2. Start sorting. Separate your closet into work
and casual wear by item type, then group similar items by color.
Button-down shirts, dress pants, blazers, dresses, skirts, etc. should
all be batched together so you can quickly see and assess your options.
Make a separate pile for each category of casual clothing, such as
pants, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. Also group together shoes, belts, and
other accessories.
3. Only keep your "A" team or current clothes in your main closet.
Shift seasonal clothes, maternity, and "other size" items to another
storage space, such as under your bed. Many people can reduce the amount
of clothing in their closet by half if they follow this guideline.
4. Purge a little more. Once you have everything
sorted, you may discover that you own multiples of the same item. This
is your chance to get rid of those items that don't fit, are out of
style, or are not practical. (From here on out, keep a give-away box in
your closet to make donating easier.) Remember, it's important to let
your clothing have a little breathing room to keep it wrinkle-free, as
well as to allow you to easily view your closet's contents.
5. Now that you can see what you actually have, start measuring.
Most clothing needs 1/2 to two inches of space per item. How much of
your clothing can you realistically fit in the closet? If it only has
one rod across the top, you may want to consider redesigning your closet
for maximum space efficiency. Consider simple, inexpensive
modifications such as adding a double hang closet rod to double your
hanging space. You may also be able to adjust your shelves and rods to
better accommodate your space needs.
6. Return clothing to the closet. Organize your
clothes to work with your lifestyle. Section garments by type, then by
color, so you can always easily see what you have. Hang pants, blazers,
button-front shirts, dresses, and skirts. Don't put matching tops and
bottoms together, since this stops you from seeing other ways to combine
them. Arrange clothes so those you wear most often are nearest the
front of the closet.
7. Find storage containers that are sturdy and sized appropriately.
Use containers you already own or shop for new ones at stores like
Target or The Container Store. Sweaters, t-shirts, and sweatshirts line
up nicely on shelves with the help of vertical shelf dividers or when
placed in clear plastic boxes or hanging canvas shelves. Accessories
such as purses, scarves, and belts can be placed in clear boxes or
attractive wicker baskets on open shelves.
8. Assign each item a "home." Designate a shelf,
section of rod, or drawer for each category of clothing. You're likely
to return items to this space after every use. Come up with a system
that will allow you to maintain the de-cluttered space with minimal
effort. Also, install adequate lighting that will allow you to view all
of your clothing and shelf space.
