So you’ve been following the advice of our editors on what to wear, and you’ve accumulated quite the clothing collection, but are you taking care of it all? Is your closet littered with piles of shirts? Do you carelessly fling your precious pants into a drawer? I’m here to put an end to your madness and teach you the ways of closet organization in four simple steps:
- Try on all of your clothes. Pretend you’re Carrie Bradshaw in the first Sex and The City movie. Make a pile of clothes and accessories that you haven’t worn in a while. If it has been over a year, toss it. You should also put clothes that are too big or small in this pile. I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the sweater you shrunk in the dryer isn’t going to return to its normal size. Take all of the clothes you’ve weeded out, wash them, and donate them.
- Prepare your closet. I’m a huge fan of hooks. They’re perfect for hanging belts, scarves, extra hangers, hats, etc. Adhesive hooks are quick and easily removable, razor hangers are great to maximize closet space, and a few extra drawers are useful, so your clothes aren’t crammed. I also like to keep a few small baskets, which I use for socks, bathing suits, gloves, etc. For bags, try a standing coat rack like this one.
- Hang and Fold. You’ll be amazed at how much easier you’ll be able to find things when you don’t have to dig through a five-foot-tall pile. Find a method that works for you and stick to it. Personally, I fold all of my pants, but maybe you hang yours up. Using a short hanging garment bag for clothes will add protection from dusts and moths. Whatever you choose, consistency is key. That way, you’ll always know where to look.
- Put it where it belongs. Maybe I’m a little obsessive-compulsive, but I have separate drawers for long and short-sleeved shirts. I hang all of my dresses together on the rack and have different piles of jeans, sweatpants, and khakis. It sounds tedious, but I promise you that getting dressed in the morning will be so much simpler.
If you’re up for the challenge, hang all of your clothes in one direction. It just looks nicer. If you want your closet to smell nice, try these scented drawer liners. They work like magic.
How do you keep your closet organized?