https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 05:41:53 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy/page/2#post-734051 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 23:07:36 +0000 Jyoti 734051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think everyone has given you some lovely advice! You can do it! *cheers*</p> <p>So I just wanted to say that I have a verrrrrry similar closet setup to you with the drawers and small closet with one rod. I rehauled my closet a while back and took some photos and wrote up an entire thing for my blog. If you are interested, I can post some pictures or some of the things I found most helpful! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy/page/2#post-733985 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 21:56:44 +0000 Carole 733985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have complete empathy for you, Marley! I agree it's just so overwhelming to try and do it all at once. I am working on my closet one section at a time: jeans, blouses, tops etc and organizing by type and color. I still have a ways to go, that's ok. Eventually it will get done. Big Hug! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy/page/2#post-733979 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 21:52:00 +0000 catgirl 733979@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marley, sorry I haven't commented - this is too close to home for me! I'm just following along attentively, hoping to learn something to help us both. Tons of great advice here... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy/page/2#post-733893 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 19:36:26 +0000 Marley 733893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OH my gosh. I've just come back on the forum today after my "confessions" thread last night - and I just want to say a BIG THANK YOU! You guys are absolutely the best. I must say that reading all of your comments, support, and suggestions - I found myself both laughing and crying. I really can see the humorous side to all of this - obviously, my idea of taking everything out of my closet all at the same time - was NOT a good one! I have way too short of an attention span for that - and, as you can see, in this case, I lost interest - and just left a bunch of it on the floor and have been stepping over it the past few weeks. BUT IT BUGS ME!</p> <p>So . . . I think that I will start with that first section today (because it is the easiest for me to get into - that door usually works pretty well! I'm going to put my "favorites" there and wear them for awhile and see what happens. Next step (I think) will to go through the Keep/Tailor clothes in the hallway - that should be easy enough, I think! But the, nothing has been easy so far, so I don't know why I say that!</p> <p>Thank you all everyone - and I'll "report" back later! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy/page/2#post-733831 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 18:23:43 +0000 Lisa 733831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of great advice here. For myself, it took me 2 YEARS to fully purge my closet. I am a slow closet purger. So don't fret over how fast or slow you are. I tackled my closet by doing lists on what I wore in a given season. Then at the end of the season I would purge whatever wasn't worn. Now you don't have to do lists but the core of what I did may help.</p> <p>The set a time limit idea has already been mentioned often and I did this myself so I won't repeat that here. It's hard at first because you see very little progress but eventually you see the result of your efforts.</p> <p>In order to do this, I had to have all the seasonal items grouped together. If a summer t-shirt was mixed in with a winter sweater, I'd never know it was there. So first I grouped all seasonal items together. Then I broke out my color because colors grouped together make me happy. Plus once I saw I had say 10 black cardigans, I knew somewhere I needed to reduce numbers on.</p> <p>Now there is the core workhorses items, usually those also are seasonless items (such as my jeans). All those went together. Seasonless items are in a prominant spot in my closet as they are the foundation for my seasonal items.</p> <p>I knew where my clothes were going. Knowing about an upcoming YLF swap or a close friend that would enjoy my clothes made the purging process itself easier. If you know where your clothes are going (favorite organization, a close friend) that will help you let go of some items. I also took a favorite outfit to use as my gauge. Any questionable item had the answer yes to the question, "would I wear this over my favorite outfit/item?" This helps get rid of maybe items.</p> <p>Last, I set my goal with my purge. This can be varied, I say be specific. My goals were things like "wear every top twice a month for a given season." Then I knew I could only keep 14 tops. This helped me purge the rest. At one point I had over 30 tops for summer! I can't wear all of those! I also had "wear each bottom once a week" which helped me whittle down my jeans and trousers. If you love to remix a goal maybe (each top has to remix 3 times or something).</p> <p>Closet purging and organizing can be fun, just keep your end goal in sight (maybe hang a photo of Angie's closet for inspiration). