We are almost a month into the new year and as an organizer, I feel it is never too late to get organized and give yourself a fresh start. There is no better place to begin that transition than purging and organizing your closet. Your closet should be a reflection of who you are today no matter the size of your closet.
Remove Everything Out of the Closet
The best way to clean and organize any space in your home is to start with a clean slate. Removing everything will get you the end result you are looking to achieve.
Keep, Toss, Donate, Consign
This is the time to finally let go of the “what if” clothes. Those items keep you living in the past and my job is to help clients choose the clothes that fit the lifestyle they are living today. You should only keep clothes that you love, make you feel good when you wear them, fit you well and are in style.
Clean the Closet and Make Necessary Changes
This is a step that can be overlooked but it is necessary. Vacuum the dust bunnies and figure out what is not working for you and fix it. A fresh coat of paint can make a closet look brand new. Small changes can make a big difference in a closet.
Change Your Hangers
Changing your hangers is so simple, inexpensive and will give you a clean uniform look with immediate results.
Keep Like Items Together
Color coding your clothes allows you to quickly see what you own which prevents overbuying and saves you money.
Use the Vertical Space on a Shelf
Use the vertical space on a shelf for stacking containers. I love these for shoes, sweaters or accessories. Don’t forget to label!
Utilize the Space Under Short Hanging
Are you lacking drawer space? This is a favorite to use under short hanging or if you have extra space in your closet. It not only adds drawers but it is easy to take it with you if you move.
Make a List of What You Need
Take inventory of what you need as you get rid of items. Do you need another pair of white jeans? New undergarments? Keeping a list will help you buy only what you need.
Keep the Current Season in Your Closet
Your closet is prime real estate so it is important to keep what you will be wearing this season in your closet. Store out of season or seldom-used items in labeled containers with lids under a bed or in a spare closet.
Don’t Forget Shoes
Shoes also need to be purged when cleaning out a closet. Take them all out and let go of the ones that hurt your feet, you never wear, are no longer in style or are in bad shape. If they need repair, repair them or let them go. Don’t let the fact that you paid a lot of money guilt you into keeping shoes. Consign them and use the money to buy something you will wear.
Keep a Shopping Bag in Your Closet for Items You No Longer Want
When you put something on and you don’t like how it fits or the way you feel in it do not hang it back up. Drop it in the bag for donation or consignment.
Enlist the Help of a Professional
If you feel stuck it never hurts to have a second set of eyes when you are cleaning out a closet. A professional organizer can help you make the tough decisions you have difficulty making.
Tackling your closet can renew your self-esteem by keeping only the things you love, wear and make you feel good about yourself. You will save time by not searching for an item and feel less frustrated and have a sense of calm every time you open your closet door. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make these simple changes. Invest the time to reap the reward for the closet you deserve.
Photos by Julie Ryan Photography
