Expert Tips for a Painless Closet Clean-Out

No matter how many videos we watch or inspirational quotes we read … there is no household chore more daunting than a closet clean-out. In search of a fresh perspective (and just in time for a summer wardrobe refresh), we consulted with the organization experts at Atlanta’s UpTown Concierge, a team of savvy organizers, cleaners, and assistants who streamline their clients’ lives in game-changing ways. Today, they’re sharing their ultimate approach to closet purging, plus the organization tools they can’t live without.

Use these links to jump straight to the sections you want to check out!

• 3 Steps to a Successful Closet Clean-out
• 5 Tips to Push Through Resistance
• The Experts’ Favorite Organization Products

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3 Steps to a Successful Closet Clean-out

The team at UpTown Concierge recommends a three-step approach to tackling a full closet clean-out. And while they do recommend rotating and storing items for their appropriate season, Their essential steps are:

Step 1:  Always, always, always start by pulling everything out of your closet and categorizing each item. This helps to clearly see how much of each category you own. (No one needs 15 black tank tops!)

Step 2:  From there, you can go through each category and purge items that you don’t need or don’t wear, items that don’t fit, and items that are showing visible signs of wear, like stains, holes, or unwanted fraying.

Step 3:  Make your life easier — bag up donation items and put them in your car immediately. Don’t let them sit in a pile in your house that you’ll take to donations “one day.” (Keep them in plain sight in the backseat so they won’t linger in your car too long, either!)

Seasonal Storage Tips

Seasonal switch-out is the perfect time to evaluate what was worn this past season and what was not. Take the time to try on some pieces that didn’t get worn or used and see if they’re even worth storing for next season. If not, then toss or donate!

Any clothes that will be stored until their next season should be placed in a weather-tight tote to protect them from moths and moisture. You can also use shoulder covers and garment bags to keep your off-season items dust-free. Don’t forget to store your shoes in plastic shoe boxes or duster bags, too!

5 Tips to Push Through Resistance

We all know that feeling of resistance when it comes time to toss old wardrobe items. Maybe it was expensive. Maybe you think it will “come back in style.” The team at UpTown Concierge has a few tried-and-true tips and rules to apply to your purge that will help you push through that resistance.

Tip #1: Imagine: You’re standing in your closet, blindfolded, and we tell you to pick your outfit for the day. What is the likelihood that you’ll choose an outfit you would feel confident rocking that day? If that prospect scares you, lean into that feeling and start making some edits!

Tip #2: If we told you that you had to wear [insert any wardrobe in question] today, how would you feel? If your answer is anything less than “great” — or at the very least, “good” — it’s time to toss it.

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Tip #3: Say goodbye to anything with permanent stains or holes. It’s time.

Tip #4: If you can’t see it, you won’t wear it. Pare down your wardrobe to what your closet will physically allow. It will make getting ready in the morning so much easier!

Tip #5: Keepsake clothing items can stay but shouldn’t take up valuable real estate. It’s better to put them in a labeled bin at the top of the closet. (Keep Tip #4 in mind!)

Organization Experts’ Favorite Products

The UpTown Concierge team put their heads together to come up with a list of their ultimate, must-have organization tools:

• Label maker and a variety of label tape: Labels are the exclamation point at the end of a sentence!
• Museum putty keeps products from sliding around in drawers.
• Drawer inserts are the BEST way to create “homes” for any items that live inside a drawer.

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• Post-it notes, Sharpies, and chalk markers are helpful for labeling and categorizing.
• Turntables (aka “Lazy Susans”) are SO versatile. They can be used to organize your kids’ snacks or act as a home for your daily skincare lineup.

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• Slim velvet hangers: Simply switching out old, mismatched hangers for uniformed ones makes for an INSTANT closet upgrade by reducing visual clutter. Added bonus: The slimmer the hanger, the more space you have for your favorite items.
• Multi-purpose tool: You’d be surprised to learn how often we use these!

Follow UpTown Concierge on Instagram for more clever tips! All photography provided by UpTown Concierge.

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