Empty Your Closet First . . .

So with that in mind, here's a good way to organize your closet. Set aside at least two uninterrupted hours to spend going through all the garments in your closet. You may even ask a friend to help so that you won't be tempted to keep things that should be eliminated.

Begin by using five boxes or five stacks which you can label:

As you remove the garments from the closet, look over each one to check for damages, stains, missing buttons, etc. If the item is in good shape, fits and you still enjoy wearing it; it's a definite choice for the Keep Box.

If you realize you haven't worn it in years, it doesn't fit, you don't like it and have absolutely no need for it but it is in wonderful condition, it's a candidate for the Giveaway Box. Find a consignment shop for these gems or very importantly, give them to a career center for their suitables closet or a co-worker or friend who needs good career clothes.

Anything that is still usable but needs a button, alteration or dry-cleaning, should be included in the Repair Box. Later you can repair these while watching television.

Anything that you think is okay but you haven't got the right matching piece or accessories, add this to the Maybe Box. These can be listed on your Shop With a Mission List and perhaps incorporated into your working wardrobe.

Go back to your Maybe Box and see what you want to add to the closet and which things need to be moved on over into the Giveaway Box. By now you've seen everything and know what's needed to complete your Working Wardrobe.

If you've done your "weeding" thoroughly, every item in your closet will be something you're currently wearing, currently happy with. Every item will be hanging unsquooshed (unwrinkled) easy to pull out without tugging. No item you're currently wearing will be hiding in the back of the closet out of view. You won't be lulled into thinking you have lots of clothes when you haven't because so many unwearables are mixed in with the wearables.

Organize Your New Closet . . .

Now, divide your clothes for Working Wardrobe into one section and separate into sections: blouses, skirts, pants, dresses, jackets, sweaters, etc. This will encourage you to do more mix and match with your clothing versus "suiting up."

At this point, you can make ensembles out of your separates and this will help you to make a Shopping with a Mission list. Maybe you need basic shells in black, red, ivory, taupe to extend your wardrobe or a new black suit, bottoms to go with tops you already have or vice versa. You will be in control and when you go to that section of your closet will be able to pull out basics that can be worn repeatedly without keeping track of when you wore last. Save time and money!!