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The Effortless Method to Declutter Your Closet and Take Charge
By Team Home Insemination Kit
Updated: August 20, 2020
Originally Published: May 25, 2020
Closets can be both a blessing and a challenge. A home—especially an older residence or apartment—with ample closet space is indeed rare, yet having more closets can often lead to increased clutter. More closet space might tempt you to fill it up, creating a storage dilemma.
Having a designated area to stash items and simply shut the door can feel like magic—until the time comes to clean it out. This challenge is particularly daunting in children’s closets, or even worse, a teenager’s space. If you’re seeking guidance in this regard, we’ve got your back. Below is a foolproof way to organize the closets in your home without losing your sanity.
Gather Your Tools
Before diving into the chaos of your closet, gather an organizing kit using items you already have at home. Collect trash bags for sorting out items to donate or discard, cleaning supplies to freshen up the closet once you start, and a separate bin for items you’re unsure about as you declutter. While it may be tempting to visit stores like The Container Store, resist the urge. The goal is to reduce clutter, not add more items. After establishing how you want to organize your closet, you can consider purchasing additional supplies if necessary.
Empty the Closet
As you clear out your closet, place any items you know you want to part with directly into the appropriate container. Otherwise, simply remove everything from the closet and place it on your bed or create a pile on the floor. After everything is out, take the opportunity to wipe down the closet’s interior. This is a perfect time to ensure that your closet is as clean as possible.
If emptying everything isn’t your style, consider organizing by category. For instance, tackle all coats first, then move to sweaters, long sleeves, short sleeves, and dresses. You can apply this method to your clothing and also involve your children. Getting them engaged in organizing can instill good habits early on, minimizing future messes in their closets.
Assess Your Space
Instead of simply returning items to the closet as they were, take a moment to assess how you can maximize your space. Now is the time to measure built-in areas or other storage spots. If you decide new containers would be beneficial, you can plan ahead and know exactly what to purchase, rather than aimlessly wandering through aisles. Don’t hesitate to think outside the box and utilize every inch of your closet, including the door and the uppermost shelves.
If your shelves lack compartments, consider investing in affordable dividers to help organize your space efficiently. These dividers can be used to categorize items like bags, shoe boxes, and sweaters.
Review Your Belongings
Next, it’s time to sift through the heap on your bed, floor, or furniture. Decide what to keep, discard, donate, or give away. A good rule of thumb is if you haven’t worn an item in a year, it’s likely safe to let it go. Don’t overlook shoes, bags, and accessories; those require your attention too.
Reorganize and Restock
With a clearer picture of what you’re keeping, you can better gauge how to restock your closet. If you’ve determined that you need new organizational tools, get those now. Otherwise, start putting your belongings back in an orderly fashion. Avoid haphazardly throwing items back in. This is your chance to truly organize. Consider using labels to separate categories like T-shirts, dresses, and seasonal wear. If you’ve dreamed of a closet arranged in a rainbow pattern, go for it. Whether you want to separate work clothes from casual wear, now’s your chance—your closet is your canvas.
Dispose of Unwanted Items
Finally, take the items you’ve decided to part with and either discard them, sell them, give them away, or donate them. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace are great for offloading baby clothes or maternity items, while local charities often welcome donations. The key is to clear out your closet and create a sense of space and order.
This guide is designed to help you achieve a decluttered and organized closet, making your home a more pleasant place.
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Summary
Organizing your closet can be a straightforward process if you take it step by step. Start by gathering your supplies, emptying the closet, assessing your space, and categorizing your belongings. Reorganize with intention and ensure you get rid of anything you no longer need. Following these steps can lead to a more organized home and a sense of control over your environment.