Get a head start on spring cleaning with some closet organization! Here are 5 things you can do in a weekend to tidy and elevate your closet.
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Closet Organization Made Easy
This is the time of year I like to kick off spring cleaning so that I may actually enjoy spring when it rolls around! My first order of business is typically the closets, because ensuring I feel put together every morning – especially as someone who works from home – is crucial to my productivity. And being able to see all my clothing in a way that makes sense is mandatory for frustration-free mornings and starts me off on the right foot for the day. I recently did a big closet clean out, and I feel a world of weight lifted from my shoulders. Closet organization doesn’t need to feel daunting. Below, I’m sharing 5 things you can do in a weekend to kick start your spring cleaning!
“Being able to see all my clothing in a way that makes sense is mandatory for frustration-free mornings and starts me off on the right foot for the day.”
1| Purge First
This one seems obvious, but I do this in a way that ensures only the clothes I love and enjoy make it back into my closet. I start by removing every last thing from my closet – and I mean everything. Then, I only put things back that fit properly and I actually like to wear! Over the years, I’ve found this method to be much more effective than simply pulling out items I no longer wear. The latter technique often misses items that have to be dealt with later, and while my method does take more time, the end results are much more desirable.
2| Try a New Hanging Method
My uniform is a great pair of jeans and a tee-shirt that makes me happy. Because of this, you’ll notice that the majority of my closet is denim, and that’s not a mistake! I have my denim front and center because it’s the first thing I pull on. For the last year, I used S-hooks to hang my denim, but I found the system to be a bit more fussy than I would have liked.
This time around, I picked up these open-ended hangers for all my denim, and it has been such a game-changer! In other words, think outside of the traditional hanger and find a method that works with your lifestyle.
3| Try a New Folding Method
This leads me to the way I fold items that get tucked away. I’ve tried every method of folding my clothes, from a haphazard quad-fold to retail-style to every organizer’s favorite method: KonMari.
After doing a traditional fold for the last year, I’ve come to realize that the KonMari method is the way for me! This method of folding, as seen above, allows me to see at a glance all the T-shirts I’ve collected and loved over the years.
It does take some getting used to on laundry day, but the benefits it has between loads of laundry is always astounding. I’m able to choose my clothes more quickly and I wear more of what I already own!
4| Look Up
No, really, look up! Don’t forget to think vertically as you organize your closet. If you don’t already have a shelf above your hanging rod, add one! And if you do, pay attention to what you’re storing up there. For your closet to work hard for you, only allow once-in-a-while items to get stacked on that shelf. In my case, I stash a weekender bag and a handful of denim in great shape, but doesn’t fit me at the moment.
I almost hesitate to share that last part, because I am a huge proponent of donating items that are too large or small. However, my weight has been in flux as I work through health challenges, and the denim I’ve tucked up high is currently a bit too loose for my liking. However, a bad bloat day would be enough to take out a pair and feel great, ha!
If you have a large closet and/or shelf, consider adding baskets to keep items tidy. Traditional woven baskets are great for items that appear messy (such as all your scarves), whereas clear bins are helpful if you’re a super visual person.
5| Consider Adding Ambient Lighting
Looking to elevate your closet? Consider adding ambient lighting! Most closets likely have a central light fixture with a switch, so you may want to swap in a light fixture that makes you happy. If you don’t have a light fixture in your closet (as is the case with ours), you can easily add LED lighting strips for a beautiful, ambient glow. I promise you, lighting matters.
Our closet uses an old IKEA lighting system, however, we use and love these plug-in LED strip lights in other places throughout our home! You can hide them along the top and sides of your closet. They also have a built-in motion sensor, so they only light up when you swing open your closet door.
Organize Your Closet with These Accessories
Allow your closet to work harder for you by using accessories that keep things tidy, while also offering up space saving solutions. Keep reading for my recommendations!
1. Velvet Hangers
We’ve been using velvet hangers for years! They’re slim and prevent your clothes from slipping off, saving you both on closet space and frustration. These are our go-to!
2. Pants Hangers
I made the switch to these hangers a week ago, and I’m kicking myself for not trying them sooner. They’re sturdy with a thick rubber coating that keeps your pants in place, yet easy enough to slip off when you’re ready to wear your favorite pair.
3. Belt Hanger
Keep linear loose items tidy with this belt hanger, which takes up virtually no space! I’ve also seen these used for scarves, bras and workout tops.
4. Clear Shelf Dividers
Another sneaky solution for the shelf above your closet rod? Try these clear shelf dividers! Prevent purses or stacks of sweaters from tipping or falling with this clever invisible divider.
5. Drawer Dividers
For large drawers, consider adding dividers that slip in and out place as your needs change. We use these in our daughter’s drawers, and they stay in place beautifully but can be lifted out if we need to change up the placement. Great for socks, underwear and smaller loose items.
6. Hat Racks
I just ordered these to put in our coat closet! I like that they allow for many hats to be stacked on top of one another, taking up less space while taking advantage of vertical height.
7. Clear Storage Bins
For the super visual person, these clear bins are great for storing lesser used items while still allowing you to see what’s inside. These would be great in a bathroom linen closet, too!
8. Folding Step Ladder
Grab things up high in a snap without first having to hunt down a step ladder – because you’ve already got this cutie stashed in your closet. It’s super slim and available in a few color options!
Looking for more organizational tips? Here is a room-by-room guide to kick start your spring cleaning spree!
