If you’re discouraged by your tiny closet – don’t be! There are many ways to make a closet appear “bigger” than it is. With the correct organizational tools, a few gadgets, and a little patience, you’ll find that your “mini” closet is more than sufficient!
Out with the Old
One of the most tedious tasks of organizing a messy closet is sorting the old clothing from the new. It’s time-consuming, so it’s a great place to start. Begin by sorting clothing into two folded piles: clothes that you still wear, and clothes that you no longer want or no longer fit. Place the second pile in a large plastic bag (folding the clothes will allow you to fit more into each bag). Instead of just throwing them away, donate these items of clothing to Goodwill or a local homeless shelter. You’ll feel good about clearing some space in your closet, and you’ll simultaneously be doing a good deed.
Declutter
Decluttering includes tossing more than just old clothes, shoes, and accessories. Also discard empty shoe boxes, old containers, and any kind of trash that may have made its way into your closet. Dispose of the plastic coverings that come with your dry cleaning, also. Although they were made to protect your clothing, these coverings are actually very inefficient as they trap dry cleaning chemicals. Opt for thinner hangers and remove empty or broken ones. You may be tempted to purchase “cascading” or stacking hangers as they work well for some items, however, before you invest in this kind of product, make sure you can grab your clothes without snagging them on the hangers.
Double Your Hanging Space
Many homes have the “one rod, one shelf” system built into their closets. If you have shirts or blouses hanging in your closet, you may want to install a second rod to double your hanging space. For an easy solution, many home stores sell rods that simply hang from the top one already installed.
Use the Door
Doors can be utilized to create even more storage space. One way is to add an over-the-door organizer for shoes, jewelry, or other small items.
Closets are some of the most underutilized spaces in your home. By decluttering and organizing them, you can gain valuable storage area. Unleash your closet’s true potential – you’ll be glad you did!
Katherine Truong is an editorial intern