Never worry about organizing your closet again. Our fool-proof, step-by-step guide (with photos) shows you how to easily organize your closet for good. If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably decluttered and organized your bedroom closet many times over the years, and yet every few months it still ends up looking like a bull busted through your walk-in.
Maintaining an organized closet will always be an ongoing process (because updating your wardrobe is an ongoing process), but there are certain things you can do to ensure you never spend more than 20 minutes rearranging your clothes ever again.
Follow these 18 easy strategies to organize your closet for good. It may take a little time, but we promise it’ll be worth it.
Declutter your clothes by category
A fast, easy way to declutter your clothes is to sift through them by type. Tossing every piece of clothing you own into a massive fabric mountain on your bed is overwhelming and inefficient.
Instead, separate your clothes into categories like pants, dresses, tops, outerwear, accessories, and undergarments. Then sort through every item in a single category before moving on to the next.
Why is this method better?
Because it’s way easier to compare similar clothes when they’re all grouped together in front of you, making it easier to get rid of the things you know you have too much of or don’t want.
As you go through your stuff, make a commitment to only keep the clothes you know you love and wear with frequency.
If anything gives you reason to hesitate, toss it in a pile for donation.
Want more decluttering advice? Check out these 15 actionable decluttering tips from Certified Professional Organizers.
Empty and clean your closet
Once you’ve made separate “donation” and “keep” piles for your clothes, shoes, and accessories, give your closet a once-over and pull out anything else still lingering inside it.
When only the occasional lone safety pin remains, dive in and give your closet a proper deep-clean. Vacuum the carpet, wipe down the shelves, and scrub any scuff marks or dirt off the walls.
A clean, organized closet is simply the best: It streamlines your morning routine and all that extra space gives you an excuse to expand your wardrobe (or at least reimagine it with new combinations now that you can actually see everything clearly). And it starts with a strong design plan or strategic use of your existing space. So if you want to make the most of your space, you're in the right place! We made this video tutorial with Janelle Cohen, the expert organizer behind Straighten Up, including easy-to-follow steps. detail-oriented tips, and big-picture visual aids. Plus, we also rounded up 40 closet organization ideas and design examples from designers, so there's something for every style and budget. Ready, set, get organized.
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Whether you repurpose a well-constructed shoe box to keep your shoes in tip-top shape or to store small things like ribbons and jewelry, they're a stylish, on-theme way to keep items out of sight. If you're worried you won't be able to find the pair you're looking for, write the name of the shoe on the side that faces you so you can identify them more quickly. Here, a small guest room turned walk-in closet designed by Betsy Wentz features a glamorous chandelier