The 5-Step Plan for a Tidy Closet

Discover how to achieve clarity and order in your closet in no time with our 5-step plan. Say goodbye to the chaos and hello to effortlessly picking out a great outfit every day.

1. Closet Organization - Out with the Old...

If you haven't worn certain clothing items in a year or two, chances are you won't wear them again. An overcrowded closet is the last thing you need. Ruthlessly declutter anything that no longer fits or has gone out of style. It may sound harsh, but those fashion relics have no place in your closet.

I'm not suggesting you rush everything to the thrift store. Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh perspective to make items wearable again.

If you're emotionally attached to certain pieces and find it hard to let go, take a page from Marie Kondo's book. According to the organization queen, you should feel a connection with each item. Ask yourself if it still holds value to you. Consider what you would pay for it today if you were buying it anew. Often, it's just a few bucks, making it easier to part with that "precious" piece.

Ladies Cuddling Their Scarves

If you still can't bear to part with some unique items or they're too valuable to let go of, consider storing them. This way, you maintain access without cluttering your closet. Store them in cotton garment bags, ideally with moth repellent. Folded items like sweaters can go in clear storage boxes from Ikea or your local hardware store.

2. Sensible Sorting for Closet Organization

Now that a third of your closet is empty, it's time to organize:

Separate pants from pants, dresses from dresses, and tops from tops. It's a straightforward principle.

When sorting your clothes, you'll keep a clear overview of your closet's contents. Within each category, arrange items by color, from lighter to darker shades. Soon enough, you'll realize, "Oh, I have eight black T-shirts but no nice blue one. Why don't I have anything red anymore?"

3. Invest in Closet Helpers for Organization

Accessories like belts, socks, or hats can be neatly stored in drawers or small bins. Open containers work best so you can see everything. Scarves can be hung efficiently on special hangers like Ikea's "Komplement" model, saving precious space. Jewelry like bracelets, necklaces, and earrings can be kept in felt-lined or transparent acrylic compartments within your closet. This way, you won't forget about those beautiful pieces, and they'll always be within reach.

4. Try On and Assess

Try on each clothing item and assess based on the following criteria:

• Do I enjoy wearing it and wear it often?
• Does the cut flatter me, and does it fit perfectly?
• Is this piece a timeless classic I'll wear for a long time?
• Does it match my style?
• Does the color suit me?
• Can I create at least three different outfits with it?

This step is crucial; otherwise, items will hang around unused for too long. Decide whether it's worth keeping or not. Before returning it to the closet, check if it's in excellent condition. Perhaps it can be altered, like shortening sleeves, removing stains, or sewing on buttons. Anything falling into this category goes on a separate pile.

5. Avoid Impulse Purchases with Shopping Lists

After decluttering, sorting, and evaluating, you'll have a much better understanding of what you need and should buy. Congratulations on making it this far!

Take a photo of your organized closet; be proud of your achievement!

The next time you're tempted to buy something but aren't sure how to style it, refer to the photo of your closet contents. It'll provide a handy reference for potential outfit combinations.

I recommend carefully considering which fashion suits you and what you genuinely need in your everyday life.

Of course, the advice of a stylist can be invaluable in this regard.