A new year is the perfect time for a new wardrobe–and a new closet. Our designers explain how to do both.

Happy New Year! I can’t believe 2017 is here already. While I’m sad to say goodbye to 2016, January feels like a fresh start. Change is at the front of everyone’s minds, whether through new resolutions or a renewed commitment to habits that have fallen by the wayside.

If you live in DC, you’ve already seen a lot of changes in recent months. From residents voting overwhelmingly to make our capital city the 51st State of the U.S. to the changing tide of a new presidency, 2016 has brought some big adjustments, and that trend is likely to continue.

Now, in the face of such major events, you might not immediately think of your closet as you reflect on the new year, but bear with me: meaningful change often starts with the little things. Your closet’s a part of your home that gets used on a daily basis, and it tends to accumulate exactly the type of clutter we all swear we’re going to get rid of every January—In other words, it deserves a little love, too. So I figured I’d share a few tips for getting your walk-in kick-started in the right direction for 2017.

Start the Year Lighter and Freer

No, I’m not talking about weight—I’m talking about your wardrobe. The deep reflection brought on by a new year makes purging old clothing easier. But figuring out what you need and what needs to go can still feel overwhelming, so here are the guidelines I follow for my own clothes:

• Have I worn it at all this year? If the answer is yes, even if only once, then you have a mild case for keeping it. But if that answer is no, ask yourself…

• Does it still fit? I’d like to believe that my body remains the same size no matter how much I eat and how little I exercise, but I know that’s not true. Rather than leaving ill-fitting clothes in your closet, purge them! Every item that leaves makes space for new purchases.

• Do I still like it? I hope I’m not the only one who’s looked at items in my closet and wondered, “What was I thinking?” Things like ripped shorts and halter tops have never really made the DC fashion list, and the “sneakers with business attire look” has become a little dated.  If you’ve got items like these in your closet, it may be time to say goodbye.

• Has it been worn a little too much? We all have our favorites, but the reality is that holes, pilling, snags, and other fabric snafus start to accumulate. When your clothing reaches this point, it’s time to part ways. The DC area has been fortunate to have a pretty mild winter, but that means that some of your summer and fall pieces, in particular, may need replacing.

• Will I wear it in 2017? I’ve got a purple and gold sequined top that I purchased for Mardi Gras last year. It passes the first three questions: I clearly did wear it, it does still fit, and I still like it (no judgment, please). But when I think about whether I will wear it in 2017, the answer is probably not. I don’t want photos in which I’m wearing the exact same outfit two holidays in a row. If this sounds like a familiar struggle, you’ve got items that need to move on.

Once the hard part is over, you can move onto the fun. Slimming down your clothing collection is the perfect excuse to add additional accessories to your closet so that you can show off the wardrobe staples you love enough to keep. Consider:

• Updating Your Hardware. It’s crazy what changing handles and pulls can do to make your space look and feel like new. 

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  Adding a Valet Rod. Valet rods are flat-out amazing—just trust me on this one. You can plan outfits more easily, display new purchases, and finally have a spot to hang dry cleaning. They’re a great way to show off what you love.

• Adding Shoe Shelves. Adjustable shelving lets you store your footwear at an angle so that it’s easier to see (and admire). To complete the showcase look, I’d also suggest shoe fences. These are an easy accent that will make your flats and heels look even more elegant.

• Installing a Wardrobe Lift. If you asked me why so many of my clothes ended up in the “I didn’t wear it this year” pile, I’d tell you it’s because I am short and often too lazy to get a step stool to reach items on the upper hanging rods of my closet. Wardrobe lifts solve this problem, allowing you to easily pull down high-up items—they could be the addition you need to reduce the size of your “unworn” pile.

I hope some of these tips help you (and your closet) feel brand new in 2017. There’s no better time than the beginning of the year for a custom upgrade to your walk-in. Get in touch, and we’ll set you up with a free design consultation.