Depending on the size of the home or apartment, the amount of closet or storage space could be very limited. In fact, there usually is more stuff to store than there is storage space. Cleaning your closet clutter on regular basis is key to maximizing your storage space. If you didn’t complete your spring organization projects, now is a great time to work on them. We are “in-between” seasons, which is a great time to organize and declutter your closet before it is time to get ready to switch out the closet to fall and winter clothing.
As with any decluttering project it is important to go one room at a time. This is also true when you are cleaning out your closet. Work on one room at a time, one closet at a time. If you do not have enough room for storing excess items that you have removed from your closet, then it is time to place these household belongings in a self storage unit. Self storage is a great place to store seasonal clothing and accessories. Just remember to wash the clothes before storage, so they will be fresh to use during the next change of season.
How to Declutter and Organize Your Closets
Having an organized closet will allow you to find the clothing and accessories that you need to have for your day. Below are a few suggestions to get you started on your organizing and decluttering project:
- Remove any item that doesn’t belong in that particular closet and put it in its proper home. Items that should belong in a kitchen or hallway closet should not be stored in a bedroom closet.
- Remove all items from the closet that you are going to reorganize. Designate a certain area to place and then sort all of the items from the closet. This is a very important first step of your project. It allows you to see everything that you have “stuffed” into the closet allowing you to assess the items easier.
- Once you have everything out of the closet and before you put things back in do a good cleaning of the closet space by dusting shelves and sweeping, mopping or vacuuming the floors. If you have the time, refresh the pain in the closet.
- Have a friend help you decide what items you need to keep or get rid of in your closet. An “outside” opinion on your wardrobe or accessories will help you keep on track for your de-cluttering project.
- After inventorying the items in your closet, then it is time to decide what you want to with the items. Also, look for damaged items that need repair as well as items that are out-of-date.
- Once you are finished sorting the wardrobe and accessories that you are keeping in your closet, then categorize them into “like” groupings like shoes, scarves, hats, or by season. Create your own categories and stick with them. There are many closet storage solutions that are used specifically for this purpose. A good closet storage solution will create more space, streamline your organization and makes items easier to find. Utilize all the storage space in the closet including shelving and the floor. There are great closet door storage ideas for shoes or accessories. Clear plastic bins are preferred for closet storage because you can see the items that you are storing. Don’t forget to label the boxes with the items that you are storing.
- As you are putting the items back in the closet, put the most frequently used items within reach. These items should have the “prime” space in the closet. If you have room, put the “off-season” items towards the back of the closet and rotate every season.
The more often that you declutter and organize your closet, the easier the task will become. Instead of a daunting project once a year, do weekly decluttering of your closet. Move your excess items to a self storage unit for storage both seasonally and all year long. Wardrobe boxes or plastic storage bins are a great storage solution for winter items such as sweaters and heavy coats. These items can be easily hung in the box and items can be switched out seasonally. You can find wardrobe boxes and plastic storage bins at your local home store, such as Lowe’s or Home Depot. Stop N Stor has a variety of moving and packing supplies and boxes, at their 6 locations to help with your packing needs. Stop N Stor has a variety of storage unit sizes that you fit any storage need. Stop in to any of our Hinesville, Port Wentworth or Savannah locations to find out how we can help!
