Organise your closet: 9 genius rules for deciding which clothes to keep or toss

Doing a wardrobe cull is a task that fills many of us with dread. But do it right and you’ll find putting together your outfit each morning to be a much more streamlined and stress-free event.

Give yourself at least four hours to dedicate to your closet reorg. Label three heavy-duty garbage bags “donate,” “tailor,” and “consignment.” Pull on nude, seamless undergarments and get ready to try on some clothes. Optional: your best friend and a bottle of wine.

Begin on one end of your closet and pull out everything you know with certainty you don’t want. If you have to think about something for more than 10 seconds, move on and deal with it later, advises Cyndy Aldred on her blog the Creativity Exchange.

The ideal wardrobe has three times as many tops as bottoms – the same ratio they’re sold in at the store, according to Real Simple. Aim for a 60 to 40 ratio of solids and neutrals to statement pieces and prints.

Learn the 20 things professional organisers would never do in their own homes. 

When debating whether to keep or toss a piece, ask yourself if it matches at least three other things you currently own. Better yet, do this type of curation going forward by buying your basics at a maximum of three stores. Most shops have their own preferred style and fabrics. By shopping at only a few, you’ll find that more of your items match.

Don’t let thriftiness win at the expense of looking put together. If a garment has stains, fading, sagginess, uncontrollable pilling, or fits you poorly, take it to the tailor or donate it (and get yourself a new, better-fitting version).

Try these 11 organisational tricks that could save you a ton of money. 

Would I buy this now? Do I have too many of the same item (ie, three black cardigans)? Does this still fit without bumps, bulges, or hanger marks?

Cotton T-shirts make great rags, and polyester is recyclable (check with your recycling centre first). If one particular shirt holds sentimental value, consider putting it in a frame and hanging it as artwork, suggest Erin Doland on Unclutter.com. Other fun options to consider are quilting the shirts together, crafting a tote bag, or making a pillow.

If you have a pile of clothes waiting to go to the tailor, get a new button, or have some other type of work done, fix them this week, or toss them.

Don’t miss these 51 fashion secrets personal stylists won’t tell you for free.

Flip your perspective by considering that each item you get rid of serves a purpose. Each discarded item can teach you not to buy that certain cut, colour, fabric or size again.

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Source: RD.com