By: Rachel Rosenthal
Who hasn’t found themselves lost down the rabbit hole on Pinterest or Instagram, lusting over a gorgeous walk-in perfect closet ? You know the one: it’s bright, well-organized, and looks like it jumped right off the floor of Bloomingdale’s. The thing is…it’s actually really attainable and there are ways that you can replicate this type of organization in your own home.
Before you dump out the contents of your closet and start from scratch, revisit the closets that you do love (I’m looking at you, Kardashians!). When you’re pulling home inspiration from Pinterest or in magazines, take notice of what you like about the photo you’re lusting over. Is it the color palette, a specific products, or overall style that you are drawn to? Breaking down the elements of the photo to decide on what you like will help to narrow down which type of products to introduce into your home to replicate the look.
Chances are you’re drawn to how stylized and clean a dream-worthy closet or pantry looks, and to help achieve that look you’ll want to lean on the products that you use. By using the same type, color, and material of products (from the hangers in your closet to the bins in your pantry), you’ll automatically create a cohesive look that looks tailored and styled.
Of course, there are some important rules to keep in mind when doing a total closet organization overhaul.
The Perfect Closet
5 TIPS TO ORGANIZE YOUR CLOSET
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Know your limits. The thing that can be difficult to realize is that the space that is available needs to be your limits. When it comes to storing your clothing it’s most important to make sure that everything is visible and easily accessible, and a great way to do that is through categorization.
Creating categories based on how you live will not only make it easier to access the outfit of the day, but makes keeping up with the overall system easy to manage it’s created based on how and what they wear. For example, if daily attire includes suits, blouses, and pumps those items get priority placement in the closet, which means on a level that is easy to reach and see. Then, within each category break down the category and divide by color, style, etc. Categorizing is a budget-friendly way to streamline a closet and enhance the overall look of the space, regardless of its size or design.
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Maximize your storage space. The most important thing to remember is that if you use it often it needs to be accessible. I love under-the-bed storage because it has a good amount of space to store items, but you should not be putting items that you grab for every day in this area because it’s going to be a pain to access. Instead, reserve the under-the-bed space for your off-season clothing or less frequently used items. Remember that you are not only confined to your clothes hanging bar and can think high, low, and to the back of doors.
If you are limited on space there are products out there that can help you make the most out of your usable space. For example, hanging sweater bags and shelf dividers are a great way to get the most out of your closet and help to organize sweaters, handbags, or even to separate your wardrobe for the week by putting outfits for each day in each of the slots.
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Let it go. It’s common to talk yourself out of getting rid of something, especially if it cost a lot or you got it on a great discount or it was a gift. If you aren’t using it though and it is adding clutter to your life, it is not benefiting you and is not being used for the purpose that you purchased it or were gifted it. And maybe there are clothes that you are holding on to “just in case”. You know, just in case you lose weight or just in case you go to a specific event or vacation. Well, if and when those situations come up you will probably be so excited that you will go out and buy something new instead of turning to something that you’ve been hanging on to. Think about the now and focus on the future “what ifs” as they happen.
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Think seasonally. Before you transfer your out of season clothing into storage bags or bins, make sure to make any repairs and clean the items before packing them away. That way, when it’s time to pull them back out they are clean and ready to wear. Add a label to the side of your bin to note exactly what is inside (ex. “Spring/Summer Dresses”) to make it easy on yourself when it comes time to locate and unload the box.
Take care of your clothing but covering it while it is being stored. That means putting items in boxes with a lid or in bags that can be fully closed to avoid being damaged. Make sure to add a label to the outside of the box that describes what is inside to make it easy for you to find what you need when you need it. This is especially important for kids clothing if you want to store for future use, so make sure to write the type of clothing or season and the sizing on a label.
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Know when it’s time to donate and consign. When you are ready to go through your closet and see what to keep/consign/donate, the number one thing is to touch EVERYTHING. Pull everything out and hold it in your hands. Do you love it? Do you wear it? If you answered “no” then consider donating or consigning it.
ABOUT RACHEL ROSENTHAL
Rachel Rosenthal is an organizing expert and founder of Rachel and Company, a Washington, DC-based professional organizing firm. Since 2007, Rachel’s firm has worked with 2,000+ clients, and teamed up with prominent brands, including West Elm, Pottery Barn, The Container Store, and Four Seasons. Rachel is a TODAY Parenting Contributor and her organizing tips and expertise has been seen by millions and in 70+ publications, including Real Simple, Martha Stewart, House Beautiful, The Rachael Ray Show, and local NBC, ABC, and Fox morning shows. Rooted in the belief that organization can be achieved by all, Rachel emphasizes solutions that are easy to use and enhance a home’s existing aesthetic. Check out her site and follow @rachelandcomp on Instagram!
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