5 Mistakes People Make When Organizing Their Closets—and How to Fix Them

Many people find that their closets are overflowing and disorganized, even after attempting to organize them. This article, featuring insights from Katia Basley, founder of Vision & Hammer, a home organization and interior design studio, addresses common mistakes people make when organizing their closets and offers practical solutions. These tips are beneficial for any closet size, from small to large walk-ins, aiming to create a tidy and functional space. One common error is believing that effective organization necessitates discarding everything and starting anew. Basley advises against this, emphasizing that getting organized doesn't require drastic decluttering. Instead, she suggests creating a smart disposal system, such as keeping a donation bag in the closet to collect unused items over time without the pressure of an immediate purge. Another frequent mistake is prematurely purchasing new organizing materials. Many are tempted by appealing storage solutions but often buy items that are unsuitable for their space, leading to more clutter. Basley recommends taking inventory of existing items and measuring the space first. This approach ensures that any new purchases are functional and fit cohesively within the closet. Before buying, assess what you already own and conduct thorough research to ensure new additions enhance, rather than hinder, organization. The article also highlights the error of trying to organize an entire closet at once. This often leads to overwhelm and can prevent a space from ever truly becoming organized. Basley suggests a more manageable approach: taking small, incremental steps. By breaking down the task into smaller parts, individuals can achieve a sense of accomplishment and maintain motivation over time. Neglecting proper clothing care based on material is another oversight. Different fabrics and garment types require specific storage methods (folding vs. hanging) to prevent damage. Basley advises considering the material and structure of each item to store them appropriately, even if it requires creativity in smaller spaces. Wasted wall space is a missed opportunity for storage. Many people only rely on drawers and rods, overlooking vertical storage potential. Basley encourages utilizing hooks and other hanging solutions on walls, especially in small closets, for items like hats, scarves, or robes, thereby maximizing available space. A lack of visibility within the closet can lead to forgotten items. While baskets can look appealing, if their contents are hidden, those items often go unused. Basley suggests using labels for bins and maintaining uniform hanger sizes for hung clothes to ensure everything is easily visible and accessible. Assuming a closet organization system is permanent is a common misconception. Closets should adapt to seasonal changes, particularly in regions with varying weather. Basley advocates for seasonal storage, cycling out-of-season clothes to less accessible areas like high shelves, attics, or basements, and keeping current seasonal wear readily available. This method reduces the burden on the main closet and ensures practicality. Poor shoe storage, particularly keeping shoes on the floor in a disorganized manner, is another pitfall. Basley recommends storing infrequently worn shoes higher up and stacking sandals and flats to save space. She also suggests organizing shoes by category first, then by color, rather than solely by color, to enhance functionality. Finally, the article addresses incorrect garment placement based on body wear. People often place pants on lower rods and shelves. Basley challenges this, suggesting that slimmer items like pants and short skirts should be hung on upper rods to make the closet feel more spacious, while bulkier items like sweaters and jackets can go on lower rods. The ideal shelf depth is also emphasized, with Basley recommending 14 to 16 inches, as this accommodates most store-bought bins and prevents items from toppling. By avoiding these common mistakes and adopting Basley's practical advice, anyone can achieve a more organized, functional, and visually appealing closet space. #ClosetOrganization #HomeOrganization #DeclutteringTips #StorageSolutions #ClosetDesign #OrganizationalMistakes #SeasonalStorage #SpaceSaving #HomeDecor

