Megan Burda“ York/Polk Extension Educator
Spring Clean Your Closet
Spring is just around the corner! A change in the weather is a great motivator for a change in the closet. March is a perfect transition month to shift from winter sweaters to spring cardigans.
Getting Started:
Set aside time this month to go through your closet and pull out anything that you have not worn this winter or that doesn’t fit properly.
Sort It Out:
Sort clothing into the following categories: Keep, Mend, Sell, Toss
Designate specific areas for each category:
Keep – on the bed
Mend in a laundry basket
Sell in a box
Toss in a trash bag
Category Definitions:
Keep – Any clothing item that you wear often, specifically within the last year or season.
Rule of thumb: If you have not worn it at least once in the past year, Sell or Toss it.
Mend – Clothing items that you have worn this past year but need some TLC. This pile could also include items that have potential for recycling or repurposing.
Sell – Clothing items that you have not worn recently or that do not fit and are in good condition.
Toss – Clothing items that are very worn and not appropriate to donate or recycle.
Clean It Up:
Now that you have done the sorting, it is time to do something with each pile. Everything in the Keep pile can be put back in your closet. This creates a great opportunity to reorganize. Flip your closet so that your spring clothes are toward the front for easy access and the winter clothes are in the back. Sort by color and style. This is a great way to take a clothing inventory. Do you notice that you have one or two dominant colors in your closet? Think about this as you are shopping for Spring and Summer.
The clothing in the Mend pile can be sorted into two sub-categories: Needs Alterations or Repurpose. Anything that needs alterations can be taken to a professional. In the repurpose pile, look for opportunities. T-shirts can be cut into dust rags. Socks can be put away for wood staining projects.
The Sell pile can be boxed up for a garage sale or taken to a local consignment store for potential cash back. Whatever does not sell or was not accepted at the consignment store should be taken to a local thrift store.
Anything in the Toss pile should be thrown out right away. There is no need to keep it once you have determined that it is appropriate to toss.
Remember: Be honest with yourself about whether or not something really fits or if you have worn it in the past year. Do not go back through the piles in an effort to something. Go with your initial reaction and stick with it.
Upcoming Events
4-H Dog Project Seminar
Have you ever watched dogs zipping through an obstacle course on TV or the Best of Show winner at the Westminster Dog Show? Did you know your 4-Her could train your family dog to do those things through 4-H? Did you also know that a pumpkin dog food topper can promote your dog’s well-being?
Come and learn all about the project and what your 4-Her could do in the project at our 4-H Dog Project Seminar led by experienced dog trainers on March 19 at the Cornerstone Building on the York County Fairgrounds from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visit the best board and train for dogs and learn the basics of dog training, the difference in the skill levels your 4-Her can enter and tips and information that will set your 4-Her on the right path in their journey with their furry best friend within the dog project.
Have questions? Call Mary Bristol (402) 366-2659 PLEASE leave your dog at home.
4-H Public Speaking Workshop
March 28, 2016 from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
York County Extension Office
Have you ever wondered what it takes to give a 4-H speech? Or, thought about recording a 4-H PSA, but wasn’t sure where to start? Well here is your opportunity to learn a new skill! Information will be shared on how to write your speech/PSA, tips on how to speak properly, and the benefits of participating in the York County 4-H Public Speaking Contest. Learn in an interactive environment with 4-H members in your age category. Youth will have the opportunity to practice their skills and receive helpful hints on preparing for the contest. Reserve your spot for this workshop by calling the Extension Office at (402) 362-5508 before March 21. For questions, contact Megan Burda at megan.burda@unl.edu
