12 Tips on how to do a wardrobe Spring cleaning
It's time for Spring Cleaning!
If you're asking yourself how to start, here are some of the strategies I use with my own wardrobe:
1. START EARLY
I prefer to get started before the warm beautiful days arrive. This is because we might get carried away with the nice weather and find an excuse to skip this much-needed task.
2. EMPTY IT OUT
Get everything out of your wardrobe.
Yes, I mean e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g.
Make piles: shirts, dresses, pants, etc. Then, check carefully if there's any sign of moth or mold in your closet. Clean everything, and if it's possible, add new cedar/lavender sachets. A personal organizer once told me bay leaves are also great because moths hate this type of smell.
3. CHECK EVERY SINGLE ITEM
Now, this is where the fun part begins.
Analyze every piece you own:
Is it in good condition?
Does it fit me?
Do I love it?
Is it clean?
Does it need any alterations?
4. GET 3 PLASTIC BAGS OR BOXES
Put your clothes into 3 different bags: Donation, Alteration, and Dry cleaner's/Laundry. Whatever is good goes back to your closet.
5. GET A DISCOUNT FOR YOUR OLD CLOTHES
If any piece isn't in good condition and you want to donate it, bear in mind that some stores accept old products for their recycling programs. They might even give you a discount on future purchases!
6. IT'S ALL ABOUT CARE
Moths can destroy natural fibers such as wool and silk, making small holes.
Unfortunately, the better the fabric, the easier it is to happen.
Important: Read my post "How to take care of cashmere sweaters" in which I explain step by step how you wash not only your cashmere sweaters but any wool sweater. Sneak peek: I hand wash all of them, despite the quality and what's written on the tag.
7. STORING CLOTHES PROPERLY IS KEY.
It's vital that you properly store your knits during the Summer. They need to be washed before you put them back in your wardrobe. Otherwise, you can have an unpleasant surprise next Fall. A small invisible drop of white wine can turn into a very stubborn stain.
8. QUALITY HANGERS
The best thing you can do is to invest in only one type of hanger. That's because it gets easier to see your clothes if you keep them at the same height. For instance, velvet hangers really save space and aren't slippery.
9. READ YOUR COAT'S LABEL
Most of the coats are dry clean only. In this case, I suggest you follow the label instructions. I recommend taking your coats to the dry cleaner's once Winter is gone. If you leave it for Fall, it might be too late.
10. DON'T FORGET ABOUT YOUR SHOES
You also need to take care of footwear. We had a lot of snow this winter, so we might have a problem here: salt can damage and stain our boots. Send them to the cobbler for professional cleaning. Don't wait for next Fall. Do it right now!
11. HOW ARE YOUR BAGS?
Bags can also be cleaned or repaired. But if the love is gone, you can donate or sell them.
12. WHAT ABOUT JEWELRY?
Is everything looking good? If not, repair or toss it. Can you easily visualize what you have? If you don't see it, you don't wear it! Buying acrylic closet organizers will help you on this one.
I'm sure you will enjoy the upcoming warm days a little more if you get your wardrobe ready for Spring. If you want some Spring 2021 outfits inspiration, follow me on Pinterest or Instagram: @marciacrivorot.
Disclosure: Keep in mind that I link products and companies based on their quality, my personal opinion, my experience and professional expertise. Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a small commission. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.