Try These Simple Steps To An Organized Closet

Is your closet in need of a little TLC? Apply the following steps and you should be satisfied with your closet and yourself once you have completed the long task of organizing your closet.

Things you'll need:
Hangers
Hooks
Shoe racks
Shelving

1. REMOVE EVERYTHING FROM THE CLOSET
Think of this step as your journey into the great unknown you never know what little goodies you'll find lurking in the dark recesses of a closet. So the first step is to remove every single item inside it. EVERYTHING. This serves two purposes:

1. You'll be able to see what kind of space you have to work with.
2. You'll be so embarrassed by the pile of junk sitting on your bed / sofa / floor you'll have no option but to organize it neatly.

Once you can see your closet fully you'll want to scrub it down. You can probably find some great-smelling cleanersyou can make yourself, but soap and water will work too.

2. SEPARATE THE ITEMS YOU REMOVED

Most people find this step the most difficult because it involves getting rid of items you have had for a very long time, (and mostly too long)! To make these looming decisions a little easier follow these steps:

Divide items into bins

You can either buy bins from a local discount store, or you can use boxes. Either way make sure they are sturdy enough to handle a heavy load. Then put each item in an appropriate bin.

Keep Bin: A good rule to follow when deciding to keep something is to look how often you use or wear the item. For clothes, any item you have not worn more than twice in the last year has to go. It's harsh, but that's how you got into this mess in the first place.

Throw Away Bin: You will probably notice halfway through the process your Keep Bin will be overflowing while the rest is empty. If you think about it most of your stuff is probably ripped, stained, no longer fits, or is just out of style. So, if you have a piece of clothing that is absolutely unsalvageable it should go into the Throw Away Bin.

Sell or Donate Bin: These bins will be the most heaviest, because chances are most of your clothing isn't ruined, just doesn't fit well, or it's out of style. If it's been over a year since you fit into a garment, donate it! We strongly suggest you donate your clothes. It will make you feel good, and you may get a tax break!
However if you would like to make some extra cash, you can sell your items at a consignment store. Suits will likely carry a decent price, but they usually accept anything is decent condition.

Get rid of everything except the Keep Bin immediately! If you keep these items too long they tend to find their way back into the closet. Then you've wasted all of your time and energy.

3. DIVIDE THE REMAINING ITEMS

You should now be left with a lot less clothes and other items than when you began. Now begins the fun part ... sorting! Put on some tunes and begin sorting through your remaining belongings. Make sense of your closet If you wear more casual clothing and do not wear suits regularly, organize the closet accordingly by putting the suits in the back, and have the casual clothes in front making them more readily available.

4. USE CLOSET ORGANIZERS

From personal experience, closet organizers are gifts from the Gods. These uncomplicated and inexpensive items will make organizing your closet effortless. There are three main types of organizers that will fit into any closet, regardless of its size: shelves, specialty hangers, and shoe racks.

Shelves: Shelves provide you with a place to put all of your items that would typically go on the floor. Installed shelves tend to be able to hold more weight. They can be found at most home improvement stores or websites.

Specialty Clothes Hangers: You will want to go and purchase some new clothes hangers, but before you do that you'll want to get rid of all the old ones prowling in your closet. Look for collapsible,multi-tiered hangers, which save space by allowing you to hang multiple garments at once.

Shoe Racks: You'll also want to invest in a sturdy shoe rack. If you have a small closet get a hanging shoe rack that can be attached to the back of a door. Another way to organize your shoes is to keep the original shoebox and paste a picture of the shoes on each box so that you know what's inside. Granted, the film processor will look at you strangely, but at least you'll be organized. If you're hell bent on keeping your shoes on the floor, however, then at least point each pair of shoes in a different direction. We swear this will give you extra room.

Remember your closet needs to MAKE SENSE based on your lifestyle.... You are the one using your closet. Good Luck!