A little something different for you today here on Cobalt Chronicles!  You may remember a couple of weeks ago when I mentioned that I spent the weekend cleaning out my closet and doing a seasonal swap of clothes.  Living in DC (small spaces) has forced me to really take a look at my closet and clean it out pretty frequently, and I have to tell you, I’m kind of obsessed with the seasonal swap now.

About a year ago, my closet was jam packed with clothes that I had just been moving from place to place with me (Ole Miss > Baton Rouge > Birmingham > DC).  But the smaller closet space and the clutter that it created was driving me crazy.  I stumbled upon Caroline Joy’s blog Un-Fancy, and after binge reading for several days, I decided I had to do something about this mess.  From that point on, every season, I do a major closet clean out.  Un-Fancy focuses more on capsule wardrobes, but I use her tips on clearing out the clutter even though I’m not fully committed to the capsule lifestyle.

Ok, so let’s get started.  First, depending on your storage situation, you’re going to need a few supplies.  My favorite places to shop for home organization knick knacks are Amazon, The Container Store, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Target.  I store most of my clothes that aren’t in season under the bed.  Although I prefer hard, plastic under the bed storage bins, my bed is low to the ground so I have cloth storage boxes so that they can be smashed down a bit to fit under the bed.

Once you have your supplies ready, time to tackle the closet.  Warning: this does take a bit of time, but it’s sooooo worth it.  THIS IS KEY: Take every single thing out of your closet, all at once, and lay it on the bed so that you start with a completely empty closet.

Next, create 3 piles.  1) Keep; 2) Donate; 3) Sell

My rule for the “keep” pile is asking the question, did I wear this at all during the last appropriate season? If the answer is no, donate or sell.  Once you go through this cycle for a few seasons, you’ll be able to easily answer this question.

Next, separate the “keep” pile into seasons (I only do 2 “seasons,” warm weather and cold weather).  Start putting the seasonally appropriate (in this case, Spring) clothes back into your closet.  The next step, fold all of the other clothes (in this case, sweaters, turtlenecks etc.), place in storage bins, and store in another closet and/or under the bed.

For the “sell” pile, I use Poshmark.  I’m currently working on revamping my account so I’ll let you know when all of the newly added items are posted!  I store the clothes that I’m selling under the bed as well, just on the opposite side of the bed so I can keep things organized.  If items don’t sell within a year, I donate them.

It’s a time consuming project for sure, especially for a Saturday or Sunday, but it’s the best feeling after it’s done!  Not only will your closet be so much more organized, you’ll be able to see what you actually own, which makes it so much easier to make practical decisions on what pieces you need to add to your closet!  If you have any questions at all, please let me know!

Speaking of adding things to your closet, don’t forget about the Shopbop Friends + Family sale!  It ends tomorrow.  I rounded up all of my favorite picks under $100 in yesterday’s post!  25% off with code INTHEFAM.  Free shipping, free returns.  And if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you’re guaranteed to receive your goodies within two days!

– In the beginning –

– Clearing out my entire closet, the key! –

– Separating into piles! –

– The mess that occurs mid-way through. –

– Ready to go under the bed! –

– Finished product! –

GET ORGAIZED