The beginning of the year is the perfect time to say HELLO to organization and GOODBYE to clutter and messy habits that hinder your structural success. Start off small so you don’t overwhelm yourself, but also start where it is much needed, such as your closet! You will enjoy your time in the house a little more and improve your organizing strategies. If you make it your New Year’s resolution to conquer clutter, remember to cut down on these counterproductive habits:

STOP THROWING CLOTHES ON THE FLOOR

When you are in a rush, your clothes can end up anywhere. We all have a tendency to pile our clothing wherever—the closet floor, dresser, bathrooms, chairs, etc. Clothes clutter can be the worst clutter, because it makes a room instantly feel dirty and unkempt. Yes, you may have too many clothes for a traditional single-rod-and-shelf, but if you could double the space in your closet, it could make a huge difference. Use these next tips to find the unused space in your closet.

STOP STORING ITEMS IN RANDOM PLACES

Designate one space for each type of clothing. It is very easy to stuff things in random places but very difficult to go back and find those items when you need them. Let’s cut down those moments of finding items months after stashing them and saying, “I didn’t even know this was there”. If there are any empty spaces left in your closet, leave it! Don’t fill it up with random items just because there is “extra” room. Group your like items together (i.e. shirts with shirts, pants with pants, belts, shoes) and find their place. It sometimes helps to put items into baskets or bins.  Don’t forget to label your storage items.  It makes it putting things away easy peasy when bins are labeled and have a home.

STOP USING THE SAME SETUP

You’ve had the same closet setup for years and nothing at all has changed. Survey your closet for storage solution space and opportunity.  For example, if you have at least 12 inches of space between shelves, that’s an opportunity to add in an extra shelf for more storage. Use as much vertical space as possible.  Feel free to consolidate like items together and maximize your space.  You can also use the space outside of the closet and set up a nook or dressing area for added storage. Many of your local home stores have great products that can help contain and free space.  The right products can be tricky, so don’t be hesitant to call your local professional organizer for help with setup.

STOP HOLDING ON TO OLD CLOTHING

There is nothing wrong with having clothing for years to come and getting the most out of your investment. The problem lies when you have a closet overflowed with clothes, but nothing to wear! We all have clothing we skip over every day and hold onto, believing that someday we will use it. The truth is, if it’s been years and the clothing has not been worn, it is time to get rid of it.  A get rid of item can be donated, sold, traded, or thrown away. Also do yourself a favor and STOP wearing the shirt with a missing button or holy socks.  Feel fabulous in your clothes and only keep the clothes you love.

GET OUT OF HERE

Store away your off-season items.  Clear bins and sweater boxes are great places to store out of season clothes.  An under the bed bin is another option for out of season clothes.

STOP USING THE SAME STRATEGIES

Instead of hanging up all of your clothing, fold up your pants and sweaters. You can use an in-closet drawer and place it in your closet under your shelving. All of your small items such as small handbags, belts, hats, or scarves do not always have to be on display. Use a bin or basket to store these items and label them.  Don’t forget the back of your closet door as storage. You can use hooks, shelving, baskets, or pegboards for the smaller items you want to keep visible. Here is where you can store shoes, jewelry, clutch organizers, or even put up your hamper to keep it out of the way.

Why not give yourself a fresh start and hire a professional organizer?

Sometimes it takes a keen eye and patience to spruce an area. You may be used to setting up your closet a certain way that may not entirely work for your needs at this moment. An organizer can seriously help you declutter and reorganize a space in ways that you may have never imagined. They are also professionals at setting up storage systems and finding key items you may need in order to tidy up your space. An organizer can help you be realistic, offer valuable advice, and help you may need. This is a great service to treat yourself or a friend to for the new year!

Give us a call today at 470.632.3314 or email stephanie@organizedchick.com

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