It’s amazing when you love your closet and what you’re wearing, how much more confident you feel. You don’t have to invest in custom shelving to enjoy your closet. With a little dedicated attention, you can Purge it, Store it, and Maintain it. Here are the basics for an effective closet overhaul.

Cleaning it Out 
Before you invest in anything, you need to know what you’re working with.

Go piece by piece. Actually taking it out of the closet or drawer and looking at it.

Is it worn out? Holes, pilling, etc. If it’s worn out but you say “I need it until you have a replacement.” Start a list of articles you need to shop for, so you shop wisely and can still purge out old items.

How long has it been since you’ve worn it? Is it still in style? If two seasons have passed by…why are you keeping it?

Don’t keep it just because it was expensive Gift it or sell it if it makes you feel less guilty.

Does it fit? Don’t keep it because you hope you fit in it some day…we’ve all been there. If you do go down those two sizes you’re holding out for, most likely you’ll be thrilled and want to go shopping for new things. Or, your clothes will be out of style by then so you kept them just to get rid of them in the end.

When sorting, sort into categories:
Out of the house (donate, sell, give to friend)
Belongs in another room or closet
Unsure/need to try on
Going back in the closet

If it’s daunting, set a timer and work for 20 minutes at a time. Helps keep you focused and seems more manageable when there is a concrete end. And it’s always more fun to have a friend’s help (and opinion!).

Where to Store it

Store items you use the most, in the most accessible area. Meaning towards the front and at eye level.

Things you don’t use as often, or off-season items, can be in the back or up high. If you have limited space, store off-season items in space saver bags/bins in basement, garage, or spare closet.

If you are going to switch out seasonal items, put it on your calendar and make time for it, otherwise you live in transition for weeks on end.

Assess where to store things based on if you have more shelf space or hanging space.

A lot of hanging space:
Double hanging rod – life changing! Doubles your hanging space with $15

Hanging shoe rack – for shoes, accessories, socks, slips

Hanging wide cubby for folded clothes

Hooks for scarves, belts, purses

Over the door cubbies – shoes, socks, accessories, think outside the box

A lot of folding space in drawers or on shelves:
Use shelf dividers that slide on so there is some structure and things don’t fall over

Add command hooks for bags or scarves

Use the back of doors to create more hanging space for hooks or hanging organizers

Use clear containers for shoes – don’t get dusty and can swap out seasonally, stay wall kept

Use bins if the shelf is at eye level or lower (otherwise you can see in them and it’s not functional)

Roll clothes in a bin or drawer so you can see them all and they don’t unfold when you take on out

Don’t micro fold your clothes – fold jeans into thirds and shirts/tanks in half or quarter so they don’t fall over.

Jewelry:
Keep every day items on a plate if you tend to never get them put away each evening. Safety and containment.

Hang necklaces rather than set in box – DIY for necklaces, nails in an old frame and hang with twine or ribbon.

Over the door organizer with plastic slots.

Jewelry boxes are only so helpful for rings and earings. Not so great for necklaces unless there is a place to hang them.

Socks and underwear:

Small dividers or thin plastic bins to contain them in the drawer. Shoeboxes can work well.

How to maintain it

1 in 2 out rule. For every new pair of shoes you buy, you get rid of two.

Store empty hangers in a bin at bottom of closet or move to the end of the hanging rod

Sort by sleeve length, easier to see what you have

Purge at least twice a year

Have a donate bin in your closet, so it doesn’t go back on the shelf. Some may need a “to return” bin as well.

Don’t store items that aren’t clothing related. It can become a catch all for things you don’t know what to do with.

Have sufficient light. Battery operated push lights can easily be added with a little sticky tape.

Get all your clothes put completely away and re-hung on laundry day

Spruce up each day or weekend.

Don’t throw clothes on the floor. Re-hang when you change your mind on your outfit selection. It only takes 10 seconds and makes a huge difference.

Have a laundry basket in each bedroom to prevent it from going on the floor.

Visual way to purge – Turn all your hangers around and at the end of each season there is un-deniable proof of what you’ve worn/not worn.

Paint the back wall of the closet for contrast and enjoyment!

Keep a list of items you need to purchase in order to complete an outfit, damaged items that need to be replaced, or a wish list for your next birthday.

Pick out your clothes the night before so you aren’t throwing items back on the floor when you’re in a frantic rush to get out the door. Starts your day off feeling prepared!