One of the first topics I covered when I started my blog was closet organization. If you’re new to my blog, you may want to start reading there for a quick overview. I still stand by the tips I gave then, and thought I would give an update to reiterate a few of the things I discussed before.
Since that post, I’ve worked with more clients which always gives me new ideas. When I edit closets, I also try to give my input on how the closet is organized. Some things are a quick and easy fix. Women love a new idea that doesn’t take major changes.
My #1 recommendation is to get rid of plastic or wire hangers. The tube hangers take more space and frankly clothes do not stay hung nicely on these hangers. Things are always slipping off. I understand that it is hard to get rid of perfectly good hangers. Do yourself a favor and make the switch. It is not a huge investment. Previously I recommended the jumbo box of the slim, velvet covered hangers from Costco. 50 for $15! Clients told me they were no longer in the stores. I was just about ready to write… “You know how Costco is…one month they are there, the next month they are not.” Instead of writing my blog last night, I made a trip to Costco. I’m so glad I waited to write. There were the hangers repackaged 50 for $18! Yahoo!
This time they have included Deluxe Suit Hangers with shoulder pads which are great for sweaters as well. You will also notice a cross bar for ties or scarves. I could not find this set at Costco.com, but check your local store. There are also been sightings of these hangers at Ross and Walmart, but in smaller packages.
#2. When you see it, you’ll wear it! I said this previously but am writing it again because I’m amazed how many women have really nice things stuffed in drawers. If clothing is stuffed on shelves or in drawers, you forget about it. I encourage hanging as many things as possible. It’s a visual thing! And with these great hangers, you’ll have more space. If you are worried about hanging sweaters, don’t be. I hang all my sweaters and it isn’t a problem. I realize those of you that have spacious closets want to use those great shelves for your nice sweaters. Do a test with yourself and track if you wear things more when they are hung or folded on a shelf.
#3 Separate Casual/Everyday clothes from dress clothes. I like my very casual clothes to be separate from my dress clothes. I encourage clients to do the same. The less thumbing through clothes you must do when getting ready, the faster you will go. It’s simply a time saver. When I get ready, I want to quickly choose a bottom, top, sweater or jacket (if necessary) I don’t want to be looking through casual pieces that don’t even factor in as a possibility. Organize your closet by category and then color within each category and valuable minutes will be saved!
I have another great way to store your jewelry using a pegboard which I’ll be sharing soon to coincide with our upcoming Jewelry Giveaways!
Do you have a great storage or organization tip?
Got these from Costco as Christmas present – I love functional and useful gifts! I LOVE these hangers and they’re totally worth buying. In fact, I really need another box so I think I’ll check our Costco this weekend.
oh yes! these hangers are the best. when i realized they weren’t going to carry them at costco, i went and purchased all the remaining boxes at my nearby costcos! i am doling them out to clients and friends as needed. i am happy they have them again, but i preferred the other offering of 50 slim line hangers. thanks for the closet tips!
The best thing I have invested in besides those thin hangers from Costco is a purse organizer I purchased from Bed Bath and Beyond. It hangs on the inside of my coat closet with adjustable hooks. All my purses hang in a neat row, flat agaist the door, easy to hang, pick a new purse for the day and easy to put away too.
Ditto on the purse organizer! I got the “Real Simple” brand at Bed Bath & Beyond and it was well worth it. Check out this link:
http://www.realsimple.com/magazine-more/real-simple-solutions-purse-organizer-00000000030646/index.html
Also, you can give your wire hangers back to the dry cleaners, and I think that places like Goodwill accept the plastic hangers. Don’t just throw them away!
Thanks Kristi and Barb for the purse tip. I have one (thx Kristi) and was planning to show a photo in another post. I couldn’t agree more on your wire hangers. The dry cleaners DOES take them back. Also, before we switched to one recycle bin, I could put them in there. Now I’m not sure. If you switch from the plastic tube hangers, I’m sure Good Will would take those!
Thanks for the geat tips! I’ll look into these hangers. I also hang all my clothes (camis and sweaters included). Like you I have my casual clothes and better clothes seperate and eah section arranged by color. It’s a breeze to see and find what I want. Lately I’ve been pre selecting combinations of seperates and accessories, grouping them together as complete outfits ready to grab and go. It’s working great and I’m loving it.
I’ve been doing a little more checking… Walmart does carry the hangers in smaller packs. This is especially helpful as Jill pointed out that some may not want the 10 suit/coat hangers included. I also received a question about whether the hangers leave creases–not noticeable enough to be to make a difference. AND what about rubbing off on white tops? I have heard someone say this so if you’re worried, get them in lighter colors. It has not happened to me. Walmart carries white and green in packs of 5 for 2.50. There has also been a sighting at TJ Maxx. Thx everyone for your great input!