The new year is a great time to organize and declutter your home. One area that often gets neglected is your closet. Organizing your closet makes getting ready each morning a breeze. Follow these tips to transform a messy closet into a neat and orderly space.
Evaluate What You Own
Take everything out of your closet and sort items into piles: keep, donate, throw away, or sell. Be ruthless and get rid of anything you haven’t worn in over a year (unless it’s a special occasion item). Also, discard worn-out, stained, and ill-fitting items.
Use Organizing Tools
Invest in some organizing tools to maximize your closet space. Shelving, storage cubes, shoe racks, and hangers can help you neatly arrange everything. Consider using slim velvet hangers to save space and prevent clothes from slipping off.
Arrange by Category When Organizing Your Closet
Group similar items together so your closet has designated areas. Have a section for shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, etc. Seasonal organization helps keep the right clothes accessible depending on the time of year. Rotate clothes as the seasons change.
Use Containers and Bins
Use see-through bins, baskets, or storage containers to hold smaller items like socks, underwear, accessories, belts, scarves, and swimwear. Label the containers so you know what’s inside.
Hang Frequently Worn Items Up Front
Place the clothes you wear most at the front of your closet or in the most accessible areas. Off-season clothing can go in the back. Having go-to pieces up front makes getting ready faster.
Purge Unwanted Hangers
Get rid of random hangers that are broken, mismatched, or the wrong size. Uniform wood or velvet hangers give a closet a tidy, cohesive look.
Add Shelving For Shoes and Bags
Maximize vertical space by installing shelving above the hanging rod for shoes, purses, and other accessories. Use organizational tools like shoe racks, purse hooks and shelves to nearly arrange everything.
Use Door Space for Organizing Your Closet
Hang an over-the-door shoe organizer or hooks on the back of closet doors to take advantage of empty space. Use the hooks to hang belts, ties, scarves, hats, and purses.
Keep it Tidy
Maintain your organized closet by putting clothing back properly after wearing and laundering items. Do a quick purge every 3-6 months to clear out new unwanted items.
Organizing Your Closet: FAQ
How often should I declutter my closet?
Aim to do a deep clean and declutter at least twice yearly – in the spring and fall before changing over your wardrobe. Quick purges every 3-6 months will keep things tidy.
What are the best shelves or storage cubes for a closet?
Look for shelves and cubes made from durable materials like wood or steel wire. Measure your closet first to find the right size organizers.
Where should I store shoes in a small closet?
Install shelves or shoe racks specifically sized for shoes. You can also use over-the-door hanging shoe organizers.
How can I organize clothing without a closet?
Use a freestanding wardrobe, armoire, or clothing rack. Install shelving units, hooks, and organizational tools to neatly arrange clothing. Storage cubes, baskets, and vacuum storage bags help maximize space.
What are space-saving ways to store accessories?
Use jewelry organizers, hanging shelves, and small bins to neatly store jewelry, scarves, sunglasses, and other accessories. Door hooks and hanging bags are great for belts and ties.
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