Closet Organizing Tips

Closet Organizing Tips

These closet organizing tips can be used when organizing a small reach-in closet or a large walk-in
closet. For larger closets, break the job down by sections organizing one section at a time. Make sure
you allocate enough time for your closet organization project.

Step One: Remove all items.

In other words, take everything out of the closet. You never know what may be hidden in the corners, on
the shelves or in boxes. Once everything is out of the closet, it is the perfect time to clean. Vacuum or
clean the floor while nothing is in the way, wipe down baseboards, repaint or repair walls, install hooks
or racks, take measurements for storage items, dust lighting fixture, clean shelving...all of these chores
can be done quickly and easily when the closet is completely empty.

Step Two: Relocate non-clothing articles.

Find the appropriate home for all non-clothing items. Okay, your golf clubs may be worth more than your
whole wardrobe but they do not belong in your clothes closet. Items, such as vacuum cleaners, golf
clubs, gift wrapping supplies…I have even seen exercise equipment in a closet, need to find a proper
home.

Step Three: Reduce your inventory.

Be honest with yourself. Try items on. Take into consideration the style, fit, condition and usage of each
item. Recycle items that no longer fit. Donate or pass clothing down to someone who will wear them. For
donations, use clearly marked bins or garbage bags. Place the bins or bags in the garage or in the car
for delivery. Make sure they do not return to the closet. If the item is no longer in style, or the cut is not as
flattering as it once was, or no longer fits your lifestyle, it is definitely time to let it go. Check the condition
of items. If items can be mended or altered, get them to the appropriate place to insure they will be
repaired…the sewing room, the dry cleaner, the tailor. We wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time
therefore; consider the usage of each item. Will you wear it, how often you wear it and what you will wear
it with are all questions you need to ask and answer for yourself.

Step Four: Recognize your lifestyle.

This is an important step that needs to be address. Many closet organizing experts will tell you to
organize your closet by season or by style and color. For example: light colors to dark, spring clothing to
winter, or like garments together. I believe that you need to consider your particular lifestyle before
deciding how to rearrange your closet. I live in a tropical setting where the heat index dictates what you
will wear for the day…not many seasonal items here! It made sense for me to arrange my clothing by
length. My tops are arranged by sleeve length starting with tank tops, then sleeveless, to short sleeve, ¾
length and finally long sleeve. With my pants, the same holds true…from shorts, to Bermudas, to capri
length, and then to long pants they are arranged by length. What makes sense to you? Seasonal
clothing, color, style, length, usage (work, sports, casual, dress) can all be criteria for organizing your
closet to fit your lifestyle. The whole idea is for the closet to be functional for you.

Step Five: Return items to the closet.

Using your personal criteria and reorganizing as you go, return your garments to the closet. Make sure
you use the proper hanger for the each garment. Do not over crowd garments. Remember you can add a
hang bar to double your hanging space. If you do have seasonal clothing, sports attire or special
occasion items that are seldom worn, consider storage bins or baskets for use on shelves. Remember
to label each bin and basket. Otherwise, it might be “out of sight, out of mind” and you might forget what
articles of clothing you have stored away.

Step Six: Rejoice and relax.

Rejoice in the fact that you can now cross “organize the closet” off your honey-do list. Relax knowing that
you can now locate garments easily.

Other closet organizing tips:

An over the door shoe rack can also be used for scarves, socks, belts and small purses.

In addition to repelling moths, cedar blocks or chips in the closet will provide a fresh smell to your closet
and clothes.

Have an organizing tip
you want to share?
Contact us with your
ideas and suggestions.

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Closet Organizing Tips Provided by KL, Palm Beach Gardens, FL