How to Seamlessly Organize Your Wardrobe for Fall: A Step-by-Step Guide
As the leaves change and temperatures drop, it’s time to swap out those breezy summer clothes for cozy fall layers. But, if you’re like many busy parents, the idea of reorganizing everyone’s wardrobe can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—Neatly by Kristen is here to make this seasonal transition smooth and stress-free. Follow these simple steps to get your closet and your family’s wardrobes fall-ready!
Step 1: Declutter First
Before you start packing away summer clothes, take a moment to declutter. Go through each piece and ask yourself:
Was this item worn this season?
Does it still fit my current style? For growing children, will this fit next year?
Is it in good condition, or is it time to say goodbye?
Create three piles: keep, donate, and discard. This will help reduce clutter and ensure that only the items you actually need move into storage.
Step 2: Pack Away Summer Items
Once you’ve sorted through your summer clothes, it’s time to pack them away. Here’s how to do it efficiently:
Launder or dry-clean anything that needs to be cleaned before being stored.
Use clear storage bins, vacuum-sealed bags or other products that will protect your clothes from dust, pests and moisture. Clear or translucent storage products ensure you can easily see what’s inside when you need to access them next year.
Label everything: Clearly label bins by category and size (e.g., "Kids’ Summer Clothes - size Medium," "Adult Swimwear") to avoid confusion later.
Store strategically: If closet space is limited, store your summer clothes in an attic, garage, or under-bed storage to free up prime closet real estate.
Step 3: Bring Out Fall and Winter Clothing
Next, it’s time to transition to your fall and winter wardrobe. As you unpack your cozy sweaters, jackets, and boots, follow a similar process:
Check if each item still fits and is in good condition.
Launder or dry-clean anything that has been in storage for a while.
Organize by item type and color to create an aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-navigate space.
Step 4: Invest in Matching Hangers
While this may sound like a small or unnecessary step, using matching hangers has a huge impact. Not only do matching hangers save space, they also give your closet a polished look.
Step 5: Organize by Accessibility
The key to a functional, organized wardrobe is easy access. For families, that means:
Keep everyday items front and center: Jackets, shoes, and backpacks should be at eye level or in a spot that makes getting out the door a breeze.
Rotate items as the season progresses: As fall turns to winter, rotate your lighter layers to make room for heavier coats, gloves and boots.
Use drawer dividers or baskets: Keep hats, gloves, and scarves neatly contained and easy to grab on chilly mornings.
Step 6: Create a System for Kids’ Clothes
If you have kids, you know how fast they grow—and how quickly their clothes accumulate! Set up a system that makes it easy for you (and them) to stay organized:
Color-code hangers for each child to keep track of who owns what.
Label drawers or bins for specific items (e.g., "Socks," "Sweaters," "School Uniforms").
Create an ‘outgrown’ bin: As kids outgrow clothes, toss them in this bin so you can regularly assess what to donate or store for younger siblings.
Step 7: Maintain your System
The initial organization process is just the beginning! Keeping your wardrobe neat throughout the season will require a little ongoing maintenance:
Dedicate time every couple of weeks to tidy up.
Rotate clothes as the weather shifts from cool to cold.
Encourage your kids to help keep their spaces organized by making the system simple and accessible for them.
Get Help from Neatly by Kristen
Feeling a little overwhelmed? Don’t worry—Neatly by Kristen is here to help! Our Seasonal Wardrobe Change service takes all the stress out of this process. We’ll handle everything from decluttering to organizing, so you and your family can focus on enjoying the crisp, cozy fall days ahead.
