Throwback Thursday: The Seasonal Switchover

 

Although this post from October 2015 was about switching from summer to fall, it's applicable to any seasonal switchover (and I've edited it accordingly). As I type this on a raw, rainy April day when I'm thinking of ditching the thin sweatshirt I'm wearing for a heavier version, it feels like a particularly good choice.

At my house, it's that time of year when some of the clothes (and shoes) that are easily accessible are for the wrong season. Meanwhile, a growing (and still slightly disheveled) portion of my accessible clothing works for spring, which I keep hoping is just around the corner. I spent a little time on my closet a couple of weeks ago because I needed to make space for some new clothes, but otherwise, the seasonal conversion has yet to take place. Yes, I know it's April, but there's nothing worse than switching everything around only to hit a stretch of weather where I end up dragging out the things I just put away.

I've yet to discover a way to do the seasonal switchover in a way that makes the process fun. Fortunately, creating a good set-up for the coming season by putting things away in a style-savvy manner at least makes it all less dreadful.

As you pull out one season and put away another, here are a few things to consider.

• Weed if you can. Whether you're moving clothes within one closet or from one closet to another, take some time to consider the usefulness of what you're moving. Hang pieces one at a time in their new space, considering whether or not everything you're putting away (or aside) for the upcoming months is worth keeping. Anything you haven't worn in a while?  Something too big or too small or of sentimental value, but not worth the space it takes up? Get rid of it if you can. If you can't (this means you, l love stuff friends), try hanging it with the hanger facing backwards (or on a different kind or color of hanger). Better yet, don't start the next season with it in your closet. Store it elsewhere and go after it only if you find you need it. 
• Keep like items together (all skirts, all the shirts) or keep sets together (a top with the jacket it goes under), but not both. If you're consistent with your method, retrieval is easier, especially if you find yourself looking for one particular item in a hurry. This benefits all styles, but especially the I know I put it somewhere folks who tend to stash without a plan. 
• Choose the right containers. Do you like see-through bins? Labeled boxes? Both of these work well for I need to see it and I know I put it somewhere styles, while cram and jammers might prefer fabric bins that expand and "create" space. Use what you know works for you, even if it means ditching the hanging rod for some bins and shelves.

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  Photo: SeeMann 
  via Morguefile

  Keep it simple. If you're like me, you end up looking for something between seasons, so the easier it is to figure out what's in each container (like with like is a great basis for this), the less confusion you create in the process. Keeping it simple and as accessible as possible works for all styles, but can be especially beneficial for the I love to be busy folks who might end up doing their seasonal switchovers a little at a time, when they can squeeze it in.

Sadly, this is not a project suited to the drop and run folks who just want all of this to be over with as soon as possible. Their payoff comes in choosing the right storage for the "incoming" stuff -- containers and hangers that will make putting things away as easy as dropping them....wherever.

How about you? Any great tips to share when it comes to the inevitable seasonal switchover?