Tidy Your Tinier Spaces

Our closets are spaces that are especially prone to clutter, and when you share your closet with a spouse, that clutter can quickly build and feel out of control. With a few simple tricks and a little time, your closets can become an organized sanctuary. For a closet that works best for most, here are some of my favorite closet organization rules:

•  If space is limited, think outside the box (or closet!). Certain items can easily be relocated to storage systems in adjacent rooms. Linens, for example, are items that aren’t needed on a daily basis, so can be stored in a side closet or other space.

• Make a point to monitor your closet and do a check every six months. If you haven’t worn something all season, or are hanging on to an item of clothing for nostalgic reasons, you should toss it on the donate pile. 

• Instead of hanging your sweaters and pants, fold them. Your hanging space will multiply and your closet will already appear to have much more space.

• If there’s a portion of your closet that hasn’t been used in a while, take a peak at what’s stored there. Is it something that can be stored elsewhere? Question how you can utilize the space better for a more efficient layout. 

• Try not to over pack your closet, and keep those loose hangers under control. There is something that is just oh-so satisfactory about a clothing rod that actually has space for browsing. 

• Do you have a significant gap between your shoes and your clothes? You might want to put in a shelf for additional storage space, or obtain a shoe rack that fits nicely underneath your dresses or shirts. 

• Sometimes, you just need to be creative. Just because there’s a part of your closet that wasn’t necessarily designed for storage doesn’t mean it couldn’t be adjusted to do just that.

• Finally, keep on adjusting the system. If you think there’s a better way to organize something or find that it’s more efficient to fold your dresses or shirts rather than hang them, go for it! An organized system always has the potential to be greater than it was before. 

There you have it! These are best practices that I follow to get closets in the shape they need to be to do their best and most efficient work for you. If I was going to add one last item, it would be this: get a great playlist going! I love organizing, but for those that don’t, a playlist that really lifts the mood can be all the inspiration you need to dig in and get that closet cleaned out and organized to its best ability.