Video:Closet Organization Tips

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Transcript:Closet Organization Tips

When I ask about closets, most people's answer is simple: yuck. Closet doors are the doors you never open when giving a tour of your home. But is there anything you can do to organize yours, short of installing an expensive wall system? There is, if you invest a little time and are willing to let go of items whose best days have come and gone.

First off, make organizing your closet a priority. You'll dress better, because you can see your clothes. You'll vary your accessories, because you can find them. You'll care more about how you present yourself, because your closet motivates you.

Lighting

Now, on to preparing the closet itself. Be sure it is properly lit, even if that means adding bulbs or wattage. If you have the option of adding a window to a walk-in, do it. Natural light makes dressing much more fun.

Closet Accessories

Install a full-length mirror nearby-wall-mounted ones like this one are affordable and can be found at your local hardware store. If you can, store your ironing board in your closet as well. Also, hooks are critical. You'll use them for everything from robes to purses to a quick change of clothing.

Custom Storage Drawers

Drawers or other custom storage solutions can be pricey. A cost-effective way to keep small, loose items like stockings and underwear in check is to add 4-inch fronts to shelving. Fancy closet organizers are fine, but a less-expensive solution is do-it-yourself storage using fake MDF wood. It's paintable, it's attractive and it can be made into shelving and floor-length shoe dividers.

Streamlining Closet Contents

The hardest part of any closet overhaul is deciding what to get rid of. One idea that takes the sting out of the first pass is asking someone close to you to go through your wardrobe and remove anything she thinks is unattractive, dated or ill-fitting. Then, ask yourself: Have I worn this in the past year or two? If the answer is no, give it to someone who will, either a charitable organization or a friend.

Closet Organization Tactics

Next, go through everything that made the cut and organize it into categories. I like to keep it simple:

• Shirts
• Dresses
• Skirts
• Sweaters
• Jackets
• Pants

Put like colors together, especially shirts. You'll feel so much better about your wardrobe when everything in it fits, flatters you and can be found.

Hanger Management

You can really improve your closet's look and function by discarding unwieldy wire hangers. Turn all your remaining hangers to face the same direction, and hang your clothing the same way. Button at least the top button on every item, and hang pants on trouser hangers so you don't get a crease. You'll save time on ironing later on.

Foldable Items

Some items are better stored in bins. Lingerie, winter sweaters and your mother's wedding dress are all best folded and tucked away, leaving room for everyday necessities.

Jewelry Storage

When it comes to jewelry, correct storage is absolutely critical. I recommend adding small nails across the back of your shelving. You can hang necklaces and other jewelry there for easy access and visibility. Making slots in the tops of shelves or adding storage bins is a great way to divide rings, watches and bracelets.

Tackling closets can really improve your everyday life. Faced with a closet full of manageable, visible choices, you'll feel and look better, mornings will go smoother, and you might even crack open that door on the next tour of your home.

I'm Anne-Marie Barton, About Home.