Bangladesh is a country with distinct seasons. During the warmer months, bulky winter clothes remain unused in our closet. Every major seasonal shift is the perfect time to review your wardrobe and eliminate items you no longer wear. A study by the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) estimates that 80% of your clothing is only worn 20% of the time. It is called the 80/20 Rule (the Pareto Principle or the Law of the Vital Few). That means in a closet, 20% of clothes you wear 80% of the time and 80% of clothes you seldom or never use.
Therefore, it is essential that you periodically assess your wardrobe. An easy way to sort out unnecessary clothes is to take anything you haven't worn for a year. You most likely will not even notice the items you remove, as we have heard the phrase "out of sight, out of mind." To avoid this 80/20 rule, you should have easy access to all your clothes. Reorganise your wardrobe now and then and shuffle your clothes.
Your wardrobe should always be organised according to the season. Group your clothes based on season and activity. Always separate your formal and casual clothes. Empty all the pockets as you sort, and look for things that require repair, dry cleaning, or washing. Before sorting clothes, make sure they are all cleaned and dried out properly. If it is not dried correctly, any residual dampness will result in mould growth.
Try to remove any stains before you store your garments. A stain becomes more difficult to remove the longer it is left uncleaned, so always do laundry before you store your clothes. You should also pile the items that need to be repaired, such as buttons, zippers, etc. If you are keeping more than one person's clothes in the same closet, clothes for each person should be put in separate, clearly labelled bags.
Some clothes are best left on the hanger. But it has to be hung up the right way. Thin and wire hangers can distort and stretch fabric over time. Wooden, thick hangers give better support to clothes. It helps prevent damage to your favourite garment. Try to avoid metal hangers. Suits, blazers, jackets, or any other items should not be stored in a plastic bag the dry cleaners give you. Those are not meant for long-term use. Plastic bags trap moisture and discolour your clothes. Bags made of fabric or breathable material should be used to store your garment.
On the other hand, it's not a good idea to hang your woollen knit sweaters and cardigans in your closet. Hanging woollen or cashmere garments can cause the material to become stretched over time. Rather, fold these pieces neatly and store them flat in the closet. A layer of acid-free tissue between garments can be added for extra care.
Denim garments should also be folded. Flowy fabrics like silk and chiffon should be hung. Linen gets wrinkled very easily and almost always needs ironing before wearing. That's why it is better to hang linen clothes in your closet. Scarves and t-shirts are items that can be both hung and folded.
Bug problems are a very common problem when it comes to storing garments. Mothballs and naphthalene can be effective against insects. But it can also be harmful to your children and pets. These contain toxic pesticides. Make sure you keep these out of their reach. Always use any chemical product according to label instructions and store it properly. Store your garments in a cool, dry, and dark environment. Light can fade the colour of the fabric. Refold your clothes every 1-2 years. It prevents permanent creasing on your clothes.
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