guest blogger: live simply by annie

Welcome to the week my darlings! You are in for a real treat today, Annie Traurig, from Live Simply by Annie, joins us this fine Monday to share her wisdom on getting our winter wardrobes in shape this season. Annie has a growing organizing business, and a knack for making the overwhelming task of organizing our lives more attainable + she's honest and funny too!  I love it! I am so pleased she has agreed to bestow her organizing wisdom upon us, and hope that you all learn as much from her tips and tricks as I have! Thank you Annie!

Ok kids, its time to talk winter wear.

Lots of people struggle with organizing things like coats, jackets and sweaters because they can be so bulky, finicky, and generally uncooperative. But don’t fret, my little pet, I am here to debunk the issue of winter wardrobe for good.

First things first: sweaters should be folded rather than hung in order to avoid stretching, otherwise you’re bound to end up with a hanger crease that looks like a third nipple popping out of your shoulder.

When you’ve got your goods folded, stack them in piles no higher than 10 inches, making sure that all the bulkiest pieces are on the bottom of the piles (you wouldn’t put the heaviest cheerleader at the top of the pyramid, would you? No, you would not.) Make your warm effects easy to find by sorting your piles into categories; sweaters, cardigans, turtlenecks and so on should all be in their own stack.

image source: lucky magazine

But we’re not through yet, because piles of knits tend to tip. Cubbies are a great way to avoid the leaning Pizza effect. If all you have are shelves, then it might be wise to invest in some shelf dividers. These fit most shelves, and create a cubby-like effect to keep your stacks erect.

image source: martha stewart

image source: real simple

Where coats and jackets are concerned, keep them hung and keep them clean. That clean thing is especially important when it (mercifully) comes time to retire your coats for the season. Always dry clean your snowsuits before storing them. Moths and other insects prefer to pick on clothes that still have the lingering effects of wear like food, drink, sweat, and blood. However, make sure to get rid of the plastic bags and wire hangers from the dry cleaners. Besides being completely unappealing visually, plastic bags also trap moisture, causing mold and mildew to grow. Give your gear the royal treatment by opting instead for a garment bag. 

image source: martha stewart

Finally, shifting between seasonal wardrobes is an apt time to evaluate your closet. When retiring one season’s clothing, or ushering in a new one, ask yourself if you truly wear and adore each and every piece. If the answer isn’t a definitive yes, then, it’s a hardy “adios!”