Tired of the daily struggle to find your favorite items hidden in the chaos of your closet? Fret not; closet organization can transform your storage space into a haven of serenity. Whether it’s your clothing, linens, or coats, a well-organized closet can simplify your life. Let’s dive into the art of closet organization.
Before organizing your Closet begins
The key to successful closet organization lies in a fresh start. Begin by decluttering the space. If you’re tackling a clothing or linen closet, assess the items you intend to return. As a rule of thumb, if you haven’t used something in over a year, it’s time to let go. Donate, consign, or store these items in under-bed storage boxes if you wish to retain them. You can even repurpose old towels and washcloths into handy cleaning rags and dish towels.
The Linen Closet: Order in Every Fold
When it comes to organizing your linen closet, measurements are your best friend. Measure your space to determine the ideal size for bins or baskets. You’ll need:
- Measuring tape
- Bins or baskets
- Labels
- Shelving systems or racks (if not already installed)
Organizing Steps:
- Install shelves according to your design.
- On the top shelf, place bulkier items like blankets, pillows, or seasonal pieces in labeled bins.
- On the next shelf, accommodate extra household items and cleaning supplies, either within labeled bins or neatly arranged.
- At eye level, on the middle shelf, fold and store bath towels. Use a labeled basket for washcloths and hand towels.
- Fold your sheet sets and place them inside the matching pillowcase, keeping everything in one place.
- Reserve the bottom shelf for dirty towels and linens in a designated basket.
Mastering Clothing Closet Organization
The approach to organizing a clothing closet can vary depending on its size. However, whether it’s a large walk-in or a compact bedroom closet, certain items are essential:
- Hangers
- Bins
- Labels
- Shelf dividers
- Vacuum-sealed bags
- Hanging rack
Organization Steps:
- Group Similar Items: Arrange similar clothing items together within your closet. Categorize shirts, jackets, skirts, slacks, and dresses. Consider organizing by color or separating casual and dressy attire. Place longer items on one side of the closet for ease of access.
- Fold and Stack: For items that don’t require hanging, fold and stack them in neat piles on shelves. Keep like items together, such as jeans, sweaters, or T-shirts. Utilize shelf dividers to maintain tidy stacks.
- Floor Space and Small Bins: Once shorter items are grouped, you can create extra space on the closet floor. Utilize this space for shoe organizers, stacking crates, or even a small dresser. You can store non-hanging items like socks, ties, and accessories in an organized manner within labeled bins.
- Seasonal Items: If you have a top shelf available, use it to rotate and store seasonal items in bins or space bags. In smaller closets, move seasonal items to a guest room closet or under-bed storage boxes.
- Utilize the Door: Attach a hanging rack to the back of your closet door. Several styles are available, featuring wire baskets for small non-hanging items, robe hooks, or racks for purse, shoe, or accessory organization.
- Make Use of Wall Space: Install hooks on the accessible walls of your closet. These can be used to store scarves, purses, hats, and other items. Alternatively, opt for long nails or a wire closet organizer rack on the wall.
Perfecting Your Coat Closet Organization
Coat closets are not just for winter; they serve as versatile storage spaces for every season. To maximize your coat closet, gather the following:
- Over-the-door hooks
- Plastic pouches for the door
- Heavy-duty hangers
- Stackable bins or small plastic drawers
- Labels
- Adhesive strips
- Adhesive hooks of various sizes
- Stackable shoe organizer drawers
Organization Steps:
- Order by Bulkiest: Hang coats in order of bulkiness, from heavy winter coats to light jackets. You can even organize them by size.
- Snow Pants and Boots: Fold and store snow pants on the top shelf of the closet. Keep snow boots on the same shelf.
- Utilize Over-the-Door Space: Hang scarves on over-the-door hooks. Trim plastic pouches to the desired size, add slippers, and attach them with adhesive strips on the door.
- Bottom Door Space: Add a jumbo hook for bags on the bottom of the door under the scarves.
- Shoe and Accessory Storage: Use stackable bins or plastic drawers on the closet’s floor. Label them for items like hats, gloves, and earmuffs. Use stackable shoe organizer drawers for everyday and guest shoes.
General Closet Organization Tips
Irrespective of your closet’s size and contents, some universal tips can help streamline the process:
- Use the same type of hanger in every closet to maintain uniformity.
- Group coordinating items together, such as skirts or slacks that are often paired with specific jackets.
- Employ labeled bins for organizing small items like socks, underwear, bras, and ties.
- For casual apparel like jeans and sweaters, consider folding and stacking.
- Reserve hangers for bulky or professional clothing like blazers and slacks.
- Place seasonal or special occasion items on the top shelf.
- Delve into closet doors, walls, and floor space to install hooks, shelves, and closet organization kits.
Sustaining Closet Organization
Maintaining an organized closet is crucial to ensuring that your hard work isn’t in vain. Here are some tips to help you keep your closet organized over time:
- Include closet tidying in your weekly or monthly cleaning routine.
- Declutter and reorganize at least twice a year, particularly during seasonal clothing rotation.
- Bring clean laundry directly to your closet for easy storage.
- Keep your organization simple, ensuring that it remains practical and user-friendly.
By conquering closet organization, you’re creating a harmonious and functional space, making your daily life easier and more efficient. Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge, it’s time to dive in and start organizing.
Where to Find Closet Organization Accessories:
The Container Store – offers a wide range of closet organization products, including bins, labels, shelf dividers, and more.
IKEA – provides a variety of closet organization solutions, from hangers to shoe organizers.
ClosetMaid specializes in closet organization systems, including shelving and storage solutions.
Amazon – Closet Organization – Amazon offers a vast selection of closet organization products from various brands.
Embark on your journey to an organized closet by exploring these sources for closet organization accessories. Whether you need bins, hangers, or storage solutions, you’ll find a range of options to suit your style and budget.
