Take control back of your wardrobe space

Are you standing (or crouching) in front of your wardrobe not just thinking I have nothing to wear but...what on earth have I got in there?
A mixed up array of t-shirts, blouses, scarves all screaming for your attention every time you open the closet? Trousers, jackets and dresses, squashed and creased to the point where ironing them before they go into the great chasm was a pointless exercise?In a time when we are all being that extra careful with our spend, it's even more important to know what you have, maximise on it and get back to enjoying the experience of getting dressed! It’s time to take control back of one of your major investments - your wardrobe.

And that starts with a de-clutter, here are my 5 top tips to get you started:

1. There’s no getting away from it, everything piece of clothing and accessory has to come out of your closet, not only to allow each item to be scrutinised and understand what you have but to allow you to see what space you have to organise...before anything goes back.
2. Be ruthless! Try each piece of clothing on in front of the mirror and get the recycling bags ready for anything that does not fit anymore or is uncomfortable (remember ladies - you can always save it for our next swish event). And this includes those items in there being saved for when you lose the weight.
3. Know the colours, shapes and styles that best suit you for your work and personal lifestyle and apply this knowledge - a must for a really honest wardrobe de-clutter.
4. Can it be revamped or updated? If you love a piece of clothing but know it’s not your best then if it can be salvaged using the tricks of accessorising, the haberdasery tool box or given a new lease of life with a sewing machine, it can have a ticket back into the wardrobe.
5. Does it need mending, if so...mend it or have it mended - still a less expensive option than buying new.

Note: I can't emphasise enough what a liberating experience this can be!

But before you even contemplate going shopping for those now identified wardrobe gaps, remember you have a bedroom full of clothes, accessories and shoes that need to go back in...so time to organise, organise, organise and get clever with some workable storage solutions - here are the basics with some ideas:

• While everything is out of your wardrobe, it's a good opportunity to give it a good clean!
• Spend a bit of time to evaluate the space you have versus the kinds of garments you have. While it's unlikely you can have a whole new wardrobe appropriate for your garments, there are many storage solutions to explore that means you can at least maximise on the space you have.
• Ensure there is sufficient hanging space for longer items like your dresses, jackets and coats, as well as shorter space for shirts, blouses and trousers.
• Ensure you have adequate shelving space for folded items such as jumpers and t-shirts. Become a folding expert, be strict with yourselves - it really is the only way not to introduce chaos! When the seasons change, there is no harm in rearranging items or storing the big woolly sweaters away.
• Invest in space saving and instant tidying storage solutions for your shoes (you'll wonder how you ever managed without see through shoe boxes).
• Try boot shapers for keeping boots not only tidy but upright as well.
• Invest in good quality wooden hangers. This does not have to be expensive and something you can build up over time but it's a must over metal hangers. Ikea and Tescos provide fantastic value and I love these pink wooden ones from www.aplaceforeverything.co.uk.
• Get clever with hanging space for accessories that you can see alongside with items in your wardrobe, for example for belts, hats, scarves and even jewellery. Even those clever stick on hooks from a DIY store can be cheap and easy way of hanging necklaces and scarves on the inside of your cupboard door. Failing that, opt for hanging shelves and good old Ikea is a good place to start.
• There are some simple and quite innovative options for managing drawer space that can help with keeping your smalls organised, avoid odd socks or even keep belts and scarves in check.
• Hanging sachets and drawer liners are a good anti-moth option. Try lavendar - I've read that while us humans love the aroma of fresh lavender, moths and ants don't (so no laughing if your grandmother still sprinkles lavender in the linen closet...she knows what she's doing).
• Finally make sure you leave some breathing space for new items! 

It can be overwhelming trying to do this all on your own, which is exactly where imaginestyle can help. Not just for the being ruthless bit but to help you understand how to manage your wardrobe - from space management to what goes back in and why - giving you back control. Why not get in touch and get to grips with yours?