Scenes From a Professional Organizer's Home: My Closet

Today I thought I’d show you my closet – especially fitting since Tuesday’s post focused on my discovery of the world of consignment. So what are the elements of an organized closet?

1. Efficient Use of Space

If you’re like me and most others, you do not have infinite (or even ample) closet space, so it’s important to use the space you do have well! Look at all the dimensions – are you maximizing vertical in addition to horizontal space? Using walls and shelves in addition to hanging bar space? While not required (you’ll see I don’t have one), a custom-designed closet system is often the best way to make the most use of your space. The elfa systems offered by The Container Store are a great option, but there are plenty of others out there that offer different looks for different prices. If you’re on a budget, there’s certainly plenty you can do with do-it-yourself and/or free-standing bins, shelving, hooks, shoe storage, etc.

2. Great Hangers

One of the best investments I’ve made in my closet was to switch out all the hangers to Huggable Hangers® (the slim, fuzzy ones). I love them! Nothing slips off, they don’t leave hanger marks in the shoulders, and they work just as well for small and large clothing. I recommend buying brand-name rather than knock-off versions (sturdier and no issues with the fuzz or color). In addition to having hangers that function well, having uniform hangers is aesthetically pleasing and goes a long way toward making your closet appear organized!

3. Less is More

An organized closet must have plenty of space. So you may be saying, how can I accomplish that? If you’re already maximizing your space and you’re not adding additional space, there’s only one way to do this – evict items that you don’t love or need! Most people also need to store off-season clothing elsewhere – such as in plastic bins under the bed or other storage spaces. You’ve heard the rules, if you haven’t used it in a year, it’s time to move it along – donation, consignment, or swaps with friends are easy ways to do this. Review your closet twice a year (at the season changes) – if you went through an entire season and didn’t wear something, it’s time to go. This may seem scary at first for you savers out there, but you’ll be amazed at how much more enjoyable an uncluttered closet is. If you’re unsure, you can always try putting select items on “probation” – put them aside (but still accessible), set an expiration date, and if that date comes and goes without getting some enjoyable use out of the items, you know what to do!

4. The Right Tools

Since I don’t have a built-in system (aside from a hanging bar and shelf), I make use of the following tools to maximize space:

• Bins – I use small, lightweight bins on the shelf that I can easily pull down to store items I use regularly, but not daily. I also use larger bins around the perimeter on the floor for bulky items like sweaters and foldable items like gym clothes. We just have to remember to keep the closet door closed so our cat doesn’t make these bins into a comfy nap spot!
• Hooks – For belts and hats, I installed a rack of hooks on the wall behind the main hanging bar. Because the closet isn’t over-stuffed, it’s easy to see and reach these items.
• Shoe Storage – Most people have more shoes to store than can fit along the floor of a closet. We make use of vertical space using shoe shelves as well as hanging shoe cubbies. You can also try over-the-door shoe cubbies or a shoe tree for additional storage.

I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration to improve your closet. You get dressed and undressed every day – why not make your life a little easier!