Declutter First: An Essential Step Before the Overhaul
Before you even think about reorganizing your closet, you need to tackle the dreaded task of decluttering. It's the necessary first step that will make the rest of your overhaul project so much easier. Set aside 2-3 hours and get ready to ruthlessly sort through every item in your closet.Gather Three Bins: Keep, Donate, Trash
Start by taking everything out of your closet and sorting it into three piles: keep, donate, and trash. Be honest with yourself - if you haven't worn or used an item in the last year, it's time to let it go. Donate gently used items in good condition and properly dispose of anything damaged or unusable.Create a "Maybe" Pile
For those items you're on the fence about, create a "maybe" pile. Put these in a separate box or bag and store it out of sight for 6 months. If you don't end up needing or missing anything in that box, you'll know it's safe to donate those items.Purge Seasonal Clothing
One of the biggest space wasters in closets is seasonal clothing. Start by packing away off-season items like heavy winter coats, boots, and sweaters. Store these in airtight bins or vacuum-sealed bags under your bed or in the attic to free up valuable closet real estate.Don't Forget Accessories
In addition to clothing, sort through accessories like shoes, purses, scarves, belts, and jewelry. Be ruthless in this process - if you haven't worn or used it in the last year, it's time to let it go.Maximize Your Vertical Space
With your closet cleared out, it's time to focus on optimizing the space. The key is to make the most of your vertical real estate, not just the floor space.Install a Closet Rod Extender
One of the easiest ways to double your hanging space is with a closet rod extender. These inexpensive accessories easily install over your existing closet rod, effectively giving you two rods stacked on top of each other. You can find them at any home improvement store for as little as $10-20.Add Shelves Above the Hanging Rod
Take advantage of the empty space above your hanging rod by adding some shelves. You can purchase ready-made closet shelving systems or DIY your own using wood boards and brackets. This is a great spot to store folded items like sweaters, jeans, and t-shirts.Utilize the Back of the Door
The back of your closet door is prime real estate that's often overlooked. Install a over-the-door organizer or hang some slim storage units to hold small items like belts, scarves, jewelry, and accessories.
Invest in Vertical Drawers
For deeper closets, consider installing vertical drawers that maximize the height of the space. These tall, narrow drawers are perfect for folded clothing, linens, or off-season items. You can find pre-made units or build your own custom drawers.Optimize Your Hanging Space
In addition to maximizing vertical space, you also want to make the most of your hanging rod area. Get creative with these clever hanging solutions.Install a Double Hanging Rod
Similar to the closet rod extender, a double hanging rod system gives you twice the hanging space in the same footprint. These are easy to install and adjustable to fit most closets.Use Tiered Hangers
Take advantage of vertical space within your hanging zone by using tiered or cascade hangers. These let you stack multiple items on a single hanger, essentially doubling or tripling your hanging capacity.Hang Items by Category
To keep your closet organized, sort hanging items by category. Group together shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, etc. This makes it easier to find what you need and keep everything tidy.Install Pull-Out Closet Rods
For hard-to-reach areas of your closet, consider installing pull-out closet rods. These slide in and out, giving you easy access to items in the back of your closet without having to dig around.Add Custom Closet Organizers
Once you've maximized your vertical and hanging space, you can take your closet organization to the next level with some custom organizers.Utilize Adjustable Shelving
Invest in an adjustable shelving system that allows you to customize the configuration to your specific needs. These are perfect for storing folded items, shoes, and accessories in a way that's tailored to your closet dimensions.Install Cubbies or Bins
Add some cubbies, bins, or baskets to your closet to corral small items like socks, underwear, accessories, and miscellaneous items. This keeps everything neatly contained and easy to find.Use Hanging Organizers
Hanging shoe organizers, accessory organizers, and shelving units maximize vertical space and keep your closet looking neat and tidy. Look for options that are slim, space-saving, and customizable.
