5 Tips to Organize your Closet and Love your Wardrobe
Did you know that the first week of October was National Get Organized week? Maybe you are just now hearing about it. No worries! It’s never too late to jump in and become clutter free!
Albert Einstein famously pointed out that “if a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” Thomas Edison, who had a famously messy desk, would have surely agreed.
This concept has comforted me at times, but honestly, I’m not sure that I agree.
Just think about how you feel when you are amongst clutter … versus how you feel in a beautifully designed room that’s organized and has a place for everything. When I tap into my true feelings on this, I realize that I actually feel more creative and peaceful in a tidier space and more anxious in a messier one. How about you? How do you feel? Would a clutter free space make you feel more calm?
Let’s think now about your closet. How does it make you feel? Is it cramped and dark? Are there clothes in piles, things hanging off the rack, shoes in a pile? No shame here.
For most of my life my closet has been a big mess, overflowing with clothes that I seldom wore. There were piles on the floor of items that I went through that morning because I couldn’t figure out what to wear. Sound familiar? Just thinking about it makes my heart race like loud banging music that won’t stop. But now my closet is like a beautiful soft melody.
With a bit of organization and intentional thought, now all of my hangers all match. I have a lovely overhead light that is bright enough, but not too bright. All of my clothes are hung by type and color. I only have the current season and only the clothes that currently fit me. It is a place I like to be. My accessories are accessible. My shoes stacked neatly. What about you?
Here’s a few suggestions:
1. Do a wardrobe audit.
When was the last time that you did an audit of the clothes you actually wear? This is step one. Learn what works for you and what doesn’t. What shapes, styles, colors, patterns are right for you? Make sure they fit you, perfectly. Make sure that they are in season and that they aren’t dated. Studies show the average woman only wears 20% of the clothes in her closet. Why not pare your closet down to only the 20% of clothes you love? Buy quality and mix and match them in new and different ways.
2. Get matching hangers. Do your hangers match?
Your closet will feel more organized and tidy if your hangers match. There are a variety of different options available to you: Plastic hangers – this is an affordable option. Pick your favorite color and have fun with them.
Wood hangers, especially cedar wood helps absorb odors and protects your clothes against moths and other insects. Another idea is Huggable Hangers. Their ultra-thin design can triple your closet space, and their non-slip velvety finish holds on to clothes. No matter the option that you decide to go with, having them all match will help you begin to feel that your closet is more organized.
3. Organize your accessories.
Accessories make the outfit. Do an audit of your shoes, jewelry, scarves and belts. Follow the same rules as your clothes and decide what to keep and pass on. To make sure you use your accessories, be certain to make them visible. Organize them in ways that they are neat and tidy, but also visible so that you keep them top of mind and actually wear them. Donate any jewelry that you don’t wear often or you feel is outdated.
4. Check your lighting.
Make sure the lighting is bright in your closet so that you can really see the colors, textures and patterns. Also, if you can, have a full length mirror in your closet or nearby as well as a hand mirror so you can see your backside.
5. Organize by type and color.
Once you get everything in order, take the time to organize by item type and color. I put all my tops no matter the sleeve length and style in order by color, from light to dark. I also separate my pants, skirts, dresses and jackets in the same manner. This is likely how you get dressed. You decide first on pants or a skirt or a dress and then look for the right color to accompany that piece to pull the full outfit together. Not only will this help you get dressed and create great outfits. It will be visibly appealing.
When your closet is organized, clean and tidy, it will be a place you want to be. You will feel inspired to create outfits and you will leave feeling great about yourself. Hope this helps!