Maintaining a well-organized closet offers numerous advantages, extending beyond simply simplifying outfit selection. A tidy closet mitigates issues such as wrinkled clothing and prevents garments from falling to the floor and accumulating dust. Effective organizational habits can also prevent redundant purchases, as individuals often buy items they already own but cannot locate within a cluttered space. While professional organizing services may not be accessible to everyone, understanding and rectifying common closet storage errors can significantly improve organization. One prevalent mistake is failing to group similar items. Experts recommend dividing closets into distinct sections for specific activities, such as activewear or formal wear. This sectional approach allows for easier selection of clothing based on immediate needs. Another common error involves assigning equal importance to all items. Instead, frequently used clothing should be prioritized and placed in easily accessible locations, while less-used items can be relegated to less prominent areas. Storing clothes from all seasons together also contributes to disorganization and inefficiency. If space permits, out-of-season garments should be moved out of the primary closet and stored in bins on upper shelves or under beds to maximize available space. Impulse buying of storage solutions without prior planning and measurement is another significant mistake. Before acquiring any organizational systems, it is crucial to categorize all clothing into groups (e.g., shirts, dresses) and then subdivide these into more specific categories (e.g., long-sleeved, short-sleeved). This detailed inventory helps determine the exact storage needs and appropriate solution sizes. Furthermore, adopting a closet layout based on external aesthetics, such as those seen on social media, without considering personal preferences can be counterproductive. An effective organizational system should align with an individual's habits; for instance, if drawers are typically where items are misplaced, alternative storage methods should be chosen, regardless of aesthetic appeal. Utilizing valuable floor space for shoe storage is inefficient. Vertical shoe organizers or over-the-door solutions can free up floor space for larger storage units or dressers. Holding onto unused items, whether due to sentiment or aversion to waste, also clutters a closet. Experts advise donating clothes unworn for one to two years or discarding stained/torn items, as most individuals only regularly wear a small percentage of their wardrobe. Critical questions about fit, personal affection for the item, and how it looks on the wearer can guide decluttering decisions. Incorrect use of hangers is another overlooked mistake. Pants should be folded vertically with back pockets facing out to prevent hardware from snagging other clothes. For tops, utilizing support straps minimizes slippage and strain on delicate fabrics. Lastly, storing clothing in cardboard boxes is ill-advised as boxes can transfer odors and glues to garments, which are difficult to remove. Accumulating random items in the closet is also a sign of disorganization; such items should be regularly assessed and relocated to their appropriate storage areas. #ClosetOrganization #StorageSolutions #HomeOrganization #Decluttering #WardrobeManagement #OrganizationalMistakes #SeasonalClothingStorage #ShoeStorage #HangerUsage

Closets should be functional spaces that reduce stress and simplify daily routines, rather than merely storage areas. To achieve an effective and stress-free closet, certain common organization mistakes should be avoided. Professional organizers Nicole Gabai, founder of B. Organized, and Corey Pence, senior manager of in-home organizing at The Container Store, highlight several key errors that can undermine a closet's efficiency. One significant mistake is improperly spaced closet rods. If rods are placed too low, clothes can bunch up and wrinkle, leading to damage. Adjusting rod height to allow for proper hanging is a simple yet effective way to improve functionality. Another error involves intersecting closet rods, which create an "x" shape. This not only looks unappealing but also wastes valuable space, making clothes harder to access and reducing the closet's overall efficiency. The use of mismatched hangers is also identified as a common pitfall. While seemingly minor, consistent hangers help maximize storage space and create a uniform appearance, ensuring clothes hang correctly and contribute to a more organized feel. Placing clothing in the wrong areas is another frequent mistake. Instead of grouping items solely by type, clothes should be organized based on frequency of use. Everyday items should be easily accessible, while special occasion wear can be stored in less prominent areas to prevent prime real estate from being occupied by rarely used garments. Mixing up clothing seasons is another organizational error. A more effective strategy involves Gabai’s “Zones” technique: frequently worn items go in Zone 1 (easiest to reach), less-used items in Zone 2 (higher shelves or back of the closet), and out-of-season or rarely used items in Zone 3 (storage bins). This requires seasonal adjustments but significantly improves daily access. Additionally, incorrectly hanging and folding items can lead to clutter. Not all items require hangers; bulky garments like sweaters should be folded to prevent stretching, and T-shirts can be stored in drawers or on shelves with dividers, using bookends to maintain neat stacks. Storing unnecessary items in a closet designed for clothing is also inefficient. A clothing closet should only contain clothes and accessories; extraneous items like old toys or records waste space and complicate the process of finding specific items. Finally, neglecting a maintenance plan is a critical mistake. Even a perfectly organized closet will succumb to clutter without a routine upkeep system. Gabai suggests the “Back to One” principle, involving a daily five-minute routine to return items to their designated places. Whether it's hanging clothes or placing dirty items in the laundry bin, consistent maintenance is crucial for sustaining an organized space. Even a weekly clean-up, if daily maintenance isn't feasible, is better than none. #ClosetOrganization #HomeOrganizing #StorageSolutions #Decluttering #HomeEfficiency #ProfessionalOrganizers #WardrobeManagement #SpaceMaximization

