If you struggle to find what you need in your closet, it may be time to declutter your storage space. It’s helpful to know how to organize a closet and keep it clean. Where do you start? It is simpler than you may think. Follow these eight steps to create organized storage space.
1. To Organize a Closet, Take Everything Out
To get started with your organization project, remove everything from your closet. This means every item of clothing, all accessories, shoes, boxes, and any storage containers. Empty all drawers and bins and clear off any shelves. Make sure your closet is empty.
2. Declutter the Space
Take the time to declutter your storage space. Throw away or donate any clothing that you haven’t used in over a year. Only keep what fits you well, what is currently in fashion, and what you wear regularly. Don’t hold on to clothes that you hope to one day fit into. Get rid of items that you haven’t made time to repair.
Instead of throwing away clothing that’s in good repair, donate to a local charity. Many of these organizations will even come to your home to pick up unwanted items.
3. Clean the Area
Before you restock the closet, clean it well. Sweep and mop the floors or vacuum the carpet, wipe down the walls, and dust any fixtures. Now is a great time to apply a fresh coat of paint to revitalize the space before you organize your possessions.
4. Properly Hang Clothes To Organize a Closet
Evening wear and work clothes should be hung up properly after being dry cleaned or washed and ironed. Hang as many pieces of clothing as possible to conserve space. Organize your hanging clothes to easily find what you need. You may choose to hang like items together. Place all work suits in one area, casual wear in another, and evening dresses in another.
Another option is to hang clothing by type. This means you’ll store your shirts together, tank tops in the same place, jeans, and so on. Others like to organize their clothing by seasons. If it is currently winter, store wool items, sweaters, and long pants front and center; while shorts and summer clothes are located in the back.
5. Store Some Clothing in a Dresser
If you have space, place a dresser in your closet. With four or five drawers you can store undergarments, socks, tights, and accessories. Place smaller items in the top drawer for easy access. Use small dividers or containers to divvy up the top drawer and keep it organized properly.
Keep more casual clothing that you can fold in your dresser. For example, sweatshirts, tees, jeans, leggings, and cargo pants hold their shape when folded. Use a separate drawer for workout clothes and pajamas.
6. Install Shelves to Help You Organize
Shelves are great for storing personal items like toiletries, jewelry boxes, and mementos. They can house plastic bins to keep belts, hats, handbags, and other accessories organized. Use shelves to hold shoes, keeping the more frequently worn pairs closer to the front of your closet.
You also have the option of closet organization systems, available at hardware stores and online, to help you make the best use of your space.
7. Organize your Footwear
Speaking of shoes, don’t simply toss them at the bottom of your closet. Organize shoes by category and season, and place them on a shoe rack if you don’t have shelves. There are models that sit on the floor of your closet and there are over-the-door varieties. There are even soft fabric types that suspend from a hanger and take up less space.
8. Using Overhead Space is Important to Organize a Closet
If you have overhead shelving in your closet, it may be difficult to reach. Overhead shelves are not the best place for clothing or footwear but are great for storing things you don’t use that often. Photo albums, boxes of souvenirs, and off-season clothing can be stored overhead. Label everything well so you know what is in each box.
Taking these steps will help you to organize your wardrobe. Knowing where to find the items you need will save you time and frustration in your daily routine.
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