TheCleaners.net

Out with the Old, in with the New -- that's the beauty of a fresh, new year.  We all have the urge to mark it with a resolution or two.  Of course, most of those fall by the wayside by February, don't they?

This week, we want to encourage you to make a Closet Resolution -- no, not one that you keep secret, but one that will give you a whole new attitude toward your clothing for the year.  We've also got a few links for you to get a better grip on your closet space.  And if you follow our suggestion, you'll have one resolution completed before you know it (so you can go on to another one, or just sit back and feel virtuous.)

We look forward to serving you throughout 2004!

Jim Nixon,
The Cleaners

Quantity AND Quality Coupon!

Do you find yourself holding back from letting us clean everything that needs it, because you're afraid of the bill?  Fear no more.  Bring it in by the armload, and for every 2 pieces you have done at regular price, we'll do another piece at no charge! (that's 1/3 off)! (Include the first page of this e-mail with your order.  Offer expires January 15, 2003.  Cannot be combined with other offers.)

Ready for a Trying (On) Time?

You're grabbed by the impulse to make a resolution you can keep, and that will actually do you some good.  Joining a health club is great, but how about something more immediate? 

Make the Great Closet Resolution!

Step 1

Set aside a time within the next week when you will have some uninterrupted privacy.  Then open every closet door and dresser drawer.

Step 2

Start at one end of your closet and work your way to the other, trying on every single garment in it.  Do the same with the drawers, breaking the garments down into four categories:

1. Keep -- things that feel good on you, look good on you, and fit properly.  Nothing border-line in this pile, only the real keepers.  If you haven't worn it in the last year, you should probably not keep it, unless it is a formal garment that is only worn for specific types of events.
2. Fixer-Uppers -- items that either have a stain or some repair that needs to be done.  These are not terminal cases, just items you WOULD wear if only they were spiffed up.
3. Out -- things that don't fit (no rationalizing that it MIGHT fit again some day...) or that are uncomfortable, the wrong cut or colors for you, or that don't suit your personality.  Aunt Mildred may have given you a wonderful sweater, but since you will always be 12 years old in her mind, it's not really fitting with the sophisticated adult you've become.  OUT!
4. Undecided -- for the moment, this is where you put those that you can't justify putting in either pile listed above.  But keep in mind, this is just for the moment!

Step 3

Split the Out garments into piles and bag them.  Piles can include those items you will give to charity, those you would prefer to give to a friend who has admired them (and whom they will fit), and those that are too expensive to just get rid of -- find a good local resale shop that works on consignment for these.

Step 4

Bag up the Fixer-Uppers and put them by the door so that you can bring them to us or have them picked up for servicing.  Remember that we're happy to make small repairs, if you just let us know you'd like that done.  We can turn a never-worn garment back into a much-loved one very quickly.

Step 5

You knew it was coming -- go back to that Undecided pile and look hard at each garment.  Why were you undecided about it?  Be ruthless here.  If it's a classic cut, made of good material and fits you, it's a candidate for the Keepers pile.  But if it's the wrong color or has a sleeve lining that's never been right, or simply doesn't become you, it goes in to the proper Out bag.  Most of the Undecided pile should end up in the Out bags!

Step 6

Take a big breath and pat yourself on the back.  The absolute worst is behind you!  Now you can hang all the Keepers back up, and you'll discover you suddenly have a closet where the clothes can actually breathe again.  Not only that, but you can see them well, and see where you have genuine gaps in your wardrobe that can be filled with the Spring and Summer fashions that are on the way. 

Put the foldable clothes back in the (now much emptier) drawers.  Doesn't everything look great?  You can find what you need, and see what you have at a glance.  Good for you!

Step 7

How's your storage space?  These days, there are so many options for closet design that it boggles the mind.  Consider reworking your storage space and making the most of it through partitioning it differently, building in some shelves or shoe holders, and making it easier for you to coordinate outfits in a snap.

• Easy Closets -- a site that lets you design a closet right online and have the materials shipped to you for installation.
• Organize Everything -- a site with organizational solutions for everything from closets to drawers, garages and offices (in case the organizational bug has really bitten you.)
• Hire Someone! -- a site that helps you find someone in your area to build the closet of your dreams. (Click on Home Improvement Contractors.)

Step 8

Let us handle the spots and minor repairs -- you've done enough work already!  And once those clothes get back home, take them out of the plastic wrappings.  Fabrics need to have space to breathe, and should never be stored in plastic.  (Those coverings are only to protect them from soil in transit.)

Step 9

Make a list of the colors or color groups your wardrobe includes, and another list of a few items that you'd like to add to your closet.  Keep the lists in your purse or wallet, so that when you find yourself in a store confronted by a great sale, you can still shop with focus and precision.

Step 10

Be prepared to gloat when your friends moan about having already broken all their Resolutions.  You're miles ahead -- in more ways than one.