Spring is here and therefore high time for a comprehensive basic cleaning of the entire apartment. As if the fresh air and warm weather encourage us to gain new energy and make a fresh start. The annual spring cleaning not only means sweeping, cleaning and washing everything thoroughly, but also getting rid of old waste - sorting out things, cleaning out the basement and tidying up the wardrobe. Cleaning up is like a ritual and simply good for the soul. After the long winter, it's incredibly fun to make room for the new spring pieces, right?
Regardless of whether your wardrobe is large or small, at some point all storage space will reach its limits. According to a survey last year, women own an average of 118 items of clothing, excluding socks and underwear. Nevertheless, the well-known phenomenon occurs again and again every season: a closet full but nothing to wear. Step one to the perfect closet is cleaning out! Use spring cleaning to conjure up an organized closet with clothes that perfectly match the season. Today we're going to tell you a few anti-mess tips that can help you tidy up your closet. Spring in, clutter out!
Tidying up your wardrobe: Step 1. Clean out and sort
First you have to completely empty the wardrobe and sort out all the clothes from the winter season, pack them up and store them in the basement for the next winter. Also take a close look at your existing spring wardrobe and sort everything out. Whatever you don't wear, doesn't fit or is worn out goes away. Forget excuses like “I could do that in 5 years when I’ve lost the weight again or wear it again for exercise”. Only keep the pieces that you really like to wear often. Ask yourself clear questions, give yourself honest answers and don't think about how much the item of clothing once cost. This is over and you simply have to get rid of such closet corpses. Even the favorite parts that are worn out or bulging, for example, have to go at some point.
As you go through your clothes, divide all the clothes into three piles:
- Keep – Whatever you still like, wear it regularly and feel comfortable in it
- Dispose of/give away – anything that hasn’t been worn in the past one or two years, anything that no longer fits or anything that has been out of fashion for a long time
Exceptions:what is only worn on certain occasions likeEvening or cocktail dressesand jeans that are just one size above the current size.
- Maybe/I don't know - You can go through this stack one at a time at the very end. Be realistic about your decision. If you're still unsure, you can put these items in a box and store them in the basement just in case.
Decision aids: Do I really need this skirt? Can I have these pants altered relatively easily and inexpensively? Can I replace the item of clothing promptly?
And what to do with the pile of “away”? Gift to friends, donate to nonprofit organizations, add to clothing collection, sell on online second-hand platforms or traditional flea markets. Or why not organize a swap party?
Step 2. Organize and put away properly
However, before you put the leftover clothes back, you should wipe down all surfaces in the closet well. Sort all items by clothing type (skirts, dresses, tops, pants) or style (business, everyday, going out). Sorting by color, for example from light to dark, looks nice, but is a bit impractical. The main thing is to have everything at hand and find it quickly.
It is also advisable to hang clothes on hangers instead of folding them and stacking them in a compartment. Ironed items are much more organized and the clearer your closet is, the quicker you can put together your perfect outfit in the morning.
Also stock up on some organization aids like clear storage boxes, drawer dividers for large drawers, and rotating modules for blind spots. Plan an optimal organization system in the wardrobe. A practical idea would be to mark clothes hangers with colored ribbons or compartments with labels.
Step 3. Shop properly and start spring fashionably
If you have more space in your closet after clearing out and more money in your pocket thanks to selling unnecessary clothes, you can of course treat yourself to a shopping spree. Shopping at an outlet can save you up to 60 percent on goods from last year's collections and overproduction. OnFactory-Outlets.orgFor example, you can find a list of more than 500 outlets in Germany, Austria and Switzerland where high-quality fashion is offered at reduced prices. The filterRadius searchhelps you find bargains near you.
Last but not least, a few tips for bargain hunting and the perfect spring wardrobe:
- Replace dark ones with fresh spring colors like yellow, light blue, pink and mint green, which will make any outfit look lighter and more playful.
- Shop versatile pieces to wear in the transition period afterLagenlook Trendcan be combined in many ways. These include perfectly fitting tops in white or beige, oversized blazers, long cardigans, etc.
- Lace blouses in different colors and variations are classic and elegant and can be perfectly combined with trousers or jeans.
- Tunics and blouses in floral patterns and flowing fabrics flatter the figure and look particularly girly and casual.
- Invest in timeless classics like trench coats, trousers and little black dresses that will accompany you year after year.
