The Great Closet Cleanse

Between passing trends, classic pieces and the perfect “power outfit” for each season, it’s easy for a busy woman’s closet to get a little out of control.

Even if it looks like a hurricane hit, just a few simple tricks can get your closet back on track.

Peace By Piece Organizing founder Renee Kutner recommends first figuring out if you can reasonably fit everything into the space or if you should rotate seasonally.

Store only out of season items (if you rotate) and maternity clothes.

“You can sort by type (shirts, dresses, etc.), color or occasion,” she says. And when it comes to hanging vs. folding – “Whatever your decision, stay consistent within a category.”

Most people wear just 20 percent of their wardrobe. Determining what pieces to hold on to and which ones to toss is vital.

Experts suggest asking three questions: Do you love it? Do you wear it? Does it project the image you want? If not, let it go.

“An objective trick is to [face] all your hangers the same way, and turn the hanger around the other direction when you wear something,” says Kutner. “By the end of the season you’ll know exactly what you wore.”

After deciding what didn’t make the cut, it’s time to toss, donate and store. Donate what’s out of style or “more than one size away from your current size,” Kutner says.

Toss items that have holes or stains. If you paid a lot for it or can’t bear to say goodbye, see if disguising the area with a brooch or flower appliqué will help.

Bonus PINK Link:Take the cleanse up a notch by getting fashionably organized at work.

and tell us how you keep your closet clutter-free.

By Christina Thompson

“I’m like every other woman: a closet full of clothes, but nothing to wear.”
Cameron Diaz