The Separation Process:

Before starting, make sure you've planned ahead for this portion and carved out the time you need, even if it's only 30 minutes. Dedicating time to this process helps you prioritize your needs, which is so important.

First, make sure your empty rolling rack is within reach as well as your slimline hangers. When applying the separation method on folded items in drawers/shelves or for shoes, bags and other accessories, you can temporarily use one of the large plastic bins to store things and keep everything organized while your closet is in transition.

Next I want you to get your timer ready and this is where we will use The Pomodoro Method, which starts with 25 minutes of work, with a 5 minute break.

How to use The Pomodoro Method:

  1. Identify which part of the closet you want to focus on.

  2. Get a timer, set it for 25 minutes, and focus on that single task until the timer rings.

  3. When your session ends, feel free to jot down what you completed and how you feel after finishing that portion.

  4. Enjoy a five-minute break.

  5. Repeat.

  6. After four cycles of this, take a longer, more restorative 15-30 minute break.

I want you to only focus on one area of your closet at a time. For instance, maybe your first go-around is only focused on hanging items, and then next up is folded items, and then eventually accessories etc.

Ok, let's begin!

If you are in the mood for some tunes, cue up the Closet Control playlist on Spotify by clicking here: https://spoti.fi/3zobKRM (If you have littles sleeping, grab some headphones!) Start your timer for 25 minutes, take a deep breath and don't overthink the decision making process. You've got this!

Start by ONLY pulling out the pieces that you love, wear constantly and that fit you well. These are items that you don't have question - they are your workhorse pieces, your tried and true items, and they should be placed on the empty rolling rack (or in a bin or tub depending on what part of your closet/wardrobe you started on).

Depending on the size of your closet and the volume of clothing you have, the size of the rack you selected, should be able to easily and comfortably accommodate a portion of your hanging wardrobe.

Why slimline hangers? They are major space savers, look uniformed and streamlined, plus the velvety material will keep your clothing from slipping off.

What to do if you get stuck:

If you're a Friend's fan, then you might remember the scene where Phoebe and Joey are inside the coffee house playing a game where he has to answer her questions with a one word answer as fast as he can. Funny, yes? Effective? You bet. This rapid fire method is a great way to make a quick, intuitive-based decision instead of letting your emotional brain take over, potentially causing anxiety and indecisiveness.

What should be left hanging or in drawers/on shelves, typically fall into these categories:

  • Seasonal pieces

  • Special occasion wear

  • Items that need to be tailored

  • Damaged pieces (stained, ripped etc)

  • “Fussy” items – this just means that it takes a lot of effort to wear and style (see-through items, need a special bra, only looks good when worn under something etc.)

  • Things that were given to you that you didn't ask for

  • Outdated items

  • Items that are either too small or too big

  • Ill-fitting items

  • Items that still have tags on them

  • Impulse purchases

Try not to do too much at once because remember this isn't a sprint, it's a marathon and we want the new habits and patterns to stick! Stay the course, work this system and you will see loads more success and satisfaction than if you try and rush through it.

This separation process might take you a couple of days, a full week or even longer, depending on your schedule. Just keep repeating this method for everything that you wear.

Next week we will dive into the sorting portion of this process and begin to address the pieces that were left in the closet, drawers and shelves!