It’s here……

Winter doesn’t officially arrive for another couple of weeks but you wouldn’t know that here in the Northeast.  So, it’s time to organize your personal winter wonderland.  When the first cold weather hits, we tend to dig through last year’s collection for a hat and some gloves for the commute or waiting for the school bus.  Before that first snowstorm or stretch of cold weather, take the time to purge and curate your winter and cold weather gear.  This step is really key if you didn’t work through this process last spring prior to putting all your items away.  And if you’re like most people, you didn’t; don’t feel bad – this is your chance to start off the season on the right foot.

Getting your winter on

Pull everything out and create a big pile.  Doesn’t that feel satisfying?!  Now sort through and find all the matches.  Did you find an unmatched pair of gloves or mittens?  If you feel pretty comfortable that the mate is not tucked away amongst the swimwear, let it go.  Unless it’s an Italian leather glove or cashmere mitten, letting go of the unmatched item is no big loss.  Like its distant cousin the unmatched sock, we spend way too much time trying to find the corresponding mate.  Check scarves and hats for stains and holes.  Launder anything that needs cleaning. (Remember – if your items are delicate or woolen, wash items before storing for the off-season.  Moths love dirt and sweat and will gravitate to those items.) Repeat this process with coats and jackets.  Check pockets for mittens and gloves and anything else left in there.  Did you pick up some new items at end of season sales in the spring?  Let go of anything outgrown or unneeded to keep what you will really.  How about your footwear?  Are all the boots matched up?  Pull out anything that needs repair or resoling and get these to the cobbler asap.

Being organized isn’t about boxes and bins; it’s finding my stuff when I need it.  Keep your winter gear prepared and organized because winter is coming…