We all know the feeling. You open your closet doors, and suddenly you’re buried in an avalanche of clothes, shoes, and accessories. It seems impossible to find anything in there, let alone keep it organized day-to-day.
Clutter happens to the best of us. One minute your closet is neat as a pin, and the next it’s a disaster zone. But it doesn’t have to be this way! A little decluttering and organization go a long way. Here are eight tips to help you get your closet under control—and keep it that way all year round.
Tips #1: Get Rid of Anything You Haven’t Worn in the Past Year
Chances are, if you haven’t worn something in the past year, or at least in six months, you probably never will. So why keep it taking up valuable space in your closet? Donate it or sell it online and make some extra cash in the process!
Out with the old, in with the new—you won’t regret it.
Tips #2: Invest in Some Good Quality Hangers
While there’s no rule that says you must only use one kind of hanger, we do recommend ditching the wire hangers from the dry cleaner in favor of something a little nicer. Not only will it make your closet look more polished, but good quality hangers can also help clothes keep their shape and last longer. It’s a win-win!
Cheap wire hangers can damage your clothes, so it’s time to get rid of them. But wait, if you don’t feel like spending money on hangers, consider making your own! Keep the old wire hangers and add a little bit of fabric to make them pretty and functional. You can watch the full tutorial here.
Tips #3: Sort Your Clothes by Categories and Colors
Sorting your clothes by category will make it easier to find what you’re looking for and get dressed in the morning. You can choose any kind of category that makes sense to you, either by type (e.g., shirts, pants, skirts, dresses), season (e.g., summer, winter), or by purpose (e.g., work clothes, casual clothes, exercise clothes).
Sorting your clothes by color is another great way to organize your closet and make it look more pulled together. Plus, it’ll save you time when you’re getting dressed since you can quickly grab what you need without having to search through everything. No more standing in front of your closet feeling like you have nothing to wear!
Tips #4: Take Advantage of Vertical Space
If floor space is limited but you have plenty of room going up, make use of vertical storage solutions like wall hooks, over-the-door racks, and hanging shelves. This is a great way to free up some much-needed floor space—and keep things within easy reach at the same time!
IKEA’s brilliant closet system is one of the most popular (and affordable) ways to add vertical storage to your closet. But there are plenty of other options out there too, like this over-the-door shoe rack or these wall hooks. And if you’re feeling really DIY-savvy, YouTube is full of great tutorials for making your own hanging shelves and racks.
Tips #5: Keep Everyday Items Within Reach
We all have our “holy grail” items that we wear on repeat: that perfect pair of jeans, that little black dress that always looks amazing, etc. To avoid having to search through your entire closet every time you need them, put these items front-and-center where they’ll be easy to spot (and grab) at a moment’s notice.
Tips #7: Keep it Clean
Of course, no matter how well you organize your closet, it will always look cluttered if it isn’t clean. Do yourself a favor and vacuum or sweep regularly, dust those high shelves, and spot-treat any spills or stains as soon as they happen. Not only will this help extend the life of your clothing, but it will also help prevent any unwanted pests from moving in.
Talking about pests, some people swear by using cedar hangers to keep moths and other insects away from their clothing. You can find them online or at most major retailers (like Target or Walmart). Essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus are also said to work well—just add a few drops to a cotton ball and place it inside your closet.
Tips #8: Don’t Forget About the Seasonal Clothes
If you live in a climate with four distinct seasons, chances are you have a lot of clothing that you only wear for part of the year. Storing these items properly will not only save you closet space but it will also help keep them in good condition until you need them again.
The best way to store seasonal clothes is in airtight containers or plastic bags. This will protect them from dust, moisture, and pests—and prevent any musty smells from developing. You can find storage bags specifically designed for clothes at most major retailers, or you can use something like a vacuum-sealed storage bag (just make sure to leave a little bit of space so the fabric can breathe).
Once you’ve got your seasonal clothes sorted, it’s time to decide where to put them. If you have the space, an extra closet or storage unit is ideal. But if that’s not an option, built-in storage containers under your bed or even a spare dresser in another room will work just fine.
Conclusion
Voilà! Now you have all the tips and tricks you need to organize your closet like a pro. Just remember: the key is to find what works for you and your space. There is no “right” way to do it, so experiment until you find a system that you love. And don’t forget to give your closet a good declutter every once in a while—you’ll be surprised how much better it feels to wear clothes you actually love (and look good in)!
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