If you’re like most people, your closets might resemble a mini battle zone. Clothes, coats, towels, and sheets all jumbled up. But, it’s time to turn that chaos into calm. Organized closets aren’t just about clothes; it’s about transforming every storage space in your home.
From linen closets brimming with towels to hall coat closets bursting at the seams and overwhelming master bedroom closets, I’ve got you covered. Get ready to find not just your favorite shirt, but also that matching towel set and the coat you thought was lost, with ease. Spring cleaning starts now!
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What Happened To Your Organized Closets? Is This Familiar?
Remember the days when your closets were a new adventure in organization? Picture it: the linen closet, with washcloths neatly separated from towels and toilet paper arranged in perfect stacks. Then there was the coat closet, where every dress coat had its place, distinctly apart from those grab-and-go jackets. And let’s not forget the bedroom closet, where you could actually see the floor, with jeans and shirts accessible without a scavenger hunt through a pile of clothes.
But then, life happened. A whirlwind of daily routines, hectic schedules, work demands, and personal commitments blurred the lines of organization. Gradually, what once were havens of order turned into chaos. Now, peek into your linen closet, your hall closet, and your bedroom closet – they seem to have transformed into realms of disarray, each a mountain of unsorted clothing and items.
But fear not – this tale isn’t over. It’s time to bring back the magic of organized closets, turning back the pages to those neatly arranged spaces once again.
Your DIY Guide to Organized Closets
Here I am revisiting the steps I used to go from disorganized closets to organized closets, and I am sharing what I did so you can achieve the same organized happiness I have! Good luck. P.S. This is a great rainy-day (s) activity.
1. Decluttering: Your First Step Towards Organized Closets
How to start on your decluttering mission across all your closets.
Here’s how:
- Sort items into piles: Keep, Donate, and Trash. Donating feels good and you are being eco-conscious!)
- Check pockets for forgotten treasures or trash.
- Evaluate items in your linen closet: transfer leftovers, and repurpose frayed towels.
- In your master closet, gather scattered shoes, and pick up stray tags and items you tossed in ‘for now’.
Decluttering is about reevaluating, tossing out the unnecessary, and setting the stage for a well-organized space.
2. Clean Before You Organize
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s crucial to clean the space thoroughly.
- Dust shelves & woodwork
- Vacuum or mop floors
- Wipe down doors
- Clean the walls
- Cobweb corners
- Replace any burnt-out lightbulbs
- Add sachets for great scents
This step ensures that everything you put back is housed in a fresh, clean environment.
3. Smart Storage Solutions
Rethink how you store items.
- Drawer Dividers: These help keep smaller items like socks, underwear, or accessories neatly separated within drawers.
- Hanging Closet Organizers: These feature shelves, cubbies, or pockets that hang from the closet rod, providing extra storage space for items like sweaters, handbags, or shoes.
- Storage Baskets or Bins: Opt for woven baskets or fabric bins to store items like scarves, hats, or folded clothes on shelves. They add texture and style while keeping clutter contained.
- Space-Saving Hangers: Use slim, non-slip hangers to maximize hanging space and keep clothing items from slipping off. Consider cascading hangers to hang multiple items vertically.
- Labeling Systems: Whether it’s with adhesive labels, chalkboard labels, or a label maker, clearly labeling bins, boxes, or shelves helps everyone in the household easily locate and return items to their designated spots.
- Utilize bins, boxes, and shelves creatively
- Line shelves with contact paper for a fresh look
- Use clear acrylic boxes for shoes
- Employ collapsible cubes with labeled tags for easy organization
Transform any closet into a well-ordered and efficient space. Remember, effective storage is about both function and aesthetics.
4. Utilize the Door for Added Space
Maximize every inch of space, including your closet doors. Storage in an over-the-door hanger for a linen closet might look like this:
- Washcloths
- Rubber gloves
- Disinfecting wipes
- Hand towels
- Backup soap
- Toilet paper
- Small bottles of shampoo or conditioner
- Hairbrushes or combs
- First aid supplies (bandages, antiseptic, etc.)
- Extra toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Travel-sized toiletries
- Small cleaning supplies (spray bottles, sponges, etc.)
- Air fresheners or room sprays
- Spare batteries
- Light bulbs
- Small tools (screwdriver, hammer, etc.)
- Sewing kit
Over-the-door hangers with pockets are fantastic for stashing small items in linen closets or for accessories in bedroom closets. This trick not only saves space but also keeps items easily accessible.
5. Uniform Hangers and Additional Rods
Switching to a single style of hanger, like a non-slip velvet one, can surprisingly transform your closet’s look and functionality.
Tension Rods: Install tension rods horizontally in closets to create extra hanging space for clothing items like shirts or pants. They can also be used vertically to divide sections within the closet. Hang other items like scarves, hats, or even jewelry. This simple change creates more space and streamlines the look of your closet.
Things To Buy To Prep For Organized Closets
Before you even start, toss, donate, etc. Purchase tags and containers to fit the shelves. And don’t forget metallic markers. This way you have what you need to do the job from start to finish because organized closets will help you move along in your day with fewer issues! Start the day out right and have good days that follow!
Once You’ve Got Organized Closets Keep Them That Way…Here’s How
Keeping your closets organized can be a game-changer in maintaining a clutter-free and functional space.
Here are seven tips to help you keep your organized closets, well, organized:
- Designate specific spaces: Assign a designated spot for each item in your closet. Whether it’s shelves, bins, or hangers, having a designated place for everything makes it easier to put items back where they belong.
- Use storage solutions: Invest in storage solutions such as bins, baskets, and dividers to maximize space and keep similar items together. Utilize vertical space with hanging organizers or over-the-door racks for shoes or accessories.
- Regular decluttering sessions: Schedule regular decluttering sessions to go through your belongings and get rid of items you no longer need or use. Donate or sell items in good condition, and toss or recycle anything that’s damaged or unusable.
- Keep a trash can nearby: Place a trash can or recycling bin near your closet to easily dispose of packaging, tags, or items you decide to get rid of during your decluttering sessions. This prevents clutter from accumulating on the floor or shelves.
- Put things back immediately: Get into the habit of putting things back in their designated spot immediately after use. Whether it’s clothes, shoes, or accessories, resist the temptation to toss them on the floor or leave them on a chair. This simple habit can prevent piles of clutter from forming.
- Rotate seasonal items: Rotate your wardrobe seasonally to keep it organized and ensure you’re making the most of the available space. Store off-season clothing and accessories in labeled bins or vacuum-sealed bags to free up space for items you’re currently using.
- Regular maintenance: Dedicate a few minutes each week to perform quick maintenance tasks, such as straightening shelves, rehanging clothes, and organizing accessories. By staying on top of small tasks, you can prevent clutter from building up and maintain your organized closet long-term.
With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a clutter-free and functional closet space that makes getting dressed each day a breeze!
Go Create Organized Closets!
Transforming your closets into organized, functional spaces can be immensely satisfying. It’s about making life simpler, your home neater, and your mornings less stressful.
Remember, organized closets are not just about tidying up; they are about reclaiming your space and peace of mind. Start your journey today, and don’t forget to share your experiences and tips for creating organized closets in the comments!