Having an organized closet means it’s much easier to get dressed for the day or a special event. No rummaging for that top that goes especially well with those pants. No double (or triple) buying of the same type of outfit. No taking 30 minutes to put the perfect outfit together (unless you can’t make up your mind about what to wear!)

The six keys to an organized closet are simple.

 

Key 1. Decide your style
Keep your style simple so you can mix and match items in your closet. Wear clothing that suits your body type, your profession, and your hobbies/ personal activities. If you are not attracting the right clients/significant other/friends and you think your wardrobe could be to blame, consider hire an image consultant (we know a great one!). 

 accessories

Key 2. Purge 
Donate or sell clothes you don’t wear, no longer fit into, or are worn out. Rule of thumb for everyday clothes is if you haven’t worn them during the season they are appropriate for, then it’s time to let them go. At the end of a season is the perfect time to purge clothes you haven’t worn that season. If you haven’t worn them this year, you’re even less likely to wear them next year. You have a few options for selling clothes, but it’s usually only worthwhile for designer clothes that are lightly worn. Search for your nearest consignment store, or donate items to Goodwill, or other charities. (We use Clothes the Deal to donate no longer needed business clothes to those in need). 

Key 3. Keep like with like
Choose color or type of clothing as the primary category, and then sort according to the secondary category.  Most people prefer to sort first by the type of clothing; long hanging dresses, pants, long sleeved shirts, short sleeved shirts, tanks, sweaters, scarves, belts, other accessories. Then sort by color if necessary. Your closet will look neater and it will be easy to pick out the type of garment you are looking for. 

Key 4. Use vertical space 
Use double hanging systems in your closet to utilize short hanging space efficiently. Use shelves to store sweaters or other items best stored flat. Use shoe racks or trees to keep shoes in. If you have lots of shoes that don’t get a lot of wear, storing them in clear shoe boxes that are stackable can keep shoes dust free and still allow you to find shoes easily. Some shoe boxes have flap doors for easy access in stacks. 

Key 5. Use hooks for hanging accessories
Use hanging options for scarves, belts, and light purses. They provide easy access and convenience to put away. 

Key 6. Keep seldom worn clothes and accessories protected & stored in secondary locations.  If your closet is short on space, consider storing these items in other locations. For example, winter wear can be stored in an airtight clear plastic container and put under the bed or in the garage. Use clothing bags, clear boxes with desicating packets, cedar or other strong scents to deter insects.