Curbing the Chaos in Your Closet

Choosing what to wear is much easier if your closet is organized. I was a space planner for many years, so planning closets is second nature to me. So if you’re feeling the urge to purge, let me walk you through the basics, step by step. Here are a few things to consider when paring down your wardrobe:

KEEP IT OR TOSS IT?

If you haven’t worn it in a year, you probably won’t. The 80/20 rule states that we only use 20% of what is stored in our closet on a regular basis.

If you can’t remember the last time you wore something, try this trick: hang all of the hangers in the closet by hooking them from behind the rod.

Once you’ve worn an item replace the hanger the regular way. The next time you clean the closet you will know what you’ve worn and what you should donate.

• Does it fit? Does it flatter? Is it comfortable? If the answer isn’t yes, you know what to do.
• Is it in good condition? Toss the threadbare, the faded and anything leftover from high school. Unless you are keeping it for sentimental reasons.
• Is it still your style? People are ever evolving creatures. Let your wardrobe reflect who you are now.

START ANEW:

1. Take a look at your clothing. Do you own mostly separates? If you do, you may be wasting valuable space between your clothes and the floor. Consider installing an extra rod to create double-hanging. Think about adding drawers or shelving to make it easier to stay organized.
2. If you decide to invest in a closet system, take this opportunity to clean and paint your closet before the new system is installed.
3. Keep like items together. Create a place for everything. Don’t forget belts, ties, jewelry and scarves.
4. Store infrequently worn shoes on high shelves. Use clear containers, label the boxes or attach a photo of the shoes to the outside of the box for easy identification.
5. Sweater storage is much easier in a 12” x12” cubby than on long open shelves. If you have long shelves consider adding shelf dividers that slide onto the shelves to keep stacks from tipping. Shelves that are spaced close together are easier to maintain because piles are less likely to topple over. Add drawer dividers to drawers to keep them well ordered.

FOLD IT OR HANG IT?

1. Fold knits to avoid stretching. T-shirts, jeans, knit pants, sweaters and sweater dresses should be folded.
2. Hang anything with pleats or creases. Delicates like silk, velvet, linen and rayon should be hung to avoid wrinkling. Use the hanging loops that are sewed into skirts and dresses to keep them hung securely.

A FEW MORE TIPS:

1. Save the top shelf for light, less frequently used items like spare quilts, pillows or off season clothing.
2. Keep your favorites clothes to the front of the closet where they will be most accessible. Seasonal or occasionally used clothing should be moved toward the back if you don’t have another place to store them. Place frequently worn sweaters at eye level.
3. Use garment bags for clothes storage. Dry-cleaner bags are not designed for long-term use. They can cause discoloration.
4. If you want your closet to look polished use coordinated boxes and matching hangers.
5. Recycle dry cleaning hangers. Most dry cleaners welcome them back. Store them in a box until you’ve collected enough to return.
6. Purchase some sturdy hangers. Once your closet is arranged, don’t buy more hangers. This will insure that you live by the one-in one-out rule: buy one, donate one.
7. If you don’t like to iron, don’t pack clothing into the closet too tightly. Which leads to…
8. Seasonal clothing or special occasion clothing could be stored in another closet, leaving you more breathing room. Avoid the basement or attic. Hot or humid conditions bring heat and moisture which encourages a triple threat: mold, mildew and moths.
   
   Always wash or dry-clean clothing before putting them away for the season. “If you store soiled garments, the oils oxidize, turn yellow, and become difficult to remove,” says John Turner, senior chemist for Cotton, Inc.
9. ForMe magazine offered these two unique tips:
   
   “Place a shower ring on a hanger, then loop scarves and belts through.”
   
   To keep boots from tipping over, “Roll up some magazines and insert one into each boot to keep them upright in your closet”

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KAREN HENKE is a professional organizer and the owner of Come2Order. With a collection of 17 years work experience in design, space planning and organization, she now helps others come to order.

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