Best Kept Secrets for a Perfectly Organized Closet
Having a perfectly organized closet can feel like a dream come true. It saves time, reduces stress, and keeps your clothes looking their best. However, organizing your messy closet can feel completely overwhelming. Here are some of the best-kept secrets to help you transform your cluttered closet into a tidy space.
Sort and Declutter
The first step to organizing your closet is to take everything out. Yes, everything. This may seem daunting, but it’s important to start with a clean slate. Once your closet is empty, give it a good cleaning. Dust the shelves, vacuum the floor, and wipe down all the surfaces.
With everything out of the closet, it’s time to sort through your items. Create three piles: keep, donate, and toss. Be honest with yourself about what you actually wear and need. If you haven’t worn something in the past year, it’s probably safe to say you don’t need it. For items that are still in good condition but no longer fit your style or size, consider donating them. Clothes that are worn out or damaged can be tossed or repurposed as cleaning rags.
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to sort the remaining clothing into categories. Group similar items together—shirts with shirts, pants with pants, and so on. This will make it easier to find what you’re looking for and keep your closet organized in the long run. If you want to take this a step further you can even choose to organize each category by color or season.
Putting Everything Back
One of the easiest ways to make your closet look more organized is to use matching hangers. They create a uniform look and can save space by hanging clothes at the same level. Slim, non-slip hangers are a great option because they maximize space and prevent clothes from slipping off.
Be sure to use the vertical space in your closet as this often remains wasted space. Install additional shelves or hanging rods to make the most of the height. Use the top shelves for items you don’t need to access frequently, such as off-season clothing or special occasion items. For lower spaces, consider adding a small dresser or cubbies for shoes and accessories.
Set Yourself up for Success
There are tons of storage options on the market to help you keep your closet organized. Clear plastic bins are perfect for storing smaller items like scarves, belts, and hats. Drawer organizers can help keep your socks and underwear neatly separated. Over-the-door organizers are great for shoes, bags, or even jewelry. Investing in a few good storage solutions can make a big difference in maintaining an organized closet.
Labels are your best friend when it comes to keeping a closet organized. Use labels on bins, boxes, and shelves so every item has its place. This not only helps you stay organized but also makes it easier for anyone else in your household to put things back in the right place. You can use a label maker, or use reusable labels as they remove clean without leaving residue.
To keep your closet manageable, rotate your clothes seasonally. Store out-of-season items in bins or boxes on the top shelves or under the bed. This frees up space for the clothes you’re currently wearing and makes it easier to see what you have. When you switch out your clothes each season, take the opportunity to declutter items that you no longer need along the way.
Shoes can quickly become a mess in a closet. Consider using a shoe rack, cubbies, or clear shoe boxes. Arrange them by type and frequency of use. Everyday shoes should be easily accessible, while special occasion shoes can be stored higher up or towards the back.
Other Helpful Tips
The back of your closet door is another option for additional storage that is often overlooked. Use over-the-door hooks or racks to hang bags, hats, or robes. This is also a great place to hang a full-length mirror if you don’t have one elsewhere in your room. Utilizing the door space can help keep your closet floor clear and make the most of your available space.
For items that don’t need to be hung, such as sweaters and jeans, folding them neatly can save a lot of space. Try using the Konmari method of folding to store items in drawers or on shelves. This method involves folding clothes into rectangular shapes that can stand upright, making it easy to see everything at a glance. This not only looks tidy but also prevents clothes from getting wrinkled.
The key to maintaining an organized closet is having a system in place. Create a routine for putting away clean laundry, rotating seasonal items, and regularly decluttering items you no longer wear. Make it a habit to spend a few minutes each week tidying up your closet. Having a system will help you stay on top of things and prevent your closet from becoming chaotic again.
Choose what works best for you and your lifestyle. If you have a large collection of scarves, for example, make sure you have a dedicated space for them. If you prefer to hang all your clothes, invest in extra hanging rods. The more your closet works for you, the more likely you are to keep it organized.
Stay Consistent
Consistency is key to maintaining an organized closet. Make it a habit to put things back in their designated spots after use. Staying consistent with your organizing efforts will ensure that your closet remains a functional and stress-free space.
A perfectly organized closet is completely attainable if you implement these tips. The key is to create a system that works for you and to stay consistent with your organizing efforts. With a little effort, you can enjoy a beautifully organized closet that will make your life so much easier!
