Something about the seasons changing motivates me to get organized. I recently spent a day decluttering and organizing my closet which inspired this post. Keep reading for my top 4 organization tips — and before & after pictures of my closet!
Organization Tip #1: Set the mood
Decluttering can be hard. The amount of work ahead can feel overwhelming, and letting go of your items can be emotional. Take some time before you begin to put together a playlist of music you love, rent an audiobook, or download a podcast episode to help you set off on your organization journey on the right foot.
Consider lighting a candle or starting an essential oil diffuser for extra relaxing vibes 🙂 There are so many diffusers to choose from but I’ve linked one below with 4.6 stars out of over 1,800 reviews on Amazon. The “Stress Relief” line from Bath & Body Works is a favorite of mine, and you can’t go wrong with this candle.
Organization Tip #2: Start with the right supplies
Make a list before you start and pick up everything you’re going to need. I ordered the hangers below from Amazon and picked up some square containers from The Container Store. Some may prefer to declutter and get rid of items before picking up these supplies, but I personally like to have everything on hand so that I can finish the project in one day. Don’t buy more than you need though! If anything, buy less. I found I pushed myself to get rid of a few extra items of clothing because I was running out of hangers.
I also recommend taking this time when everything is pulled out of your closet, cupboards, pantry, etc. to also give the area a thorough cleaning. Make sure you have cleaning products on hand so you’re not tempted to skip this step!
Organization Tip #3: Keep what you love
…and as for the items you don’t love, you can donate, give to family or friends, or send clothing to an online thrift store such as ThredUp. When I’m decluttering, I like to ask myself if I’ve used an item in the past year and if I can see myself using it in the next year. If the answer is no, it’s time for me to part ways with the item.
If you’re unsure about letting something go, you could try keeping a box or bin for items you’re considering donating, and store it out of sight (in your garage, closet, etc.). Once a month or so goes by and you haven’t thought about those items, it may be easier for you to let go.
Organization Tip #4: Make it functional (and aesthetically pleasing as a bonus)
I think it’s easiest to put an outfit together when I know exactly where items are in my closet. I accomplished this by arranging my closet by clothing type and by color. For example, all my shirts and blouses are on one railing, organized by color. Within each color section the tops are hung from tank tops on the left to long sleeves on the right.
Another example is that I find it puts a smile on my face to open a cupboard and see shelves organized by the type of item. Glasses on one shelf, coffee mugs on another, and so on. This also gives your items a logical “home,” making it easier to put things away after they’ve been used. Organization can feel a bit like a puzzle, which I personally enjoy!
And now for my closet before & after!
In the before pictures, you can tell my closet is chaotic and packed full. Purging items I hadn’t used, organizing by color and item type, and using (mostly 🙂 ) matching hangers went a long way in my closet overhaul. I’m very pleased with the result, and now I enjoy every time I open up my closet! Check out the reel on my Instagram to see more views of my closet!
What are some of your organization tips or frustrations?
-Courtney
