5 tips for organizing a closet
Your closet is often the first thing you look at in the morning, and it sets the tone for your day. Ideally, it should feel like a party where you know everyone and, more importantly, actually like everyone! Having an organized, functional closet not only helps you set yourself up for success, it also allows you to start off your day on the right foot because it will help you feel at peace and in control. Apparently, the New York Times said that 31% of people were more satisfied after clearing out their closet than after sex. Regardless of where you fall, read on for 5 simple organizing tips! (See here for product recommendations. As for decluttering tips, you get my list of 10 things to declutter from your closet when you sign up for my newsletter.)
This photo was taken by Curtis Adams for Pexels.
1 – The easiest way to make your closet look better is…
There are small details that will help your closet look and feel more organized, but here’s the most effective one: use matching hangers. And absolutely get rid of the flimsy ones! Replacing your hangers is a simple step to take, but it will make such a big difference! Velvet hangers are inexpensive, yet look stylish, and are functional in that they help prevent your clothes from slipping off. Slim wooden hangers are also a great option, as are very sturdy plastic ones. You won't realize how good it feels to have all those hangers looking uniform until you try it!
2 – The floor is not for storage.
Another common issue is using the floor for storage. Ideally, you shouldn't have anything on the floor of your closet – I don't mean simply that it shouldn't be messy or cluttered, I mean that it should not be the designated home for items such as shoes, sandals, and boots. Try storing those on a shoe rack or on shelves, which will not only make them more visible and accessible, but will also help ensure that you are not tripping over your shoes when you reach for something else. The same is true of handbags and purses – try storing them on the top shelf in clear bags or acrylic boxes, so that they remain visible but do not get dusty. Alternatively, there are purse hangers that will keep them handy without bending the handles and straps.
3 – For the small things.
It is also worth looking at small accessories such as jewelry, belts, scarves, hair ties, etc. If you do not have the luxury of drawers with divider inserts, try a jewelry box (in a closet, I especially like the tall, shallow ones behind a full-length mirror that swings open) or specialty hangers for your belts and scarves. Again, the important thing is to keep your belongings both easily visible and easily accessible. You should also get rid of extra packaging, which I often come across in clients' closets (even if it's from a fancy store and looks nice, it will prevent you from seeing what it contains, and you will lose track of those items - or you will realize that the packaging was empty and just taking up space for nothing).
4 – Plan for the way you use your closet.
Next, see if specific items tend to pile up and see how you can remedy that. I suggest having a hamper in your closet for dirty clothes, as well as a donation box for those items you no longer want (when the box is full, simply donate the contents). I also pack all my travel items inside my largest suitcase, which keeps them contained until the next trip. Keep spare hangers directly on the hanging rod instead of making a pile elsewhere.
Consider installing a few hooks in your closet, too. Spare hooks can be great for those clothes that you wore once and therefore cannot be hung back in your closet, but that are not quite dirty enough to wash yet. You can also use a hook to set up your outfit for the day or for an upcoming special event.
5 – Use bins for folded items.
Most of the time, I recommend getting rid of hanging fabric shelves and stacking plastic drawers – they tend to be flimsy and really not as practical as one would think. Also, try not to stack folded clothes in piles – it’s impossible to reach the items on the bottom, and the piles will eventually topple over anyway. Instead, assuming vertical file-folding in a drawer is not an option, get some open bins and use those the same way you would a drawer. This helps keep items such as t-shirts visible and accessible. Bins are also great for swimsuits and coverups, or winter accessories like hats and gloves.
This photo was taken by Chastity Cortijo for Unsplash.
Hi there! I’m Amélie, a professional home organizer in San Antonio, Texas. I help people like you declutter their home, organize their belongings, and simplify their life. I love cleaning out a closet and removing a carload of donations from a home! My goal is to help you create a functional space that will make your life easier and more peaceful.
Interested? Check out my personalized services or book your complimentary consultation!