* Blanket
* Gloves (keep extra’s in your car)
* Hat
* Scarf

In your glove compartment:
* Paper
* Pen
* Matches (in something waterproof)
* Candle (in a tin) – this can be used if your flashlight doesn’t work or for extra heat
* Tissues
* Hand wipes
* Cell Phone Car Charger
* Flashlight (make sure the batteries are good – or get a windup one)

In your trunk:
* Salt, cat litter or something to throw under your tires if you get stuck
* Extra Windshield Fluid
* Extra Antifreeze
* Spare Tire
* Shovel
* Jumper Cables
* First Aid Kit (basic)
* Towel (this can also be used as an extra blanket)
* Rope
* Bungee Cords
* Duct Tape (so many uses!)
* Tire Gauge
* Tire Repair kit
* Road Flares
* Fire Extinguisher (small one)
* Plastic Garbage Bags

If you are going to be driving outside of the city limits I would also suggest that you keep water and snacks in your car, especially if you have kids. You never know when an accident might keep you tied up for a long time and you will need water to keep you hydrated and snacks to keep the kids occupied.

Being prepared is always the best defense. Now relax and embrace the weather.

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/

Cold Weather - Is Your Closet Ready ?

In some parts of the country it's starting to get cold and a lot of people pull out their "winter clothes" and put their "summer clothes" into storage.

If your lack of closet space makes this a necessity then there are a few important things that you should do before you just start randomly changing out your closet.

First - be realistic. I know that it's hard - but it you haven't worn something in a few years - why put it back into your closet???  Because you "might" wear it?  Someday?

It is taking up space. And if space is at a premium - let it go. Donate it. Give it to someone that will actually wear it - more than once every five years!

Second, does it fit? Correctly? Be honest with yourself. Wearing ill fitting clothes does nothing for your figure or your self esteem. If it doesn't fit - off to the donate pile it goes.

Third, is it in good shape? No loose buttons, holes, rips....???  If not - fix it before you put it back into your closet.

Fourth, please, please put things in some type of logical order. Again - logical is all relative. It means in an order that you can find it easily and that makes sense. Everyone organizes differently. That's important to remember. But you have to have some type of plan that will allow you to put together outfits in a relatively short amount of time and you have to be able to find the clothes that you are looking for.

For example - sort by color, by type (long sleeve, short sleeve), by style.... any way that makes sense to you. But it should make sense.

Put all of your pants in one spot. Your dresses/skirts in another spot. Your shirts in another spot.

Divide your closet by casual clothes & work clothes.

There are many different ways to go about this. The only "must" is that it "must" work for you.

But just randomly throwing your clothes in your closet does not work for anyone - sorry. It wastes time when you are trying to find things and that turns into frustration.

In the spring/summer - when your closets are reversed - do the same thing. Clean, fit, no holes....and only the clothes that you will actually wear.

Enjoy your clothes and your organized closet!




Organizational Consulting Services

www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

Winter in the West - Is Your Car Stocked With the Essentials ?

It's cold out there ! Below zero !

Living out in the west - and driving long distances without a town or gas station in sight - brings about it's own problems.

Unlike being in a big city where there is a gas station and help within a block - living out in the west - with lots of land and few people - presents it's own challenges.

So – the question is ..... are you prepared ?

Now is the time to stock your car with winter essentials.

In your backseat:
* Snow brush
* Ice scraper (or two – various sizes)
* Blanket
* Gloves (keep extra’s in your car)
* Hat
* Scarf

In your glove compartment:
* Paper
* Pen
* Matches (in something waterproof)
* Candle (in a tin) – this can be used if your flashlight doesn’t work or for extra heat
* Tissues
* Hand wipes
* Cell Phone Car Charger
* Flashlight (make sure the batteries are good – or get a windup one)

In your trunk:
* Salt, cat litter or something to throw under your tires if you get stuck
* Extra Windshield Fluid
* Extra Antifreeze
* Spare Tire
* Shovel
* Jumper Cables
* First Aid Kit (basic)
* Towel (this can also be used as an extra blanket)
* Rope
* Bungee Cords
* Duct Tape (so many uses!)
* Tire Gauge
* Tire Repair kit
* Road Flares
* Fire Extinguisher (small one)
* Plastic Garbage Bags

If you are going to be driving outside of the city limits I would also suggest that you keep water and snacks in your car, especially if you have kids. You never know when an accident might keep you tied up for a long time and you will need water to keep you hydrated and snacks to keep the kids occupied.

Being prepared is always the best defense. Now relax and embrace the weather.

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/

Fall is Here - Winter to Follow - Get Organized Now

Yesterday was the 1st day of Fall. My favorite time of year. But depending on where you live snow could be just around the corner - or in some places - have already happened.

Move your summer toys to the back of the garage and reacquaint yourself with your snow blower.


It's time to winterize your garage and get ready for the snow. A good place to start is by taking everything out of your garage and giving it a good sweeping.

Throw out any broken items and put any items that you no longer use in the "donate" pile. That would include any toys that your kids have outgrown.

If you have any leftover gardening supplies (mulch, dirt, bulbs, seeds....) or anything that you won't be able to use next spring, get rid of it.

Re-arrange your garage to put the snow blower where you can easily reach it. Make sure that it is ready to use by doing any maintenance that it might need.

Make sure that you have access to any snow shovels or anything else such as salt for those snowy days.

Some people might still be able to use their lawnmower a few more times before the snow falls, but plan on having your lawnmower winterized and empty it of any liquids according to your manual.

By organizing your garage before the weather gets really bad you will save yourself a lot of headaches in trying to find everything when the bad weather hits.



Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/

Are You Ready for Winter ?

 It's getting colder! We've even had snow. Are you ready?

There are a number of things that you need to do to get organized and ready for winter. Starting with your car.

Do you have your snow brush in your car? How about a snow scrapper?  Are they inside your car? Not in your trunk.

 A shovel for digging yourself out when you get stuck?

How about a blanket - just in case.
Extra gloves?  A hat?

A flashlight for flagging down help?
Flairs? 

What about a bag of sand (or whatever your city allows) for putting under your tires for extra traction when you are stuck.

And don't forget some snacks for the kids if you have to wait for a tow truck for hours.

It might sound silly or depending on where you live it could be just common sense. But people tend to forget that they need to be organized for emergencies.

Unfortunately emergencies aren't usually written on your calendar....they just happen.

So be prepared - have extra supplies in your car..... just in case!



Organizational Consulting Services

www.organizationalconsultingservices.com