Spring Cleaning Ideas for the Cotton Conscious Consumer

Mass Removal

Take everything out of your closet--everything. This will help you see the closet space you have to work with. Plus, seeing all that mess on your bed or bedroom floor will likely inspire you to see the project through.

Wipe Down

Vacuum or sweep the floor and wash down the walls with your favorite cleaner. This is not just aesthetically pleasing, it creates a clean environment for your wardrobe.

Divide and Conquer

Get three or four bins, bags or baskets; one for "keepers," one for things that will go to charity, one for things that no one--not even you--will ever want. Start sorting! Here is a good guideline: if you can't remember the last time you wore it, or when you bought it, it goes in one of the bins. You may also want a bin for items that are to be stored elsewhere, such as the hall closet or basement.

IMMEDITATELY take the charity bin to your local Salvation Army or other thrift store, and take the trash bag to the curb. If you don't, sentiment or wishful thinking will spirit those tossed items back into your closet.

"Divide and Conquer" The Sequel

Now that you have a clean closet and (presumably) less to put back in it, it's time to divide the 'keepers' into categories that work for you. You might think about sorting by season, or by work clothes, play clothes and going-out clothes. Whatever fits for the way you live.

Regroup

Ok. You have your keepers all sorted; now it’s time to put them back in the closet—almost. Before you do, do yourself a favor and toss those bent, sagging hangers. Consider getting colorful plastic ones, color-coded to match how you’ve sorted your categories. Even though wooden hangers are a little expensive, they are ideal for hanging delicates, as they help keep the fabrics from stretching and losing their shape.

Depending on the size of your closet and whether you prefer certain items hung or folded, you might consider investing in closet shelves. Built-ins are certainly best, but stores like Bed, Bath and Beyond and Container Store have very workable, very reasonable alternatives.

While you're there, check out the canvas hanging shoe bags. They usually have a clear front so you can actually see your shoes--and see if they really go with that skirt or these pants. Since they fit over the closet door, it keeps the floor of your closet free or clutter--or at least makes more room for more shoes.

Resolve

Now you can sit back and admire the fruits of your labor and make another resolution: to stick to your new organizational blueprint—at least until next year!

Below are a few of our favorite spring cleaning storage selections from the Container Store: