How to Organize Your Cluttered Closet: A Step-by-Step Guide
An organized closet can make your daily routine smoother and more enjoyable, transforming how
you get dressed in the morning. Whether your closet is small or large, learning how to organize it can help you maximize space, find your clothes faster, and keep your wardrobe in tip-top shape. Here’s a practical guide on how to organize your closet efficiently.
- Start by Decluttering
The first and most important step to organizing any space is decluttering. Before you even think about putting everything back in your closet, you need to take out what doesn’t belong.
- Empty Your Closet
Take everything out of your closet—clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, and whatever else is hiding in there. Spreading everything out gives you a clear idea of how much you own and what you need to tackle.
- Categorize Your Clothes
Sort your items into four main piles:
- Keep: Clothes you wear regularly and love.
- Donate or Sell: Items in good condition that no longer fit your style or body.
- Discard: Items that are worn out, damaged, or beyond repair.
- Seasonal Storage: Clothes that are out of season but worth keeping, like winter coats or summer dresses. Store them in separate boxes or bins to create more room in your daily closet space.
As you sort through each item, ask yourself if you’ve worn it in the past year. If the answer is no, it’s likely time to part with it.
- Clean the Closet Space
Now that your closet is empty, take the opportunity to clean it thoroughly. Dust the shelves, wipe down surfaces, and vacuum or mop the floor. A clean, fresh space will make organizing more pleasant and help protect your clothes from dust or mildew.
- Assess Your Space
Before putting anything back into your closet, take a good look at the available space. Understanding your storage potential will help you decide how best to arrange your items. Consider the following:
- Hanging Space: Do you have enough room for all your clothes that need to hang? Could you add a second hanging rod to maximize vertical space?
- Shelving: Do you need more shelves for folded items, shoes, or bags?
- Storage Bins or Boxes: Would bins help you keep smaller accessories organized, like scarves or belts?
If you feel that your closet lacks enough shelving or hanging options, this might be the time to invest in additional storage solutions, such as hanging organizers, shelf dividers, or extra rods.
- Organize Your Clothes by Category
Now that you’ve decluttered and cleaned, it’s time to start organizing! Group your clothes by category, such as:
- Tops
- Pants
- Dresses
- Outerwear
- Shoes
- Accessories
By categorizing your wardrobe, you’ll know exactly where each type of clothing is, making it much easier to find what you need.
- Use Strategic Placement
Once your clothes are categorized, consider where each item will be most convenient to store. Place frequently worn items within easy reach and less frequently worn items higher up or farther back.
- Hang Items by Length
Hanging clothes by length can create visual harmony and make it easier to see your options immediately . For example, hang longer items like dresses on one side and shorter items like blouses and jackets on another. This can also free up space beneath shorter clothes for shoes or bins.
- Color Coordinate (Optional)
If you want your closet to look particularly polished, you can also organize your clothes by color. This not only looks aesthetically pleasing but can also make it easier to put together outfits.
- Use Storage Solutions
To maintain your closet’s organization long-term, make use of storage tools that fit your needs. Here are some useful solutions to consider:
- Hanging Organizers: These are great for storing shoes, bags, or folded items like sweaters.
Drawer Dividers: If you have a dresser within your closet, drawer dividers can help keep smaller items like socks or underwear neatly separated.- Shoe Racks: If your shoes are scattered all over the floor, a shoe rack can help you organize them by style and save space.
- Bins or Baskets: Store accessories, hats, scarves, or out-of-season items in labeled bins or baskets to keep them contained and out of the way.
- Maintain Your Closet Regularly
The key to a well-organized closet is regular maintenance. Every few months, take a little time to go through your wardrobe, removing items that no longer fit or that you no longer wear. This helps prevent your closet from becoming cluttered again.
Consider implementing a “one-in, one-out” rule. For every new item you add to your closet, commit to removing something you no longer need. This keeps your closet balanced and manageable over time.
Conclusion
Organizing your closet doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a clear plan, some decluttering, and a few smart storage solutions, you can create a tidy, functional space where everything is easy to find. By keeping your closet organized, you’ll save time, reduce stress, and maybe even rediscover items you forgot you had!