Spring Cleaning: Time to Get Organized!

There’s no time like the spring to get in the mood for cleaning. Something about the new buds on the trees, new flowers popping up and the fresh, clean breezes after a snowy winter just makes you want to get the house in order, doesn’t it? When the time comes to clean out your closets to make room for spring and summertime fashions, you might feel overwhelmed. Follow these tips for less stress!

Storing clothes without cleaning them properly can lead to fabric breakdown and insects deciding that your clothing tastes good. Either throw it in the washing machine and dry thoroughly, or take sweaters, coats and other items to the dry-cleaners.

Cool, Clean, Dark and Dry. Those are the characteristics that your storage space should have. Musty basements and scorching attics are generally not the best places to store clothing. The top shelf of your reach-in or walk-in closets might be a good option, if you have room. The hallway closets might also be a decent choice; after all, you will be hanging fewer heavy coats this time of year. You could invest in under-the-bed drawers, too.

If you have way too many winter clothes, it will be less painful to get rid of some of them now, while you’re happy about seeing all of your long-packed-away summerwear! Prepare a box for the thrift shop. This is also where your kids’ outgrown items from this past winter should go. Once you have your box or boxes filled, put them in your car and drop them off the next time you go past their destination. Keeping them in the garage or in a closet will just invite you to tear into it next time you take out the winter clothing, so don’t be tempted!