Tips to Conquer Clutter
Sometimes it seems that without closets, our homes would be filled with clutter. Instead, closets turn into dark, messy spaces that attract all the bits and bobs that you forget about. This is especially true when it comes to our bedroom closets. Behind the 10 pairs of boots you haven’t worn since 2005, there is probably a tennis racquet, a bag of dry cleaning, and pants that will never be hemmed. And you don’t even play tennis!
One of the first things we do with clients is ask them to declutter their closet in order for us to completely revamp its style and organization. This comes in two phases. First, the client cleans and purges. Second, we come in and make it a fabulous dressing room! Once you’ve completed these two phases, you’ll never have a cluttered closet again.
Phase One: Dive into Decluttering
Set Aside an Entire Day
Turn on your favorite playlist and let’s get moving. Make sure you’ve set aside an entire day to tackle your bedroom closet. This may seem excessive, but you will be surprised by how much clothing and miscellaneous items have made their way into your space. If you share a closet with your partner, make sure they set aside time to go through their side of the closet, as well.
Divide and Conquer
This is the same advice you always hear, and it works. Take three baskets and label them “keep,” “discard,” and “donate.” It’s time to go through every item in your closet, from top to bottom. This includes the clothes in the bins on the very top shelf and the box of shoes you never unpacked from your last move. Each item should go into one of the categories. Try to think about which items of clothing you truly enjoy and wear often. (Think of the Konmari method.) Avoid having a “maybe” basket. If you don’t love it, then you don’t need it!
If you have many items to donate, consider taking them to your local women’s shelter. For business wear, we love Dress for Success, which takes used business clothing and provides it to low-income women for interviews and jobs.
Actually Clean the Space
When is the last time you vacuumed in your closet? Have you ever? All that dust has got to go. Go ahead and take out the clothes you want to donate and throw away and bag them up, then take out the clothes you want to keep and set them aside. Take this time to vacuum and dust the entire closet.
Phase Two: Style Your Space
Define Your Style
This is the fun part! Take a look around your bedroom. Are you going for a white and bright modern look? Or a cozy and warm traditional space? Take this into account when purchasing dressers, shelves, baskets, and even hangers for your closet. For example, rose gold hangers are perfect for a trendy, feminine space. White wood hangers are timeless and match white shelving and dressers.
By extending your style into the closet, you will expand your bedroom oasis. Your closet will become a lovely dressing room, rather than just a storage space. To truly transform it, add some decor and lighting if you have a walk-in. We love to add a contemporary chandelier and accents on the shelves.
Get Organized
As designers, this is an essential step in our process. We love to create closets that our clients will adore and actually use to stay organized. First, we take a look at what it is that you’re missing. You may need seating, more shelving, or hanging space. Next, we determine which organizing solutions not only function well for you, but also look the best. We take all of these ideas and create a custom plan to have a closet designed just for you.
Maintenance
Decluttering once isn’t enough. Now that you’re done, it’s time to make sure that cleaning out your closet is a recurring task. Even just once a year should be enough. You can incorporate it into your spring cleaning or do it before the holidays to donate clothing and get into the holiday spirit.
Are you ready to create your dream closet? Contact us today for a consultation!
