The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Closet Like a Pro
Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to organize your closet like a pro! You’ve probably seen those home design shows where organizing a closet looks like a breeze, but in reality, it takes time and effort to create a clutter-free space. In this in-depth article, we’ll walk you through the process step by step, with expert tips and tricks to help you transform your closet into a functional and tidy space.
Meet the Expert
Before we dive into the steps, allow me to introduce our expert, Heather Aiello, the founder and Chief Organizing Officer at The Organized You. Heather has years of experience in helping people declutter and organize their spaces, and she’s here to share her top tips with you.
Step 1: Empty Your Closet
The first step in organizing your closet is to empty everything out. Yes, everything – hangers, baskets, bins, and all. This will allow you to see what you have and create an organization system that works for your belongings and space. It’s also an excellent opportunity to identify items you can sell or donate.
Tip:
- Set aside paraphernalia like change, rubber bands, and hair clips in a “catch-all” basket to deal with later.
Step 2: Clean Every Corner
Once your closet is empty, it’s time to give it a good clean. Dust the shelves and hanging rods, sweep or vacuum the floor, and wipe down all surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner. Don’t forget to check baskets or bins for dirt and dust that may have accumulated over time.
Step 3: Declutter and Donate
With everything out of your closet, it’s time to go through your belongings and create two piles: keep and donate/discard. Heather Aiello emphasizes the importance of decluttering to create a more functional space. Use the KonMari Method of asking yourself, “Does this spark joy?” to help you decide what to keep.
Tip:
- Create a “maybe” bin for items you’re unsure about and revisit it later.
Step 4: Sort Items by Category
Now that you’ve decluttered, it’s time to sort your items by category. Separate your belongings into groups like shoes, outerwear, and evening wear. This will help you visualize the space you need for each category and identify items you may wish to discard.
Step 5: Assess Your Storage System
Once you’ve sorted your items, it’s time to choose the right storage solutions for your closet. Whether you opt for a complete closet system kit or budget-friendly organizers like dividers and drawers, make sure they suit your unique categories.
Step 6: Put Everything Away
Organizing your clothes closet and drawers should be based on both available space and your usage of each category. Remember to leave some empty space to maintain an organized look and avoid overcrowding.
Tip:
- Create a system based on frequency of use and seasonality.
Additional Tips to Keep Your Closet Organized Longer
- Invest in better drawers and shelving
- Sort by color or length
- Revisit how you fold
- Purchase closet organizers
- Consider vacuum-seal storage bags
- Label everything
- Utilize wall space
- Tidy often
If you’re short on time, focus on decluttering by asking if each item sparks joy. The 12-12-12 rule is a great decluttering challenge to help you identify what to discard, donate, or keep. Before tackling your closet, ensure your bedroom is clutter-free to prevent mixing items meant for storage with those in your bedroom.
And there you have it – a comprehensive guide to organizing your closet like a pro. Follow these steps and tips, and you’ll have a functional and tidy space in no time. Happy organizing!