Get Your Closet Under Control

Whether you’ve worked in a clothing store in the past or just have a clothing addiction, you know that it can be difficult to restrain yourself when you see something in a store window. Sometimes clothing just calls out to you “buy me,” right? Let’s face it though, if we bought things every time we saw something cute, we would go bankrupt. Here are some tips from Apartment Therapy on keeping your closet (and credit card) in check.

Photo courtesy Rubbermaid Products

Evaluate what you have. Pull everything out of your closet and drawers and spend an afternoon playing dress up. Do you really wear all of these items? Donate anything that doesn't fit, or that simply doesn't suit you any longer, and separate out anything that's in need of repairs for a future trip to the tailor.

Identify your "basics". We've all seen lists over the years which claim every wardrobe needs a foundation of basics like a white button down, a blue button down, a black dress, a pair of black pants, and so on. It's a great idea, but everyone's "basics" are going to be different. Whether it's jeans and striped t-shirts or pencil skirts and button downs, or even floral dresses and bright blazers, determine what items you wear day after day, and invest in high-quality versions of these items.

Make a list. I carry a list in my wallet of clothing items that my wardrobe is lacking and allow myself to buy anything from the list at any time. These are typically items that are replacing older "basic" garments in my wardrobe that have either worn out or no longer suit my style. Right now my list consists of thin black pants (I've been without black pants for over a year, I can't seem to find any I like!), non-skinny jeans, a white t-shirt that is not transparent, tan heels, white tennis shoes, and a dark color knit dress. I keep this list with me to remind myself when I'm out that these are items that I decided I needed while at home, actually looking at my wardrobe. There is a reason these items are on my list and a tangerine silk cocktail dress for an as yet unknown event is not.

Allow for fun purchases. Set a limit for yourself of how many fun, non-basic items you're allowed to buy. I tend to allow myself 2-3 non-basic purchases for each season (summer/winter), but I don't invest the same kind of money in these purchases as in my basics. While I love the new floral sundress I purchased last month, I am simply not going to wear it with the same frequency as my basic navy shift.

Follow the "one in, one out" rule. Full disclosure, I hate this rule, I hate it with fiery passion, but it's a good one and I try to force myself to stick to it. Whenever you buy something new, something old needs to go. This is easy when you're buying replacement basics from your list, but a bit harder when one of your fun purchases means getting rid of something that isn't directly being replaced. I certainly struggle with this rule, but I try to follow it at least 80% of the time. I have to admit that the idea of having to get rid of something has stopped me from making a purchase more than once!

Apartment Hacks

Photos courtesy peddhapati and Dominique Godbout

Whether you’re getting ready to move into your first apartment or you’re already settled in, we all could use handy little tricks to make our lives easier and more organized. Some of these things you may already have lying around your apartment and never imagined you would use! Here are some tips from Apartment Guide that will revolutionize your apartment lifestyle.

1. Velcro remotes to your coffee table.  Things tend to clutter on the coffee table, and chances are you may have more than one remote. Just stick adhesive velcro dots to the backs of your remotes and to the sides of your coffee table. Now you can keep remotes off your table and stowed away. You could also velcro remotes to your nightstand in your bedroom.

2. Hide a power strip in a drawer. Drill a small hole in the back of the drawer and string your power strip cord through the back. Now you can keep all your devices stowed away and charged up at the same time! You can place one in a table in your living room or put one in the drawer of your nightstand. Just remember not to overload your power strip or leave your devices charging too long, or your power strip could overheat. Make sure your power strip is turned off when it’s not in use, and leave the drawer cracked so air is able to circulate inside.

3. Use wine holder as a towel rack. This is such an easy way to organize your towels in your bathroom, especially if you don’t have room for shelves. It’s elegant and functional.

4. Put soda tabs on your hangers to save space in your closet. Do you have a cramped closet? Save all the tabs from your soda cans and place them on the top of your hangers. Now you can hang a second hanger from the other hole in the tab.

5. Label and organize cords with bread tabs. You know those tabs you use to close bread bags? Save them and attach them to the cords behind your computer or TV. Not only will your cords be more organized, but you won’t have to guess which cord is which.

6. Place your phone in a cup to boost the volume. Do you use your smartphone all the time to listen to music? Do you set your phone’s alarm to wake you up every morning? If you don’t have any speakers, just place your phone in a cup to amplify your alarm or music.

7. Use ice to remove furniture indentations in carpet. If you’re rearranging your furniture or cleaning up after moving out, this trick might come in handy. Get rid of indentations in your carpet by letting a piece of ice melt into the indentation. After the ice has melted, vacuum over it and work the indentation out by rubbing it with a towel.