Tips for a Closet Makeover
Unless you’re meticulous about maintaining your wardrobe, chances are you’ve encountered an overflowing closet a time or two before—especially if your closet is small. No matter how carefully you organize or how frequently you swap out seasonal apparel, it’s easy to end up with a cluttered closet if you don’t have the tools or skills to handle all those shoes and belts. Get out ahead of the closet clutter with these tips for a closet makeover:
- Consign or donate. Before you start drawing up plans for your new closet, first assess if you really need a makeover. It might just be that you simply have more clothing than you need or ever wear. Most organization experts use the one-year rule of thumb: if you haven’t worn it within the past 12 months, toss it. Sift through your closet with this guideline in mind and make a pile to consign or donate and one to get rid of (anything that’s too worn to be donated). If you’re really attached to your clothes, you can take things one step further and try wearing everything in your wardrobe over the next few weeks and keeping a journal of how it makes you feel. If something no longer fits or isn’t flattering on your body, doing this might help you let go.
- Divide and double. Once you do decide to make a few changes, consider adding a diving shelf. It’s a quick and easy way to double your storage space. Wire shelves are easy to install, and they add another entire level of hanging space for blouses, sweaters, and other items that aren’t too long. You can also hang tops from the bottom, and pile jeans or t-shirts on top. This would be a good place to put pins for pajamas, workout clothes, or other items that don’t need to be perfectly smooth.
- Add pegboard. Most people associate pegboards with retro kitchens, but they can be equally useful in your closet. Again, it doesn’t take much skill to install a pegboard. They’re handy for hanging accessories like clutches, necklaces, bracelets, and even rings.
- Stow shoes in sight. Clear shoe drawers have become a common addition to organized closets. They stack, so you can stick them on the floor or a top shelf (even mount them to the wall if you’re feeling handy). In lieu of clear drawers, which make for easy accessorizing, you can also opt for an over-the-door shoe organizer with pockets or a hanging set of cloth shelves. Wire drawers will work, too, but may require a bit more work to install.
- Lace it with lavender. Once you have everything in its proper place, time for the finishing touch: a welcoming scent. Soft, flowery lavender is a popular choice for closets. You can easily make your own lavender air freshener with just a jar of white rice and few drops of the essential oil (or any other you like), as evidenced by this simple recipe from lifestyle blog SheKnows.
The $50 Closet Makeover [Live Love DIY]
31 Ways to Make Over Your Closets [Real Simple]
Simple Closet Organization Anyone Can Do [Putting Me Together]
35 Closet Makeover Tricks [The Nest]
Image: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tellason_jeans_back_pocket.jpg
Attribution: CC BY 2.0/ Flickr/AContiniousLean