Reorganizing and revamping your closet can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! With some planning, elbow grease, and creativity, you can transform your closet into a functional, organized space you’ll love. Here are 8 simple steps to make over your closet:
Sort Through Your Clothes and Accessories
The first step is to take everything out of your closet so you can see what you really have. As you do this, divide items into piles:
- Keep – clothes you wear regularly and still love
- Donate/Sell – pieces you haven’t worn in over a year or no longer fit
- Alter/Repair – garments that could be fixed up to work again
- Seasonal Storage – off-season clothes like heavy coats or swimsuits
Be ruthless and get rid of anything you don’t absolutely love or need. This instantly makes room for new additions later.
Organize With Closet Storage Solutions
Invest in some closet storage and organization systems to maximize your space. Some good options include:
- Hangers – sturdy wooden or velvet hangers keep clothes neat and minimized
- Shelving – shelves above the rod add a second layer for folded clothes and accessories
- Drawers – utilize vertical space for folded items and undergarments
- Bins and baskets – corral accessories, socks, purses, and more
- Shoe racks – upright shoe organizers preserve floor space
Place frequently worn items at eye level for easy access.
Arrange Clothes by Category
Group wardrobe items together on shelves or in sections of the rod so similar garments are clustered. This makes getting ready easier! Some common groupings:
- Tops
- Dresses/skirts
- Pants
- Outerwear
- Athleisure/loungewear
- Formalwear
- Accessories like scarves, belts, and jewelry
Use Space-Saving Hacks
Take advantage of every inch with creative storage tricks:
- Install a second rod for double hanging capacity
- Use vertical hanging space on the back of doors
- Stack sweaters and jeans upright to save shelf space
- Hang belts, scarves, and ties on skirt/pant hangers
- Slide shelves under hanging sections for folded items
- Use under-bed bins or over-door hooks for overflow
Add Closet Lighting
Proper lighting makes it easier to see everything. Options like:
- Overhead fixture for ambient light
- Motion-sensor LED lights inside
- Battery powered stick-on lights for dark corners
- Lighted hangers to illuminate clothes
Dimmable lights provide flexibility.
Incorporate Specialty Storage
Look for solutions tailored to specific items:
- A jewelry armoire or wall-mounted hook rack to organize and protect delicate jewelry
- Clear bins or stackable drawers for accessories like sunglasses, gloves, and hats
- Cubbies, shelves, or a tie rack for handbags, clutches, and backpacks
- A belt rack mounted inside the closet or a hanging belt organizer
- Sturdy canvas bins for sweaters and delicates
- Tiered shelves for folded pants, shorts, and jeans
Add Closet Design Elements
Elevate the look and feel of your closet with decorative touches:
- Wallpaper, paint, or trim to personalize the space
- A rug for softness underfoot
- Framed artwork or inspiration boards
- Mirrors to visually enlarge the space
- Curtains or closet doors for a polished look
- Baskets, jars, or open shelving for display
- Lighting like sconces or string lights
Maintain the System
Once organized, adopt habits to keep your closet clutter-free:
- Put clothes back properly after wearing
- Only buy new items as you get rid of old ones
- Do a quick tidy weekly to avoid chaos
- Hold seasonal changeovers twice a year
- Donate unused pieces annually
- Shop your own closet first before buying more
With these tips, you can transform your tired, messy closet into a functional space you love in just a weekend or over a few weeks. Tailor the ideas to suit your needs and style. The end result will be a closet that makes getting dressed a delight each day!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make over a closet?
It depends on the size of your closet and how in-depth you want the makeover to be. Sorting and purging your existing items could take a few hours. Smaller projects like adding some new storage solutions can be done in an afternoon. Larger overhauls with new lighting, painting, etc may take several days or weekends.
What is the best way to organize a small closet?
Optimize space in a small closet by using vertical storage with shelves and hanging rods, compact organizers like stackable bins, multi-purpose furniture like storage ottomans, space-saving hangers, and wall-mounted hooks on the back of doors. Only keep essentials items you use frequently.
How can I organize my closet cheaply?
Some budget-friendly ways to organize your closet include using dollar store bins and baskets, repurposing glass jars or food containers for accessories, installing a second rod yourself with closet dowels, folding clothes KonMari style, and upcycling shoe boxes or crates as drawer dividers. Shop secondhand stores for affordable storage furniture.
What should you not keep in your closet?
Avoid storing anything that doesn’t directly relate to getting dressed or that you cannot easily access. Bulky items like luggage, sports equipment, tools, paperwork, and memorabilia take up prime real estate better used for clothing storage.
How do I declutter my closet?
To declutter your closet, take everything out so you can evaluate each item realistically. Be ruthless and discard or donate anything you don’t wear regularly or love. Adopt the “one in, one out rule” going forward. Designate a space for seasonal clothing swaps. Use baskets and dividers to corral accessories. Minimize daily clutter by putting clothes back promptly.
Conclusion
Reorganizing your closet is a project that pays off in daily convenience and reduced stress. By regularly decluttering, incorporating smart storage solutions, maximizing every inch of space, and maintaining organization habits, you can create a closet that makes getting ready fun rather than frustrating. Adapt the tips that work for your lifestyle and closet size. With some strategic effort, you’ll gain back a functional sanctuary that houses a wardrobe you actually love and use.