How to Clean and Organize Your Closet

Start With a Comprehensive Cleanout

It's truly remarkable how quickly closets, those secretive chambers of our homes, can turn from a neat and orderly haven into sprawling jumble of outfit chaos. Does a quick glance in your closet often involve sifting through haphazard heaps of scarves, shoes and sequins from last Christmas? If so, you're not alone! But fret not - we have some top-notch tips on how to clean and organize your closet, transforming it into a utopia of uncluttered elegance.

The Art of Arranging: Organize to Visualize

Before the arduous task of organizing begins, we must first purge and clean. This crucial "pre-organizational" cleanup step makes sure your closet dons the freshest look post-organization.

1. Empty Out the Closet: It may seem counterproductive, but the first step is to empty your closet completely. Take out each item and place them onto a clean, flat surface.
2. Clean: With your closet now barren, take a moment to dust down the shelves and vacuum the space, removing any grime that's been busily accumulating over the months.
3. Purge: Sift through your belongings, breaking them into keep, toss, and donate piles. Be ruthless here. Haven’t worn that sweater in a year? It may be time to let it go.

Clever Closet Hacks

Now we move on to the really fun part - organizing all your items so you can easily locate them next time you take a look inside your closet.

1. Categorize: Break your belongings down into categories. This could mean separating your items into 'winter' and 'summer' wear, or into 'workout', 'work' and 'casual'. Feel free to get creative with your categories! This will make locating items far quicker, particularly on those hectic mornings.
2. Hang vs. Fold: Determine what to hang and what to fold. Dress pants, skirts, blazers, and dresses are typically hung, while items like t-shirts and jeans can be neatly folded. Use the right hangers to ensure your clothes keep their shape.
3. Height and Visibility: Store your frequently used items at eye level, less often used items below, and least used items up high.

For those looking for some extra tidbits of wisdom on the journey to a pristine closet, here are some of our favorite closet hacks that might just push your organizational journey over the top.

• Use the Door: Don’t overlook the potential of the closet door. Hanging storage racks make great homes for shoes, scarves and other accessories.
• Bins and Baskets: These can be your best friends when it comes to smaller items that need a home. Think socks, lingerie, and accessories.

So, give your closet the love and care it deserves with this comprehensive guide on how to clean and organize your closet. There's rarely been a better time to spruce up your spaces and bring some orderly harmony into your life - one hanger at a time.

Remember - a well-organized closet doesn't just save time, it also reduces stress and helps you kick-start your day on the right note. Now go ahead and start decluttering, your dream closet awaits!

Further Reading - Real Simple's Guide on How to Organize Your Closet