Tackling That Cluttered Closet

Ah, that wonderful harborer of so very many things you don’t know what else to do with. That convenient hiding place for any number of messes when unexpected or short notice company arrives. The closet. Close the door and it is out of sight, out of mind.

Then the dreaded day comes when opening the closet door results in several purses, pillows or articles of clothing falling on your head. Maybe the door no longer closes due to overcrowding. Or walking is no longer an option in the walk-in closet.

The time has come to brave the mess and mayhem and tackle that cluttered closet. There are, however, some ways to make this task a bit less daunting. Grab a friend or family member and/or turn on the television or some music. An enticing finger food type snack and cold drink can also help to drum up the enthusiasm and energy to accomplish the clean-up.

Start by completely emptying the entire closet. Take everything out. Then sweep, vacuum, dust and wipe down shelves. A clean slate will open new windows on possibilities of organization best suited for specific needs.

The goal now is to put back into the closet only those items currently in use. Throw out those items that seriously just need to be thrown out, like the torn and faded T-shirts and items stained beyond cleaning.

Put items for seasons other than the current one in storage bins or vacuum storage bags and store elsewhere. Under bed storage works well for storage bags placed together in shorter plastic bins. If needed or desired, bed lifters can be added to the bed to make more room under the bed. Of course if you are lucky enough to have other closets that can be designated for this clothing, that is perfect.

Sort what remains into groups. Sweaters together, T-shirts, pants, etc. Seriously consider donating or repurposing any clothing not worn in the last two years. Get a receipt for donated items for tax time. Consider a consignment shop for items with tags still on or still looking like new. Repurpose what is appropriate into other clothing, material for quilts or pillows.

What remains should be a wardrobe current to this particular time in your life. Hang dresses, blouses, dress clothing, jackets and blazers on hangers in sections in your closet. Consider further sorting by color for quick locating.

Stack like clothing together on shelves. Sweaters together, jeans, casual pants etc. Try to stack no more than three or four things in one place so they are easily accessed without causing the rest of the stack to fall.

T-shirts can be rolled and placed standing on end in a bin or box. When one is removed, it won’t disturb the rest. Socks and underwear can also fit into small individual boxes or containers. Earrings can go into jewelry boxes or even egg cartons. Hang necklaces from nails or hooks. Bathrobes, hats and scarves can also be put on hooks in the closet.

There are many different kinds of closet organizers easily found in stores and online available for purchase. If you need something for less money, cardboard boxes of various sizes stacked on their sides make great cubby holes and shelves. A small chest of drawers can be found at second-hand shops.

The job is done. The closet has transformed into a streamlined, well organized area. Contents will easily be switched out with the change of seasons. Chances are good that this new-found organization will spill over to other areas of your life as well.