Closet Organization Ideas

Tips for Decluttering Your Closet

• Take the time to go through and distinguish the clothing and shoes you actually wear versus what you don’t. Consider donating the items you no longer wear and clothing that doesn’t fit you. This is the fastest way to a clutter-free closet.
• Once you've narrowed down your wardrobe, it's time to consider your space. Utilize floor space, the back of doors and all interior walls. 
• Always store items, like sweaters, T-shirts and other folded clothing, on shelves. Hanging sweaters will ruin their shape over time and take up valuable hanging space.
• Keep items you frequently use at eye level or below and items you seldom use higher up on shelves. Labeled bins or boxes are a great way to store bathing suits and long johns on higher shelves.
• Consider using a seasonal system to cut down on the amount of stuff in your closet. Store out-of-season items in plastic storage bins, and keep them in an attic, basement or under the bed until the seasons change.
• If you aren’t sure about whether or not to keep an item, flag the hanger with a piece of ribbon or marker. If you wear the item, remove the flag. If it's still tagged the next time you declutter your closet, it's time to donate.
• Explore ready-made closet organizers. From high-end, designer styles to inexpensive plastic solutions, there are dozens of closet systems available that will give you lots of options for hanging, folding and storing shoes.
• Look for items that are stored in your closet that would make better sense in another storage area. If you're storing Christmas decorations in a bedroom closet, look for a utility closet with some space to stash your holiday gear, and free up more room for your clothes.
• Make sure everything has a specific space. Install slots for shoes, cubbies for clothes that should be folded or other built-in solutions.
• Use small totes or clear plastic bins to store toiletries and other items that can get unwieldy.
• Look at all items in your closets with a critical eye. If you haven’t used an item in over a year, consider throwing it out.
• Sort everything. Separate sweaters from sweatshirts, pants from skirts and other items in a logical manner. Sort by color as well to make last-minute outfit-planning a breeze.
• To save room in a small closet, move bulky coats, mud boots or rain boots to a coat closet. You won't need these seasonal items every day, so save space for items you'll want at hand more often.