Quick Tips For A More Organized Closet

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Organizing your closet can seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach and some practical tips, you can transform your cluttered space into a tidy and functional area. Whether you're dealing with a small walk-in closet or a large storage space, these steps will help you declutter, categorize, and optimize your closet for maximum efficiency.

Step 1: Empty Your Closet

The first step in organizing your closet is to empty it completely. Remove everything from the shelves, floor, and hangers. This includes baskets, bins, and any other items that are currently stored in the closet. Emptying your closet gives you a clear slate to work with and allows you to see what you have and what you need to keep, donate, or discard.

Why Emptying is Crucial

Emptying your closet is not just about removing items; it's about creating a space that's tailored to your needs. By removing everything, you can assess what you truly need and what can be let go of. This process also helps identify items that are no longer useful or that have been misplaced over time.

Tips for Emptying

1. Use Black Garbage Bags: Designate one bag for trash and another for donations. This keeps the items you're getting rid of organized and makes the process easier.
2. Laundry Basket: Use a laundry basket to hold items that belong elsewhere in the house but are currently in the closet.
3. Seasonal Storage: Store last season's clothes in a separate area, like a bucket or bin, to keep them out of the way but still accessible.

Step 2: Declutter and Donate

Once your closet is empty, it's time to declutter and donate items that no longer serve you. This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for a more organized space.

The KonMari Method

Heather Aiello, a professional organizer, recommends using the KonMari Method for decluttering. This method focuses on keeping only items that spark joy. Ask yourself, "Does this item bring me joy?" If not, consider letting it go.

Sorting Piles

Create three piles:

• Keep: Items that you truly need or bring you joy.
• Donate/Discard: Items that are still in good condition but no longer needed.
• Toss: Items that are damaged or beyond repair.

Tips for Decluttering

1. Be Honest: Be honest with yourself about each item. If you haven't used it in a year, it's likely safe to let it go.
2. Consider the 80/20 Rule: 80% of the time, you likely wear 20% of your clothes. Keep this in mind when deciding what to keep.
3. Keep Memories Separate: If an item holds sentimental value but doesn't fit or serve a purpose, consider taking a photo of it and letting it go.

Step 3: Sort Items by Category

Now that your closet is decluttered, it's time to sort items by category. This helps you visualize the space you need for different items and makes it easier to find what you're looking for.

Categorize Your Belongings

Separate your items into categories such as:

• Shoes
• Outerwear
• Evening Wear
• Casual Clothes

Tips for Sorting

1. Group Similar Items Together: Keep all shoes together, all dresses together, etc.
2. Use Color Coding: If you're a visual organizer, consider arranging items of the same color or length together.
3. Label Everything: Label drawers and storage boxes to help you locate items quickly.

Step 4: Assess Your Storage System

With your items sorted, it's time to choose the right closet storage solution for you. There are many great options available, from complete closet system kits to budget-friendly dividers and drawers.

Choosing the Right Organizers

1. Invest in Better Drawers and Shelving: Big-box home improvement centers and online home organization sites offer storage solutions that include drawers and shelving units tailored to your closet's available space.
2. Use Rack Tags, Shelf Dividers, and Over-the-Door Organizers: These tools can help keep things organized and make the most of your space.
3. Consider Vacuum-Seal Storage Bags: These are great for storing lesser-used items like out-of-season clothes or accessories.

Tips for Installing Organizers

1. Measure Carefully: Measure at least three times before purchasing a new system to ensure it fits perfectly.
2. Customize Your Space: If possible, customize your storage solutions to fit your specific needs and the layout of your closet.

Step 5: Put Everything Away

Now that you have your storage system in place, it's time to put everything away. How you organize your clothes and drawers depends both on the space available and your usage of each category.

Organizing Clothes

1. Create a System Based on Frequency of Use: Keep everyday essentials within easy reach while storing off-season or special occasion items in labeled bins or storage boxes.
2. Use Mari Kondo's "File Folding" Method: This method involves folding clothes in a way that allows them to be seen at a glance when you open a drawer.
3. Label Everything: Label drawers and storage boxes so you can quickly find what you need.

Tips for Hanging Clothes

1. Hang Clothes by Type: Hang shirts, dresses, and other items by type rather than color or sleeve length.
2. Flip Hangers: Hang clothes with the hangers flipped backwards if you want to keep track of what you haven't worn recently.
3. Use Hooks: Use hooks for items like belts, scarves, and hats to keep them off the floor and out of the way.

Step 6: Maintain Your Closet

Organizing your closet is not a one-time task; it requires regular maintenance to keep it clutter-free and functional.

Tips for Maintenance

1. Tidy Often: Follow the six organization steps above at least twice a year and complete a quick tidying once a month to prevent clutter from building up again.
2. Use a Catch-All Basket: Keep a catch-all basket in your closet for items that don't have a designated place but need to be stored temporarily.
3. Utilize Wall Space: Use wall space for hanging jewelry or accessories to keep them organized and out of the way.

Additional Tips for Lazy Organizers

If you're someone who struggles with organizing due to lack of time or energy, here are some tips that can make the process easier:

Organize by Type

Organize your clothes by type rather than color. This makes it easier to find what you're looking for and reduces decision fatigue when putting clothes away.

Use Bins for Easy Storage

Use bins for items like leggings, underwear, or other items that don't need folding. This keeps them organized and easy to access.

Don't Overcomplicate It

Don't overcomplicate the process by trying too many different methods at once. Start with simple steps like sorting by type and then move on to more detailed organization techniques.

Keep It Simple

Keep your closet organized by keeping it simple. Avoid cluttering your space with too many items or complicated storage solutions that may not be necessary.

Conclusion

Organizing your closet is a process that requires patience, dedication, and the right tools. By following these steps—emptying your closet, decluttering and donating items, sorting by category, assessing your storage system, putting everything away, and maintaining your space—you can create a tidy and functional closet that makes your life easier. Remember to keep it simple and use methods that work best for you, whether you're an avid organizer or someone who prefers a more relaxed approach. With these quick tips, you'll be well on your way to a more organized closet that sparks joy every time you enter it.