Savvy wardrobe time-saving tips
This month’s column is dedicated to those of us who are time-poor and looking for smart solutions in the wardrobe department.
Purging wardrobes of clutter is a popular pastime but often a difficult task to complete.
Not everyone has the luxury of setting aside a few hours or discarding large amounts of clothes in one hit.
Some of us have a voracious appetite for clothes, shoes and bags – culling can be an overwhelming process.
There are stylists and image consultants only too willing to assist, but for many women their closet is sacrosanct.
The best strategies are the ones that seamlessly fit into a lifestyle, becoming lifelong habits.
Skills acquired through practice are more empowering and will endure.
The more often you practise discarding clutter, the easier it becomes, and the less time it takes.
Below is a selection of timesaving tips to consider when reorganising your closet.
1. Tackle a specific area such as a drawer or cupboard, ensuring the task can be done within a set time.
2. Alternatively, focus on one garment type at a time, such as jackets or trousers.
This will identify gaps or excess – for example, one jacket versus 15 pairs of trousers with differences known only to you.
3. Keep a little book that fits into any handbag with notes for all your wardrobe shopping needs.
It may also be worth noting what you don’t need, should a moment of weakness occur.
4. Try hanging clothes by colour, garment type, season or events such as work, hobbies or evening wear.
5. Use different coloured hangers to identify seasonal from event items or add a coloured tagging system to your hangers.
Don’t forget to have a reminder of the system on the back of the wardrobe door.
Effective systems manage people on days they cannot manage themselves.
6. Aim to keep all hangers facing the same way, turning the opposite way as each outfit is worn.
This will allow you to identify the clothes you never wear over a period of time, making it easier to decide what stays or goes next time you de-clutter.
7. Hang complete outfits together, and change the combinations every few weeks.
8. Have a designated space for items prone to taking over, such as shoes. You’re building in the need to discard before adding new.
9. Store shoes in transparent, stackable drawers or boxes so you can easily find the pair you need. As an alternative, add coloured photos to the outside of original shoeboxes.
10. Partner up sports wear with a towel in a wet lining bag for easy, ready to go access.
Forward planning is always best, but on days when utter chaos descends, despite your best laid plans, a few wellchosen strategies will guide you.
Next month: Makeup essentials for all ages.