It’s January, and the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to make organization a priority. Since resolutions about organizing top many lists, it’s no wonder that the National Association of Professional Organizers names the first month of the year National Organization Month.
Professional organizers encourage looking at organization as an ongoing process, not a magical state that needs to be achieved in one day. So don’t think of it as getting organized, but make staying organized an ongoing habit.
The clothing closet is the area most people want to tackle first. Does your closet make getting dressed fast and easy? Imagine stepping into a space every morning where your wardrobe welcomes you from neatly spaced hangers and orderly shelves and drawers instead of a tangled jumble of shirts, shoes and belts.
Investing in a new closet system is a great way to help you stay organized and care for your clothing. WoodTrac offers a beautiful selection of ready-to-assemble closets that have the finishes, contour moldings, profiles and framed panels of a more expensive closet at a fraction of the cost.
Check out the WoodTrac closet configurator to explore different styles, finishes and configurations to suit the size of your closet and your specific wardrobe needs and preferences. The simple storage system is available in White, Cherry and Espresso finishes with shelving or adjustable shelves, drawers, doors and rods.
Experts say having a place for everything is essential to staying organized, so consider the type of space you need as you design your closet. Whether you love to exercise or collect costume jewelry, devote a drawer or two to your passion.
Meanwhile, here are a few of our favorite tips to help you clear out the clutter in your clothes closet:
1)
Purge. If you haven’t worn an item in a year, it doesn’t fit, or you just don’t love it anymore, donate it. If something is worn out or beyond repair, consider repurposing, recycling, or tossing it.
2)
Let go of the past. Think you just can’t part with that varsity sweater or concert t-shirt? Consider storing it out of sight in a “memory” box, taking a photo, or repurposing as a pillow or quilt.
3)
Set up zones as you organize your closet. High hanging rods work great for dresses, suits, and coats; low hanging rods are suited for skirts and tops. Use the highest shelves for out-of-season items like swimsuits or sandals. Stack jeans and sweaters on shelves.
4)
Organize items by type and color. Group shirts with shirts, pants with pants, then arrange by color from white to colors to black. If you have space, arrange clothes by function, separating workout clothes from work and weekend wear.
5)
Establish a system for storing shoes. Choose shelves, see-through plastic boxes or the original box with a photo attached. Store shoes you don’t wear frequently on higher shelves or in another closet.
6)
Maintain order. An organized closet won’t stay that way on its own, especially since it gets daily use. Take some time each day or once a week to put away clean clothes, re-hang items you’ve worn but don’t need to launder, and place freshly dry-cleaned items back where they belong.
Whenever you’re feeling bogged down by too much stuff, remember the advice of William Morris, an English designer who loved simplicity and order: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” Apply that motto to your clothes closet, and you may find your mornings are simpler, saner, and your looks are even more stylish!
Are you ready to take on the new year with a closet that’s organized and inviting? Do you have a favorite tip to keep your clothes closet clean and neat? We’d like to hear from you.