I have a small closet. Dreams of the ultimate walk-in closet with separate compartments for shoes, accessories, handbags went by the wayside when we built our house 11 years ago. We decided against a huge master bedroom/bath/closet and gave more space to the other rooms on the second floor. Believe me, there are times I’ve second guessed this crazy decision; I have learned to make the best of it.The result: A streamlined, categorized, but far from perfect closet.
Karen’s Tips:
- See it/Wear it. The closet should be well lit. For several years I struggled to see in the dark cave a.k.a. my closet. We replaced the single small fixture with flourescent lighting. Not exactly award winning interior design, but I can see my clothes and shoes.
- Ultra Slim hangers. Previously I was thrilled when the stores said, “Would you like to keep this hanging?” That meant FREE hangers that were uniform. Now, they simply take too much space. This summer our local Costco stores carried a box of 50 for $15! If Costco has sold out of this “must have” item, try Bed, Bath and Beyond. Don’t forget the 20% coupon they offer frequently.
- Organize your clothes by CATEGORY, then COLOR within the category. I’ve always been a color sorter and it worked. However, when you build an outfit you want to grab by category: Bottom, Top (LS, SS, Sleeveless) Jacket, Sweater. Put casual/work out clothes in another section of the closet and again by category. Weeding through disorganized clothing=wasted time.
- Off-season closet. I have no choice and make the move twice a year carefully packing everything in plastic to avoid dust in storage (teenager’s room). Lots of space? Move EXTREME seasonal clothing aside to the corners (warm sweaters in summer, light floral skirts in winter.) Some pieces can be layered and worn year round so think/evaluate before moving. Fewer choices= efficiency.
Statistics show that women wear only 15% of what is in their closet. I believe this is due to closet clutter. A few changes can make a big difference.
Coming Up: Organizing Accessories
I have a very small closet as well. I need to put a light in my closet. That would save me time. Thank you for the great tips.
You inspired me to clean our closet last weekend. Eight full garage bags(3 garage/5 to donate)later, I have lots of empty hangers. When are you heading north to show off “Style by Karen” and do a show!?!?
It needs to happen soon Kathi! I’m trying to get a package together to donate to the Baby Olive auction so check FB and see if I get it done, then tell your friends to take a look
We were at Costco over the weekend and they still have the 50 slim hangers for $15; I told my hubby we HAD top buy a box because Karen said so. Then on Sunday I go to our room and he’s changed all his hangers, used 1/2 the box, and told me I may have to get another. I’m surprised at how much space they save. Thanks for the tip!
I’m going to show this article to my spouse.
I am totally bought in to what you are saying…just need the other half to agree to digging out our closets and making them more useable.