Arranging your custom closets may seem like a daunting task. As with any looming task, breaking it up into bite-sized pieces makes it more attainable and helps you to make sure you’re able to find all of your favorite boots and comfy cozies when the time comes.
First thing’s first: you’ll want to determine how much space you have to work with and how to maximize it to your advantage. But before you start the reorganization process, a de-clutter and purging session should commence. After that, figure out which pieces to fold versus hang and whether or not you'd prefer to arrange your clothes by color or season.
With these easy-to-follow tips, you’ll learn how to correctly arrange the clothes (and shoes) in your closets for optimum use. Your wardrobe will be so organized it will make Marie Kondo cry. Before you know it, everything will have a place, and no space will be unused!
De-Clutter and Purge
Before you start rearranging your wardrobe, go through your items and decide which ones will stay and which ones will go. Now is the perfect time to trash, donate or consign items you haven’t worn in over a year, and keep the items you love and wear often.
Once that task is done, then you are ready to organize! Group your pieces based on color, size, or season in what The Spruce calls the “prime real estate” section of your closet.
To Fold Or Not To Fold?
While thinking about how you want to organize your closet, the first question to ask is what to fold versus hang. According to Martha Stewart , it depends on the fabric and how much space you have.
Certain types of slacks will serve you best when hung up versus folded. Linen, for example, is known to wrinkle the second you touch it. Most blouses will work best when they remain vertical as well. This also keeps them in your line of sight and makes it easier to put together your outfit of the day. The key point to think of here is the likelihood each garment is to develop wrinkles, and how averse you are to digging your ironing board out to whip them back into shape.
Dresses are also generally best stored upright, with exceptions made for ball gowns and other items that need special storage considerations. Furthermore, you’ll want to make sure to have plenty of room in your closet for jackets and coats as the season's change.
A few things you may consider folding are sweaters, T-shirts, shorts, jeans, and activewear. These items do not wrinkle easily and folding them will save time and space in your closets.
Sweaters should always be folded to prevent the shoulders from stretching out and giving the garments an awkwardly droopy effect. Keep in mind that you’ll need to use your best judgment with luxury fabrics such as angora, silk, and even wool, and store them accordingly.
Scarves can be either folded, rolled up, or hung, depending on their size and fabric makeup. Larger scarves, like shawls, should be folded but delicate ones should be hung to prevent wrinkles. The pros at Closet Solutions & Organizers warn that silk especially tends to "fall to the floor" very easily and could become damaged. The solution they suggest in What Accessories Are Available for My Custom Closets is bringing in a slide-out rack, hooks, or dedicating a hanger to your neckpieces.
Now that you’ve decided what items to fold and/or hang up, you can move on to the next step: how to organize based on color, size, and season.
ROYGBIV
As cooler weather looms ahead, you’ll soon find yourself looking for that great red sweater you wore last year. Honing in on its exact location in the abyss that is your closet will be much faster if all of your red clothes are stored together. This is otherwise known as the rainbow method (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet).
The InStyle professionals swear by this method. However, if you don’t wear orange or yellow, for instance, you can add in white, grey, or black to even out the color palette. This color-coding system not only makes it easier for you to find specific items but is very aesthetically pleasing. Even the messiest closet will look more presentable when it’s simply arranged by color.
You’ve de-cluttered, purged, folded, and color-coded your closet, so what's left to do?
Dorothy’s Red Slippers
Who doesn't love a beautiful pair of shoes? Remember that the right pair can totally complete an outfit. But how do you store your favorite red pumps in your closet? Toe to heel! Utilizing this method will help you maximize space and, at the same time, showcase your beautiful collection.
Are you sick of tripping over your sneakers, or digging around under your bed looking for the "I-bought-these-babies on sale" heels? If so, it wouldn't be a bad idea to invest in a shoe rack or hanging organizer to house your Manolo Blahnik’s. Your feet will thank you!
Conclusion
Now that you’ve organized your closet into something your mom would be proud of, what’s next? Maintaining that perfection! Your closet can still become a nightmare again if you don’t maintain a cleaning schedule. So, pick a day (your birthday) or a season (spring) and begin the process all over again. With a little time and effort, you can have the closet of your dreams!