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Getting Ready for Spring Cleaning at the Bartlett Library

On Tuesday, Jan. 15, the craze of organizing and maximizing space hit the Bartlett Public Library District as patrons gathered to learn tips and tricks for organizing their closets.

The topic was led by Professional Organizer Beth Randall. Randall has been in the organizing business for more than 15 years, and has shared her expertise in presentations to thousands of people over the years.

Randall provided a step-by-step guide on the best way she has found to organize a closet.

First, one has to schedule time to organize, actually put the date and time in a calendar to be accountable. She suggested scheduling enough time, and if more is needed then perhaps it would be better to do it in smaller segments than all at once. It's important to have all the supplies necessary such as black/white garbage bags (to differentiate between donation items and regular garbage), cardboard boxes, laundry baskets, etc.

She got a laugh from attendees when she suggested inviting friends or relatives over to help with the cleaning. However, she said it was an opportunity to have fun company. Bartering could even be done by offering to help them clean out their closets if they help with your own.

When it's time to start, make sure to sort and purge. Randall explained that people have to be honest when this process begins. Will this article of clothing ever be worn again? Does it fit? Is it a favorite? Is there a special occasion to wear it?

Some quick tips she gave were also to get rid of empty hangers and get rid of clothes bigger than the size you have now. She also said to have a designated box ready at home to put donation items in as time goes on.

She also gave tips on how to deal with non-clothing items. Attendees once again laughed when Randall explained a previous client of hers had a massive telescope in their closet. But, what to do about that telescope or other non-clothing items? Simple: Put them where they belong right away. Even if you have mugs or plates or books, put them where they belong when you empty out your closet so that they don't make their way back where they came from.

The easiest things to get rid of from a closet should be stained or ripped clothes, and shoes that hurt when worn.

Now that the closet is empty, what's next?

Randall suggested a few things to be done: Vacuum or dust, repair or add shelving, make sure to get all the same type of hangers, see if there is a need for clear containers, possibly get cascading or double hangers if needed, or have a shelf divider if desired.

When it's finally time to put everything back in the closet, it's important to categorize the clothing either by season, style, type, purpose, etc. Randall even suggests hanging whole outfits together if that would make everything easier.

Still don't have room in the closet after going through all the previous steps? Randall said to store off-season clothes elsewhere (perhaps a basement closet), use Space Bags or use hangers that cascade.

For those wondering about accessory or jewelry storage, Randall suggested purchasing a hanging jewelry organizer, or an over the door shoe holder.

Randall offered a list of various helpful websites:

-Stacksandstacks.com

-Improvementscatalog.com

-Clutterdiet.com

-QVC.com

-Spacebag.com

For information from presenter Beth Randall, head to her website at www.bethrandall.org.

If you missed this program, an upcoming adult program at the Bartlett Library is the "Elgin American Compacts: A History of Makeup" concert on Sunday, Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. Using her collection of Elgin American powder compacts, Elgin historian Linda Rock describes the evolution of women's makeup from Egyptian times to today. Audience volunteers will become makeup artists and make up models from the 1920s and 1950s. Presented with the generous support of the Bartlett Historical Society.

For more information and a complete listing of scheduled programs, call 630.837.2855 or visit www.bartlettlibrary.org.

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