10 Easy Closet Organization Rules
Speed is the name of the game when it comes to getting out of the house every weekday morning.
While I can’t exactly give tips on how to get your kids to listen and march on beat to your orders, without a fight or meltdown, I can share 10 easy closet organization rules to follow to make getting dressed easier in the mornings.
Let’s make it a seamless process each an every morning by following these ten rules of closet organization.
A closet that is both functional and organized is essential to shaving off the extra minutes it takes to navigate hectic mornings.
Here are ten tips to help you get started with closet organization:
- Start with a clean slate.
- Sort your items into categories.
- Utilize storage solutions.
- Make use of vertical space.
- Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
- Invest in proper lighting.
- Keep a donation box.
- Label your items.
- Don’t be afraid to change things up.
- Pause before buying storage containers.
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1. Start with a Clean Slate
Before you start organizing your closet, it’s important to clear everything out of your closet.
That means you take out EVERYTHING from your closet and put your items in a temporary storage area while you work on getting your closet organized. A temporary storage area can be your bed, the floor of your room, or folding table that you set up for this specific purpose.
Remember, this is only a temporary spot for your items to aid in the organization process. Now that the closet no longer has items within it is easier to see and imagine how to utilize the space you have available.
2. Sort your Items into Categories
Once you have cleared out your closet, it’s time to start sorting your items into categories. This could include separating your clothes by type (e.g., tops, bottoms, dresses), or by season (e.g., winter clothes, summer clothes).
Sorting your items according to category instantly shows how much of one type of item you have. This visualization exercise is eye opening because you see the volume based on the size of the piles. It’s also easy to see the duplicates within each category such as the 10 different black dresses that are all similar with minor differences.
The process of sorting your clothes into categories and subcategories highlights the duplicates and leads you to ask “why do I have ten black dresses and do I need them all?”
3. Utilize Storage Solutions
A closet is one big box, with a door.
It truly is.
When we simplify what a closet is it’s easy to think of different ways to utilize the space for storing clothing items.
Naturally, a big box can be overwhelming. By adding structure within the big box we designate zones and areas for our different items. The use of storage solutions helps to uphold the structure and create systems for organization. A hanging rod for example, by design is meant for storing clothing items on hangers.
It’s a simple system, but one that is universally understood and followed. With the addition of shelving, the closet has more flexible storage for other items within the closet. Shelves can contain shoes, accessories, and folded clothes in bins or baskets for smaller items like socks and underwear.
4. Make Use of Vertical Space
Maximizing your vertical storage space is a simple yet effective way to organize your closet and make the most of the available space.
Built-in shelving and structures can certainly be useful, but there are other ways to utilize the vertical space in your closet as well.
One often-overlooked option is to utilize the inside of your closet door for storage. Over-the-door organizers can be a great way to store smaller, lighter items such as bags, wallets, and clutches.
These organizers are particularly useful for items that you don’t need to access on a daily basis, such as off-season scarves, hats, and gloves. In addition to organizing your items, using vertical storage can also help to keep your closet looking neat and tidy.
By utilizing all available space, including the vertical dimensions, you can create a cohesive and well-organized closet that is a pleasure to use. So, next time you’re looking for ways to organize your closet, don’t forget to think vertically!
5. Keep Frequently Used Items within Easy Reach
Ease of access is crucial when it comes to organizing your closet.
After all, what good is a well-organized space if you can’t easily find and reach the items you need?
To ensure that your closet is truly functional and efficient, it’s important to store your frequently used items at a height that is convenient for you. By keeping these items within easy reach, you’ll save yourself time and frustration when getting dressed in the morning. No more rummaging through piles of clothes or searching for that one elusive item.
Instead, you’ll be able to quickly and easily access the items you need, helping you to start your day off on the right foot. So, when organizing your closet, be sure to give some thought to the items you use most frequently.
Whether it’s your go-to pair of jeans or your favorite blouse, make sure these items are front and center, ready and waiting for you whenever you need them. Your future self will thank you!
6. Invest in Proper Lighting
Proper lighting is an essential component of any well-organized closet.
Without adequate lighting, it can be difficult to see and access the items in your space, leading to frustration and wasted time.
If your closet doesn’t have a built-in light source, consider adding one. There are many options available to you, ranging from simple battery-powered lights to more elaborate lighting systems.
