When it comes to making big changes – I think people fall into two categories. Some people like to do it in one fell swoop and just be done with it. Yes, that can be exhausting on the body and mind, but at the end of the day, it’s done.

The second category are those who do best tackling a project in steps – doing a little bit at a time. Overall it takes longer, but the small steps make it manageable.

In my work with clients in their closets, it’s not uncommon to hear and feel their frustrations over all the changes they feel they need to make.

“I’ve needed to do a purge for a long time, but didn’t know where to start.”
“I know I need to get this closet organized, but it just feels overwhelming.”
“I’d love to make some changes, but I just don’t have the time.”

Well, here’s where small steps can come in very handy. Doing the project in increments lets you see progress but doesn’t exhaust you.  If you’ve been wanting to do some tidying up in your wardrobe, here are a few small steps you can take right now:

*Organize your underwear drawer. Get some spring-loaded dividers to separate the bras from the panties from whatever else you keep in that drawer. I get them at Bed Bath & Beyond, but you can also find them on Amazon. Just this one little step might spur you on to do your sock drawer while you’re at it. (And isn’t that fun, finding all socks that went into the wash as pairs and came out single? I keep a little stack of those and if the mate doesn’t show up in a month then they’re gone.)

*The family jewels – if your jewelry isn’t organized well, you’re probably not utilizing it very well when you’re getting dressed.  If you can’t see what you’ve got, you tend to forget about it and not wear it. There are many ways to organize jewelry, from hanging necklaces on a pegboard, to laying it neatly in a drawer organized by type and color. Go on Pinterest and you’ll find hundreds of ideas for jewelry storage – one method is sure to suit your style and space.

*Get your shoes in order. Shoes seem to like to mess around and get themselves jumbled up pretty easily. First, make sure each shoe has a mate and keep them together. I like to organize by color and type – all pumps together by color, all booties together by color, etc. I personally don’t like to keep shoes in boxes (other than special occasion shoes) because I like them to air out between wearings, but if you like a box method then go for it. While you’re going through your shoes, take a look and see if any of them need new soles or heel tips, or maybe a polish. If they are truly worn beyond their useful life, no matter how much you have loved them, let them go.

These small steps, in and of themselves, won’t take a lot of time but they’ll instantly make you feel good. When you’re ready to do more, then tackle your scarves, then belts, then outerwear.  Then do your blouses…then skirts…etc. Before you know it, you’re closet will be completely organized. Of course, if you want help with any of this, I’m happy to lend a hand. Just let me know – I love to organize! Thought I’d sign off with this little funny:

Thanks for reading!

Adena