Take a look at your wardrobe area. Is your closet as clean, organized, and easy to navigate as you’d like it to be? With an upcoming local or long-distance move, or simply the desire for a more functional closet, this is the perfect time to declutter and reorganize. Is it easy for you to find your favorite garments and put them away? If not, a bit of cleaning and organizing could make all the difference. Whether your moving day with a Chicago moving team is approaching or you want to refresh your closet regardless, these steps can help you create an organized and accessible space.
Take these practical tips, a few cleaning supplies, and some motivation to transform your closet. Let’s dive in!
1. Gather Cleaning Products and Supplies
To start, collect all the cleaning supplies you’ll need, including rags, disinfecting products, warm water, a vacuum cleaner, and a few trash bags. If you’re sensitive to dust, consider wearing a mask to avoid any allergic reactions. A few bins or baskets can also help you separate items as you go through your belongings.
You might also find bins or baskets useful for sorting as you go. Consider using organizers like clear bins for smaller items or stackable shelves to increase storage efficiency. Having a variety of supplies on hand will make the entire process smoother, allowing you to tackle each area of the closet thoroughly
2. Empty Your Closet Completely
Taking everything out may seem overwhelming, but it’s the best way to assess your wardrobe thoroughly. By emptying the closet, you can visualize the available space better and ensure that each item is reviewed. This approach lets you take inventory of what you own and makes cleaning the surfaces inside the closet easier.
Once your closet is empty, consider the layout of your space and where each item category would be most convenient to access. This is the time to identify underused areas or install hooks, shelves, or organizers for more effective storage.
3. Declutter and Downsize
Decluttering is essential for a manageable wardrobe. Whether you’re prepping for a move or just tidying up, sorting through your items allows you to decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. This is an opportunity to part with items that no longer serve you or that you rarely use. A well-edited closet not only creates more space but also makes choosing outfits simpler and faster.
Start by sorting items into categories: keep, donate, and throw away. Focus on keeping items that you wear frequently, fit well, and are in good condition. For items you haven’t worn in over a year, consider if they truly add value to your wardrobe. A well-edited closet creates space and makes it easier to access and enjoy the items you love. You’ll also reduce the clutter, making future maintenance easier.
4. Deep Clean the Closet
With the closet empty, it’s time to give it a thorough clean. Dust and wipe down every surface, including shelves, drawers, and closet rods, working from top to bottom. A clean, fresh closet is the ideal foundation for a more organized space, and removing dust and debris will make your wardrobe feel brand new. Use a gentle disinfectant spray to freshen up surfaces and remove any built-up grime.
Pay special attention to corners and crevices where dust tends to accumulate. Vacuum the floor area to remove any debris, and consider adding a fresh liner to shelves and drawers for a clean, polished look. A well-cleaned closet is a perfect base for a new organizational system, helping you feel refreshed each time you open the door.
5. Organize by Accessibility and Season
Now that you’ve reduced the contents, organize items for easy access. Place frequently worn items in the most accessible spots, and store out-of-season clothes higher up or in less reachable areas. To streamline your routine further, try organizing by color, clothing type (e.g., jeans, t-shirts, dresses), or even by occasion (work, casual, formal).
Use containers, dividers, or bins to create designated spaces for accessories, shoes, or folded items, keeping everything in its place. Add labels or use clear storage containers to identify items quickly, which will help you maintain your organized closet long-term.
6. Maintain Your Organized Closet
An organized closet doesn’t have to be a one-time achievement. Regularly assess your wardrobe, especially at the start of each season, to keep it in good order. Consider making it a habit to put items back in their designated spots and to revisit the decluttering process every few months.
This ongoing effort will help you enjoy a neat, functional closet year-round. Small maintenance tasks, such as refolding items, wiping down surfaces, and updating storage solutions, will help you maintain order. Additionally, try to limit new purchases to prevent clutter from building up again. This ongoing effort will help you enjoy a neat, functional closet year-round.
