Can’t seem to find the clothes you need when getting ready in the morning, clothes are wrinkled because they are so tightly packed, and getting dressed takes more time than the rest of the tasks that are part of your morning routine? If these are problems you have, it sounds like it is time to take control of the closet clutter and get organized.
Here’s 4 simple steps to closet clutter freedom.
Step 1: Purge your closet.
Take everything out of your closet and get rid of those items that you no longer wear and don’t fit.
Step 2: Assess your items and determine your storage needs
Once everything is out of your closet. This may include shoe storage, hand bags, belts, scarves, etc. This is also the CRUCIAL point where you can decide what to keep and what to give away. If you find that you STILL have too many items, calm down & watch “Tidying Up w/ Marie Kondo”. Then proceed to Step 3.
Step 3: Create a storage plan.
Once you have determined your storage needs it is time to get your closet organized to efficiently use every inch of space. For shoe storage you could consider cubbies for your slim shoes such as flats and flip flops. The remaining cubbies can be used to store other items such as belts and scarves. A tilted shoe rack is also a great option because it allows you to see all of your shoes.
Installing shelving at the top of your closet is a great place to store extra bags and clear dividers can help them stand upright.
Installing double rods is another way to efficiently use vertical space. You can hang shorter items on the top rod and then hang your bottom rod directly below those items. This gives you the extra space to hang additional clothes.
Use bins and label them. Cloth bins are a great option for random accessories and out of season items such as bathing suits and winter hats and gloves.
To keep organized, luggage tags are great to use to label these bins so you know where everything is, as well as a great reminder to put your items back in their proper place.
Step 4: Enact you storage plan & get organized.
When hanging your clothes in the closet the best way to organize them is by type. For example- long sleeve shirts, short sleeve shirts, jackets, etc. Then if you want to take it to the next level organize by color within each type.
Now when you go to get dressed you know which section of your closet to look in for a specific type of clothing. Use hangers that are the same size and type when hanging your clothes for a more clean and streamlined look. The velvet hangers are also great space-savers!
For your sweaters you should fold them neatly on a shelf instead of hanging to avoid hanger marks and stretching. Sweaters can also be
folded and organized by color.
To keep things neat and tidy make sure to add a hamper to your closet, if you have the space, That way dirty clothes have a home so they don’t end up on your floor or mixed in with the clean clothes.
To find shelving and other closet organizing accessories you can go to the Containerstore or try visiting a hardware store such as Home Depot – they have a whole section dedicated to organizing.
Remember, create your plan for the type of shelving and bins you need to fit your clothing and accessory storage needs, then head to the store with your shopping list and measurements in hand.
If you have the space, you may want to hang a full-size mirror in your closet for dressing. And if you have a walk-in closet, a nice bench is a great addition so you have a place to sit when putting on clothes and shoes. A curved bench will fit the space better than a rectangular bench.
Enjoy your newly organized closet!