Little Black Guidebook

Bedroom was definitely the easiest to Spring Clean. Clothes used to be the biggest trouble for me, but now I regularly flip my hangers around to keep tabs on what I am actually using.  So today I just grabbed all the hangers that were still backwards that were still winter clothes and put them in the house outbox. Done. Change the bedding, flip the mattress, throw the laundry in the wash, wash the window, dust and vacuum, done done done. Next? Ok, ok, tomorrow I’ll post an after photo.  For now I’ll leave you with these more attractive inspiration photos.

Bedroom Spring Cleaning List via Simply Stated:

1. Flip your mattress if recommended by the manufacturer.
2. Wash mattress pad and bed skirt. Dry clean or launder comforter and pillow shams.
3. Wash heavy winter blankets and store until fall.
4. Wash or dry clean heavy sweaters and put in storage.
5. Swap out cooler weather clothing with warmer weather clothing in closet and drawers. Wipe down closet and dressers while clothes are in transition.
6. Polish leather shoes and send those worth repairing out to a cobbler.
7. Polish and/or dust jewelry per manufacturer’s instructions. Have damaged items professionally repaired. If applicable, have wedding band and ring steam cleaned at a jewelry store.

Moving Overseas Purge – Bedroom Edition

1. Use the hanger flipping technique to reevaluate clothes seasonally – Took a look through all of the hangers that are still backwards in the closet. Anything that is winter clothes that still hasn’t been flipped around hasn’t been used since last fall and regardless of any excuses has to go. I have had business, formal, funeral, wedding, and every other conceivable “occasion” during that time so if the hanger isn’t facing the right way it hasn’t been used.
2. Evaluate condition and fit of remaining clothes – Some things get worn beyond their fit and condition. I’ve told myself to repair something for over a year and it hasn’t happened? Its going to the sewing room or the purge pile. And those size 12 clothes? Do I really want to mentally hold onto them, just in case? NO. Donate clothing that is ill-fitting, and repair clothing that needs tailoring work.
3. Do I need this many? – Ok it fits, and I’ve used it in the last 8 months. But I’m talking about items that don’t add anything, 32 pairs of socks, 20 bras, how many t-shirts? It really only adds up to being able to do laundry less often and letting things pile up more. This is where the Moving Overseas game really works! I would never have room to take all of that with me so I really don’t NEED all of it. I will be putting some of it
4. Would I buy this again? – Or do I have this t-shirt because it was free and might be useful at the gym? Do I love this?
5. Why is this in my bedroom? – Our house is large enough that things other than regularly used clothes, a book on the night stand and jewelry really don’t belong there.  Hiking boots, wedding dress, 15 books I plan to read soon, Legos? (we don’t even have kids, where did those come from!) etc. etc. etc. probably belong elsewhere.
6. If I was really moving – Total reevaluation of whether something is climate and culturaly appropriate. Everything else: in fashion, prime condition, needed, etc. is done already.