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy/page/2#post-733741 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 16:44:14 +0000 rachylou 733741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Marley, Marley, Marley. You have no idea what it means to throw clothes on the floor. You're a babe in the woods when it comes to throwing clothes! My bf's toy dog uses my clothing pile as a ramp up to the bed. </p> <p>Oh, hahaha. I make myself laugh.</p> <p>I've been working on my closet off-and-on (mostly off) for two summers now. My wardrobe was so huge when I downsized apartments... and the space so small. Plus it's kind of hard to organize because there are funny limitations on where I can put what - like, can't block the outlets.</p> <p>Anyways, you know, what I did was take a subset of clothes - restricted by color - and<br /> threw the rest in bins (sorted by clothing type and season). And I do mean "threw" the stuff in.</p> <p>It hasn't been a half bad plan. It's even been enlightening. I've learned how long things really last when you wear them. I've learned what's really *meh* to me in my wardrobe. And I've learned what I'm willing to go hunt down and retrieve from the bins.</p> <p>Course I still have a lot of work to do sorting, washing, and hauling to Goodwill. Nor does it solve my problem about piling clothes in the middle of rooms and leaving the closet empty. I chalk this up to *artistic temperament.* Bf is thinking about alternative *display* systems for me now... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy/page/2#post-733720 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 16:26:23 +0000 velvetychocolate 733720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marley - my closet isn't in very good shape either - and it's also because I have a closet that just isn't all that workable for me because it has three sliding doors (which are very narrow), so it's like playing musical doors to get in there. I can only have one 'section' open at a time, and it's a narrow section. To make matters even more maddening, the closet rod is suspended with several metal rod holders all across the actual bar - making it next to impossible to slide clothes across it. Aggghhh....</p> <p>In any case, I really liked what Sylvie suggested..she was saying:</p> <p>"One evening, try on all your jeans. The ones that you know you want to get rid of go in a box. The ones that are 10's get put away nicely immediately. The ones you aren't sure about go in a holding zone. Have a glass of wine and go to bed.</p> <p>Day #2: Go through your tops.</p> <p>Day #3: Go through socks, underwear and nightgowns.</p> <p>Etc, etc.</p> <p>The key is that anything in the giveaway box can't come out again. And it needs to get out of the house as fast as possible. Take it straight to the trunk of the car if that's what's necessary."</p> <p>This advice appeals to me. Sorting further into colour and so on can happen later. I really like the "nothing but jeans for now" task, followed by "nothing but shirts and blouses" and so on. </p> <p>Meanwhile, I wanted to add that one of the big frustrations in terms of closet cleaning for me is not having enough containers/boxes or whatever it is that I need - so I am making the suggestion that you buy a dozen of those "bankers" boxes - you can get them at Costco, Wal-Mart or any office supply place. Also buy some cheap clear page protectors over where the school supplies/binders are sold. These will be used for labeling the boxes. </p> <p>The benefit of using these for "labels" is that you insert a piece of paper indicating contents inside the clear pouch and affix to one of the banker's boxes once it's full - but you haven't "ruined" the banker's box for future use. Simply remove the paper inside and put something else in there if you want re-label the box later for something else. Also, banker's boxes are sold flat, so they don't take up a ton of space - it's an "assemble as needed" situation, which to me is better than having a ton of those rubbermaid type totes hanging around. </p> <p>Useful items: banker's boxes, clear shipping tape, 8x11 plain paper, clear page protectors. </p> <p>The boxes stack up nicely, and you can't over-pack them to the point where they are too heavy to move around. </p> <p>Good luck - you can do this! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy/page/2#post-733700 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 16:01:52 +0000 Mo 733700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would start with what's on the floor probably. Upon picking up an item, decide it if deserves to be hung up/ folded in a drawer/ put on a shelf. If not, off to donation it goes. I'd pair up all my shoes and again, decide whether to keep or not, then store in the appropriate place. Soon the 'clutter' will be back in some kind of order and then you can go in, category by category and slowly purge. I also agree with folding the drawer items so you can line them up to see them. I did this and it works great - you don't have to root through stacks, you just glance and can see what's there. My exercise/lounge drawer as an example: </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy/page/2#post-733696 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 15:59:11 +0000 Anonymous 733696@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I volunteer to help you:) I am a general when it comes to this! