Ways to Add Storage and Declutter Your Closet

Whether you own a small home that lacks closet storage or you are trying to organize the space you have, first determine how much time you have to spend on the project. The last thing you want to do is run out of time and end up with a bigger mess that you started with.

There are plenty of ways to make your space more streamlined and organized, and even make it seem bigger. With the right organizing products, a few decorating tricks, and a little patience, you might find that your tiny closet is actually just right.

7 Key Closet Decluttering Questions

Begin the project by asking yourself these key questions about EVERY item in your closet.

• Do I love it?
• Do I wear it?
• Does it project the image I want to project?
• Does it itch or scratch?
• Does it pinch my toes? Are the heels too high to walk in?
• Is it moldy/smelly/stained?
• Does it fit?

The Process

Throw Out Clothes That Do Not Fit
Rid your racks of the pieces you no longer wear or haven’t worn in a year, the ones that long ago went out of style and those that are too tight. If you have diet plans, store your tighter clothes elsewhere and put them back after you reach your goals. To help you store those pieces of clothing, buy a few storage containers with airtight closures so no dust, dirt, or mold can enter while your goods are stored.

Remove the Clutter
Start by removing the plastic coverings that come with your dry cleaning. They actually don’t protect your clothes because they trap the dry cleaning chemicals. Since you want to maximize every bit of space, opt for thinner hangers and remove excessive amounts of empty ones, while leaving just a handful in one spot so they’re easy to find and use. You might be tempted to try stacking or “cascading” hangers, but they can be hard to maintain. Before you invest in this type of product, make sure you can easily grab clothes from them.

Remember the Floor Space
If you have a lot of long-hanging clothes, the whole bottom of the closet can become a no man’s land. Try grouping your shorter-hanging pieces at one end of the closet and your longer-hanging clothes at the other – this will open up floor space and leave room for a smaller dresser or a stacking shoe rack.

Add Lighting
If looking into your closet is like staring into the abyss, illuminate it. More light will make your closet feel bigger.

Hang a Mirror
Aside from their practical value, mirrors are a great way to create the illusion of a bigger closet, whether they’re attached to the door or inside.

Easy Maintenance
Declutter the Closet by Doing a Weekly Clutter Sweep

The more often you declutter, the less time it will take and the easier it will become over time. Committing to a weekly clutter sweep means spending 10 to15 minutes once a week in your closet placing items in your donation box, re-arranging clothing that has fallen out of place and re-handing and folding clothes that may be strewn about your bedroom and bathroom. All of this will take much less time than you think if you tackle it regularly.

Bottom Line: Most of us wear 20% of our clothing 80% of the time and would live much happier with fewer wardrobe choices than we have now. Try placing half of your clothing in a different room for two weeks. You’ll be surprised how much easier is to function and get ready with fewer clothes in your closet. Are you ready to give this a try?

Related Links:
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing, by Marie Kondō
The Tidy Closet: Tips From A French Woman: https://www.amazon.com/Tidy-Closet-Motivation-Declutter
One Year to an Organized Life: From Your Closets to Your Finances, the Week-by-Week Guide to Getting Completely Organized for Good, by Regina Leeds