The Tamesis
It may seem like an obvious thing, but having a well-organized wardrobe will not only save you time but also give you great peace of mind. That’s not an exaggeration: In one study, women who lived in chaotic households were actually found to have higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. But controlling chaos is easier said than done. Especially if you’re dealing with a small space or a closet that’s particularly out of control. While you might be tempted to start storing extra items in odd places—like a Carrie Bradshaw-style oven—there are better ways to maximize your closet space.
It starts with having a game plan. According to Allison Finn of Reclaim Professional Organizing, there are really only three basic steps: “Edit your wardrobe to keep items you wear and feel good about, and use bins when possible. This ensures the space stays tidy,” she says. Having a few handy tools can also help make your wardrobe look more stylish.
How to Organize Your Wardrobe, According to Fashion:
Megachef 20-piece acacia hanger set
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Storage box for everything, including 4 separate bins
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Cultural relics trading company rattan rectangular storage box
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To make it easier, we’ve rounded up some tips from the experts who specialize in transforming a once-clunky wardrobe into a stunning wardrobe that could rival any Pinterest feed. Read on to learn how to organize your closet once and for all—with the help of a few handy items, of course.
Step 1: Edit
A true deep clean means cutting back on everything—from shoes and purses to scarves and necklaces—and really getting down to what you really need. “First, get everything out — yes, everything,” suggests Meaghan Kessman, a professional organizer in Los Angeles. “Then, edit everything. And, be honest with yourself.” Make three piles: one to keep, one to donate or sell, and one for any non-wearable or damaged items that should be thrown away or (ideally) recycled.
Tina Priestly, founder of Virginia-based home organization company Ready, Set, Refresh!, recommends using the “five-outfit rule” for hard tailoring: “If you can create at least five different looks with one piece and are comfortable wearing it, then keep it,” she advises. She also asks her clients to reflect on their actual use of each item. “Ask yourself if you’ve worn the item in the past 90 days, or expect to wear it in the next 90 days. With the exception of seasonal items, if the answer is no, it’s time to let go of it,” she says.
As for those works that you’re on the fence about? Shira Gill, organizational expert and author minimalist Use a technique she calls the “backward hanger.” “Turn all the hangers back at the beginning of the season,” she says. “Anything that ends up still going backwards is not mentioned and needs serious reconsideration – it cannot be postponed.”
Step 2: System
There’s no one way to organize your closet—find something that makes sense to you, and you’ll be more likely to stick with it.
by type and color
Sort your “keep” pile. Boots with boots, sandals with sandals, button-downs with button-downs, and so on. This will give you a big dopamine hit while also letting you know how much space each type of item requires. “It’s easier to find your favorite T-shirt if it’s paired with all your other T-shirts,” notes Courtney Cummings of The Stylish Organizer.
