Organization in the form of closet cleaning isn’t for everyone. Cleaning comes naturally to me. Organization is in my genes. I can take a colossal mess and turn it into a dream space in no time at all. Here’s my best tips for organizing a clothing closet.
Gather supplies
Gather your supplies before getting started. You’ll need several large trash bags for depositing trash and giveaways. You’ll also need some cleaning supplies. Have a vacuum, spray all purpose cleaner and rags at the ready.
Clear it out
Take all clothes, shoes, belts, hats and purses out of the closet. Sorting is key. Make a pile of unsorted clothing on the bed. Make piles of shoes, belts, hats and purses on the floor. Organization of these piles comes later. Items in the closet other than those mentioned go in a separate pile.
Clean it up
Organization of the clothes closet involves a good cleaning prior to putting sorted items back in. Vacuum the closet thoroughly, cleaning out dust and any spider webs or bugs. This is a great time to use all natural pesticide to rid the clothes closet of any pests. Use the all purpose cleaner to disinfect surfaces.
Sort all non-clothing items
First address the “other items” pile. Sort through it for trash or unwanted items at this time. Do the rest of the items belong in the clothes closet? If so put them back in. Organizing for space is done as you work. The rest of the things in the “other items” pile should be put where they belong.
Sort and hang belts
Belts should be checked for both wear and size when doing a clothes closet clean out. Throw away any worn out items. Try on the rest. Keep only what fits. Put the rest of the belts in a give away bag.
Linked shower curtain hooks make a great belt organizational hanger for the clothes closet.
Sort and organize shoes
Shoes are next on the list for the clothes closet organization clean out. Once again, throw away worn and torn shoes. Try on the rest. Give away any that pinch or are ill fitting. Yes, even the cute ones. I strongly suggest an over the door shoe holder for the shoes that fit and look nice on you.
Sort and organize hats and purses
Hat and purse organization is almost the same as belts and shoes. Throw away worn out hats and purses. Pretty hats and purses can be hung on wall hooks as decoration. Serviceable everyday hats can be stored on the top shelf of the clothes closet. Purses can be hung on hangers in the closet.
Sort the clothes
Sort through the clothes. Throw away anything that’s worn out or badly stained. Make a pile of clothes that can be mended. Put it in a bag for the cleaners or next to the sewing machine. Try on all the clothes that are left. Make an organization pile of good clothing and a give away clothing bag.
Organization of closet clothes
Sort the good clothing pile according to your needs. I like to sort in piles of blouses, pants, skirts, dresses and outfits. Hang clothes neatly in the closet according to sorted piles. Now call all your friends and tell them you have clothes to give away.
The big giveaway
Once friends have ravaged your bags of give away clothes, make a trip to the thrift store or a charity with the rest. Drop the mending at the cleaners or do it yourself. Now let’s see a big closet cleaning and organization smile. Next is the dresser. You know the drill.
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