As we transition from the sunny days of summer to the crisp, chilly months of autumn and winter, our wardrobes need an overhaul. We’re swapping out our lightweight fabrics and bright sundresses for cosy jumpers and warm coats. Taking a bit of time now to organise your wardrobe will make your mornings smoother and your outfits on point. Here’s how you can get your wardrobe autumn-winter ready.
Swap Out Summer Clothes
The first step in getting your wardrobe ready for the colder months is to swap out your summer clothes. This isn’t just about shoving your summer items to the back of the closet. It’s a chance to refresh and reorganise, ensuring your autumn-winter wardrobe is both practical and stylish.
Edit Your Wardrobe
Before moving things around, take a moment to edit your wardrobe. This step is crucial in keeping things manageable.
Keep, Donate, or Discard:
- Keep: Hold onto items that you love, that fit well, and that you wear often. These are your go-to pieces.
- Donate: Consider giving away clothes that no longer fit, are out of style, or that you haven’t worn in over a year. Charity shops will appreciate them.
- Discard: If something is beyond repair or stained beyond saving, it’s time to let it go.
Editing now helps you identify any gaps in your wardrobe that need filling with new autumn-winter pieces.
Repair and Clean
Before storing your summer clothes or bringing out your winter ones, make sure everything is clean and in good nick.
- Wash and Repair: Clean all your summer clothes before putting them away. Fix any minor damages like loose buttons or small tears. For winter clothes, ensure they’re washed and ready to wear.
- Beyond Repair: Some items just aren’t worth saving. If they’re too far gone, it’s best to discard them.
Clean and repaired clothes will last longer and be ready to wear when you need them.
Categorise Your Clothes
Organising your wardrobe isn’t just about neatness; it’s about creating a system that makes finding what you need easy.
- Group by Type: Keep similar items together—shirts with shirts, jumpers with jumpers. This simplifies your search when getting dressed.
- Group by Colour: Within each category, arrange your clothes by colour. It’s visually pleasing and makes putting together outfits a breeze.
Categorising saves time and reduces the stress of finding what you need in the morning.
Store Off-Season Items
Properly storing your summer clothes will protect them and free up space for your winter wardrobe.
- Clearly Labelled Containers: Store your summer clothes and shoes in clearly labelled containers. This ensures you can easily find them next year.
- Vacuum Sealed Bags: These are fantastic for saving space and keeping clothes protected from dust and moisture. Make sure to label these bags too.
- Secondary Closet or Under the Bed: Place these containers in less frequented spaces, like a secondary closet or under the bed, to keep your main wardrobe accessible.
Proper storage keeps your clothes in good condition and makes the seasonal switch that bit smoother.
Use Hooks
Hooks are a simple yet effective way to organise and store accessories.
- For Scarves and Coats: Use hooks on the inside of your wardrobe doors or on free wall space to hang scarves and coats. This keeps them easy to grab and off the floor.
- For Bags and Belts: Hooks can also store bags and belts, making them easy to access without cluttering your closet.
Hooks help maximise space and keep your accessories in good condition.
Use Drawer Dividers
Drawer dividers are a brilliant investment for keeping small items and accessories organised.
- For Winter Accessories: Use dividers to store winter accessories like hats, gloves, and fluffy socks. This prevents your drawers from becoming a chaotic mess and makes finding each item easier.
- For Underwear and Socks: Dividers also work well for keeping your underwear and socks neatly organised and accessible.
Neat drawers make it easier to find what you need quickly.
Sell or Donate
As you go through your wardrobe, you’ll likely find items you no longer need or wear.
- Sell: Platforms like Depop, Vinted, or eBay are great for selling second-hand clothes. This de-clutters your wardrobe and puts some cash back in your pocket!
- Donate: If you prefer, donate your unwanted clothes to a charity shop or place them in a charity clothes bin. It’s a fantastic way to help others.
Regularly selling or donating unwanted items ensures your wardrobe stays manageable and clutter-free.
Conclusion
Getting your wardrobe organised for the autumn-winter season is more than just a switch of clothes. It’s about editing, repairing, cleaning, categorising, and storing your items for optimal functionality. Spend a bit of time now organising, and you’ll save yourself time and frustration in the long run - you might even make yourself some cash! Plus, your clothes will be in better condition, and you’ll always be ready for whatever the season throws your way.
Happy organising!