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy/page/2#post-733681 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 15:47:24 +0000 marianna 733681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marley... my closet looks just like yours. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy/page/2#post-733680 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 15:46:42 +0000 amiable 733680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We might be closet twins! (although I think you have more space, and I have more piles on the floor). I, too, don't know where to begin, made worse by not knowing what I like. So I'm starting by trying on outfits and taking pictures. After I look at the pictures (and probably post a bunch of them eventually) then maybe I'll be able to tell what is flattering/what I like. I like the suggestion of keeping some separate place for the clothes you actually wear. I think I'll do that for the ones I actually like the way I look in. (I too, recently changed lifestyles from working in an office to working from home). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy/page/2#post-733613 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 14:20:17 +0000 Angie 733613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And more hugs and hand holding from me too. Can you ask a friend to help you out with the sorting? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy/page/2#post-733592 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 13:56:54 +0000 KikiG 733592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I were there and could help you, I'd suggest that you begin by sorting. I'd put all the two piece matching suits together, then I'd rainbow-ize them. All the long sleeve button up tops, rainbow. Etc. Then you can make yourself a cup of coffee and tackle a section at a time, and your first cut could be things that are stained, soiled, damaged, hopelessly off trend, or don't fit. </p> <p>What I would not do is make a big, overwhelming mess. Shave off a bit at a time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy/page/2#post-733528 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 11:50:47 +0000 Krista 733528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Marley,<br /> You are super brave for sharing! I won't add too much more advice, but I will provide this:</p> <p>I am betting you are a visual person/learner because of the way everything seems to be "out" in the open. This is not a criticism - I am totally the same way, I love to pile things! So, I would suggest starting with a 15 minute color sort. For example, take 15 minutes and sort your tops by color - blues together, reds together, etc. This is one of the reasons why Angie's closet looks so organized - there's not a lot of clutter, but it's also organized by color, which streamlines it even more.</p> <p>I organize the clothes in my closest by color as well, and I find that a quick color sort every week or so keeps me feeling balanced, because it's appealing to my visual side.</p> <p>Just a small suggestion - hope it helps!<br /> Best of luck and keep us posted </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy#post-733526 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 11:39:57 +0000 Ann in New England 733526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So much great advice in the posts above. One thing that jumps out at me is the frustration you have with the physical closet itself, and the operation (or lack thereof) of the doors. It seems a small thing, but I suspect it makes it very difficult to organize and stay organized. Think about the possibilities: can you remove the doors and store them somewhere temporarily until you move? Can you replace the doors with something more functional? In my home office, I took down the sliding doors and replaced it with a pretty curtain. In my daughter's bedroom, we used Ikea panel curtains, which are little more structured. It really made a difference. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy#post-733524 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 11:35:20 +0000 Sveta 733524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marley, I suspect that most of us did not reach the nirvana of Angie's organized closet so don't get too embarrassed of yourself! &lt;HUGS&gt;<br /> You got a lot of excellent suggestions already but I have another one. I know that you meet Vicki from time to time for as bit of shopping et al. Next time why don't you gals hit your closet instead of hitting the mall? It will be so much more fun to do it with a good friend whose style sense you like. Get some wine, music and it will be a blast!<br /> If I lived in SoCal I would offer my company for this thing for sure </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy#post-733514 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 11:28:35 +0000 krishnidoux 733514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All my encouragement! I command you for doing this, and your courage for posting this. We will help you! I think you will feel so good after you do this. My first thought when I saw your closet is that you need some storing solutions for the top shelf! </p> <p>If you are not sure about some pieces of clothes, store them away - if you can - in blue bins for example, so they get out of your view... but don't get rid of everything on a whim, unless the garments are really bad. By storing away part of it, you can do the purging over 6 months for example, and this way it becomes clearer which ones to get rid of, which ones you really want to keep. </p> <p>Hugs to you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy#post-733513 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 11:28:14 +0000 Mochi 733513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You set me up for expecting much worse, Marley....I know you have major challenges with the size and configuration, and I can relate. I guess it's just focus on one aspect at a time, to avoid overwhelm. (Not very helpful, eh? I skipped over other comments, but am sure they'll be more brilliant than mine.