Get Organized
Closet Organization
Question: It's spring again and I hear my closets calling me. I have the
best intentions but I can't seem to get started. Do you have any advice on
how to conquer such a large feat?
Jackie
Answer: I do indeed have a few simple tips for containing the clutter in your
closets. Try not to tackle an entire closet unless you know you will have a
large block of time without interruptions -- don't dump it and leave it as
we have all done in times past!
Break it down into manageable time periods of 15-20 minutes at a time,
either working by category (floor, shelf, closet rod) or in one direction
around the entire closet one area at a time (clockwise or
counter-clockwise-- pick a direction and stay with it). By the way, this is
a technique that works for almost any organizing project, and one that I
recommend for areas that are just too much to handle in one sitting.
Now it's time to get started with your sorting and purging project.
Getting Started: Gather several boxes labeled: To Keep, To Trash,
To Sell, Undecided. Begin sorting. Don't try to find a place for
everything until your items are sorted. Group your items by category:
shirts, pants, shorts, tee shirts, jeans, sweats. Decide what will be
folded, what will be placed on hangers and what will go into drawers.
By planning wisely during your sorting process, you have eliminated the need
for many storage items. Use what you have around the house, then buy
specific sizes for the articles you need to organize.
- Use multilevel rods
for hanging items. Bins and
shelf dividers keep folded items stacked. They are inexpensive to
buy and can usually be found in discount stores or home stores. The
time you save sorting through things on the floor or in drawers for
purses and accessories will be well worth the small investment. This
will not only free up valuable drawer space, but can eliminate the
need for chest of drawers altogether.
- Use hangers for ties and belts
, cubbies for shoes and purses (cover
divided grocery store boxes from wine bottles or detergent bottles),
hanging organizer or fishing box for jewelry.
- Hooks for caps, bags,
umbrellas and purses keep things in sight for
quick retrieval.
- When organizing your closet, keep all blouses together.
Sort by color,
casual or dressy, long sleeved or short sleeved. Do the same for
skirts, dresses, slacks and jeans.
If you maintain this system, you can tell at a glance what article
of clothing you need before you go shopping. (You may also find you
already have four white blouses and don't really need another one!)
- A hanging storage closet system
purchased at home stores and discount
stores is a great portable alternative to built-in organizers. These
hook over your closet rod and have multiple milk crates suspended
below.
If you live in an apartment or base housing, or just move frequently,
this is a cost effective solution to shelving and cubbies. For kid's
closets, hang these on a lower rod, then move to a higher rod as they
grow.
- Hanging organizers
with clear plastic divided pouches organize and
display at the same time. These come with small pockets for jewelry
or larger sizes for shoes, pantyhose, scarves, etc. I've used them
in lieu of junk drawers for office supplies.
- Shoe bags
can be found at dollar stores, and the smaller ones are
in mail order catalogs or home furnishing stores.
- Don't forget the door!
Use over the door organizers such as laundry
bags, book racks, ironing boards, utility racks (good for storing
tapes, cds, cleaning supplies) and coat racks. If you can hook it,
you can hang it. These are great space savers.
These are just a few suggestions for organizing closets. Use the basic
principles of closet organizing for each closet in your home: linen,
clothes, coat, craft. By containing clutter, you'll find yourself well on
the way to becoming a bit more organized.
Good luck,
Debbie Williams
Also see:
Organizing small closets
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