Are You Really Going to Wear That Again?

As the seasons shift, you probably turned first to a few core #clothing staples to deal with the cooler temperatures: long sleeves, hoodies, jackets and other transitional garments. Big stacks of cold-weather #garments lie in wait, however, for even harsher weather ahead.

The challenge at this point of the year is to decide which garments are going to be useful in the months ahead and have them ready to wear to holiday parties, treks in the snow and any other occasions #winter might present.

You can put away the shorts and swimwear — for now. But as you make the seasonal transition and take inventory of your clothing, there’s a critical question to ask yourself: Are you really going to wear that again?

Some of the #summer clothing you were planning on storing may be too worn to wear again in 2026. A few garments might have been kicking around your closets and drawers, never really fitting into your scheme — or perhaps not fitting your physique in a flattering way.

Similarly, many of the #fall and #winter garments coming out of storage may no longer suit you. Some may have shrunk (flannels are notorious for this); others might have holes and stains; still others will fail to fit your current style or lifestyle.

Make an honest assessment of what hasn’t made the cut so far this year and what you can and will wear in the months ahead. If you’re on the fence with certain garments, try them on; you will probably find that something is just “a little bit off” fit- or style-wise on more than a few.

That “little bit off” represents the difference between you feeling confident at home, work and play and uncertain or self-conscious. And any garment that doesn’t support positive feelings doesn’t deserve to return to your shelves or into #storage for next summer.

Use drawers, shelves and #closets only for items you know you’ll wear again. Collect and #donate lightly used items that fail the “Are you really going to wear that again?” test to ClothingDonations.org, and trash the ones that are too worn to be of any use other than rags.

You’ll reclaim your personal style, look great and be ready for whatever winter throws at you!

Stock Up on Winter Essentials

While less is more when it comes to #stuff, there are a few things you might want to have at the ready before #winter if you want to be #prepared for the worst. You might need a good snow shovel, de-icer, flashlights and batteries, a weather radio, an emergency car kit, food that doesn’t require preparation, and extra pet food. Even if you aren’t completely snowed-in, you might like to stock up on #winter staples such as flour and sugar for #holiday baking. In many areas, you’ll need a good winter coat and waterproof boots — and you can find a lot of lightly used winter gear at the #thrift stores supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org.

Don’t Let the Cold Keep You From an Organized Home!

Now that the holidays are over, we’re left to face the rest of winter. With how cold it’s gotten, it’s easy to neglect chores and curl up in front of the fireplace for the rest of the season. Tempting as this is, it’s the season for wet boot prints, cold days, and numerous coats, scarves, and gloves. If left untended, your home could accumulate dirt and clutter before you know it!

With this in mind, we’re here to help you stay motivated in your journey to a cleaner home. We checked out Martha Stewart’s “Winter Homekeeping Tips, ” to figure out how to fight off dirt and disarray this winter.

One idea Stewart offers up is to “winterize” your home’s entryway. This means having a welcome mat at the door where your visitors can remove their shoes upon entering the house. Not only does a rubber or carpeted mat prevent slush and salt residue from entering into your home, but it also signifies to guests that they should take off their shoes, which leaves dirt and grime at the front door.

Another tip for winter housekeeping is to rotate or turn the mattresses in your house. While this doesn’t exactly keep your home clean, it will help your mattress last a long time. Plus, it will help you sleep better, which will give you more energy to organize your house! Stewart recommends flipping your mattress every quarter for even wear.

One more idea that Stewart offers is to reorganize your kitchen. For some this might mean buying a spice rack so you know what spices you have on hand. For others, it means reorganizing your entire kitchen now that the holidays are over. While you’re cleaning and organizing your kitchen, remember to keep an eye out for pots, pans, utensils, and baking equipment that you no longer use.

If they’re in good shape, and you’re ready to part with them, donate them to us! Fill out our online donation pick-up form, and place your donation items in a box marked with “for donation.” Then, set the box out by your mailbox. We’ll come and pick it up for you!

What tips do you have for keeping your home organized and clean during winter? Share them with us!