Try items on!

When deciding on what to keep in your closet, try items on! Don't keep an item based on how it looked last year or even last season!
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Folded items

When storing folded items in drawers, place them on their side so that the crease faces up. This way you will never lose an article of clothing at the bottom of the pile again.
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No more morning mishaps!

If it's hard for you to tell the difference between brown, black, and blue socks when you get dressed in the morning, sort them out when you put them away from the laundry. Label the containers. No more morning mishaps!
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Rolling garment rack

If you lack room in your closet, purchase a rolling garment rack that can be stored in the corner of your room, or a guest room. This can house overflow clothing, or even out of season clothing.
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Plastic shelf liners

If you have wire shelving in your closet, purchase plastic shelf liners to prevent your clothing from being indented with shelf marks.
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Under-the-bed storage containers

If you have difficulty fitting all of your clothes in your closet, consider using under-the-bed storage containers. These containers are specifically designed to fit, and slide, very easily under your bed. These are especially helpful for bulky items that will easily fall off closet shelves.
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Stains

Most stains occur in the living area of the home. However, most laundry rooms are separated from the living space. Keep a stain stick or stain spray in your closet, or close to your hamper so you can pre-treat stains as they occur.
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Dehumidifier packets

If your closet is damp, use hanging dehumidifier packets in your closet.
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Enclosed containers

For any items that you do not use that often, make sure they have dust covers, or are in enclosed containers. For example, evening shoes can be stored in plastic shoe boxes and labeled on the outside. This way, they stay clean and are ready to wear when you need them.
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Under used space

The back and front sides of your closet door are often under used space. But organizing products such as an over the door shoe rack can transform these places into convenient storage places.
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Count items

Count items like shoes, belts, and scarves before purchasing any organizing products.
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Closet organization ideas

Visit your local super store or a specialty organization store for closet organization ideas. There are always new products being released and these stores will have the most up-to-date collections for you to be inspired from.
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Date and the contents

When you last access a tote write a note on it with the date and the contents. For example: Steve's Summer Clothes 3/2010. Avoid using labels or tape as the adhesive on these may falter in extreme temperatures.
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When purchasing totes

When purchasing totes, buy totes you can see through so you know what's inside. Also purchase totes that are not too large. Totes when full of clothes get very heavy. If possible, buy totes with wheels on them so you can easily move them in the storage area.
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Reduce wrinkles

When putting clothes in totes, roll them to reduce wrinkles.
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Out of season clothes

Store out of season clothes in air tight containers in another area of your home. If you have a guest room, consider using that closet. However, if you must store items, do so in the most temperature and moisture controlled environment you have (i.e. attic, basement, garage).
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Current season's clothes

Only keep the current season's clothes in your closet at one time.
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Teach your kids

Teach your kids to use the clothing folder and they can assist you with the laundry. Clothing folders come in adult and children's sizes. Allow your kids to decorate their folders with markers and stickers.
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Cothes folder

Purchase a clothes folder to assist you in creating uniform piles of clothes. Try not to stack shirts more than five high and sweaters more than three high.
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"Half dirty" bin

For all of those items that you have only worn for a short period of time, and do not need to be washed just yet, create a "half dirty" bin. Please the bin at the bottom of your closet or at the foot of your bed. At the end of the week, empty it all out into the laundry.
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Specialty charities

Consider donating specialty clothing to specialty charities. For example,
http://www.dressforsuccess.org helps battered women find business attire to re-enter the workforce.
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Drop off or donate

For clothing that you wish to keep but need repair, place the items in your car right away for drop off that week. If you cannot make dropping them off for repair a priority, donate the clothes.
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To keep an article of clothing

When deciding on whether or not to keep an article of clothing ask yourself these questions:
Do I feel GREAT in it?
Is it comfortable?
Is it in good condition?
Is it in style?
Does it fit?

If the answers are "no" it is time to donate the item, or throw it away if it is not in good condition.


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Clothes you wear regularly

Once you have determined what clothes you wear regularly, scrutinize the remaining items.
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Closet system

If you do not have one already, consider installing a closet system. Custom closet companies often offer free consultations and quotes. Or visit your local home improvement store for a do-it-yourself kit.
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Plastic tube hangers

If you don't want to invest in wooden hangers, consider plastic tube hangers or hangers with "grip" that prevent garments from falling off of them.
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A uniform look

To give your closet a uniform look, and allow each garment to hang appropriately, purchase identical hangers. I recommend wooden hangers. Wooden hangers are much more affordable than they used to be and are now available at super stores and warehouse stores.
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Closet grungy?

Is the inside of your closet grungy? If so, paint it! If you have a door on your closet you can paint the inside any color you wish! Visit a home improvement store and ask for the paints that have been left behind. These paints were custom mixed for other customers that were returned or not purchased. Often these paints are often very inexpensive.
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LED lights

Can you see colors clearly in your closet? If not, consider adding some lights. LED lights are cost effective, and often come in small "puck sized" units. Many hardware and super stores sell these stick on, battery operated variations that are very inexpensive and easy to install.
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Ready to change

In many areas of the country it is still too cold to tackle basement, attic, or garage organization. However, we are just about ready to change from winter to spring/summer clothes. This month's tips will help you get your closet in shape!
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March

In March, we are going to focus on taming your closet. Start by arranging all of your hangers to face one direction. As you wear items, launder them, and return them to their place in the closet. Only when you put them back, turn the hangers the other way. After two weeks you will have a good idea of what you wear. This does not take into account any items you may need to keep, but don't wear frequently such as tuxedos or cocktail dresses.
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