C loset is a clutter bug’s best friend for the fact that you can simply shove everything into it, close the door and wipe your hands off the mess. But if you really want to break the habit, you really have to really think twice about what you are putting into your closet. If you still have clothes and shoes jumping out of your closet each time you open it up, you seriously need help.
Once you have found the root of the problem (which is your lack of organizational skill), you are now ready to start the process.
First thing to do is to determine the specific purpose of your newly organized closet. What items of clothing will go into it? Whether it will be just clothes or with shoes, accessories and bags all in one closet.
Next is to completely empty the closet. Get everything laid neatly on the floor and divide them into several piles and inventory all of them. You have to decide whether they actually belong in the closet or should be stored somewhere else. All those damaged, outdated and wrong sized items should be discarded.
Once you have done all of these, you need to make your mind up whether you need to replace those items that you have just tossed out of the closet. But still it is not an excuse to go on a shopping spree. If you have successfully got rid of three eighties-style sweaters and have ten other good sweaters, it means that you don’t need a new one. But if you have just discarded a bagful of work clothes and have only three pairs left hanging in your closet, you definitely need to shop for more.
They key to an organized closet is well maximized space. Measure your closet and install some additional shelves, rods and drawers. If you have a high closet, you may be able to install two hanging rods instead of one, which double up the space usage.
Don’t forget about the hangers. Get rid of all bent and out of shape metal hangers. Choose the wooden or plastic hangers as they will never lose their shapes. Collapsible and multitiered hangers are also good for smaller closets.
And now that you all these newly available space, don’t surrender to the urge to shop to fill it up. Remember the purpose of the whole process in the first place. Maintain the space that you have. It’s an ongoing process. You don’t want to go back to square one that’s for sure.
Additional info/ photos by: zmkstudio, Carlos Porto and Bill Longshaw from freedigitalphotos.net instyle.com, goodhousekeeping.com
