Spring is here! and the weather along the South is definitely proving it! Spring-time presents the perfect opportunity for cleaning, home projects, and also time to finish that never ending “To Do” list.
The weather begins to warm and before you know it it’s time to pull out the shorts, flip-flops, tanks, and bathing suits.
However, before we starting enjoying the nice weather, we should spring-clean our wardrobes in preparation for the summer months to come.
In this article, I’m going to explain the importance of not only cleaning our home, but also our wardrobes and closets. Its important to maintain a clean home, and by doing so, you are eliminating the things you don’t need and no longer want.
Elimination Process
When going through your wardrobe, you are bound to find some things that you just simply would no longer wear. You also may find things that you can no longer fit. Eliminating these things from your wardrobe is extremely important for a number of reasons.
- You will have more room.
- Makes it easier to search for the things you actually need.
- Gives you the opportunity to donate these clothes to Goodwill or a neighbor.
Clothes that you know you will no longer wear is so important to discard of because wardrobe space is limited and confined for most people. Having that extra room will make all the difference in the long run.
You also may find that some of your clothes have holes, rips, or tears in them that you don’t approve of. Damaged clothing should also be discarded or put to use in another form or “fashion”. Most people will turn their damaged clothes into a new outfit for the summer, for example, if you have a long sleeved shirt that is ruined on the sleeves, just simply cut the long sleeves and wear it as a tank top.
Or
Use those clothes that are ruined as cleaning rags for use around the house or when cleaning the car. There are so many things you can do with clothes that can’t be worn anymore. You just have to be creative.
This same idea applies to any shoes that you have worn out and can’t wear anymore. Simply donate the gently used ones to Goodwill, and discard of the pairs that you can’t repair. I usually keep those shoes and just wear them around the house when doing random jobs.
Always find a way to recycle what you can’t use anymore. Never just throw it out because I’m sure someone else would be appreciative if you donated it to them.
Winter Clothes
Since the summer is fast approaching, you will no longer need any winter-related clothes. I consider “winter-related” clothes as any heavy jackets/coats, boots, toboggans, gloves, etc. Anything that you would not wear in the summer heat could be considered “winter-related” clothes.
It’s important to also go through these garments to make sure they are in great shape for wear in the next season. Make sure their aren’t any rips, tears, or shrinkage in them before you make any final decisions. Next, I place all of my winter clothes in a storage bin and store it away until next fall. I advise you to get a sturdy storage bin that properly closes to ensure nothing can get into the bin while its stored away. The last thing you want is to find bugs and/or water damage in your clothes in the Fall.
Use multiple storage bins if you need to in order to make it easier for transporting to your desired place of storage. This way it won’t be so heavy to lift. Also, you should label your storage bins so you will know what type of garments is located in what bin. This also helps keep things organized.
Out With The Old, In With The New!
So you’ve successfully rid your closet of unwanted clothing and winter clothing, now you can take a moment to enjoy the extra space you can SEE! It’s probably been a long time since you’ve been able to see your extra closet space.
Because it is spring, I would use it as an excuse to go out and find some spring/summer related clothes. Make sure you keep it to a minimum because I’m sure you would still want to wear summer clothes from previous seasons that you already own.
In order to keep your shopping to a minimum, I’d suggest you create a budget for yourself. A budget is a safe way for you to not spend more than you need to. It keeps you focused on your needs instead of your wants.
Along with a budget, I would also suggest you create a checklist of items that you need to purchase. You may have searched through your wardrobe and realized that you can’t fit some of the things from last season. Your checklist will compile everything you need in order to make your wardrobe complete.
On my checklist, I would have the following
- COLOR! It’s summertime so make sure you have color rich garments.
- Tanks
- Flip-Flops
- Swim Trunks
- Shorts
- Sunglasses
Remember, if you don’t need any of the above items, don’t waste your money. I would just suggest you have them just so you can have a variety in your wardrobe. This also allows you to be comfortable and not have to settle for wearing something you really don’t want to all because you don’t have something particular in your wardrobe. It always makes a statement when you can pick and choose instead of having to settle.
Springtime is the most important time of the year because it allows you to de-clutter and organize your wardrobe. However, I feel that you should be cleaning your wardrobe before every season change. This allows you to keep things tidy and neat.
The weather’s changing and so should your wardrobe! Go out and enjoy the warm weather!
