Seasons are changing and so are our closets. If your storage space is limited, you may have to “switch over” to more weather-appropriate clothing. Here are SIX hanger rules to always follow:

1: SIZE MATTERS:

Hangers are NOT “one size fits all”! They do come in different WIDTHS. Average hangers are between 17” and 18” wide. If you have a smaller shoulder span, buy “PETITE” hangers that are only 14.5” wide. I promise it's worth investing in narrower hangers to prevent stretching out your clothing and leaving the dreaded shoulder "bump"!

2. BE CONSISTENT:

Make sure all your hangers are the same.  Whether they're all wood, plastic, or velvet, invest in uniform hangers. My favorites are BLACK velvet with swivel chrome hooks.

3. GET THE BAR:

I always recommend hangers WITH a bottom crossbar instead of a “shirt” hanger without one. The bar makes the hanger much more sturdy and versatile. With a bar, you can hang pants, jeans, and scarves over it or add clips to hang skirts.

4. BLACK IS BEST:

If you are buying flocked, wood, or plastic hangers, black hangers are easiest to “match” when you need replacement hangers. “Fashion” colors are NOT.  Those colors are often discontinued and hard to find when you need to add more. And white can yellow after time and wood stains can fade.

5. NO SHARING: 

Always separate your suits and ONLY hang ONE garment on each hanger. Don’t “hide” a tank under a blouse, or pants under a jacket. Hanging each item separately will help you see ALL of your garments and perhaps create new combinations for your outfits.

6. TURN IT AROUND: 

Finally, every 6 months, or when you "switch over" TURN all of your hangers BACKWARD on the rail. As you wear and wash your clothes, return them to the rail “normally.” At the end of the season, you will know exactly what was worn and what was NOT! Whatever was not worn is a perfect candidate for donation.

Which of these hanger rules do YOU follow?

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