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It's official, spring has sprung and we've already been treated to a few mild and sunny days. For most of us, this means waving goodbye to bulky coats and woolly hats to make way for lighter jackets, pastel colours, and our trusty espadrilles.
But if you're not lucky enough to be blessed with a walk-in wardrobe, finding space for all your seasonal clothes can be a struggle. Here are five steps to organising your wardrobe this spring, while making the best of your current storage space...
Step 1 - Minimalise
If we've learnt anything from Marie Kondo's The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, it's that we should own less, but value those possessions more.
For those of us who are stashing clothes we bought years ago, often with the tags still on, it's worth taking note that we shouldn't hold on to belongings that no longer bring us joy.
With that in mind, the best place to start when organising your wardrobe is to tackle the 'joyless' sections, like piles of jeans that don't quite fit anymore or hoards of beautiful shoes that give you blisters. Why not do a good deed and donate any unwanted clothes to a local charity?
Or, if you're a label lover, you might want to try selling your designer and luxury items online. Aside from the obvious websites, make sure to check out Vinted. Added bonus: this is also a way to earn a little extra money!
Step 2 - Make the Most of your Space
You'll find a whole range of storage solutions in shops that specialise in home décor and furnishings; these can work wonders in small spaces. A firm favourite is the hanging shoe organiser, which can give you more room to mix in your flip flops with year-round shoes. Drawer inserts and shelving systems can also make a real difference in optimising space and creating perfect nooks to store your swimming costumes and summer dresses.
If you're looking to make a more drastic change, there are websites that allow you to design a wardrobe that can be customised to your own specifications and needs; choose from a variety of options including size, door type, shelving, drawers, baskets and even lighting.
Step 3 - Cut the Bulk
If a new bespoke wardrobe isn't in the budget, then you're going to have to cut the bulk. Thick woolly jumpers, down coats and chunky boots are cumbersome and take up valuable space in your wardrobe. When it's not necessary to wear these items, it's wise to remove them from your wardrobe and find somewhere to store them until winter comes back around.
Stackable plastic storage containers and vacuum packs are brilliant ways to clear room in your wardrobe and, at the same time, protect your winter clothing from dust and damp.
Step 4 - Look Around
Not everyone has access to lofts, basements, garages, and under-stairs cupboards. If you live in a flat or a shared household, you might need to get a little creative with your storage solutions.
Make use of hidden gems like the top of your wardrobe or under the bed; ottoman beds are a perfect place to stash your seasonal clothes, as well as divan bases with drawers.
Step 5 - Self Storage
It's possible that you simply don't have the space in your home to effectively implement any of these tips. Or maybe you still have too many clothes you can't bear to part with. If this is the case, a self-storage facility might be the best option for you.
Self-storage facilities are affordable alternatives to home storage and offer various unit sizes with excellent security and even climate control. Some facilities will also go the extra mile and support you with moving your belongings into a unit so that you can keep your winter wardrobe out of sight and out of mind.