A closet makes it easier to keep everything in place, right from different pairs of jeans to button-down shirts for work. But when one removes and puts things back into the closet repeatedly without looking at where they’re putting the items, it leads to closet clutter. And finding something to wear in such a mess can get daunting. So, one must learn the steps and tips to organize a closet, irrespective of its size.
Pull out everything
The first step to decluttering a closet is to empty it. One must remove everything, including the hangers, bins, baskets, and other items on the floor or shelves of the closet. Emptying the entire closet will help one design an organization system that is tailored to one’s belongings and space. An empty closet also helps one separate things they do not need, which could be sold, donated, or disposed of.
Clean the closet
Whether one owns a small or large closet, cleaning each corner is how one can work towards organizing it. One can start by dusting the shelves and hanging rods followed by vacuuming or sweeping. One could even mop the floors of the closet. Finally, finish cleaning by wiping down shelves, walls, hanging rods, and baseboards with an all-purpose cleaner. Dust may also accumulate in baskets and bins over time, making it important to check and clean these.
Sort by category
Once the closet is clean, it’s time to focus on each item. One must segregate each of the items into piles. For instance, socks must be gathered separately, and the same goes for evening wear, shirts, t-shirts, pants, and so on. Creating a pile will help determine the space needed for different items. Moreover, as some piles grow larger than others, the process gives one the opportunity to identify the belongings one might want to discard.
Once the closet is clean and the items are categorized, one can follow some closet organization hacks to put things back neatly.
Tuck away seasonal clothing
One of the best ideas for closet organization is to stack by season. Out-of-season clothing, like bathing suits or winter coats, could go in at the bottom or back of the closet until the clothes are needed again. Alternatively, one could tuck these away in a space under the bed to keep the closet organized and save space for other daily essentials.
Reserve the front and center for regular items
On the contrary to seasonal clothing, one must keep regularly used clothing in the front and center of the closet. For example, one would not want to be scuttling for something to wear at 6:00 a.m. when they need to be dressed for work by 7 a.m. So, one must ensure the work clothes are at the front of the closet. One can even keep other relevant items in this area, including gym gear and fragrances.
Add labels
If there are bins to hold small accessories in the closet, consider labeling them. For instance, unique labels on each bin could indicate what’s in them, such as scarves, bags, belts, sunglasses, hair accessories, and other items. This method will help keep each accessory in a dedicated bin and prevent clutter in the closet.
Use organizers
One of the best tips for decluttering a closet is using organizers. The type of organizers to pick will differ from one person’s needs to the next. One can always find a ton of closet storage solutions online, including DIY closet organization systems. There are even budget-friendly closet organization accessories. While these won’t create more space, an organizer will make the area more accessible. Some of the top tools for closet organization include a step stool to make it easier for one to reach the top shelves of the closet or an over-the-door shoe rack to turn the door into a space to keep shoes or other items. One can even try various techniques to maximize rod space in the closet. For instance, special hangers can be used to consolidate ties, belts, and scarves. Or, smaller bags can be put inside bigger bags to declutter.
Go DIY with folding techniques
To make the best use of space in drawers, shelves, and bins, try some DIY folding techniques. For example, one could place bras inside of each other to save drawer space or use a stacking method on dividers and shelves but not in drawers. Individuals can even try the vertical or file folding method. Using these folding solutions is how one can maximize closet storage.
Add closet lighting
While one may not realize it, poor lighting is one of the most common reasons for clutter in a closet. Whether one wants to keep a walk-in or small closet organized, adding closet lighting is a step in the right direction. Stick-on lights are budget-friendly and make it easier for one to spot the color-coding system in place. The lights will also help one see if anything falls out of place while keeping clothes and other items inside or when taking them out.
