An Organized Closet is Possible, A Step by Step Guide
Shelf dividers keep stacks neat so there's room for more.
Is it because we can close the door on it that a closet can easily turn into a cluttered disaster area? In just Eight Simple Steps, you can clean and organize your closet. You’ll save yourself time and trouble the next time you’re looking for that special pair of shoes or a favorite blouse.
Step 1: You’ll need these basic supplies:
- Hangers (same color)
- Hooks
- Tie rack
- Belt rack
- Shoe rack
- Shelves (hanging, standing, etc.)
- Plastic tubs or cardboard boxes
- Garbage bags
Tip: If you share your closet, consider two sets of hangers in different colors to distinguish one from the other.
Step 2: Take everything out of the closet.
Tip: This is a great time to clean and repaint the closet. A clean white washable semi-gloss is best because it will reflect light to make your closet brighter.
Tip: A fluorescent light (like these drawer and closet lights) is considered the safest choice for a closet, though incandescent lighting shows colors more accurately and is safe if enclosed or recessed.
Tip: Install a few hooks for hats, umbrellas, purses, etc. You may want to take advantage of the space on the back of the door by using over-door hooks to hang things like robes.
Step 3: Relocate all non-clothing items (i.e., vacuum cleaner, suitcases, golf clubs, etc.) to a more appropriate place.
Step 4: Separate clothing into three types: Keep, Mend or Donate.
Tip: Try things on to make sure they still fit and don’t need mending.
Tip: Place the “Donate” items in garbage bags and put them in your car for delivery. Be sure to make a list of items donated so you can use them as a tax deduction.
Tip: Be brutally honest about those items you will mend, because you don’t want to waste valuable closet space for clothes you can’t wear. Place items you will mend in a clearly identified plastic tub/box and store elsewhere.
Tip: Because we wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time, your “Keep” pile could be the smallest of the three.
Step 5: Separate your “Keep” clothing into Summer, Winter, Spring and Fall.
Tip: Remember, it’s not too late to move pieces to “Donate” status!
Step 6: Place out-of-season clothes in tubs or boxes marked for their season, and then store elsewhere.
Tip: Toss some cedar chips in each container to fight off moths and keep things smelling fresh.
Tip: To protect your heavy coats or tall boots from being crushed and wrinkled, stuff them with acid-free tissue.
Step 7: Now, separate the remaining in-season clothing into Work, Casual and Special Occasion.
Step 8: Return in-season clothing to the closet, separating them into the three categories in Step 7. Put like-garments together (e.g., pants/slacks, shirts/blouses, etc.).
Tip: Fold sweaters and knits tops that will likely become stretched or misshapen if hung. Add instant shelves above or below your hanging storage, or stack neatly on the closet shelf using shelf dividers to keep stacks neat.
Tip: If you don’t have a shoe tree, consider clear plastic boxes that will protect shoes placed on your existing shelves.
Tip: Shoes can also be stored in shoe boxes. You can take a picture of each pair and tape it to the front of the box for easy identification.
Tip: Avoid storing clothing in dry-cleaning bags. It’s best to remove them before entering your home to let the chemical smell dissipate.
Tip: An over-the-door clear plastic shoe holder is perfect for organizing small accessory items.
Tip: Hang pants and skirts on clip hangers to prevent the wrinkles caused by draping them over wire hangers.
Tip: Be sure to keep a ladder or stool handy to reach clothing stored on high shelves.
If I had all that store elsewhere space I wouldn’t have all that stuff in my closet!