Change clothes: Transitioning your wardrobe to fit the season

(ARA) - One of the easiest ways to simplify your morning routine is to have an organized closet. Unfortunately, clothes tend to languish at the bottom of piles, shoes get pushed into dark corners and finding what you want to wear becomes a hassle. Knowing where to start can seem overwhelming - but it doesn't have to be.

The most important tip for a streamlined closet is to divide your wardrobe into seasons, then store out-of-season pieces in the basement or attic. There are some special considerations to make when keeping your off-season clothes in a garage, basement or attic, but with a little advice from an expert, storing will no longer be difficult or time consuming.

According to Barry Izsak, organizing expert and former president of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), most people do not properly store their off-season wardrobe by remembering to protect against insects and rodents. "Does it make sense to go through all the trouble of storing your valuable clothing and not do what you can to avoid an infestation of bugs and mice?"

"It's not enough to use tight-fitting plastic containers or enclosed garment bags," says Izsak. The garments that have been stored can become desirable nesting areas for household pests so taking precautions to protect them is essential. Izsak recommends using Ortho Home Defense Max Perimeter %26 Indoor Insect Killer along the perimeter of your storage areas to keep bugs out. In addition, place mouse bait stations along the walls of your basement and attic to protect your belongings from possible mouse infestations. "Nobody likes to rotate their wardrobe only to find that their expensive summer cotton has provided a lavish winter feast for an army of bugs or a warm, cuddly home for mice."

To organize your closet and successfully transition your wardrobe, simply follow these quick tips from Izsak:

Before storing:

* Determine if a piece is worth storing by asking: "Does it still fit?" "Do I still wear it?" "Do I still need it?" "Do I still love it?"

* Empty all pockets and launder or dry-clean your clothes.

* Make necessary alterations or repairs.

Then:

* Take an inventory to log what you have, as well as what you need. Bring this list to any off-season sales to avoid purchasing too many of one item and not enough of another.

* Place scented fabric softener sheets in with your stored clothing to keep them smelling fresh.

Remember:

* Do not store clothing in dry-cleaner bags, as the plastic does not allow the fabric to breathe and can yellow clothes over time.

* If storing in a bedroom, reserve the highest shelf in the closet or utilize the space under the bed. Use plastic containers, zippered garment bags or under-bed storage boxes that fit the space.

* When buying something new, something old must go. This will keep your wardrobe to a manageable size.

* Use Ortho Home Defense Max Perimeter and Indoor Insect Killer along the perimeter of your storage areas to keep bugs out. It will kill the bugs you have and control listed insects indoors for up to 12 months.

* Place mouse bait stations, like the Ortho Home Defense Max No Touch Bait Station, along the walls of your basement and attic to protect your belongings from possible mouse infestations.

Being smart about out-of-season wardrobe storage can keep "organizing the closet" off the dreaded "to-do" list, and part of the regular routine. For more helpful organizing tips from Barry Izsak, visit www.ArrangingItAll.com.