unpacking spring and summer
I couldn’t be happier to see the onset of spring. A long and arduous winter makes even the most dismissive and oblivious of us appreciate a change of seasons.
Last week I spent time with clients both shopping and transitioning closets. Getting this done sooner than later makes for a much more enjoyable transition. Identifying what you have and assessing its value is important and is one of my takeaways from The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. I wish I had the chops to follow Ms. Kondo’s instructions verbatim, but mine is a modified approach where I occasionally cull an entire category but start every edit with whether the item brings me joy. I continue to encourage myself, my family and friends, and my clients to incorporate her philosophy making room for a better quality of life and new opportunities. Indeed, I am sipping her Kool-Aid, but I’m also discovering the benefits of her advice.
If you are about to change over your wardrobe and have taken Cathy’s tips on preparing winter items for storage, here are additional tips on how to pack the winter and unpack the spring/summer.
– Putting certain items away will make you happy when you discover them again in October (or November…). Consider packing some of the favorite all season black and darker pieces away. It will be a pleasure to welcome them back into your closet in the fall.
– Establish what your transition pieces are. If you pack away in an über organized manner, set aside the winter to spring from the “overly spring”. These would be heavier spring pants (such as colorful denim and spring jackets). These need to be worn early before they “time out” – meaning before it gets too warm to even think of wearing them. Unpacking this group first helps you utilize all aspects of what you already own and not get too far ahead of the season.
– As you unpack the spring items, edit. This is where you can be brutal. Do you really love it?
– As you edit, make a list of what you want to replace. Do you need a new pair of white denim or was there a dress that you are tired of because it was the ‘go-to’ item last year? Consign it and allow yourself to seek out a new favorite.
– Group like minded items together and when there are obvious repeats (striped shirts are like bunnies – they multiply in many peoples closets!) make a choice. If you have to try them on, take the time to explore which item is the best of the group and purge the rest.
– Dedicate piles to be laundered, repaired consigned, and donated…and then make sure you follow through!
This process takes 3 hours on average when I’m working with my clients. Having someone there to ask the questions keeps you focused and dedicated to getting this flip of the wardrobe complete within a certain timeframe. I must admit, I feel a bit like Mary Poppins when I leave an organized and transitioned closet!
