Simple tips, techniques and advice on how get rid of clutter, organize, clean out and create space in household closets.
The problem with closets is that many of them contain items we no longer use because we have nowhere else to put them. Yet, we aren't sure we want to get rid of them either. We end up with a vicious cycle. Clean out closets; put all items back in closets; closets become a mess again. What follows are some tips for cleaning out closets and keeping them clean.
There's no way around it. If you want to properly clean out your closet, you're going to have to take everything out, even the stuff on hangers. Why take down stuff that's already neatly hung up? There are a couple of reasons for this. First, because it's much easier to clean the floor and top shelves of a closet without hangers butting you in the head. The second reason is because there may be items that have been languishing on hangers since 1993, the last time they were worn. The idea is to unclutter. Items such as your puffy sleeved shirt from 1987 have to go. It's time to divide and conquer.
As you remove each item, place it in one of five piles: Keep, Store Elsewhere, Donate, Sell and Throw Away. Give everything you remove a quick study and ask yourself the following questions: When was the last time I wore this item? Will I honestly use it again? Is it in good condition? Would someone else like this? Does it really belong in this closet? Is it still useable?
No one likes to part with a favorite blouse or pair of shoes, but if it hasn't been worn in years, chances are it won't be again. Be realistic. If you're absolutely positive you'll use this item again, place it in the "Keep" pile. Perhaps you've come across an item that doesn't belong in this particular closet at all; maybe, it's a pillowcase that belongs in the linen closet, or an item of clothing belonging to another member of your family. This should be tossed into the "Store Elsewhere" pile.
Once you've established which pieces go back into the closet, it's time to decide what to do with everything else. If an item is beyond repair, or so old or ugly no one will want it, put it in the "Throw Away" pile. Keep a large trash bag handy for this purpose. Throw in the item and don't look back. There are a couple of options for items you won't be keeping but are in good shape. Donate them or sell them in a garage sale or to a consignment or thrift shop. What you decide depends on the item's condition. For instance, most consignment shops won't accept anything unless it looks like new. If you don't feel an item will sell at a consignment or thrift shop, consider having a garage sale. If you'd rather not go through the trouble of selling the items, donate them to a charitable organization or needy family instead. Whatever you do, don't put them back in the closet!
Once all items are removed, and this includes floors and shelves, clean the closet thoroughly. You'll be more inclined to keep your closet organized and clutter-free if it looks and smells fresh every time it's opened. For a fresh smelling closet, hang or place cedar blocks or sachets of potpourri in corners or on shelves. Once your closet is clean and fresh, you can replace the contents.
When organizing your closet, there are several things to consider. First, the item of clothing. To find things better, hang like items together. For instance, button down blouses should be placed together in a group. Do the same with vests, dresses, skirts, and pants. Next, consider the season. If it's summer, hang jackets and sweaters in the back of the closet. A third consideration is how often the item will be used. For instance, it doesn't make sense to place formal wear front and center. Instead, place dressier items in the back, and save the front of your closet for work clothes.
The closet floor is where most people store their shoes. These can be grouped in much the same manner as your clothes: Sneakers in one row, strappy sandals in another and boots in a third. You may even want to group shoes by color.
Arrange pocketbooks, hats and other accessories on the top shelves of the closet. Sweaters that may lose their shape if they're hung can be folded neatly and placed here as well. Belts and ties should be neatly hung on wooden hangers and placed in a corner where they're not likely to be knocked around.
Once your closet is organized, you'll be able to better see what you own. When you know where every item is located, it will save time. In fact, you may be so pleased with the results that you'll have the energy and motivation to start on the rest of the closets in your home.
