Get Organized with Closet System

The keys to organization are purged what is not used, everything has a place and always put it back when you got it from. Yes, I do need to follow my own advice and I'm working on it starting with closet organization. There are so many options for storing anything with closet systems, they're not just for clothes anymore. Think laundry room, garage, drop zones, bathrooms, kitchen, anywhere you have stuff there's a system for storing it.

Purge

Toss things that are damaged.

Donate what you have not worn or used in the last year. Watch out for "What If" Play it out and see that if I need a fancy dress for a wedding or party in the next year, this will probably be out of style and I'll buy something new anyway.

This is a hard step for many of us frugal, creative types who see what it could be. Set some rules up for yourself. For each item I keep 3 others are donated. Keep 7-10 outfits you wear for each season and only 1 or 2 items for dress up occasions. Capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothing and accessories that can be mixed and matched for many different outfits.

Place for Everything

What you keep and anything new you buy must have a place to be stored. Space for 8 pairs of shoes means you don't keep 12 and you get rid of one when you buy a new one. Want to allow yourself to expand to 12 pairs then be sure there is empty space dedicated for those new purchases. Think of it as freeing you from decisions, time saving and clutter free rather than limiting.

Put it Back

Organization is not a one time activity. Returning items to their designated space is key to keeping the space organized. Tidy and edit the space on a regular basis, weekly may be less daunting than seasonally.

Trouble Starting

Here's some tips in behavior activation from Therapy in a Nutshell

1. Don't wait until you feel like it or feel motivated - take action and that will motivate you

2. Relate the action to something you really care about. I want to help others their organization challenges so I think of that when I don't want to work on my closet. I need to be able to find the tools and supplies I need for handyman jobs and that motivates me to clean out the garage.

3. Break it down into tiny steps. Cleaning out the closet is daunting but I can go through the stuff on one shelf or box. If that sounds like too much then go smaller, 5 things in the box, a few things from one shelf. Praise yourself for each small action you take.

4. Schedule it on your calendar. Wednesday at 6:00 spend 15 minutes on 1 box in the closet.

   
   

Categorize

Group like items so that you know the space needed for storing them. This must be done first before purchasing bins, baskets, shelving or closet systems. It will be hard to maintain a system where the items were forced into storage containers. Instead design for the items.

Design

Measure the closet space length, width and height to make the most of every inch.

Count and measure your categorized items.

Shoes, Hats, Purses, Belts, Ties

Long hanging dresses, coats

Short hanging shirts, skirts, pants

Stacking upper and lower sections for hanging items doubles your storage space

Folded items such as sweaters, jeans

Socks, underwear, intimates

The Container Store and 17squares have free on-line closet design tools that use your dimensions and will create a closet design that you can modify. It's great for getting ideas for storing the items you have categorized and counted!

Look how fabulous my closet can be!

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