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Author: Adriane WeinbergCloset Clothing Clutter General Home Organizing Wardrobe Management

Quick Closet Makeover!

Closet - Adriane Weinbery

 

Ouch! What just fell on my head? Maybe it’s time to organize your clothes closet! To start the process, label containers Donate, Recycle, Homeless (for anything that doesn’t belong in the closet) and Unsure (use this one sparingly). Use a garbage bag for trash.

Follow these 13 easy tips:

1.  Have a specific objective (for example — be able to store clothing and accessories without overcrowding so you can quickly put things away).

2.  Plan the space and assign homes for your things.

3.  Pick a corner of the closet to start decluttering. If there is too much stuff to   access the closet, start with what’s in front of you.

4.  Grab the first item and decide where it goes, either in one of the containers or   in its home in the closet. Continue with things on the floor, shelves, and hanging on the rod until your objective is met.

5.  Eliminate everything that is not worn (for whatever reason), torn (mend it), stained (clean it), doesn’t fit (donate it) or beyond repair (toss it). If clothes are too small and only if it’s very likely you will fit into and wear them again, store them in a labeled bin. Otherwise they are just daily negative reinforcement. To save space, pack the too-small things in labeled bins and store them elsewhere.

6.  Group similar items (short tops, long tops pants, suits) in an order that makes   sense to you. To create a rainbow effect, group by color.

7.  If it’s clutter, it goes. I define clutter as anything that is not useful or enjoyable and takes up space without serving any real purpose.

8.  To contain groups of items, use organizing products for shoes, sweaters,   handbags and so on. See Scarf Organizer (below).

9. Decluttering is just a first step. To be organized, it’s crucial to create and follow   systems, habits and rules to live by (as I call them) that work for you.

10.  Use vertical space above the rod for storage, raise the rod for more accessible   floor storage, and see the Closet Rod Doubler (below) to double hanging space.

11.   Do not take back anything you removed! Take out the trash, bring donations to your favorite charity and get your tax-deductible receipt, and distribute things in the Homeless box.

12.   Maintenance is the key to long-term success so immediately return things to their homes.

13.   Reward yourself with a special treat for a job well done!

Need more space for hanging clothes? No problem. The closet rod doubler (shown) simply hangs from the main rod, instantly doubling that hanging space. It’s super-easy to install; no tools are necessary. Both height and width are adjustable. This one sells for $19.99 at The Container Store.

Click on (or copy and paste the link in your browser): http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10015612&N=&Ns=p_sort_default|0&Ntt=closet+doubler.

Closet Rod Doubler

Closet Rod Doubler

Scarf Organizer

Scarf Organizer

Scarves are in vogue this spring. If you are unhappy with how yours are stored, this scarf organizer makes it simple and colorful to look at. Organize them by designer, color, size, or material. Try this product for jewelry and belts and, for the guys’ ties. You can buy this one for $5.99 at The Container Store. Click on (or copy and paste the link in your browser): http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10000136&N=&Ns=p_sort_default|0&Ntt=scarf+organizer.

Now that it’s so simple to find things and return them where they belong — and everything looks great too — maybe you’ll be motivated to organize the rest of your closets!

 

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