Are you tired of not being able to find your favorite sweater because your closet is a mess? Are your clothes overflowing the drawers? With spring just around the corner, it might be time to tackle that disastrous closet. If that last statement has you stressed, don’t worry! Here are some tips for your next closet organization endeavor.
1. Empty everything from the closet
After months of tossing your clothes in and shoving them in the wrong drawers, you will probably find stuff you forgot existed! Grab some tote bags or even garbage bags and start sorting your belongings into groups. One bag for: keep in closet, relocate, throw away, consignment and donation. The next couple hours will be less stressful if you stay organized along the way!
TIP: Keep a bin of “maybe” items and if you go 3-6 months without thinking about it or wearing it, donate it!
2. Deep clean surfaces
Everything is probably dusty and could use a quick clean. Start at the top and work down to the floor. Wipe everything down, the rod, shelves, etc. and finish by mopping/vacuuming the floor. Don’t forget to wipe out any baskets or bins along the way.
3. Insert storage units
Whether you purchase a whole new closet system (not necessary) or you have a couple bins that will keep your items organized, now is the time to put them in the closet. It is helpful to do this step first so you know what will fit where. Then you can put everything away in the correct bin rather than trying to fit all of your bins in the closet afterwords.
TIP: If the space you are working with is small, some items that work well are over-the-door shoe racks, vertical hanging shelves and double hangers are useful.
4. Sort out the contents
Sort your clothes in a way that works for you whether it be by color, sleeve length, or season. Put the items you use the least in first, including seasonal or special occasion items and keep everything you use daily in last so they are easily accessible.
TIP: Try asking yourself a few questions when you are deciding what stays and what goes: One, does it currently fit? Two, do you love it? Three, do you wear it? This should help you purge the items that will slowly be pushed to the back of the closet until you organize again next time.
5. Maintain a schedule
This will not be immediate but more of a long-term step. Pick a day, once a month or season, and go through your closet to quickly organize so that your yearly full reorganization won’t be as stressful or take so long.
