seasons is a sure sign the time has come to clean your closet and make room for the current season’s wardrobe. Cleaning expert Tara Aronson, author of Simplify Your Household and director of the Woolite Fashion Forum,” says, “don’t look at it as a chore, but as a way to refresh and renew with the changing of the seasons.” She offers these tips: Take Inventory. First, go through the closet and decide what can be kept and what needs to be taken out of circulation. If you haven’t worn it in two to three years, then chances are it’s time to retire it. Feel bad throwing clothes out? There are many local charities that are in need of donations of gently used clothes. Come Clean. Never store items unless they’ve been properly cleaned. Pay special attention to fine garments like cashmere and knits. Take a few minutes to read the care label to determine if your garments can be washed in the Gentle Cycle of the washing machine with a mild detergent like Woo.iTe Fabric Wash.If the label says Dry Clean or Hand Wash and the garment is simply constructed (i.e., no linings or decorative trim) you may have the option to washit at home. Do not wash in the machine if the label says Dry Clean Only or Hand Wash Only. Store It. Proper storage is important. Never hang sweaters. Placing a knitted or lightweight garment on a hanger can distort the shapeof the fabric. Fold items properly to prevent wrinkling and Experts say if you haven’t worn a garmentin two to three years,it’s time to getrid ofit. to avoid having to press them when you take them out again next season. Try to use clear con- tainers and make sure they are labeled. For vintage clothes, store itemsin archival boxes with acid free tissue to prevent damage. Use natural repellents such as cedar to discourage pests when storing. Finally, if your house is humid, it might be a good idea to invest in dehumidifying packaged products to avoid mildew. Team Effort. Organizing doesn’t have to be a one-person job. Each member of the family should tackle their own closets. Try to make it fun, with a prize for the neatest job. No room? If your storage space is tight, consider these tips. Bundle up bulky sweaters and wool trousers and stash them underneath the bed in a plastic or cloth zippered case. Rotate the clothes not in use to the back of the closet. Another option is to employ the help of a professional closet organizer, who knowsa thing or two about maximizing space.
