Closets are always a tough entity to keep organized, especially if you don't own the house the closet is in
They come in all shapes and sizes, and aren't always properly equipped to handle your wardrobe. In fact, they rarely are more than long hanger bars with a shelf overhead. It can cost thousands of dollars to have a quality custom closet system installed, and if you are renting, you really don't want to spend more than $20 to make your closet usable. Additionally, many people have tons of stuff in their closet that they just push aside and never really know how to deal with the clutter, or how to purge.
That's where I come in.
This is my closet, and yes, it actually looks like this:
These tips I am about to outline will help you make your closet more user-friendly and clutter-free without bspending hardly any money.
First things first. If you are fortunate enough to have lighting in your closet, spend the money on new bulbs. Your light fixture will tell you how high a wattage it will accept. Just be sure you do not use clear bulbs, as they cast shadows, and aren't as bright. If your fixture is particularly cheap and you know how to change one (or want to learn), you can buy a new one for very little that has aimable lamps, and replace it yourself.
Secondly, examine your hangers. If they are broken, assorted cast-offs, or cheap, it is time to replace them. Your new hangers should be sturdy, and somewhat uniform. You can match them exactly if you like, but it is more important that they are functional. Try to limit the types to no more than 3.
Now, here comes the fun part. Completely empty your closet. Absolutely every thing comes out. Clean the closet, top to bottom, and don't forget to vacuum the crevices and tops of the baseboards.
Get a notepad and pen, a few plastic bags, your laundry hamper, and a pair of scissors. Set up your plastic bags for trash and donation. Anything you want to give to a friend or consign, keep them on the old hangers, but do not put them back in your closet! You can stow them in your coat closet until you get rid of them, but if they make it back into your closet, you will end up keeping them. TRUST ME!
Now for the purge:
Purging can be hard simply because we become attached to clothes. So here's the rule: You can keep 2 pieces of clothing that you have an attachment to. That can be your favorite holey shorts to lounge in, your prom dress from 1992, or even that pair of jeans you don't fit in, but will soon because you are a slave to the gym. It is a hard choice to make, but it is also how your closet can quickly become overwhelmed with things you never wear.
Just remember, if you have to change outfits more than twice to find something you can wear, you need to purge.
The best course of action in purging is to figure out A) does it fit well? B) is it in good shape? C)will you wear it again in the next year? D) and do you still love it? If you can't answer yes to all 4 questions, it has to go.
Anything that is a staple in your wardrobe, but has seen better days, needs to go. Instead of keeping it, write it down in your notepad as something you need to replace ASAP. If you put it back in the closet, you will never remember to replace it.
Now is also the time to launder anything in your closet which needs it. Closets have a knack for picking up odd smells, dust, and animal hair. Also, shoving clothes into a too-full closet will wrinkle and distort clothing. Nothing goes back in your closet unless it is in pristine condition.
Examine your trash items before you throw them out. Use the scissors to salvage any usable ribbons, bows, buttons, etc.This is great if you are crafty, but especially useful if you find you often need to sew a button on a different shirt. You can also cut out a piece of fabric to save if you want to replace something and need a visual to show a salesperson. Take digital photos of the whole article of clothing if necessary. Remember, you have to overcome every excuse you might have to feel the need to keep something you don't actually need.
Now, reloading the closet well:
Take a look at the layout of your closet. If your closet is like mine, you seem to always need access to the stupid box in it that contains all the cables for the house. Arrange your closet so it is convenient to you.
I use a large sturdy plastic bureau to contain all my socks and nighties and such. It fits perfectly under the box, and allows full access to it while keeping things tidy. The unusable clothing bar above it now houses belts, scarves, and extra hangers.
Rehang all your clothes neatly and portion them out so they are convenient to find. You do not need to color coordinate them, but it might be prudent to align them so things like camis and tanks don't get lost in your bulky sweaters, like I do.
Absolutely all the clothes I own are hung in the closet. They are not folded up in drawers or hung on shelves, with the exception of a few pairs of shorts. Hanging all your clothes ensures they do not become wrinkled during storage, nor become lost. I never have to dig through folded drawers to find my favorite tank and in the process undo all the folding.
I also do not push all my clothing into the corners of the closet. I keep them front and center, which keeps certain pieces from falling into disuse, as well as keeping my 17 year old persian from sleeping in the corners and hairing up my new Anthropologie pants.
I keep my shoes off the floor for the exact same reason. I keep them high up and out of reach of the animals. I only own about a dozen pairs of shoes, and they are worn often enough that they do not need special care from dust. But in your case (if you own way more pairs than I do) you might need to keep them in sturdy containers as high off the ground as you can.
Use inexpensive boxes to house things that need to stay dust-free. My hat boxes have hats and purses in them. There are many places on-line that sell functional and pretty boxes, but you can also use things you have around the house to contain things.
I find it important to decorate a bit with my items. Draping scarves over bars, and boxes add appeal. I use hooks to hang pretty purses and space out objects. Showcasing items in your closet helps you assemble an ensemble without having to deal with excessive eye clutter.
Now, here's the big tip to keeping your closet clean:
When you take an item off the hanger to wear it, don't put it back where it was, or yank the shirt off and allow it bounce back all wonky. Make a spot on your hanger bar specifically for empty hangers. It takes very little effort to remove a hanger and place it with the other empty hangers. Not only does it keep your closet looking nice, but it makes it easier to find the hangers when you are doing laundry.
When you do laundry, take the time to space out your clothes once everything is hung up. It will keep them from getting wrinkled. Be a good housekeeper and keep your closet floor clean so if something falls off a hanger, it doesn't need to be rewashed instantly.
And finally, invest in an inexpensive upright clothes steamer. I found mine for about $20 at Wal-Mart. It is easier and faster to steam the wrinkles out of your shirt than to iron it. It also takes up less space, requires no set up, and is ready to steam in under a minute. I keep mine in my closet, ready to go.
I hope these tips will help you make the best of what you have until you can afford the closet of your dreams!
