Closet Organization 101

A lot has been written about organizing closets... so much so that it can be overwhelming.  There really are some basic ideas that everyone can incorporate to organize their closet.  I'm talking specifically about clothes closets.  We often end up with an overstuffed closet making it difficult to find something that looks good and fits - imagine that!  The steps below will help you work through getting your closet in working order very quickly.

Does it fit?
I know, this should be a no-brainer, right?  Well, not really.  It's so hard to take things out of the closet if you love it, but it doesn't fit any more.  We all have that idea that we're going to lose that 5 or 10 pounds to fit back into those favorite jeans - and it's great to have that goal - but the clothes shouldn't be in the closet if you can't wear them right now.

Is it torn or in disrepair?
If there is a rip in the seam, or the hem is coming undone, take it out of your closet.  And, if you will never repair it yourself, or pay someone else to repair it, then get rid of the garment.  There is no sense in holding on to something just to look at it.

Do you feel good in it?
Sometimes we buy things on sale, or someone gives us a gift that we feel obligated to keep that we just don't feel comfortable in.  You know what I mean.  We hang on to it because someone spent money on it.  This stuff ends up hanging at the back of your closet or hidden deep on a shelf, just taking up space.  You really are under no obligation to keep these clothes.  It's ok to admit you made a mistake when you purchased something.  Resell it on eBay, or donate it to charity.  Let someone else have a chance to love it!

Like with like
Once you have removed the clothes that don't fit, you don't like or isn't in good condition, then it's a simple matter of putting the different types of clothing together.  Tops with other tops and bottoms with bottoms.  Women should hang dresses separately.  You can even go crazy and arrange each set of items by color.  For example, in my closet, I have one section for longer items, which contain dresses and pants.  My dresses are hanging from black to white and in "rainbow" color order.  And, I've organized my pants in the same way.  Depending on how your closet is setup, you may be able to hang all "bottoms" together, such as pants and skirts together and all tops (blouses, jackets, etc).  

That's really it - organizing 101 for the closet.  Do you have other ideas?  What's working or not working in your closet that you may need help with?  Let me know in the comments!