The Rite of Fall

How abruptly the summer morphed into fall, or so it seems. I flew to Texas for the wedding of an old friend and in the short time I was gone September was over and the leaves began to change.


I live in a climate that has a warm season and a cold season, thus the need for two separate wardrobes. Once I feel that first cool day I know that it is time to pull out the turtlenecks and fleeces and put away the capris and tank tops. This process becomes my big closet clean, or as I like to call it "The Rite of Fall". I have actually gotten pretty good at this project and I thought I would share a few of my ideas for getting it done and doing it well.


The first thing you need to do is make the time. This is not a fifteen-minute task. I know how hard it is to give up a weekend afternoon, but I can assure you it will be time well spent. I typically allocate a few hours and make sure I have some great music to listen to while I work.


Begin by taking everything out of your closet and making piles on the bed. With the closet empty this is a great time to run the vacuum or dust the floor.


The hard work begins now- what to keep, store, and what to get rid of. Begin by going through each pile. You will need to be ruthless, and let's face it if you didn't wear it this summer what are the chances you will wear it next summer? If it is an emotional thing, something I call 'memory clothes' consider taking a picture. I actually know a gal who made a quilt out of her favorite old t-shirts and jeans that she could not bear to part with.


Make a 'donate' pile. There are so many charities that will gladly take lightly used clothing. You will feel good knowing someone less fortunate will benefit. If it is something that is really beat up, it makes more sense just to toss it.


Make sure things are washed and cleaned before you put them away. Because I have a large closet I store my clothes in clear plastic containers. I put like items with like items and label each container. The containers are then stored on the top shelves of the closet. (Keep it organized.. you might have to dig into them if you decide on a winter vacation to a tropical spot). If you don't have room to store containers move the summer clothes to the back of the closet, leaving them hanging and cover them with an old sheet to keep them fresh.


Next I dust off my shoes and put them back on a wooden shoe rack on the floor. I also try to keep my shoes in the original boxes with a label, but that much organization seldom works out for me.


Finally hang an air freshener in the closet, stand back and take a look at the progress you have made. Now the trick is to keep it looking that way. Good luck with that!! For that part you are on your own...


Talk soon,

Bizzie Buzz