A Simple Formula for the Closet
How Not to Overthink Closet Organization
Many of our clients and friends often say something like, “I just stare at my closet with rage and don’t know how to fix it.” I hear 1000 variations of this.
I think something happens to our brains when we look at our own chaos and disorganization. Logic goes out the window and any hope of getting from A to B to C is gone. It’s like our thinking completely halts. Then we shut the door and move on with our day.
But there really is a formula for the average closet. I want to use my job at Jessica Gilmore’s home to illustrate this. Jessica was Miss Alabama 2017 and though she has beautiful clothing, it’s really a manageable amount, especially considering all the events she did and still does through her work and hobbies. Her closet only has a set amount of space, and she needs to be able to SEE everything, including sweaters and sweatshirts.
Before. Does this look familiar to you?
Ultimately, the closet formula is this:
Matching hangers +
Shoe storage +
Storage for the shelf =
CLOSET PEACE
In nearly 100% of our home organization jobs, we put pretty baskets or bins on closet shelves, to hold things like scarves, swimwear, winter accessories, hats, and so on. In Jessica’s case, she didn’t want bins or baskets because it was important for her to be able to see her sweaters, sweatpants, jeans, and sweatshirts. She knows herself well, and she knew if she couldn’t see them, they might get forgotten and go unworn.
After
So if you take our formula and apply it to Jessica’s closet, this is how it breaks down:
Shoe storage (these were already in her closet and we use these all the time!)
Shelf storage (in this case, the clear dividers)
Bonus, see this blog post for other ideas for storing sweaters in closets! Includes a link to wire shelf dividers)
Close up of the shelf dividers plus that really pleasing line of matching hangers.
It was a great day organizing Jessica’s closet, and I hope you feel empowered to take charge of your own closet. Certainly, if you can’t, but you live in Birmingham or Atlanta, House Peace would love to come organize for you! Here’s how you can get an estimate. (And YES we do travel!)
(Links may be affiliate links.)
House Peace Download of the Week
I guess I have decided that each week’s download is just whatever is on my nerves recently! This week, it’s all about shoes! Not everyone in my house leaves their shoes strewn about, but two of them do and it drives me insane. I made up a little habit cue to help at my house, and maybe it will be useful to you too! Download a PDF here, and you can peruse all of my other visual cues on my downloads page. I recommend laminating it (though it’s not a dealbreaker not to laminate), then taping it near where the strewn-shoe-offenders come into the house. Don’t hesitate to point to the sign to get them to look for their shoes and do the job!
BOLO
(Be On the Look Out)
We will publish our annual gift guide NEXT WEEK. These are items that we use or recommend to add to your life in an intentional way!
Sincerely,
Tara