A well-organized closet offers significant benefits, reducing stress when choosing outfits, preventing wrinkled clothing, and even saving money by avoiding duplicate purchases. Many common closet organization mistakes can lead to disarray, but these issues often come with straightforward solutions. Professional organizer Nicole Gabai and Amanda Wiss, founder of Urban Clarity, offer insights into common pitfalls and how to rectify them. One fundamental mistake is failing to group like items. Gabai emphasizes the importance of dividing a closet into sections and zones, such as grouping activewear or formal wear. This sectional organizing allows for easier selection and a more efficient wardrobe. Closely related is the error of assigning equal importance to all objects. Items used frequently, like daily business casual attire, should be easily accessible, while less frequently used items can be stored further back. Storing clothes from every season together is another common misstep. If space permits, Wiss suggests moving out-of-season garments to alternative storage like bins on top shelves or under the bed. This maximizes valuable closet space for current-season clothing. A critical planning error is buying storage solutions before properly planning and measuring. Gabai advises organizing clothes into like groups (e.g., all shirts, all dresses) and then categorizing them further (e.g., long-sleeved, short-sleeved shirts). This detailed sorting reveals the exact quantity and type of storage needed, preventing impulse purchases of ill-fitting organizational tools. Not organizing based on personal preferences can lead to ineffective systems. While aesthetically pleasing layouts from social media might be tempting, Gabai highlights the importance of considering individual habits. For example, if someone tends to lose items in drawers, shelving might be a more effective solution. Another common mistake is utilizing valuable closet floor space for shoe storage. Wiss suggests vertical stacking tiers or over-the-door shoe organizers to free up floor space for larger storage solutions like dressers. Holding onto unworn or unused items is a significant contributor to clutter. Gabai recommends donating clothes not worn in one to two years or discarding stained or torn garments. She notes that most people wear only about 20% of their wardrobe, encouraging self-reflection with questions like: "Does it fit? Do you love it? Does it love you back?" If an item doesn't fit or flatter, it's time to let it go. Improper hanger usage can also damage clothes and lead to disorganization. Wiss advises folding pants vertically with back pockets facing out to maintain their shape and prevent snags. For tops, utilizing the garment's extra support straps prevents slippage and protects delicate fabrics. Storing clothing in cardboard boxes is another pitfall, as the cardboard and glue can transfer odors to clothes that are difficult to remove. Finally, allowing random items to accumulate in the closet indicates a need for reassessment. Gabai suggests identifying what is accumulating, determining its appropriate section, and deciding where it truly belongs to maintain an organized space. #ClosetOrganization #HomeOrganization #StorageSolutions #Decluttering #WardrobeManagement #OrganizationalMistakes #ExpertTips #SeasonalStorage

This article offers 35 practical tips for organizing a closet, aiming to help individuals create a more functional and tidy space. It begins by suggesting various methods for decluttering, such as the "spark joy" method from "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up," the 20/10 system from "Unf*ck Your Habitat," or simply creating categorized piles. The article emphasizes that the chosen method should align with personal preferences, even if it means keeping all items and focusing solely on organization. The recommendations include optimizing hanging space by switching to slimline non-slip hangers to create more room and prevent clothes from slipping. Specialty pants hangers are suggested to layer multiple pairs of jeans or slacks, significantly reducing rod space. A simple hack involves using soda can tabs to stack multiple blouses or shirts on a single hanger. For shoe storage, the article advises using multi-tier shoe shelves to utilize vertical space efficiently or mounting builder's-grade wire shelves upside down for display. Shoe doublers are also highlighted as a solution for maximizing space for extensive shoe collections. To improve visibility and accessibility, the article recommends installing stick-on, motion-sensing lights in dark closet corners. Shelf dividers are presented as an adjustable solution to keep purses upright and sweater stacks neat. Creative DIY ideas include cutting and wrapping pool noodles to help boots stand upright, preventing them from flopping over. For added hanging space, valet hooks that stow flat when not in use are suggested, along with pull-out valet rods for outfit planning or over-the-door options. Innovative storage solutions for accessories include repurposing a lid rack to organize clutches and wallets. For folded garments like t-shirts and yoga pants, vertical folding in drawers is recommended, with shoe boxes or divided organizers used as drawer inserts to maintain order. A folding board is suggested to streamline the folding process. Scarves and belts can be organized using shower curtain rings on an over-the-door towel rack or a simple curtain rod, or with specialized scarf and belt hangers. For jewelry, a chain stretched between pushpins or clear Command Hooks on a wall or door can create an elegant display. Sunglasses can also be organized with clear Command Hooks. The article also focuses on maximizing vertical and under-bed space. Adjustable-height double-hang rods are introduced to instantly multiply hanging capacity, beneficial for both adults and children. Small shelves can be layered on top of existing built-in shelves to utilize high spaces. The back of the closet door is presented as a versatile storage area, suitable for baskets, extra rods, hooks, over-door shoe organizers, hanging jewelry organizers, or cap racks. For seasonal items or less frequently used shoes, protective fabric bags or under-bed bags are recommended. Finally, for bulky items, compression methods using plastic garbage bags and a vacuum, or specialized Space Saver bags, are suggested. The article concludes by recommending a storage ottoman as a functional replacement for random bins, offering seating and additional storage. #ClosetOrganization #HomeStorage #DeclutteringTips #SpaceSavingSolutions #WardrobeManagement #DIYOrganization #HomeImprovement #PracticalHacks #StorageIdeas