My bedroom closet is only about half the size that I would like it to be. Oh, what I could do with more space! That's wishful thinking, though. Instead, I try to make the most of the area that I do have. The neater and more organized that I keep the space, the better it works for me. Here's what you need to know about getting your storage space organized.
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Pull Everything Out
Image source: today.com To clean up your mess, you first have to make a bit of a mess. Don't worry, it won't be overwhelming if you take items out in groups. For example, first, pull out all of the shirts and sort through them. Next, move on to outerwear and continue on to footwear. It's easier and less stressful to think through the best way to handle items when you're contemplating just one category at a time.
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Give Items the Heave-Ho
Image source: allthingsd.com To organize your closet, you're probably going to have to pare down its contents. Choosing what to get rid of can be hard, but one popular method of decision-making asks you to think about whether you've used or worn an item in the last year. If it's gone 12 months with no activity, it's time to find it a new home. Another approach is to consider whether you'd buy the item again if you were shopping right this minute. If not, then it's time to move it out of your closet and out of your life. Why not donate these clothes to people who need them more? Or better yet, sell your extra clothing. There are very few exceptions to this rule, like seasonal clothes, which we'll tackle later on.
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Think About How Many You Really Need
Image source: shoeperwoman.com If you can eliminate some repeat items from your closet, it will be easier to keep everything organized. How many pieces you need in each style will probably vary depending on your lifestyle and career, but most women can get away with as few as six pairs of shoes. Another good rule of thumb is that 12 to 14 pairs of panties are usually sufficient.
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Change With the Seasons
Image source: blog.rent.com Clothes that aren't needed for the current season can be stashed in harder-to-access spots. Use a closet in a spare room or the space under your bed for your seasonal storage, and switch the items out when the season changes. If you don't have extra space apart from the closet, then use the far corners and high shelves of the closet for off-season items.
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Brighten the Space
Image source: apartmenttherapy.comIf your storage space doesn't have a light fixture, now is the time to install one. You'll be more excited to assemble outfits each day–and they may even match better–when you can see them clearly. While you're at it, give the closet walls a nice, bright coat of paint in white or another light shade. Use a glossy finish so that the walls reflect the light from your new fixture.
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Make It Spic and Span
Image source: apartmenttherapy.comBefore returning items to the closet, give it a good cleaning. Because closets usually hold clothes and other fabrics, they have a tendency to harbor lots of dust. Knock it out by dusting the shelves and fixtures and vacuuming the floor. Be sure to use the vacuum attachments to get into all the nooks and crannies!
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Add Another Row
Image source: blog.homedepot.comMaximize your storage space by adding additional shelves or rods. These can go above or below the existing rod. If you put in new shelves, consider adding vertical dividers to keep the space organized. For a quick DIY hanger bar, pop a tension rod into the space.
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Install Hooks
Image source: bhg.com Avoid wasted space by installing hooks on the walls and doors. Sturdy items like purses, robes, coats can be stored on the hooks. It's also a great way to store accessories like belts and bulky necklaces.
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Flip Flop Shoes
Image source: hgtv.comPlanning head-to-toe outfits is easiest when you can see your full lineup of shoes. That's why having footwear out on a shoe rack can be so handy, but you shouldn't just toss them on the shelves any which way. Instead, carefully alternate the direction that shoes face so that the right shoe in every pair faces toe-out, and the left shoe in every set goes heel-out. That way, you can see the full design of each footwear set with just a glance in your closet.
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Use Open Containers
Image source: hgtv.comPutting things away and getting them back out again shouldn't take a lot of work. That's why open containers that rest on shelves are so handy. They're great for little items, such as socks and undergarments. With a system like this, putting things away is a snap. Just toss them in and move on to the next item on your to-do list.
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Buy the Right Hangers
Image source: losangeles.cbslocal.comPlastic hangers are reasonably priced, and buying them in a single color gives your closet a uniform look. Some types of clothing need specialty hangers, though, so branch out from plastic for these items. Put delicate clothes on padded hangers, and suit jackets should go on wooden ones.
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Hang in Order
Image source: femalejungle.comIt makes the most sense to hang the clothes that you use most frequently near the front of your closet. You should also group by type and color. For example, if you wear blouses almost daily but dresses rarely, put the tops in the easiest-to-access spot. Line them up by color so that it will be easy to find what you're looking for. Putting them in rainbow order is pleasing to the eye, especially if the neutrals are at the beginning or end of the line.
Are you ready to get your closet in order? I know that my bedroom closet certainly benefits from these handy tips. In fact, I think I'll do another round of reorganizing to further maximize my use of storage space. How about you? Give these suggestions a try and comment below to let us know your results.
