Tip Tuesday – Seasonal Clothing Swap, Part One

The time has come for many of us to switch out our summer apparel for warmer weather wear. Here is Part ONE of my Rules for the Seasonal Clothing Swap:

Step 1: Make sure ALL your clothing is CLEAN before you put it away!

Step 2: Ask yourself these questions about each garment to edit the excess:

IS IT WORN, TORN or BEYOND REPAIR?
Now is the time to “thank it for its service” and let it go!

DOES IT FIT? 
Really, not “when I lose 10 pounds,” but RIGHT NOW? Only things that currently FIT belong in your closet. Store only your favorite “aspirational/emergency/pregnancy”-sized items for when they fit.
 
DOES IT FLATTER?
Color – Does it compliment your complexion?
Cut – Is the cut flattering for your body shape? Do you feel good in it? If not, donate!

DOES IT REFLECT YOUR BEST IMAGE?
Do these clothes reflect your current self? Different clothes work for different ages, stages, and situations. Make sure your clothes are appropriate for the life you are living NOW.
 
WHAT IS ITS AGE? 
If you bought it in a year that starts with “19,” then chances are it is time to retire it. Anything from the last millennium should probably NOT be part of your day-to-day wearing wardrobe! If you still want to keep it, then consider storing it with memorabilia.

Step 3: Now, separate your clothes!

MEMORABILIA:
Move your memory clothes! Old concert tees, wedding wear, and baby clothes should not be kept in your current closet.
 
HOLIDAY:
Take all of your holiday-specific wear and store it. Costumes, ugly Christmas sweaters, and bunny ears do not belong in your closet or drawers.
 
OCCASIONS:
Store your cocktail dresses, tuxedos, and the specific accessories you wear only with them (bags, shoes, jewelry, and shapewear) elsewhere.

VACATION:
If you have items you only wear or use when you travel, then put these together for those occasions.
 
FANWEAR:
Put your jerseys, foam fingers, clear handbags, and any other specific fan-wear together in storage for use during that sport season.
 
SPORTSWEAR: 
If you play a certain sport or workout daily or weekly then these items can stay in your closet. IF you have ski- or scuba-gear that is rarely used, then store it away for when you do those activities.
 
These are the first things to do to start your seasonal clothing swap! Next week, in part two, we will address how to store your things for ease of use.
 
If you want to see me talk about this topic, join my FB Community to watch my recent LIVE video about clothing and ask YOUR questions!