Clutter-Free Closets

Don’t stress; unmess — with a quick and easy closet makeover that lets you simplify your life by reclaiming your closet. These clutter-cutting ways will minimize your hang-ups, double your storage space, organize your outfits and keep shoes toeing the line.
 

Pare down. If you haven’t worn a garment or a pair of shoes in a year, toss it. If it’s still good, give it away. If you can’t live without it, keep it.

Sort what’s left. Divide your “keeper” items into seasons. Pack out-of-season garments in protective cartons and store them in a designated area of the attic or garage. Sort in-season clothes by type, grouping pants together, skirts together, etc., then group by color within each type. If you wear pieces as an outfit, group them together as “outfits.”

Organize your closet into sections. Hang double rods — a long, high one for dresses and suits, a short one for pants and blouses. Dry cleaning bags trap moisture, which can cause garments to mildew, so transfer clothes to fabric bags instead.

Add shelves for sweaters and stackables. Stack sweaters and t-shirts on shelves, using dividers to keep the stacks straight. Store items that you wear frequently on lower shelves; seldom-used items up high. Tuck bathing suits and accessories into labeled canvas bins.

Store shoes in see-through plastic boxes, stacked on a special shoe shelf or on the floor of the closet under hanging clothes. Tuck flip-flops into canvas beach bags hung on hooks.

Use wall hooks to hold purses, belts and scarves. Choose decorative designs that are pretty as well as functional. If you have a walk-in closet, attach a pot rack to the ceiling and hang belts, scarves and jewelry from the hooks; store purses and other items on top of the rack.

Get bulky coats out of your clothes closet. They take up too much space and can transfer dirt to your clean clothes. Hang them on a coat rack by the front or back door.

Tuck cedar blocks in the corners of your closet and on shelves to repel insects and keep clothes smelling fresh. If you’ve always dreamed of a cedar closet, home improvement centers sell pre-cut cedar panels that you can attach to closet walls with Liquid Nails®.

Turn your closet into a glamorous dressing room by hanging a full-length mirror on the back wall of your closet or on the closet door. Choose one with a fancy frame — or attach stock molding around an inexpensive door mirror to make your own. It’ll make you feel special every time you see yourself in it. Now that’s a great way to start the day!