Feeling a little cramped lately?

You’re not alone…In fact, many professional organizers claim that a lack of closet space is one of the most frequent complaints that they hear

But according to statistics, about 80% of the clutter in your home is a result of disorganization, not lack of space. Getting rid of excess clutter would eliminate 40 % of the housework in the average home.

So what is the secret…?

First things first …pull everything out of your closet NOW!

(OK, finish reading the article first)

Now, think about what you really need in this closet? Do you need your figure skates in the bedroom closet? Or your Christmas decorations, should they be in the front hall closet or the storage room in the basement?

• If you only have one closet in your bedroom, you may find it useful to store out of season clothing somewhere else (like in clear plastic storage containers under your bed.
• Next step…remove the empty hangers from the closet. Get rid of all the wire hangers. They destroy clothing.
• Pull out a vacuum and vacuum the closet. You probably can’t remember the last time you vacuumed your closet.

Sort Your Clothing

Consider using the following system

• Out of season clothing
• Out of style clothing (and clothes that don’t fit)
• Damaged Clothing
• Frequently worn clothing
• Special occasion clothing

Take your frequently worn clothing and put it front and center in your closet - sorted by article type

With the out of style clothing and the clothing that doesn’t fit - put it in a garbage bag and call a local charity. The exception being one pair of pants that you should save to determing that yes, you are (or aren’t - as the case may be) still as skinny as you were 15 years ago. IMPORTANT - make sure you check all pockets in any clothing you give away.
Damaged clothing - Go get it mended; Again, check the pockets before you send out the clothing.

Frequently Worn Clothing - Put it front and center in your closet.

Special Occasion Clothing - put off to one side; consider storing in garmet bag for added protections.

Now, you should be left with a closet that feels like a giant cavern compared to before you started this little reorganization project

Keep It Neat!