From the desk of Camilla Frederico, professional organizer and founder of The Personal Helpers, comes this comprehensive guide to conquering one of the most challenging tasks in home organization: decluttering the closet.
The Struggle to Keep a Clean and Decluttered Closet
Closets – we all have them and we all wish they were just a little bit more organized. When a closet is cluttered, it can make finding that perfect outfit for the day a challenging task. Even worse, it can lead to wasted time and unnecessary stress. The good news? Achieving an organized closet isn’t an unattainable luxury. In fact, it’s a lifestyle change that can simplify your daily routine and bring a sense of tranquility to your living space.
At The Personal Helpers, we understand the importance of a well-organized closet. It’s about more than just aesthetics; it’s about creating a functional space that makes your life easier. Whether you have a spacious walk-in or a smaller reach-in closet, our goal is to help you transform it into a well-coordinated, clutter-free space. In this blog post, we’ll share some of our top strategies for closet organization. We’ll provide you with practical, effective tips that you can use to reclaim your closet and revolutionize the way you get dressed each day. So, let’s embark on the journey to transform your closet from a chaotic space into a tidy, easy-to-navigate wardrobe haven.
Step 1: Planning and Preparation
First, you need to be prepared. This means you should set aside time for the task and gather necessary supplies. You’ll need:
- Boxes or bins for sorting items
- Trash bags for items to discard
- Cleaning supplies for dusting and wiping down shelves
- Vacuum for cleaning the closet floor
- Label maker or marker for labeling items you’ll store or donate
- Closet organization tools like hangers, shelf dividers, shoe racks, stackable storage, and hanging organizers
Secondly, if you want help developing your plan or are interested reaching your goals even quicker, let The Personal Helpers – HELP! We are home organization experts.
Step 2: The Decluttering Process
With the preparation complete, you’re ready to begin decluttering. Here’s how to tackle it systematically:
1. The Initial Clear Out
The first step to tackle any decluttering project is to clear everything out. Yes, it might sound daunting, but taking every single item out of your closet will give you a fresh perspective. As you’re removing items, categorize them into groups such as clothing, shoes, accessories, and so forth. This process allows you to see exactly what you have, and more importantly, what you have too much of.
2. Sort Your Items
Divide your items into categories such as tops, bottoms, dresses, shoes, accessories, and others. It’s easier to declutter when you can see everything you have.
3. Evaluate Each Item
Now comes the part most people dread – the purge. But don’t fret! This step is key to creating a more functional closet. As you sort through your items, ask yourself: When was the last time you used it? Does it fit? Do you still love it? If you’ve used it in the past year, if it fits, and if it’s in good condition – then keep it. If the answer to any of these is no however, consider donating it or discarding it. To learn more tips on making these decisions, consider reading how to declutter clothes according to style experts.
Use a three-box system: Keep, Donate, Discard. Remember, if an item doesn’t fit, isn’t in good condition, or doesn’t make you feel great when you wear it, it’s time to let it go.
4. Categorize and Organize
After purging, you’ll likely notice that you have less to put back in the closet. Now it’s time to sort the remaining items into categories. These could include: work clothes, casual clothes, special occasion attire, shoes, accessories, and so forth. Once you have your categories, consider how best to store these items in your closet.
Return your items to the closet in a way that makes sense to you. You might organize by item type, by color, or by occasion. Use hangers for clothes that wrinkle easily, and shelves or drawers for the rest. These velvet hangers can prevent clothes from slipping, and these shelf dividers can keep stacks of clothes neat. Hanging items like dresses, blouses, and trousers helps to prevent wrinkles. Shelves or drawers are great for sweaters and casual clothes. Shoe racks or cubbies keep footwear organized, while hooks or small shelves can store accessories.
5. The Magic of Containers and Dividers
Using containers, baskets, and dividers can further enhance your closet organization. These tools can create a designated space for every item, making it easier to maintain order in the long run. Check out online stores like The Container Store or Ikea for a range of organization solutions.
Step 3: Maximizing Closet Space
Now that your items are sorted and organized, let’s focus on utilizing your closet space efficiently:
- Vertical Space: Maximize your closet’s vertical space by adding extra shelves or hanging organizers. You can use this hanging organizer for storing folded clothes or accessories.
- Shoe Storage: Shoe racks or over-the-door shoe organizers are excellent for keeping your shoes organized and easily accessible. For more ideas, read our article on organizing shoes in a small closet.
- Accessories: Use drawer dividers, small boxes, or jewelry organizers for items like belts, scarves, or jewelry.
Step 4: Maintenance
After the decluttering and organization process, it’s crucial to maintain your tidy closet. Here are some tips:
- Regular Clean-ups: Schedule a monthly or quarterly clean-up to keep your closet organized.
- One In, One Out Rule: For every new item you bring into your closet, aim to remove one. This prevents overcrowding.
- Annual Declutter: Do a thorough declutter once a year. Your wardrobe needs might change, and so should your closet.
Remember, decluttering and organizing your closet is a process that requires time and patience. However, the results are worth the effort – a neat, well-organized closet that makes dressing a joy and contributes to a serene living environment. So, let’s keep it going!
It’s Easier To Keep a Closet Neat Once Its Decluttered
While decluttering your closet may seem like a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be. By following these steps, you can transform your cluttered closet into a functional, organized space that makes getting ready each day a breeze.
Here at The Personal Helpers, we’re committed to improving your life and making everything easier and more functional. If you need further assistance with organizing not just your closet, but also other areas of your home or routine, we’re here to help! Live a stress-free life with our well-rounded list of services.
Interested in other areas of the house? Read our other decluttering guides for primary living spaces: the bedroom, living room, dining room, bathroom, kitchen, the pantry, or our ultimate guide to decluttering and organizing every area of your house.
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