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy#post-733506 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 11:20:37 +0000 April 733506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marley, I'm about to fly clear across the country just to help my mother with a project of this sort (only it's a whole room that has become a giant junk drawer, not just the closet) so I know that this sort of project can feel very overwhelming.</p> <p>I suggest *not* pulling everything out at once and creating a huge if temporary mess. I would begin with either one thing ("shoes" or "handbags") or one small section of the closet and do only as much as you can do in a half hour.</p> <p>Before you start, it's a good idea to write down some clear ideals of your closet goals. "I want to fit my entire wardrobe into one space" would be an example of a clear ideal, as would "I want to keep no more than 25 pairs of shoes" (These may not be your personal goals, they're just examples.) Be really specific about what you're trying to do, don't let yourself set a vague goal such as "I want to organize my closet."</p> <p>I would also suggest looking for examples on the web of other people's closet projects. They can be highly motivating and also give you some good ideas for storage. This is a pretty good series, with helpful photos: <a href="http://www.missussmartypants.com/index.php?route=information/information&#038;information_id=35" rel="nofollow">http://www.missussmartypants.c.....tion_id=35</a></p> <p>The first specific thing I notice in your closet is a lot of wasted shelf space in the upward direction. If you can figure out a way to partition the shelves so that you can "build upward", you'll be able to use the shelves more efficiently.</p> <p>Lastly, I found that in getting my son's closet in order, it helped a lot to use a tool that lets us fold everything to the exact same size. Either a folding board or something like a Flip-Fold comes in very handy. The perfect stacks of folded tee shirts motivate him to keep things in order. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy#post-733500 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 10:30:46 +0000 Astrid 733500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like Natalie's suggestion. I think it's much easier to pick your favourites than to purge the rest. Try to dress only with your favourites for a while and see how it goes. Maybe you feel the need to add something from the non-favourite piles from time to time to create your outfits but that's alright. And when you realise that dressing only with your favourites and still being your stylish self is possible after all you'll be able to let questionable items go much more easily. At that point I would go for the rest and either purge it pile after pile or do the whole thing at once with a friend. I guess that's just a personal preference. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy#post-733499 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 10:20:04 +0000 Vildy 733499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When you get your drawers closer to how you want them, it helps to roll stuff as for packing in a duffle and then line them up in rows behind each other. That way you can see everything at a glance and no need for pawing or tossing about. </p> <p>I would ask myself if the stuff on the floor and spread around is because I have no room, no system or am not giving myself the honor of enough time to put things back for my own later convenience. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy#post-733497 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 10:17:10 +0000 rute 733497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Go girl! You really need to purge that closet! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy#post-733494 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 09:56:47 +0000 Lyn D. 733494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You now know that most of us have ( had) similar experiences with our closet.<br /> Well done for showing the pics too! By posting this thread you have made the all- important first step, and before you know it you will have the well- organised space you desire! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy#post-733484 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 08:51:55 +0000 Anonymous 733484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do rush every morning, so my closet looks quite similar, from time to time. I just pick a date in advance, just like a quitting date, and dive right in. I would not stop until it is done.