Clearing out and rearranging your closet: how to do it step by step

Despite favorite pieces and closet keepers - women have nothing to wear. The clothes rail almost collapses under their weight and yet almost every second woman (46 percent) feels she has nothing to wear in her wardrobe. These are the findings of the latest study "Attitudes of German women towards fashion and clothing", conducted by TNS Emnid on behalf of fashion expert bonprix.

Perhaps this is because the majority of all women (86 percent) attach great importance to presenting themselves in the right outfit for every occasion so as not to stand out as a bird of paradise - or worse still: underdressed. Because the bonprix study also says: Only 27 percent of respondents want to stand out with their clothes. But: clearing out your closet takes time. A closet is not quickly reorganized. Also because you have to try a lot of things on. So take a few hours. Then you'll not only have a better overview, but also space for all the trendy things you want now. And there it is - the good news. Clearing out your closet can be incredibly liberating!

Clearing out the closet Step 1: Everything out

We start from scratch

When clearing out the closet, we start with a radical clear-out. You can start by creating the first piles. What is too small, too wide, too tight? Sort out all items that don't fit properly or are out of fashion. And anything that is worn out or baggy. No, we're not making any compromises this year. Everything that hasn't been worn for twelve months is going. Exception: anything you only wear on special occasions. And: check every item of clothing: a stain somewhere? A missing button? Sew it on or take it to the washing machine or dry cleaner. Now that you've identified all the wardrobe corpses, you've already taken an important step towards clearing out your closet. Items that are in good condition can be easily sold on swap and sale markets such as www.kleiderkreisel.de. The rest goes in the garbage can. And now!

Step 2: Everything clean?

First we clean

So, let's start by wiping out every compartment and drawer with a damp cloth. Dust only attracts moths. A rubdown with lemon or lavender oil provides a fresh scent.

Step 3: Take a break

Winter packing

Thick sweaters, hats and scarves can be packed in plastic boxes and stored in the attic or cellar instead of the closet. A warm winter jacket or ski clothes are not only mothproof in vacuum bags, they also take up much less space. And because they are sealed airtight, you can also store them in the cellar or attic without them smelling musty when needed and then having to be cleaned again. This makes tidying up the closet much easier. Of course, all winter shoes are now also going into hibernation. But clean them thoroughly beforehand, check the soles and heels and, if necessary, take them to the cobbler now so that they are ready for use when you need them again.

Tidying up the closet Step 4: New order

I have nothing to wear, my ass!

If you are now going to reorganize your closet, then do itsystematically, because order is now the be-all and end-all. Store your clothes so that you can see as much of them as possible. This will not only save you from having to rummage around in the future, but will also prevent creases. The general rule is: hang rather than fold and stack. Narrow, possibly slightly padded hangers are ideal.

Step 5: Now it's time for the details

Where to put pockets and belts?

So, now comes the finishing touches: reorganize the closet: sort all handbags by size in a wardrobe compartment with shelves. Stuff soft bags with tissue paper so that they keep their shape. Line up clutches next to each other. Delicate evening bags are best wrapped carefully in tissue paper and stored in a box. Cleverly label the box so that you don't have to search for them weeks later. Belts and long necklaces can be safely stored on hooks or grids that can be attached to the inside of wardrobe doors to save space. And what about shoes? They really have no place in the closet. I'm sure they have somewhere else to go.

You can find even more information on the current fashion study at www.bonprix.de