2022: Year of the Closet
2022 has been the "Year of the Closet”.
Closet make-over requests have been my number one request this year. I had so much fun with my clients reorganizing spaces and adding smart products to make the closet function properly. Many were striving for an upscale boutique style with modern aesthetics. Who wouldn’t want to wake up and shop your own closet every morning?
If you’re starting a closet project, I have compiled my top 10 tips and tricks.
#1 – Switch Out Hangers
No closet can be tamed without the help of hangers. Whether you want a boutique look, a better functioning closet, or your goal is more hanging space - invest in hangers.
I usually use a combination of hangers that include velvet, slimline, plastic (college), and wooden. Each has different functions for clothing, but they all help keep your clothes shape, help to organize, and save space.
Pro tip: Use the same color to give the closet a better cohesive look and feel.
#2 – Invest in Drawer Dividers
What a difference a drawer divider makes! Using them, keep drawers tidier especially when file-folding clothes. Dividers will keep clothing upright, in place, and organized. They'll have less chance of falling over and out of sorts.
#3 – Rainbow order
ROYGBIV. (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet)
I highly recommend rainbow order for organizing your clothes. Color organization makes a huge impact on how your closet looks and helps your brain pinpoint exactly where something is.
You don’t have to be as strict as the gals from Home Edit but putting your clothing in color order will drastically reduce the amount of time you look for a specific blouse, t-shirt, or pant. This method makes it easier when putting away laundry as well.
Pro Tip: Follow ROYGBIV (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet) or a similar color strategy. Lights to darks. For prints, put them within the same color range.
#4 – Divide by Clothing Type
Divide and organize by clothing type (i.e. cami’s, tanks, t-shirts, long sleeve, short sleeve, tunics, etc.) Creating designated sections of clothes will help you navigate your closet easier.
Another option, that may work for you is sorting into broad categories like lounge, casual, travel, out-on-the-town, and special events. All clothing with that type of category hangs in the same spot making it easier to grab exactly what you need.
#5 – File Folding
I love file-folding clothes. The main reason to include this tip in your laundry routine is to save space but it also makes it easier to maintain color order when putting laundry away.
#6 – Labels
Labels immediately indicate where something is and puts the finishing touch on a boutique-looking closet.
My favorite write-on label is a plastic chalk label found on Amazon. These labels are easy to use and flexible. They fit over most storage bins or basket openings. They come with a chalk pen and wipe-off for quick changes.
Another option is ordering premade labels. I recommend a brand called Talented Kitchen found on Amazon. This brand makes label sets for every room in your home. They have label options for the closet, the kitchen, the pantry, the laundry, and the bathroom. They come in several sizes and fonts. And they are heavy-duty enough that you can take them off at least once or twice to reposition them.
#7 – Shoe Organization
Organizing shoes is a must-have to stop the pile-up. I usually recommend 3- tier shoe racks that hold enough pairs to accommodate most of your shoes.
For those of you with large shoe collections, I recommend shoe and boot storage containers. This saves you space and keeps the dust off your shoes.
For anyone with young children, corralling shoes in a metal or wicker-lined basket is a great way to go. Kids can easily put them away themselves.
Lastly, check out shoe furniture storage. If you have the room, these add a nice flair and allow you to store shoes outside your closet.
#8 – Fabric Bins with Lids
Fabric Bins with lids are the way to go when storing seasonal clothing or less frequently used items. Amazon has several brands, colors, and sizes to choose from.
I recommend purchasing high-end quality bins because they last longer, keep their shape, and are a great investment.
#9 – Open Fabric Bins
Some of you may need to "see" your clothes. If you need to see inside the bin when choosing your outfit for the day, look for purchasing an open fabric bin. Amazon carries a brand called StorageWorks. They offer many colors and sizes.
#10 – Seasonal Switch
For those of you with large wardrobes, switching out seasonal clothing will help you save space. It also makes you focus more on what you have now. I recommend changing out your wardrobe twice a year. Think Spring | Summer and Fall | Winter. Storing clothes in an airtight bin will keep clothes fresh and dust free when not in use.
Pro Tip: As you trade out your wardrobe, take the time to check clothing for wear and tear, and donate what you no longer like or use.
If you need assistance with a closet project, don’t hesitate to reach out. I would love to help!
HAPPY ORGANIZING!