Spring cleaning is just around the corner, and it's the perfect time to search through your closet and organize everything you love, while getting rid of things that are just taking up space! It's important to make sure you have enough time to dedicate to this very important task. It may not be easy, but it'll certainly be fun and enlightening to see all that you have!
To help you out I've created this FASHIONISTA CLOSET GUIDE, to not only tell you how to go about making your closet work for you, but also making informed decisions about what stays and what goes!
Ready.....Set......Go!
Step 1: Empty out your closet, and I mean EVERYTHING! It's the only way you're going to be able to find those slinky tops that have fallen off the hangers, or that dress from your cousins wedding that you only wore that one time. It may seem overwhelming, especially for the fashionistas with walk ins, but it will be worth it in the end...promise.
Step 2: Make sure you have the right equipment!
Everyone's closets are different shapes, some have built in's some don't, some use shelves while others have bars. Ultimately it is your own decision and preference that will satisfy your needs, but I do have some of my own personal favorites.
Shelving:
Rather than using rods and bars, I stand by installing the thin wire shelving because it allows for dual function. With the proper hangers you can hang up everything on the underside of the wire shelf, but still use the tops to stack bulkier sweaters or jeans!
www.efurnitureshowroom.com
This picture shows additional shelving and looks like it was installed by a professional company. But this is not always necessary! Home Depot sells the white shelving and it can easily be installed with a few brackets and nails. In order to keep it simple I suggest getting two shelves each cut to the full length of your closet. Hang one shelf higher up in your closet and one lower (but still with enough room so stuff can hang without touching the floor). You can always keep a step stool in there to reach the higher shelf, and it instantly doubles your hanging space!
Hangers:
I am somewhat of a hanger snob, and now will only use one specific type. They are a little more expensive than the plastic tubular, but they save you so much room and garments never fall off! Don't even get me started on wire hangers...
They come in lots of different styles, shapes, functions and even fun colors if you are someone who likes to color code. There are different brands and different price ranges, but as long as its ultra thin (these are the thinnest hangers I've ever seen) and covered in a no slip velvet, they are fine by me!
Step 3: The Purge
Now it is time to go through everything that you just pulled out of your closet. Make sure to spread out so you have enough room because we are going to be using the pile method. It is time to go and look over each piece in your closet (its easier to take them off the hangers) and look for any damages or stains. You then must decide if the go into the "KEEP" pile or the "TOSS" pile (these are items you will sell or donate). You are allowed to have a third "FIX" pile, but only if you are actually going to have the damages fixed/tailored. If you put it in a pile and then just shove it back in the back of the closet, that defeats the purpose!
When deciding what to keep and what to part with ask yourself some meaningful questions.
Does it fit? - try it on then and there....if it's a NO toss it.
When was the last time I wore it? - If you can't remember toss it, and if you can ask yourself and before that? if you can't remember that time then toss it too!
Is it faded, stretched, or not even close to being in style? Toss, Toss, Toss!
Step 4: The Organizing
There are a few different way you can go about putting everything back in its rightful place, and again as always this is your choice.
There are two general rules I like to live by when organizing what to hang where.
1. Sleeve length
2. Color
I generally like to put the garments in order of sleeve length, starting with sleeveless on one end, and long sleeve at the other. It wouldn't be unheard of to keep the types of clothing together as well when using this rule, sweaters with sweaters dress shirts with dress shirts etc.
I then like to go through and go by color usually ranging light to dark. Sometimes trying to do both of these will get confusing and perhaps impossible. DO NOT WORRY, no matter how hard you try nothing can ever be perfect!
Step 5: Accessories
So now what do you do with all the little extras? Accessories can look the most messy if not properly organized as well.
Shoes: There are a few different options for shoes. If you have floor space enough underneath your bottom hanging shelf (maybe you will decide to put the shorter things on the bottom for this purpose) You can go with the shelves or nice little baskets. Both of which are visibly appealing. Shoes can also be organized by type and color!
If you don't have floor space then there is always the options of the over the door organizers but I always think these look a little bulky and messy.
Handbags:
You can either have your handbags hanging on the back of your door, or you can take this opportunity to use the top side of your wire shelving. The shelving allows the bags to be on more prominent display!
Belts/ Scarves:
Belts and scarves can either be hung on their special hangers or kept in nice little boxes.
Jewelry:
I personally don't like keep my jewelry int he closet but some people do. They have special storage designed just for it!
So here is everything you need to know about organizing your closet this spring! It may take you a day, but the finished product will be well worth it. And remember once its clean keep up the maintenance! It will be much easier this way .
