BUILDING A FUNCTIONAL CLOSET: STEP 2

Today, we are covering part two of the building a functional closet series (click here if you missed part 1), and while not my favorite thing in the world, it is so important and can save you tons of time when using your closet! ORGANIZATION. Sounds simple right? Well, for the few who may happen to possess both expansive walk-in closets, and assistants or housekeepers to routinely organize and de-clutter their things, that may be so. For the rest of us, it takes a bit of work. And for those of us with space-challenges like me, my husband and I share a 6 foot reach-in closet, it can be even more difficult. BUT, with a few simple techniques and some tools of the space-saving and organization sort, you will be good to go.

After you have completed step 1--and likely destroyed your bedroom or dressing area in the process--you may just want to throw your hands up in exhaustion and pass out on your dramatically smaller pile of clothes. But fear not, organizing does not have to be a painful, lengthy ordeal. You just need to be prepared. So here is what you will definitely need to have, and a few things you may want to have for storage depending on your situation:

1. Slimline velvet hangers
These are a must have. The slim lines of these hangers take up much less space than wooden or plastic versions, and the velvet flocking keeps your clothes from slipping off. I love them. Get enough for at least 30 Shirts and Dresses, 20 Pants or Skirts, and 10 Jackets. Ideally, get a set which has a variety of styles and includes pants hangers.

2. Drawer Organizers
These little bins are an essential for organizing underthings, and they don't have to go into a set of drawers if you don't have them. They will work just as well on a set shelves. They also work great for belts.

3. Storage Boxes
If you have the space, these are great for storing extras like handbags, sweaters, etc.

4. Shoe Tree
I use one of these for my shoes, and love it. It has a small footprint and keeps my shoes from getting scratched and scuffed. You can also purchase a version like this with only two shoe trays and space to hang boots (you'll also need boot hangers).

5. Underbed Storage
I consider these a must have for those who have available space under their beds. Alternatively, you can use them on the floor of your closet, or even under your sofa! You can store whatever is necessary in these; out of season clothes, shoes, coats, blankets...whatever!

6. Hanging double closet rod
For those short on space, this is a great tool to help you better use that space below your shorter items. It hangs from your regular closet bar and adds additional space for you to hang shorter tops and skirts.

Its very possible that even after editing, purging, and organizing your wardrobe, you still may be unable to comfortably fit all of your spring, summer, fall, and winter wardrobe into your closet at one time. So, this is where rotating storage comes in handy. Carefully fold all out of season clothes and store in underbed boxes. Alternatively if you have space elsewhere in the house, you can store easily wrinkled items in element-proof (bug, water) hanging bags in a spare closet or rolling rack in another area, such as an attic or basement.

After you have determined your space and storage needs and stored seasonal clothing as needed, you can begin with the remainder of your closet. Yay!

♦ The first step in organizing is simple, but a bit tedious. Fold all of your t-shirts and sweaters (except thin cardigans). Fun, right? Then, sorting by category and color, place on shelves, in labeled boxes within easy reach, or in drawers. If you don't have drawers, or shelves, a good solution is to use hanging shelves which are made of fabric and hang on your closet bar.

♦ Next is sorting the hanging items. Hang dresses, jackets, and longer items on the top bar. Hang on the lowest bar your skirts and shorter tops. If you don't have a lower bar built in, this is where a double hanging rod will come in handy. Then organize by either function (everyday, novelty or formal), type, color, or a combination--pick what will work best for you. I organize my closet by type and color, so I'll hang all of my dresses together, sorted by color, all of my cardigans together sorted by color, etc.

♦ The next step is organizing your extras: Undergarments, swimsuits, tights, belts, scarves, and accessories. You can store undergarments, tights, and swimsuits in boxes if that works for you, or use a drawer organizer and store them in a drawer or on a shelf. You can use belt hooks to hang your belts and scarves, or store the belts in drawer organizers or boxes and scarves folded elsewhere. Jewelry has so many storage options I'll save that for another post entirely.

♦ Finally comes shoes. Boots should be stored with boot shapers to retain their shape, whether hanging them or standing them up for storage. I would also strongly consider placing boots or other seasonal shoes, like summer only sandals in your seasonal rotating storage to conserve space. The remainder of your shoes can be stored by function, or by style, on a shoe tree, on shoe racks, in their original boxes with labels or pictures on them for identification, or lined up on shelves.

So, your closet has now been edited, purged, and organized. Look at all that space! What are you going to do with it? Well, you are going to learn how to fill in all those "missing" items from your wardrobe. Next up is my favorite: Wardrobing!

♥ Jen

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