I’m coming clean. This is how my guest bedroom had looked for… awhile now. *Gulp*
I pulled out the tubs of fall/winter clothes before Jenny and I headed to Minneapolis, and never got around to putting anything away since then. The closet was also in sorry shape.
Martha will be ashamed. So will my momma. (Hi, mom.) They both taught me better than this.
But, the piled guest room is no longer full of piles. A few hours and lots of folding and hanging later, it was clean and pretty again.
I actually really enjoy cleaning the closet, but I have to have the time and energy. And, while it’s nothing fancy and I spent $0, I always love seeing other people’s closets so here’s my closet after cleaning.
Work jackets, dresses and skirts
Jeans, sweaters and sweatshirts
Pants, shirts, blouses, (16,243) cardigans, and puffy vests.
- My method for cleaning is to take everything out of the closet and drawers, pile by type of clothing and then put it all away. This takes more time but yields the most organized result. I prefer my clothing organized by type, instead of by color. This is typically how I dress in the morning – I know I’m going to wear a dress or a suit, not purple or black. So consider the way you make a clothing decision and go from there.
- Purge regularly. If you only do this every few years (or less), it will be a bigger job. I try to do it at least twice a year, in the spring and fall. I usually end up with a tub of stuff every time to donate.
- Try everything on. (I used to try literally everything on. Now, I’m honest with myself and only try on items that I know I haven’t worn in the past few months.) If it doesn’t fit/doesn’t look good/isn’t in style, get rid of it. Don’t even consider otherwise. I don’t keep anything that doesn’t fit anymore. I don’t tell myself that if I lose that 10/20/30 pounds, I will be able to wear it. If I lose that, I’ll want to go shopping anyways.
- Allow yourself to keep things that you think you might wear, but only one time. If I do this and then, come the next closet cleaning, know I’ve not worn it, it goes to charity. I have a variety of v-neck 3/4 sleeve tops that would be great for layering under blouses and jackets and I have the same style in 6 colors for this reason. (I have a tendency to buy multiples of the same items.) I told myself I would start wearing them in the spring, and I know I’ve never worn them. They are a little too form-fitting for me. This time around, there are a few suits that I’ve rarely worn but still like and still fit. I’ll give myself a chance with those. Some things are cute, but just not me. Why take up space? I’m just honest with myself about it.
- I allow myself to keep sentimental items, but only within reason. I keep only a few of my favorite sorority t-shirts, high school tennis sweats and other stuff. I don’t keep everything and try to stay practical. I’m likely to keep a sweatshirt from my first job at Farm and Fleet because it’s darn comfortable and perfect for around the house. But, the pants with sorority letters on the behind that never really fit right … goodbye.
- I really like the slimline hangers and am really happy I invested in them. They look neat and really grab the clothing so things don’t fall on the floor. They also fit more items in a smaller space. When cleaning closets, I toss all other icky hangers from stores/dry cleaners/etc.
This BIG tub was full of clothes at the end of the exercise. (I threw an old slipcover in there, too. You can ignore the piles of clean clothes around it. It’s a figment of your imagination. We always put our clothes right away at the Woodwards.)
Ahhh… so much better.
So, what are your tips for organizing closets?
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yeoldesandwichshoppeva says
I did this when I was 8 months pregnant and stuck home from school during our giant snow storm last year… for 2 weeks! We Virginians panic when it snows. I got rid of 2/3s of my husband clothes that he never wore and about 1/2 of mine. I have a sentimentality problem, but I’m getting better.
P.S. Most of my upstairs rooms look like the first picture of your guest room. I’m slowly working my way through them, but it’s always encouraging to see that I’m not the only one.
High five for organizing it all!
Amanda Sevall says
Looking good!! You’re making me want to go clean out my closets!!! 🙂
Lauren says
Great Work Kim!! I also have way too many cardigans. And it’s so true that you have to get rid of it if it doesn’t look amazing on you and make you feel great. I have way less clothes but I love all my pieces.
Jenny @ Words on Wendhurst says
I just did that in our closets as well, although I didn’t think to take pictures. 🙂 Nicely done!
Jenny @ Anything Pretty says
Go Kim! I so need to do this. But I have a weird issue with getting rid of clothes I don’t wear anymore. Because you never know, right? But with the changing seasons I think it is time. And I am right there with you on the “it has to become a ginormous mess before I can organize.”
MV says
1) I’m so glad you showed your messy guest room. I’m always so envious of how wonderful your place looks.
2) I can’t help but fixate at all the necklaces!!!!
Laura says
Looks great! I am definitely in need of all the organizing tips I can get!
Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says
It seems like I always need to clean out the closets. With three kiddos, someone is always outgrowing their clothes. For my closet, I tried a Peter Walsh organizing tip and loved it. I turned all the hangers backwards. When I word an item, I turned the hanger the right way. I marked my calendar for six months and then I gave away the clothes whose hangers were backwards – no questions asked. Does that make sense? It was awesome!
Leigh says
I love a clean closet but …..somehow…. I never get rid of stuff, even though I know I should.
And I’m really glad to see your organize by type of item. I do the same- all shirts, skirts, etc. And then within each category I sort by color. But most people tell you to do it all by color, and while it looks better that way, it just isn’t practical (for me).
Tara @ Tara Being Tara says
It looks awesome! I’m with you… when I’m in the mood, I LOVE to clean closets. Unfortunately, that mood doesn’t strike all that often….
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
Good tips! Miss the days of having a guest room closet. I think my girls have more clothes than I do. :s
Jen@Notes From the Heartland says
Wow! Your guest bedroom looks great!! Anytime you get the urge…feel free to head north and dive into my closets! Maybe a winter project. Great job Kim!!!
Misty-Ann says
Good job!!!
My clothes are by type and color….hubby think I’m nuts. But it keeps me happy 🙂
I do need to go through the shelves in the closet and re-organize and get different tubs… the tubs are just awkward.
Mrs. Adventure says
Wow you are a cleaning machine!
SarahKL says
Whoo hoo!! Now you will be happy every time you go in there! I’m in love with my closet now… not that it’s very exciting. But you get my drift. 🙂
Rita/Fighting Off Frumpy says
Ugh. I have GOT to clean my closet. Ours is like yours, except 12,245 times worse. I am an absolute neatnik in the rest of my house, but anything behind closed doors? Is in SHAMBLES. I guarantee it. I don’t know why that is, but I hate it.
Way to get the dirty work done! Now send that organizing bug on over to bite me! 🙂
amber waves of grain says
I’m a big fan of organizing my closet as well. Maybe I’ll even do that today! I know there are some shoes that haven’t been worn this year. My big downfall is t-shirts though– I guess I’m too sentimental.
Your Mother says
The after shot looks like I’m coming to stay with you. That room ALWAYS looks like that when I come over. I’m VERY proud of you. It looks simply Marrrvelouuuss!