One particularly convenient and cost-effective option is a portable light kit with a remote control. These kits often come with everything you need to install the lights, including the batteries and mounting hardware. Not only will good lighting make it easier for you to see and access your items, but it can also help to create a more visually appealing and inviting space.
If you’re looking to boost the functionality and appeal of your closet, don’t forget the importance of lighting. With the right lighting, you’ll be able to fully utilize your closet and keep it looking its best.
7. Keep a Donation Box
Once you have sorted and separated your clothing items into categories, it’s time to declutter and get rid of anything that no longer serves you.
This can be a challenging process, but it’s worth it in the end. Not only will you free up valuable closet space, but you’ll also feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction knowing that you’re surrounding yourself with only the items that truly matter to you.
As you declutter, be sure to set aside a sturdy donation box to store the items you no longer need. This will make it easy for you to donate these items to a worthy cause once the box is full.
And remember, this isn’t a one-time process.
Even after you’ve made your initial pass at decluttering, you may find that there are additional items that no longer fit your needs or style.
By keeping a donation box handy, you can make it a regular practice to declutter your closet and keep it organized and tidy. As you begin the process of organizing your closet, don’t forget the importance of decluttering.
By getting rid of unnecessary items and dedicating a space for a donation box, you’ll be well on your way to creating a closet that is both functional and satisfying to use.
8. Label Your Items
By clearly identifying the contents of each container or organizer, you’ll be able to quickly and easily find what you’re looking for, saving you time and frustration.
This is especially useful if you have a shared closet with shared items, as it can help to prevent misunderstandings or miscommunications.
If you don’t have a label maker or fancy labeling system, don’t worry.
You can easily create your own labels using household items such as paper, tape, and a pen. Watch a quick video on the process here.
The key is to minimize the friction it takes to create a system and just get started.
Remember, done is always better than perfect, so don’t let the lack of a label maker hold you back from getting your closet organized. If you’re looking to take your closet organization to the next level, consider labeling your storage solutions.
Whether you use a label maker or create your own labels, this simple step can make a big difference in the way you use and enjoy your closet.
9. Don't be Afraid to Change Things Up
It’s important to remember that your closet organization system should work for you, not the other way around.
If you find that your current system isn’t meeting your needs or isn’t working as well as you’d like, don’t be afraid to make changes.
Experiment with storing your items in different areas or zones within the closet and see what works best for you. If you’re not a fan of color-coding your items according to the rainbow, for example, try organizing by clothing material instead.
Or, if you find that an overly complicated system is causing more frustration than it’s worth, consider simplifying your approach.
Simple is often best when it comes to closet organization, as it will be easier for you to follow and maintain. Ultimately, the key to maintaining an organized closet is to find a system that works for you and that you can stick with.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make changes as needed. With a little bit of trial and error, you’ll find the system that works best for you and your unique needs.
10. Pause Before Buying Storage Containers
One mistake that many people make when organizing their closets is buying all their storage solutions upfront, before they’ve had a chance to declutter and establish a system of organization.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of creating the closet of your dreams and want to dive right in by purchasing all the bins, organizers, and other storage solutions.
However, this can lead to a number of problems.
- First, you may end up spending more money than you need to, particularly if you buy items that don’t fit your space or meet your needs.
- Second, you may find yourself making unnecessary returns or exchanges if you’ve over-purchased or bought the wrong items.
Finally, you may waste time and hassle trying to make everything fit together, rather than taking the time to establish your personal style and preferences first.
To avoid these problems, it’s best to invest in storage solutions as you go, rather than all at once.
Before you start buying all the bins and organizers, take a moment to pause and plan out your approach to organizing your closet. It will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
Conclusion
Instead of sparing your precious morning minutes to getting dressed each morning, you can now shift that focus to the other items that seek your attention as you head out into the world each day.
By following these tips, you can create a closet that is not only organized, but also functional and efficient.
A little bit of effort and planning can go a long way towards creating a space that is both visually appealing and practical for your daily needs.
Please note: This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase something with the links.
Southern California based Professional Organizer, Sandy Park, owner and founder of Tidy with SPARK shares her joy of organization with her clients.
She serves clients in Orange County as well as the hundreds of thousands of followers on her combined social media platforms.
Connect with Sandy through her website or by connecting through her social channels.