There are some people who like to do their closet organizing in sections, while others just want to finish it in one day. This guide is for those who have the latter viewpoint. It shows closet solutions, including the use of clear storage boxes and stackable storage bins, and how to organize closet shelves so that the work can (possibly) be finished in one day.
Getting Prepared for Closet Organizing
Everyone has different degrees of organization, and even the most organized people may have different techniques than each other. The following suggestions can help one to get prepared for a closet overhaul, especially if he or she does not know where to begin.
- Purchase a variety of clear storage boxes, especially the kind with pull-out drawers. Shoe racks and other organizers can also help. A closet storage organizer will help someone with lazy tendencies to actually use the items in her or his closet.
- If possible, use re-used or recycled boxes or other "green" closet storage organizer products; organizer product sites often have sections that feature eco-friendly products.
- Have at-hand several garbage bags and several cardboard boxes. The bags can be used for trash, while the boxes can be used for garage sale or donation items. If no boxes are available, one can use garbage bags for all unwanted items if he or she is sure to label the bags properly.
- If possible, have at hand some form of entertainment, such as music. The background sound can help to soothe stress and keep one entertained during the process.
- Have labels (or masking tape), permanent markers, scissors, paper, and a pen available for use if the need arises.
- If desired, draw a map of how the closet should look after the closet organizing. This may help one to stay on track.
- Be prepared to take breaks to help to avoid stress during the process, but limit them to an hour at most in order to stay on track.
Organizing Closets that have Been Emptied
To truly complete the task of closet organizing as opposed to simply moving items around, one may want to remove all items from the closet to begin. This will give one a "blank canvas" to work with, which can make it easier to find items and to break away from old patterns of disorganization (like piles of old items and forgotten, lost stashes that will never be used).
Once all items have been removed from the closet, one can start organizing. Now, one's method of organization will differ from others, but the following tips can help just about any organization style.
- Organize items according to specific need: a "purses" box will be more effective in terms of knowing what the box contains than an "accessories" box.
- Put commonly-needed items in labeled boxes with drawers or on racks for easy access. Stackable storage bins can be helpful.
- Put any old items that are still wanted in clear storage boxes or in a closet storage organizer.
- Sort unwanted items based on usability. Items in decent condition can be donated or sold, while ripped up or old personalized items should be recycled, thrown away, or shredded.
- If an item will likely never be used again, it should probably be discarded to avoid clutter.
Final Placement of Items on Closet Shelves
When one is placing items within his or her closet, common sense is the best possible guide. It is important to think in terms of day-to-day life when deciding what items are commonly needed and what items are not. For instance, shoes should not be stored on the highest closet shelf, while that is a perfectly reasonable place for old yearbooks that are rarely looked at. These tips can help with placing items.
- Place old, rarely-used items in the closet first, either on the bottom of a stack of clear storage boxes or on the highest closet shelf.
- Place any commonly-needed items on lower closet shelves or in places with easy access.
- Put most-needed items on the top of any stacks or in areas of easiest access, such as in a closet storage organizer.
- Hang up clothes on the clothes racks and place shoes in a shoe organizer, if available.
- Do not put boxes (or anything else) behind other objects, as they will be hidden and will likely be forgotten. Use stackable storage bins and label items instead.
These closet solutions are by no means comprehensive, but they offer bare-bones organizing tips that can help one to clean out and organize a closet in one easy swoop. For more specific information on organizing, seek out websites that specialize in organization techniques or websites that feature organization tips, like Real Simple and HGTV.
Lisa Devoto - Lisa Devoto has professional experience as a writer, editor, and administrator for an environmental consulting firm. She has a B.A. in ...
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