Once or twice a year, it is a good idea to spend some time organizing your closet. You don’t need a large or expensive “closet system” in order to benefit from an organized and neat closet. Here are a few tips that will help you get this task done more efficiently.
1. SORT. Get rid of everything in your closet that does not belong there. I am referring to the classic interlopers, such as yoga mats, empty shoe boxes, suitcases, and, of course, presents you are hiding from your kids. Put those items in a storage spot that you do not use everyday, such as your attic or basement (or my personal favorite, the garbage).
2. TOSS. Go through every item of clothing and ask yourself the following question: Have I worn this in the last year? If you don’t wear an item, it does not get a place in your closet. Donate it to someone who will use it! A second question to ask yourself is, Does this item flatter me? Think not just about whether you can zip it up; think about what it does for you. Does it make you feel beautiful, or does it just sit on your body? Only keep (and in the future, only buy) items that make you feel fabulous.
While you are tossing clothes that you don’t wear or that don’t flatter you, please toss out the wire hangers that are ruining all of your beautiful clothes. Invest in good hangers to keep your clothing looking good over time. And toss out all the dry cleaning bags so that your clothes can breathe.
3. ORGANIZE. Set up separate areas in our closet for dresses, shirts/blouses, and pants. If you are so inclined, you can organize by color as well (for example, place all your black pants together, followed by brown pants, etc). Fold sweaters (do not hang them, it ruins their shape!), t-shirts, and workout clothes. Put shoes in clear boxes (I like the ones at the Container Store) labeled on the outside, that way they won’t gather dust. You can also use small containers (either put them in drawers or on closet shelves) to organize items like bras, underwear, socks, and hosiery. For accessories like belts, use hooks to hang them, or roll them up and place them in another small container.
Most important, follow these steps at least once a year, preferably twice. I like to organize my closet once in the spring and once in the fall. If you can maintain a neat and organized closet it will pay off by making your life easier–it will take less time and effort to get dressed each day!