Post by SAR01 on Mar 6, 2024 19:13:44 GMT -5
March 06, 2024
Organizing Your Closet: A Step-by-Step Guide
Taking the time to organize your closet may feel overwhelming, but you can easily nail the task in a weekend-and the return on your efforts pays off in spades. An organized closet doesn't just look good. It saves you from the chaos of frantically searching for that dress or accessory at the last minute, and even prevents you from spending excess money.
Just follow this simple step-by-step guide on how to organize your closet and you'll be well on your way to a stress-free, streamlined space in no time.
Step 1: Pull Everything Out of the Closet
The phrase "it gets worse before it gets better" is one you'll want to repeat as you tackle the first step of organizing your closet, which involves removing and evaluating every single item, which can make it feel like you're working backwards. Trust us, though-this step is critical. The very first thing you need to do when you start to organize your closet is take everything out of the space.
Step 2: Create Toss, Keep, and Donate Piles
Create a pile for items you want to keep, items you plan to donate, and items that aren't fixable and need to be thrown out or repurposed. Let go of items you have not worn in the last year, are damaged, or no longer fit well. I suggest consigning or donating before throwing anything away.
Use the five outfit rule for keeping something: If you can make five outfits with the clothing item, and will wear it, then keep it.
Step 3: Sort Everything by Category
Once you're clear on the clothes and accessories you're keeping sort them into categories based on likeness (like shoes, undergarments, swimwear, workout gear, etc.). Sorting is non-negotiable, since it helps you determine how many items you have in each category. This gives you a better idea of where everything will go once you start putting things back in the closet.
Step 4: Count and Measure Everything
Now it's time to take your inventory. Count and measure everything that you own and plan to keep, including the number of each item in every category, shoe heights, hat widths, and so on.
With nothing in your closet, also take time to measure how much hanging, drawer, and shelf space you have. You can also measure the height of the hanging rods. If this feels overwhelming, then at a minimum, measure the width, height, and depth of your closet shelves and drawers.
Step 5: Set Your Closet Up
Now that you have your inventory and measurements, you can lower or raise hanging rod heights and shoe shelves (if they are adjustable). We often forget that we can move shelves and hanging rods in our closet.
Also place any purchased bins and baskets, dressers, trays, or other storage solutions, like the hanger buddies, into your closet. (Measuring the space beforehand will ensure everything fits just right!)
Our Best Storage and Organization Ideas
Step 6: Put Everything Back
Now, the moment you've been waiting for: putting your closet back together again. As you arrange your pieces, consider which items you wear regularly and store those in easy-to-reach places. For items you use less frequently set those in harder-to-reach places.
Based on your closet inventory and closet design, you can organize or style your closet based on the item type, color, formality, and designer.
How to Maximize Your Closet Space
Some closets are bigger than others. If you need to make the most of every square inch, give these space-expanding ideas a try.
Use baskets and bins: These items allow you to compartmentalize items so they're easier to find. For example, you can have baskets for fitness apparel or beachwear, and clear bins for seasonal sweaters or boots.
Buy matching hangers: To create more space, focus on your hangers. The number-one way to create more space in your closet and provide a uniform look is to swap out your hangers for a matching slimline version.
Products like the hanger buddies are perfect for keeping your closet neat and organized while saving space.
Put your dresser inside: Maximize the negative space beneath your clothes by placing your dresser inside the closet, situating it just below hung items-which will also save you space in your bedroom.
Use trays for accessories: Small accessories-like jewelry and watches-can become disorganized quickly. Small organizational trays ensure these items don't get lost in the shuffle.
Organizing Your Closet: A Step-by-Step Guide
Taking the time to organize your closet may feel overwhelming, but you can easily nail the task in a weekend-and the return on your efforts pays off in spades. An organized closet doesn't just look good. It saves you from the chaos of frantically searching for that dress or accessory at the last minute, and even prevents you from spending excess money.
Just follow this simple step-by-step guide on how to organize your closet and you'll be well on your way to a stress-free, streamlined space in no time.
Step 1: Pull Everything Out of the Closet
The phrase "it gets worse before it gets better" is one you'll want to repeat as you tackle the first step of organizing your closet, which involves removing and evaluating every single item, which can make it feel like you're working backwards. Trust us, though-this step is critical. The very first thing you need to do when you start to organize your closet is take everything out of the space.
Step 2: Create Toss, Keep, and Donate Piles
Create a pile for items you want to keep, items you plan to donate, and items that aren't fixable and need to be thrown out or repurposed. Let go of items you have not worn in the last year, are damaged, or no longer fit well. I suggest consigning or donating before throwing anything away.
Use the five outfit rule for keeping something: If you can make five outfits with the clothing item, and will wear it, then keep it.
Step 3: Sort Everything by Category
Once you're clear on the clothes and accessories you're keeping sort them into categories based on likeness (like shoes, undergarments, swimwear, workout gear, etc.). Sorting is non-negotiable, since it helps you determine how many items you have in each category. This gives you a better idea of where everything will go once you start putting things back in the closet.
Step 4: Count and Measure Everything
Now it's time to take your inventory. Count and measure everything that you own and plan to keep, including the number of each item in every category, shoe heights, hat widths, and so on.
With nothing in your closet, also take time to measure how much hanging, drawer, and shelf space you have. You can also measure the height of the hanging rods. If this feels overwhelming, then at a minimum, measure the width, height, and depth of your closet shelves and drawers.
Step 5: Set Your Closet Up
Now that you have your inventory and measurements, you can lower or raise hanging rod heights and shoe shelves (if they are adjustable). We often forget that we can move shelves and hanging rods in our closet.
Also place any purchased bins and baskets, dressers, trays, or other storage solutions, like the hanger buddies, into your closet. (Measuring the space beforehand will ensure everything fits just right!)
Our Best Storage and Organization Ideas
Step 6: Put Everything Back
Now, the moment you've been waiting for: putting your closet back together again. As you arrange your pieces, consider which items you wear regularly and store those in easy-to-reach places. For items you use less frequently set those in harder-to-reach places.
Based on your closet inventory and closet design, you can organize or style your closet based on the item type, color, formality, and designer.
How to Maximize Your Closet Space
Some closets are bigger than others. If you need to make the most of every square inch, give these space-expanding ideas a try.
Use baskets and bins: These items allow you to compartmentalize items so they're easier to find. For example, you can have baskets for fitness apparel or beachwear, and clear bins for seasonal sweaters or boots.
Buy matching hangers: To create more space, focus on your hangers. The number-one way to create more space in your closet and provide a uniform look is to swap out your hangers for a matching slimline version.
Products like the hanger buddies are perfect for keeping your closet neat and organized while saving space.
Put your dresser inside: Maximize the negative space beneath your clothes by placing your dresser inside the closet, situating it just below hung items-which will also save you space in your bedroom.
Use trays for accessories: Small accessories-like jewelry and watches-can become disorganized quickly. Small organizational trays ensure these items don't get lost in the shuffle.