The Seasonal Closet

I’ve mentioned before that a clean closet is a happy closet. And who doesn’t want a happy closet? If “organized” isn’t exactly how you describe yourself (or maybe it is…if so, you should still read this), then this one is for you.

I’m lucky enough that I have a crazy mom (who I love very much!) that made me clean out my closet more than the typical once or a twice a year (maybe every month or every other month). That is not normal, but it’s something I’m thankful for to this day. She hated clutter (you can say we would never be on an episode of Hoarders) so then I grew to not be a fan of clutter either. Not only did I donate the items I no longer wore / didn’t fit several times throughout the year, she also encouraged me to keep my closet as seasonal as possible (no reason to have a sundress and turtleneck sweater next to each other right?) It’s something I’ve always done, but until now, it hasn’t always been that easy.

Same goes for shoes by the way! Sandals and boots? Not necessary!

Fortunately, I’ve never been in a situation where storage was an issue. Growing up, I’d keep my fall / winter things in the basement for spring / summer and spring / summer stuff was put away for fall / winter. In college, I’d swap out during breaks. Fast forward to real life, and I have an extra closet where most of those items go when I’m not currently using them. But I’ve gotten to a point where I think I’ve maxed out my home storage and need to find another solution.

Now most people’s solution would be to get rid of clothes, which I still do very often. Because I’ve gotten much better about only buying things I know I’ll have for a long time, that timeless part of my wardrobe continues to grow and it seems like there’s less and less items I need to (or want to) get rid of. And trust me, I’m actually not one of those people who has a hard time parting with things (cue: cleaning out my closet at least six times a year for more than half my life).

So what’s a girl to do? CUE THE BLUE.

Let’s be honest. Storage isn’t chic. It’s a pain in the ass, you probably forget what you have and storage units are straight up depressing. Thankfully, there’s a company (local to Chicago by the way!) that’s changing the way we do things. Say hello to Blue Crates.

It’s not only the easiest way to store the clothes / shoes / other accessories you’re not currently wearing (or random chotchkies around the house you might only need seasonally…holiday decorations perhaps?) but it’s just nicer than your typical way of storing things, and you feel like your precious possessions are in good hands (because they are…very good climate controlled and monitored hands). IMPORTANT STUFF, MY FRIENDS.

Basically, you just order the crates (however many you want) or a wardrobe (which is a little extra but ideal for outerwear!) and they’re delivered when you want them. Just pack up (you can even take photos and catalogue the items so you remember what you’re storing) and let them know when you want your things back.

It’s so easy, even the dog can do it 😉

Whenever you want your things back, all you have to do is ask / click a button and MAGICALLY someone appears (not really, but someone does come) and you have a whole new wardrobe.

Although it’s really your current wardrobe…out of sight out of mind, though, right?

Fall clothes…welcome home (well, at least that’s what I’ll be saying this September!)

It’s such a simple concept — the seasonal wardrobe — but one that wasn’t really accessible for everyone until now. There comes a time where we can no longer store our things at are our parents’ house and if your building doesn’t come equipped with a storage unit (which can be expensive and / or nasty and dusty) then try a crate or two to see how you like it. Blue Crates is offering one free month of service exclusive to CCF readers. Just use code CCF1 when signing up.

Trust me, I know from doing this so long that it’s not only freeing to have more space and a cleaner looking closet / living space, but whenever you swap out seasonally, you literally feel like you just went shopping. It’s all these clothes you haven’t seen in a while and suddenly, THEY’RE ALL YOURS…AGAIN. And you didn’t even pay for them! (well you did at one point but you get the picture).

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So how do you keep your closet organized and happy? Do you ever do the seasonal swap out? Or do you keep everything in sight at all times? Have you tried Blue Crates yet? Let me know what you think!

Photos by Heather Talbert. In partnership with Blue Crates.