8 Step Guide to an Organized Master Closet
Organizing a closet may not be a small task but is for sure, one of the most satisfying clean-up projects you can tackle. For me, it seems like this area always needs to be organized.
I hope that this step-by-step guide helps you create a system that will maximize your closet space, and your time through easy maintenance.
According to statistics published by NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers), we only use 20% of our clothing 80 % of the time. So, keep this in mind while working following the steps below:
1.Do the laundry. Making sure that any dirty clothing is clean before you begin the process so you can see what you have to work with.
2. Pull out everything from the closet and dressers and sort them in logical categories Example: ( T-shirts, tanks, yoga wear, shorts, pants, pajamas, etc.)
3. Now that everything is sorted, this is the time to pare down your belongings. Get rid of the items that don’t fit, are out of style, or you no longer use. Toss out anything stained, ripped, or out of shape. As a rule of thumb, everything that hasn’t been worn in the past 12 months, let it go!
4. Find a spot for everything and assign a “home” zone. Consider all storage spaces in the bedroom, dressers, and under the bed storage. There is no single “right” way to do this, but it helps separate the closet by item type and then group similar items by color.
Dressers are an excellent option for file folded casual clothing using drawer dividers
Put out of season clothing into a longer-term storage spot
5. Rearrange and expand the hanging space. You can add an inexpensive double hang closet rod to double the hanging space. You can also adjust shelves to accommodate your space needs. Add hooks, shoe racks to the back of the doors, install high shelves for items you use infrequently. Think creatively about neglected spaces in your home.
6. Find storage containers that are sturdy and sized appropriately. Sweaters, sweatshirts can be lined up on shelves with the help of vertical shelf dividers or place in clear plastic boxes or canvas. Accessories such as purses and bags can be nested inside each other to save some space or you can hang them. Scarves and belts can be placed in clear boxes or attractive baskets. Find a storage solution for your shoes. Get the shoes off the floor and display them on a shelf, in either shoe boxes clear plastic bins.
7. Return clothing to your closet. Hang the clothes in sections: short sleeves, tops, long-sleeve tops, pants, skirts, dresses, and so on. Color-code each section if you are feeling extra ambitious. Organize clothing to work with your lifestyle. So those worn most often are nearest the front. Use matching hangers for a streamlined look!
8. My best tidy tips for maintenance are:
Follow the “one in, one out” rule. If you purchase something new, donate something old. Also, add a donation hamper in the closet, so when you no longer want an item, it is ready for donation. Set apart 5 minutes a day to review the space and maintain it clean and organized; and of course, label everything.
The benefits of an organized closet are numerous. You will be surprised by how much room you have once everything is organized. You will no longer spend so much time looking for things, and you will experience the peace that comes with knowing that everything in your closet is accessible, has a purpose and a place.