The 7 steps you need to take to have an organized closet

Organizing a home closet can seem overwhelming, but with a little planning and effort, it can be a straightforward process. Here are the 7 steps you need to take to have an organized closet.

Step 1: Start by decluttering

Decluttering a closet refers to the process of removing unwanted or unused items from your closet in order to simplify and organize it. The goal of decluttering is to get rid of anything that no longer serves a purpose or that you no longer need or want. This can include clothes that no longer fit, are out of style, or are too worn, as well as accessories, shoes, and other items that take up valuable space.

​Decluttering helps to create more space in your closet, making it easier to find what you need and to keep it organized. It also provides the opportunity to donate or sell items that are still in good condition, helping to reduce waste and make a positive impact on the environment.

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Step 2: Group items by category

When grouping items by category in your closet, there are a few different approaches you can take, depending on your preferences and the amount of space you have available. Here are some common categories and suggestions for organizing them:
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1. Clothes: Divide your clothes into categories such as shirts, pants, dresses, skirts, etc. You can also subcategorize items based on type or function, such as work clothes, casual clothes, formal wear, etc.
2. Shoes: Group your shoes by type, such as sneakers, boots, sandals, etc. You can also consider grouping them by season, such as winter and summer shoes.
3. Accessories: Group your accessories by category, such as jewelry, hats, scarves, belts, etc. You can also consider grouping items based on their function, such as work accessories and casual accessories.
4. Linens: Group your linens by category, such as towels, sheets, blankets, etc.
5. Seasonal items: Store out-of-season items in a separate area of your closet or in storage containers. This will help to free up space in your closet and make it easier to find what you need.
   
   

When grouping items by category, it's important to be consistent and to label everything so you know exactly where each item belongs. (We will talk more about labeling in a minute.) This will make it easier to find what you need and keep your closet organized.

Step 3: Hang or fold?

When deciding which items to hang or fold in a closet, consider the following factors:
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1. Shape: Clothes that wrinkle easily or have unique shapes, such as dresses or coats, should be hung. Clothes that are less likely to wrinkle, such as T-shirts or pants, can be folded.
2. Size: Clothes that take up more space, such as coats or jackets, should be hung. Clothes that are smaller and take up less space, such as shirts or pants, can be folded.
3. Frequency of use: Clothes that you wear frequently should be kept in a more accessible place, such as hanging at the front of your closet. Clothes that you wear less often can be stored in less accessible areas, such as folded on a shelf or in a storage bin.
4. Material: Delicate or lightweight fabrics, such as silk or lace, should be hung to prevent damage from folding. Sturdier or thicker fabrics, such as cotton or denim, can be folded.
5. Season: Out-of-season clothes can be stored in storage containers or on shelves, while clothes that are currently in season should be hanging in your closet where they're easily accessible.

​Ultimately, the choice of whether to hang or fold items in your closet depends on your personal preferences and the space you have available. Experiment with different methods and find what works best for you.

Step 4: Use storage solutions

There are many storage solutions that work well in home closets, depending on your needs and the space you have available. Here are some popular options:

Hangers: Hangers are a simple and effective way to store clothes. You can choose from a variety of hangers, such as plastic, wire, wooden or non-slip velvet hangers, depending on your preferences.

Shelving: Shelving provides a place to store folded clothes and other items, such as shoes or accessories. You can choose from fixed or adjustable shelving, depending on your needs.

Baskets: Baskets and bins are a great way to store smaller items, such as socks, underwear, or accessories. You can choose from a variety of basket styles, such as woven, wire, or fabric baskets.

Drawers: Drawers can be used to store folded clothes, such as T-shirts or pants, and other items, such as jewelry or underwear. You can choose from a variety of drawer styles, such as plastic or wooden drawers.

Hooks: Hooks can be used to store items that are easily hung, such as hats, scarves, or bags. You can choose from a variety of hook styles, such as single hooks, multi hooks, or over-the-door hooks.

Vacuum-seal bags: Vacuum-seal bags are a great way to store out-of-season clothes and save space. Simply place your clothes in the bag, seal it, and vacuum or roll out the air.

When choosing storage solutions for your closet, consider the size and layout of your closet, the types of items you need to store, and your budget. The right storage solutions can help you make the most of your space and keep your closet organized and functional.

Step 5: Keep things visible

​Store items where you can see them so you can easily find what you're looking for. If you store things, such as your shoes, in bins or boxes, consider using clear containers so you can see what's inside.

Step 6: Label everything

Label everything so you know exactly where each item belongs. This will save you time and prevent you from having to search through your closet for what you need.

Labeling things in your closet can help you keep track of where everything is and make it easier to find what you need. Here are some ways to label items in your closet:

1. Hanging tags: Hanging tags can be attached to hangers or clothing items and labeled with the item's name or category.
2. Sticky labels: Sticky labels can be attached to shelves, drawers, or other surfaces and labeled with the category or type of items stored there.
3. Printed labels: Printed labels can be made using a label maker or printed on a printer and attached to shelves, drawers, or other surfaces.
4. Chalkboard labels: Chalkboard labels can be attached to baskets, bins, or other containers and labeled with chalk.
5. Fabric labels: Fabric labels can be sewn into clothing or attached to baskets or containers and labeled with the item's name or category.
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When labeling items in your closet, consider the size and layout of your closet, the types of items you need to store, and your personal preferences. Label everything clearly and consistently so you know exactly where each item belongs and can find what you need quickly and easily.

Step 7: Stay organized

​Finally, make a habit of putting things back where they belong after each use. This will keep your closet organized and make it easier to find what you're looking for in the future.

By following these tips, you'll be able to create a closet that is both functional and organized. Good luck!