How to Clean your Closet
Step by Step Instructions to Organize your Closet with Great Results
Apr 27, 2009
Closets quickly become organization nightmares as things get thrown inside haphazardly and there just aren’t any spots designated for certain items. The key to getting an organized closet with a place for everything and everything in its place takes a bit of work at the beginning and then a lot of discipline. Use these step by step instructions to get a handle on your messiest closet and then keep it all in order.
Empty and Examine
The first step is removing everything from the closet and examining each article as you remove it. Set up areas or boxes and begin sorting items, whether you’re going through clothing or a sports activity closet, make a pile for things that you’ll keep, things you’ll give away, things that need repair and things that go in the trash.
Categorize
Remove the items you will be getting rid of and only deal with what’s left. Further evaluate the piles you’ll be keeping and organize them into categories for quick access and easy storage.
Clean
Back to the closet, clean it thoroughly. Closets don’t often get cleaned but they can accumulate dust, dirt and cobwebs just alike any other ignored space in your home.
Decorate
One way to break yourself from a habit of tossing something into your closet is to make it a more inviting and exciting place. If it looks good you’re more likely to keep it looking good. Consider giving the closet a fresh coat of paint or wallpaper, go for something bright and unexpected to give it an exciting appeal. Or paint everything white so it stays fresh and clean looking so you’re more likely to keep it clean. If you have a walk-in closet consider giving yourself some lavish touches that make it feel more like a room than a closet.
Add Storage
Once the closet is cleaned and decorated you can begin putting pieces back in place taking advantage of the currently supplied storage options. Once you begin to see a need for some additional containers and more storage options start making a list. At the end evaluate what you’ve stored, what needs to be stored yet and what containers may best fit your needs. Then go shopping until you find just the right storage options whether they’re shelves, cubbies or containers.
Break Bad Habits
Finally, its time to break all bad habits of throwing things on the floor or hanging them in the wrong spot or just shoving items in the closet. It’s time to learn to put them away properly. You might need to encourage yourself, and your family, to get in this habit by leaving post it notes and having a nightly inspection until the good habits become routine.
Some experts say that you should maintain the order in your closets by purging one item when you buy a new one, but this seems a bit extreme. Rather than going this route, don’t stuff your closets with so much stuff that one more item is an impossibility, leave a little room for new stuff. Then hold a regular closet evaluation once or twice a year and look for items that are either worn out or broken and need to go in the trash or items you can donate to charity. This way you’ll keep your closets in check without having to purge for every purchase.
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