It's resolution time, and that means making a list of things we'd like to do to improve our lives, but will probably forget about by mid February.
One of my resolutions is always to get more organized, especially when it comes to my closets. So I spoke to Lisa Adams of
LA Closet Design, designer of incredible closets for men (that's one of hers in the pic above), and all around expert in tackling clutter, to get some tips for getting my stuff in order, and advice on what to do to keep things in place and make life easier. Here's what Lisa had to say:
Organizing in General
1. Start organizing one room at a time. Even within a room, you might want to organize one section of that room at a time. For example, organize until you can see the kitchen countertop or a section on the floor, and then move on to the area next to it. Think in terms of baby steps to organization.
2. Re-look and evaluate each piece of “clutter.” Ask yourself: If your home was destroyed by a fire or flood, would you really miss this item? This is a simple exercise to determine and help you to get rid of things you may think you want. At the end of the exercise, you'll find out what is truly important to you.
3. The Golden Rule: every time you bring something new in, something old
needs to go. Most people do not keep this balance in their home. Hence, the towering piles of stuff and clothes that add up over time to create an overwhelming mess. Create a donation bin in your home, and make this a weekly event. If you work little purges into your normal cleaning routine, then it will soon become like second nature instead of a dreaded,
overwhelming chore.
4. Make decisions about your “clutter” and take action. Once you embrace the
process, you'll see you save emotional stress, time, money, etc.
Organizing Your Closet
5. Downsize your wardrobe. Ask yourself if the garment fits and flatters. If the answer is no, then it should be donated. Revisit your wardrobe every year. With styles changing every season, even if the garment fits, be critical of its longevity.
6. Organize your closet in sections. For example:
informal vs. formal, shoes and
accessories, color, etc. That way, within your closet, you are either moving from one end to the other or in a triangle formation with accessibility to your clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, etc.
7. Create a system for your hanging items and items stored in drawers. You can
organize by color, brand, fabric, etc. Then, stick to the system. Also, dividers in drawers and pull-out shelves can be used to keep things organized and stacked properly (i.e. socks, underwear, undershirts, ties, etc.).
8. Try to avoid stacking sweaters and shirts too high. 3-6 is a good number.
Use These Once You're De-Cluttered to Make Life Easier
9. Use pull-out shelves for easy access. Otherwise, narrow depth shelves should be used so things are not hiding in the back. If you can't see them and access them easily, you will never use them.
10. Pull-out laundry baskets can prevent garments from landing on a chair or on the floor.
11. Include a landing table (i.e. an island or pull-out table) for ease of packing and
folding of garments.
12. Pull-down swing rods are great for hanging at higher heights. That way, you
maximize the space that you can actually reach.
13. Carousels in the corner are a great solution for maximizing the corner area. As you rotate the carousel, you see everything hanging in front of you.
14. Double the space in deep drawers by stacking clear plastic boxes with lids
that create additional layers of storage (i.e. seasonal items).
15. Literally, start thinking “in the box.” Using baskets and bins to help contain the smaller/loose items in your closet is a great way to keep things organized and under control.
16. Pull-out tie and belt trays and pull-out slats are an organized way to store your ties, belts, pants, scarves, etc.
17. Pull-out valet hooks are a great tool for getting you ready for tomorrow. Laying out your work clothes the night before can also get you out the door faster. Make sure everything that you need is on the hook.
18. Keep shoes organized on pull-out shelves, angled shoe shelves or adjustable
shelves. Pick a system based on your personal preference, as well as the size
of your closet.