Closet Tips from a Pro

The Home Edit Starter Solution from The Container Store.

​I spend a lot of time organizing clothing and closets.  Along the way, I have come up with a few tips I wanted to share. It goes without saying that any closet spruce-up needs to start with a purge. Go through each category and ruthlessly purge out the items you no longer need, want or wear and toss them in a bag for donation.  Once that's done,  move on with these tips and your closet will be spruced up in no time!

Tip #1:  Return the Wire Hangers
Wire hangers bend out of shape easily, get tangled, and don't hold clothes nicely. If you are used to getting your hangers free from the dry cleaner, it's time to upgrade. I recommend switching to velvet hangers. They're affordable, super-slim (so they maximize the space in your closet) and hold items with skinny straps. Trust me, you won't miss those wire hangers! Most dry cleaners will happily accept them back.

Tip #2:  Use the Space You Have
If you have lots of hanging space and very little drawer or shelf space, don't be shy about hanging things like tees and jeans. You can even purchase a hanging shelf for folded items or a rod expander to increase your short hanging space.

If you are long on shelving space but have no drawers, consider using open bins to hold things like socks and underwear. Just don't make the bins too deep or things will get lost at the bottom. There is no "right" way to organize a closet. My advice is to use the space you have!

Tip #3:  Organize in Zones
Organizing your closet into zones helps keep what you need at hand and everything else out of the way.

• Zone A is a high priority space, it's right in front of you and easy to see. This is where you want the things you are reaching for every day like your favorite shirts and shoes.
• Zone B is a bit higher, lower, or off to the side. It's still easy to get to, but it should not be for items that get used every day. This space may be for things like heels or cocktail dresses.
• Zone C is usually really high (that could just be because I'm short) really low, or deep in the corner. This is an area for things that are not used very often like extra pillows, luggage or ski gear.

Tip # 4:  Divide the Conquer
If your shelves are a mess of disorganized stuff, consider dividing up the space. Clear shelf dividers are an easy way to delineate areas for different items such as shirts and pants. A large drawer is in dire need of drawer organizers when used for small items like bras and underwear. See if you can find other areas where dividing up the space would make it more manageable.

Gray Drawer Organizers and  Clear Shelf Dividers from The Container Store.

​Tip #5:  Organize By Color
Once you have edited your closet completely, group all items of a category together. For example, all blouses together, all dresses together, all jackets together. Then, I love to organize each category by color going from white, through the color spectrum to black. It makes your closet look neat and makes it easy to find what you are looking for. 

Tip #6:  Use Hooks
I love hooks in a closet! Whether it's over the rod, over the door or on the wall to hold your outfit for the next day, hooks are essential in the closet.

Tip # 7: Upgrade the Shelf and Rod
I see so many closets that are just a shelf and a rod. Now, this closet design (a favorite of contractors I have noticed) can work, but if your closet really needs an upgrade, consider getting a custom closet from The Container Store. When we hear the words 'custom closet' I know that sounds expensive, but it doesn't have to be!

Elfa is The Container Store's most affordable closet solution and my favorite. If you want a little more from your closet design, go for Elfa Decor which adds wooden drawers, shelves, and trim.  If you want to go all out on your closet consider Avera or Lauren, The Container Store's highest-end closets that are absolutely gorgeous. You can see all of these designs at their website, plus all closet systems are 10-25% off right now!

Tip #8: Create-A-Closet
If you are in a space with no closet at all, consider an armoire or garment rack. For a minimal wardrobe, this IRIS garment rack even has shelves and would look great in any space!

If you need a pro to help with your closet, book your free assessment today!

IRIS Garment Rack from Amazon and Steel Valet Hanger from The Container Store.