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Our Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Closet the M.M. Way
This quick and easy 6-step process of sorting, organizing, donating (or selling), and eventually refreshing your wardrobe will have you loving all your clothes again.
Picture this: You open your closet to get dressed, and every single piece is something you love. Not only that, but you also know exactly where everything is, and the insides of your drawers are so beautiful, you’re tempted to send a photo of them to your group chat (do it).
This isn’t a fantasy. It’s the result of a successful closet cleanout done right, and it’s completely attainable. Ready to give your wardrobe the refresh it needs? Read on for an easy-to-follow rundown of the best closet-cleanout advice we’ve gathered over the years, from getting rid of clothes responsibly to arranging all your hangers just so.
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Give Yourself a Time Limit
If the thought of undertaking a full closet cleanout is daunting, make the task a bit more digestible by starting with a 60-minute closet edit. The key is to focus on one wardrobe category at time, and to hold yourself to set time limits for each portion of the project. This method is especially useful for anyone who doesn’t have a full free day to devote to closet organization (and let’s be honest, who does?), because you can tackle your wardrobe little by little and on your own schedule.
Consign with Confidence
To successfully stay on schedule, you may need to be a little bit ruthless about getting rid of pieces you no longer need. If it doesn’t fit, isn’t comfortable, or has spent the last six months collecting dust, it’s time to say goodbye—even if you have a hard time parting with your clothes (same).
Get Rid of Pieces Responsibly
Luckily, the clothes you no longer need can still go on to have long and fulfilling lives. We’ve found that the most responsible way to get rid of clothing is reselling, and we even have our own resale site, M.M.LaFleur Second Act, where you can buy and sell pre-loved M.M. clothes (you can sell non-M.M. items through thredUP). As for items that are no longer in wearable condition, this is where you get to access your creative side. That T-shirt with the salad dressing stain down the front? Cut it up and use it as a rag for cleaning. That sock with a giant hole in the heel? Tie it in a knot, and voilà—your dog just got an exciting new toy.
Do Some Laundry
You’ve narrowed down what you’re keeping, and now, it’s time to get those garments into tip-top shape. Address any stains you find, spritz your knits with some freshening spray, and wash everything in your laundry pile. You may have a few pieces that require a trip to the dry cleaner, but most things (including cashmere!) can be washed at home, as long as you have the right cleaning products and techniques. The goal is to get all your clothes ready to be put away, so you can accurately assess how much you have and organize accordingly.
Re-Organize Like a Pro
There are many right ways to organize your closet. The most important thing is that you choose a system that’s sustainable for your lifestyle and stick with it—don’t beautifully file-fold your pajamas when you know they’ll end up in a crumpled pile by next week. Instead, figure out your closet-organization priorities and fold/hang/roll accordingly.
Fill Your Wardrobe Gaps
Congratulations—you’ve made it to the fun part. Now that your wardrobe has been pruned and primped, you can evaluate whether anything is missing and do a little shopping. Here are eight core pieces you should definitely have:
– A little black dress that can be styled a million and one ways.
– A silk tank top that works just as well under a suit as it does tucked into vegan leather pants (which may or may not be coming very soon…).
– A high-quality T-shirt in an easy-to-pair neutral.
– A stretchy jardigan that elevates your outfit in an instant.
– A pair of classic trousers that fit really well.
– A pair of elevated leggings that look more like chic cigarette pants.
– A colorful statement top that makes you feel extra confident.
– A pair of go-to earrings that pull an outfit together.
