The One Thing You Need to Remove From Your Closet Now

I am a stickler for hangers.  When tasked with decluttering any closet, the first order of business is a deep and meaningful on proper hanger usage. I bring my own stash for demonstration purposes and back-up and a wagging finger of shame (patent pending) should things get ugly. This might be seen as taking it a bit too seriously. I say you can never be too serious about hangers. Why? Used properly, these humble tools can carry out a few basic but critical functions:

• create a unified and aesthetically-pleasing display,
• help you see what you have more clearly,
• increase the lifespan of your clothes,
• make getting dressed a whole lot easier.

That might be a rather impressive C.V. but it’s worth noting that not all hangers are created equal. As anyone who’s seen Joan Crawford’s infamous and incendiary rant in Mommie Dearest will attest, there’s a sliding scale of what constitutes good hanger etiquette starting at the bottom of the barrel – wire hangers.

Wire hangers are the bona fide delinquents of decent storage. Aggressive and capable of doubling as D.I.Y. weapons, their list of closet felonies include:

• leaving marks on and misshapening the shoulders of shirts, blouses, dresses and jackets,
• causing discolouration, mildew and mould damage when found in the company of plastic covers from dry cleaners,
• potential to snag and damage delicate fabric,
• potential to rust when in contact with damp,
• potential to leave permanent marks and unsightly wrinkles on trouser legs.

It’s safe to say they are not to be trusted. Should you spy these closet offenders anywhere near your clothes, have them disposed of immediately. Do likewise when collecting anything from the dry cleaners. No good can come of it. Period.

You’ve been warned.