A cluttered closet makes finding what you need difficult and leaves your space feeling chaotic. So whether your closet is stuffed with accessories, shoes, or clothes or just in need of a refresh, cleaning and organizing it can change your closet and your daily routine. An organized closet saves time, reduces stress and makes the most of your wardrobe.
So cleaning out that messy closet might seem overwhelming – but it need not be. Breaking it down into manageable steps and applying proven strategies can create a functional as well as an attractive closet. Six key steps to organizing & cleaning your closet like a pro – Get the guide here. How to declutter & sort, maximize space & maintain order in your closet. Let’s get started!
1. Get Rid of Your Closet & Assess It
Empty your closet first. It sounds drastic, but it allows you evaluate what you have and decide what to keep, donate or throw away. Take everything off – clothes, shoes, accessories and hangers – and put it outside the closet.
Take a look at your empty closet layout and storage options. Are there enough shelves, rods and drawers? Is there unused space that can be used better? You can use this assessment to plan how to reorganize your closet.
If you empty your closet, scrub it clean. Wipe shelves down, vacuum the floor and dust around corners and crevices. A clean, new space will make organizing easier and will prepare a functional closet.
You’ll have a blank slate to work with and be prepared to make choices regarding your personal belongings.
2. Declutter & Sort Your Belongings
With your closet empty, organize your stuff. This is most likely the most important step of organizing – what goes back in your closet and what is removed.
Start by sorting things by category: clothes, shoes, accessories and seasonal items. Next go through each category one by one. When handling each item ask yourself a few questions: What if I wear this often? Does it fit? Is it in working condition? Is it for my joy or is it for a purpose? If you get a no, give it up.
Create three piles: Keep, donate/sale, and discard. Be honest with yourself and avoid clinging to things because you feel guilty or because you are sentimental. Remember: Your goal is building a closet filled with things you enjoy using.
For items you have no idea about, apply the one-year rule. Unless you wore or used something recently, you may want to part with it.
Decluttering and sorting stuff will reduce the stuff in your closet and help you organize what’s left.
3. Organize by Category & Frequency of Use
Once you decluttered, organize everything you have in a way that fits your lifestyle. Group similar items first. Take for instance: all tops, pants and dresses should go in one place. This makes finding what you want much easier and helps you keep order.
Consider next how often you use each item. Frequently used items should be at eye level and easily accessible. Seasonal or occasional items – winter coats, formal wear – can be placed on higher shelves or in lesser accessible areas.
Utilize organizers like bins, baskets and dividers to store smaller items like socks, belts and scarves neat and tidy. Clear containers are especially handy for seeing what’s in without opening them.
With regard to shoes: Use a shoe rack or clear boxes to keep pairs together and off the floor. If space is limited, keep off-season shoes in another location.
Organize your closet by category and frequency of use for a practical and easy system.
4. Space is Money – Smart Storage Solutions
With the right storage solutions even the smallest closet will feel spacious. Start by evaluating your closet layout and determining where you can add or improve storage.
Use vertical space by adding shelves or rods. With adjustable shelves, your layout is customizable. In a high ceiling closet, add a second rod to hang shorter items like shirts or skirts with bins or shoes underneath.
Use hooks or over-the-door organizers for accessories like bags, hats and jewelry. Such solutions keep items visible and accessible without consuming shelf or drawer space.
Stacks of folded items like sweaters or jeans will keep stacks from tipping over with shelf dividers. Small items like underwear, socks and ties fit in drawer organizers.
In case your closet lacks storage space, buy freestanding units or rolling carts that you can put inside or near your closet. These could hold extra shoes or accessories or seasonal items.
Organize your closet by maximizing its storage potential.
5. Get Your Order in Order with Regular Maintenance
Once your closet is organized, regular maintenance is key. Spend time every week tidying up and putting items back where they should go. This prevents clutter from building up and makes tackling messes easier.
Add new items to your closet and use the “one in, one out” rule. For each new item you bring in, take away an old one. This keeps your closet from getting back to overcrowded again.
Put away clothes and accessories when you finish the day. Items worn but not washed should be hung up and dirty clothes put in a hamper.
Check that your closet still fits you occasionally. You may have to update your organization system or declutter again as your lifestyle or preferences change.
Using these habits will keep your closet clean and organized with little work involved.
6. See Your Closet for Inspiration
A neat closet is functional – but it can also be inspiring and joyful. Make your space your own and ensure it is something you want to invest time in.
Add decorative touches like a small rug, a scented sachet or artwork. Those little touches may make your closet appear larger and more comfortable.
Use matching hangers. Velvet or wood hangers are both pretty and practical – they stop clothes from slipping off.
Try adding lighting so you can see your things better in your closet. Battery powered LED lights or motion sensor lights are simple to install and make a huge difference.
Lastly, hang up your favorites. Whether it’s handbags, colorful shoes or jewelry, showing off what you love makes your closet feel all yours.
Your personalized closet will be organized but also inspiring and fun to use.
Conclusion
Organising and cleaning your closet need not be overwhelming. In just six easy steps – emptying and assessing your closet, decluttering & sorting, organizing by category and frequency of use, maximizing space with smart storage solutions, keeping order with regular maintenance & personalizing your closet for inspiration – you can have a functional & beautiful closet that makes getting dressed a pleasure.
Remember, consistency is key to closet organization. Follow these tips for a clutter-free, organized closet that saves time and stress. So pull up some sleeves, get some supplies, and make your closet a happy place!
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