“How to Organize Your Closet: Tips from Professional Stylists”

A well-organized closet not only makes getting dressed easier, but it can also inspire you to experiment with new outfit combinations. Professional stylists know that an organized wardrobe can help you see what you have, eliminate what you don’t need, and ultimately make your daily dressing routine much smoother. Here are some pro tips to help you get your closet in top shape!

Before you begin organizing, take everything out of your closet. This gives you the opportunity to assess each item and evaluate what stays and what goes. It’s much easier to organize once you have everything in front of you, so you can start fresh.

• Sort by Categories: As you pull everything out, begin grouping your clothes into categories (e.g., shirts, dresses, pants, outerwear, etc.). This will help you visualize your wardrobe and see how much of each category you have.
• Tackle One Area at a Time: Instead of overwhelming yourself with the entire closet, focus on one section at a time. Start with clothes you wear most often and then work your way through less frequently used items.

A clean, organized closet starts with a proper purge. Letting go of clothes you no longer wear or that don’t fit well can be a challenge, but it’s essential for creating a functional wardrobe. Here’s how to decide what stays and what goes:

• The “One Year” Rule: If you haven’t worn an item in the past year (or season, depending on the piece), it’s time to part with it. Exceptions can be made for special occasion items or pieces with sentimental value.
• Fit and Comfort: If something doesn’t fit right or isn’t comfortable, say goodbye. There’s no point in holding onto clothes that make you feel uncomfortable.
• Condition Check: Examine each piece for signs of wear and tear. Torn seams, pilled fabric, or items that are out of shape should be either repaired or donated.

Pro Tip: Try the “hang it backwards” trick—hang clothes on the hanger facing backward. After a few months, any items that are still hanging backwards are candidates for donation.

Having sturdy and uniform hangers not only makes your closet look more cohesive, but it also helps preserve the shape of your clothes. Here are some options:

• Velvet Hangers: These are great for slippery fabrics like silk or satin because they prevent clothes from sliding off.
• Wooden Hangers: Ideal for heavier pieces like blazers, coats, or trousers. Wooden hangers maintain the shape of garments and look stylish.
• Slimline Hangers: If you’re short on space, opt for slimline hangers. They take up less room but still provide a good grip on your clothes.

Pro Tip: Avoid wire hangers from the dry cleaners—they can stretch out the shoulders of your clothing and give your closet a disorganized look.

One of the most important tips stylists give is categorizing your clothing by type, function, or season. This will not only make it easier to find things, but it will also allow you to see your wardrobe in a new light.

• By Category: Separate your closet into categories such as workwear, casual clothing, and evening wear. This way, when you need a professional outfit or a night out look, you know exactly where to look.
• By Color: If you like a visually clean look, organizing by color is a stylish and simple way to keep your closet looking neat and coordinated. Start with neutrals and work your way to brighter or bolder shades.
• By Season: Keep your seasonal clothes separated so you can easily switch between summer and winter wardrobes. Rotate out heavy winter coats or sweaters during the warmer months, and bring them back in as the weather changes.

Pro Tip: If you have limited space, consider using clear storage bins or baskets for out-of-season items, and label them for easy identification.

Using your closet’s vertical space efficiently will give you more room for storage and keep your clothes accessible.

• Double Rod System: If you have a smaller closet, use a double rod system to maximize hanging space. The top rod can hold shorter items like blouses or shirts, while the bottom rod can accommodate pants, skirts, or shorter dresses.
• Hooks and Pegs: Install hooks or pegs for accessories like hats, scarves, bags, or belts. This prevents them from getting lost at the bottom of drawers or tossed into a pile on the floor.
• Adjustable Closet Rods: If you’re working with a custom closet, adjustable rods can help you tailor the space to your clothing types. For example, you can raise the rod higher for longer items and lower it for shorter pieces.

Pro Tip: Use tiered hangers for pants or skirts to save space and keep them organized.

For items like sweaters, scarves, or shoes, incorporating shelf dividers and storage bins will help keep things neat and accessible.

• Fold and Stack: For sweaters, t-shirts, or jeans, neatly fold and stack them in piles. Use dividers to keep each category separate and easily accessible.
• Storage Bins: Clear plastic bins work great for storing shoes, seasonal items, or accessories. Label each bin so you know exactly what’s inside.
• Drawer Organizers: If you have drawers in your closet, use dividers to keep your smaller items like belts, socks, or ties in order.

Pro Tip: For sweaters and knitwear, fold them instead of hanging to preserve their shape and avoid stretching.

Shoes can easily take over a closet if they’re not stored properly. Professional stylists recommend investing in shoe storage that keeps your shoes organized and visible.

• Shoe Rack: A simple shoe rack with multiple shelves can help you categorize and organize your footwear by type (e.g., boots, sneakers, heels, flats).
• Shoe Boxes: If you have limited space, use transparent shoe boxes or stacking bins to store shoes. This allows you to see each pair without taking up too much room.

Pro Tip: Store shoes with the toe facing outward so you can easily spot what you want to wear.

Once your closet is organized, make it a habit to follow the “one in, one out” rule. For every new item you add to your wardrobe, donate or sell one that you no longer wear. This prevents your closet from becoming overcrowded again and helps maintain a streamlined collection.

Pro Tip: Make a list of clothing items you need (like replacing a worn-out blazer or buying new shoes) to ensure you’re adding thoughtful, practical pieces to your closet.

A clutter-free closet is only part of the equation. You’ll want to make sure your clothes stay fresh and free from dust, dirt, and unpleasant odors.

• Dusting: Periodically dust your closet shelves and rails. This will help preserve the integrity of your clothes and accessories.
• Air Fresheners: Use closet fresheners, sachets, or fabric sprays to keep everything smelling clean and pleasant.
• Garment Bags: If you have items like formal wear or delicate fabrics, store them in breathable garment bags to protect them from dust and damage.

Pro Tip: For seasonal clothes that aren’t in use, place them in garment bags or clear storage bins to protect them from moisture and dust.

The key to a successful closet is maintenance. Regularly reassess your closet to ensure everything is still in its proper place and that you’re not holding onto items you don’t need.

• Seasonal Clean-Outs: At the end of each season, take some time to clean out your closet, rotate items, and assess what you no longer need.
• Touch-Up Organization: Once a month or every couple of months, quickly go through your closet to make sure everything is where it should be. A few minutes of tidying up can make a big difference in keeping things organized.

An organized closet can transform your daily dressing routine, save you time, and make getting dressed a more enjoyable experience. By following these professional stylist tips, you’ll be able to maintain a closet that not only looks beautiful but is also functional and inspiring. Whether you’re working with a small closet or a spacious walk-in, these steps will help you create a wardrobe you’ll love!