In my previous life, I had the privilege of working in the dynamic and ever-evolving fashion industry. Over a decade, I embarked on a fascinating journey, starting from a humble role in sales at a retail store and eventually transitioning into the world of fashion agency. Today, I find myself engaged in a different pursuit, but my passion for fashion remains unwavering. As the years have passed, my wardrobe has grown to become an extensive collection, and with each passing season, I find immense joy in adding new pieces to my sartorial ensemble.
Living in an apartment for the past two decades has taught me that wardrobe space is not always a prominent feature of vertical living. I empathize with my fellow apartment dwellers who face this spatial constraint. Unless one is fortunate enough to possess an entire room dedicated solely to their wardrobe, maximizing the available storage space becomes essential. I sincerely hope that the following tips I'm about to share will prove invaluable in your quest to optimize your wardrobe space.
1. Embrace seasonal rotation
Categorizing my clothes into three distinct categories has proven to be a game-changer—cold weather, warm weather, and trans-seasonal. By carefully storing away out-of-season garments during their respective off-seasons, and seamlessly transitioning them when required, I've achieved an organized and easily accessible wardrobe. The exception lies in trans-seasonal pieces, which remain a permanent fixture due to Melbourne's capricious weather. Though this may sound labour-intensive, investing a couple of hours twice a year will reward you with a wardrobe that exudes tidiness and practicality.
2. Empower point #1 with savvy furniture choices
Seek out furniture pieces that offer built-in storage solutions, such as beds with concealed compartments or ottomans and benches with hidden storage spaces. Additionally, vacuum-sealed storage bags work wonders in optimizing space utilization. Simply place your clothes inside these bags, seal them, and employ a vacuum cleaner to extract the air, compacting the items. This technique proves particularly effective for storing bulky garments such as winter coats or knitwear.
3. Innovative folding and rolling techniques
Rather than stacking clothes on shelves, experiment with alternative methods like rolling them up or adopting the ingenious KonMari folding technique. This method allows for the creation of compact rectangles that can be stored vertically, effectively utilizing every inch of available space.
4. Decluttering is a vital aspect of achieving an efficient wardrobe
While sorting through your garments, consider parting ways with items that no longer bring you joy or serve a purpose in your life. By reducing the number of items you need to store, you create a harmonious and clutter-free environment. If you haven't worn a particular piece within the past 12 months, it's highly likely that you no longer require it.
Now, let me share a few personal tips regarding shopping!
1. Invest in high-quality staple pieces
Prioritize the acquisition of timeless essentials like a classic coat, well-fitted shirts, or a versatile pair of pants. While these may require a slightly larger financial investment, they will remain faithful companions for years to come. You can then effortlessly blend them with trendy high-street fashion pieces, creating a curated and stylish wardrobe.
2. Resist the allure of impulse purchases
Pause and reflect on whether you genuinely need a new item before succumbing to the temptations of a sale. Mere donation of unwanted items to charities does not address the underlying issue. The reality is that a surplus of poor-quality garments floods the market, eventually finding their unfortunate resting place in landfills.
3. Embrace sustainable fibres
Opt for clothing crafted from natural and organic fibres, avoiding synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. These synthetic materials contribute to the escalating problem of plastic pollution, as they are non-biodegradable. Instead, select garments made from natural and organic fibres such as cotton, linen, hemp, and bamboo.
Shopping sustainably is not about being perfect but making conscious choices that align with your values and having a positive impact on the environment and society. We are blessed to be given many choices to shop in Melbourne and I hope my tips will give you some ideas on how to effectively store your clothes in a tight apartment space
