SOCIETY HILL - March 25, 2009 (WPVI) -- When Pam Laws needed help sorting out her cluttered closet, she called Professional Organizer Carole Weinstock of Clean the Clutter for help.
Carole doesn't just help people clean their closets, she helps them turn their clutter into cash.
She says the key to organizing a closet is to sort all of the items into three categories: Keep, Consign or Donate.
Carole says if you haven't worn an item for a year, it's time for that item to go.
Among Pam's purses, she found two vintage bags, that Pam doesn't use. They'll go to a consignment shop. A vintage Gucci purse could net her up to $100.
Carole also convinced Pam to consign other designer items that she doesn't wear, or that don't fit.
Clothes that are a bit worn or that don't have designer labels, Pam will donate to a charity-run thrift shop. Those donations will net her a tax break at the end of the year.
Finally, Carole takes Pam shopping in her cleaned-out closet, making new outfits out of things she loves, but hasn't worn. She says a white blazer with beaded trim can be made more contemporary and versatile by removing the beads.
Pam has a black suit jacket that she loves, but no longer has the matching skirt, so she hasn't been wearing it. Carole gives the suit jacket new life by pairing it with one of Pam's slip dresses.
Among Carole's other tips:
Old sheets and towels, even if they're worn, can be donated to pet shelters.
Pants with dirty hems can be shortened into capris or shorts.
Organize your closet by types of items (shirts together with shirts, pants together with pants, etc.) and color. That way, it's easier to find what you're looking for and to put outfits together.
Use suits together and as separates, to get the most wear of individual items.
SHOP IN YOUR OWN CLOSET. Local pro Carole Weinstock, owner of Clean the Clutter, charges about $300 for a four-hour session. But that’s nothing compared to what you’ll save yourself after she gets hold of your crammed closets. She digs out that forgotten Lilly Pulitzer cardigan so you don’t duplicate-shop (that’s $225 in retail savings), helps you decide what to give away (Goodwill donations = end-of-the-year tax savings), and even rejuvenates your wardrobe. “I often suggest where to shorten a hemline, change buttons, break up separates,” she says. “My clients tell me I give them a sense of peace and a feeling of being more in control. And who doesn’t need that right now?”
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