<br /> You need to recruit a friend or two and make a day out if it. Your friends might be enticed by the hand me downs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy#post-733482 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 08:42:31 +0000 Ingunn 733482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A lot of hugs from Norway, too. Please don't be so hard on yourself! This is not very bad after all. I understand that it feels overwhelming, but this can be done! The baby step advice is a place to start, and if you feel up to it, you can add a longer stretch of work, too. I do prefer getting it over with, so I try to clear a day from other disturbances to get things done. You know best what works for you.</p> <p>You have a lot of quality clothes already that can form a basic wardrobe when you are done purging, and that's a real benefit. After donating what you don't need anymore, getting a few things altered, you can update your staples with a few new accessories. I've realized lately how much a new scarf can do for my outfit. New shoes, a bag, a necklace - it really makes it easier! </p> <p>Good luck with the process, and please don't feel bad. This is a new opportunity for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy#post-733432 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 06:54:09 +0000 CocoLion 733432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wish I lived closer then I would give you moral support and help you. Not that I have expert advice! Then, you could come over and help me the same way. I just wrote over in Angie's blog that I have three 36" rolling racks, a dresser drawer, and plastic bins with out of season stuff etc. It's not pretty. Oh yes and I have plastic bags of question marks and clothes to be donated. It surely must be worse than your situation so take heart... you are not alone. My sister is a professional organizer (for celebrities no less) and she has told our mother I'm a hoarder. Of clothes. I like playing with my clothes so I can find them and they are organized by season, type and color. But honestly I just have too many of them and really have trouble letting go. This is true not only of my clothes. It's also true of experiences, pain, my past... I am not good at letting go.</p> <p>ETA -- I love GP Natalie's suggestions! Also Angie's 6 pile system. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy#post-733428 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 06:16:56 +0000 rholmes27 733428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Whatever method you decide to use (small blocks of time or larger chunks), I would suggest rewarding yourself afterwards. When I am working on a project that is unpleasant for me, I will reward myself after working for a specific period of time, such as if I work for 30 minutes, then I can read for 10 minutes. You may not like to read, but you get the general idea. It may take more time in the end, but I can always complete a project when I do this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy#post-733413 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 05:35:10 +0000 Caro in Oz 733413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hugs from Australia too - I think you've taken the biggest step.Doesn't look too bad to me.<br /> I would do a run through in what ever way feels right for you - small blocks of time or one type of clothing/accessory at a time - do Angies 6 piles system &amp; get the "toss" pile out the door as quickly as possible.<br /> Something that helped me was to clear a small space - I had a hanging rod - for things I wore &amp; loved, they helped to keep me focussed.<br /> Do you have a clear idea of your style direction? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy#post-733412 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 05:33:31 +0000 Deborah 733412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marley, sending you a big hug. Lifestyle changes like you have described can play havoc with our wardrobes. When I moved away from a corporate work environment I held onto my suits for ages before I realize it was time to let them go lol</p> <p>I work a little different. I like to take things on in a big way, so I was going to suggest getting a trusted style buddy over (I'm nominating Vicki cos you always seem to have a riot when together and I am assuming you live near one another??) and attack this head on. Dedicate a whole day, have some music on, snacks etc and empty out that closet and try on as you go, separate into piles as per a recent blog post from Angie and get the to be donated items out of the house ASAP. I did this recently with a friend whose closet was a nightmare and it was invigorating. Her wardrobe has been revitalized and she is now wearing a greater variety of outfits , I think because she can now see them:). You can do it, and you will feel great when you do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confessions-of-an-out-of-control-closet-pic-heavy#post-733377 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 04:33:05 +0000 Beth Ann 733377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marley, the biggest reason to bring order to your closet is to care for yourself better. It's not a moral failing to have some disorganization, and it may well be related to the extreme changes you've been going through.</p> <p>It's stuff and it's completely fixable. And you have amazing style! </p>