Imagine starting your day, not with a frantic search for your favourite blouse, but with a serene moment of choosing from a beautifully organised wardrobe. A well-arranged wardrobe can be a true source of energy and inspiration, and it’s easier to achieve than you might think. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, a home organiser, or a minimalist, transforming your wardrobe into a streamlined haven is a task worth undertaking.
Why an Organised Wardrobe Matters
Your wardrobe is an essential part of your daily routine. An organised and functional space can significantly improve your day-to-day life. It saves you time, reduces stress and allows you to appreciate and utilise your clothing fully. Plus, it can even spark joy and energise you at the start of each day.
The Impact on Your Daily Routine
An orderly wardrobe simplifies your morning routine. When everything is in its place, finding the perfect outfit becomes a quick, enjoyable task, freeing up time for other morning activities.
Boosting Mental Clarity
Clutter can be overwhelming and distracting. An organised wardrobe helps you maintain a clear mind, enhancing your focus and overall well-being.
Maximising Your Wardrobe Potential
When your clothes are well-organised, you’re more likely to wear all of them, rather than just the items on top. This means you can make the most out of your wardrobe, enjoying your entire collection of clothing.
How to Organise with Hanging Rails, Drawers, Shelves and Cupboards
Different types of storage solutions serve different purposes. To achieve an organised wardrobe, utilise a combination of hanging rails, drawers, shelves and cupboards.
The Role of Hanging Rails
Hanging rails are ideal for items that wrinkle easily, such as dresses, blouses and jackets. Organise these by type and then by colour to simplify the selection process.
Utilising Drawers Effectively
Drawers work best for smaller items like underwear, socks and t-shirts. Consider using dividers to keep everything in order and easy to find.
Shelving for Easy Access
Shelves are perfect for folded items like jeans, jumpers and bags. Stack them neatly to make your wardrobe visually appealing and easily accessible.
Cupboards for Larger Items
Use cupboards for larger items and those you don’t use as frequently, such as out-of-season clothing or bulky sweaters. This keeps your daily essentials within easy reach.
Creating Designated Zones
Designating specific zones for different types of clothing and accessories can transform your wardrobe organisation.
Separating by Clothing Type
Create zones for different types of clothing—one area for tops, another for bottoms, and a separate section for dresses and outerwear. This makes it easier to find and coordinate outfits.
Accessories Have Their Place Too
Designate zones for accessories like scarves, hats, ties and belts. Use hooks, bins, or specialised organisers to keep these items tidy and accessible.
Seasonal Zones
Set aside specific areas for seasonal clothing. This approach keeps your wardrobe relevant and uncluttered throughout the year.
Decluttering Clothes and Accessories
Decluttering is a crucial step in organising your wardrobe. It involves sorting through your clothes and deciding what to keep, donate, or sell.
The Decluttering Rules
Follow these simple rules to streamline the process:
If you haven’t worn it in a year, it’s time to go.
If it doesn’t fit or is uncomfortable, part ways with it.
If it’s damaged beyond repair, it’s time to say goodbye.
Donations and Resale
Consider donating gently used items to charity shops or selling them on resale sites. This not only helps others but also gives your clothes a new lease on life.
Keep Only What You Love
Focus on keeping items you love and that make you feel good. This ensures every piece in your wardrobe has a purpose and brings you joy.
Streamlining Your Hangers
The type and number of hangers you use can greatly impact the organisation of your wardrobe.
Choosing the Right Hangers
Opt for slim, non-slip hangers to maximise space and keep your clothes in place. Avoid wire hangers as they can distort the shape of your clothes.
Keeping Hangers Uniform
Using the same type of hanger throughout your wardrobe creates a cohesive and tidy look. It also makes it easier to maintain organisation.
Implementing a One In, One Out Policy
Adopt a ‘one in, one out’ policy for hangers. Whenever you add a new item to your wardrobe, remove one. This helps keep your wardrobe from becoming overcrowded.
Understanding File Folding
File folding is a method of folding clothes that allows them to stand upright in drawers, making it easy to see and access every item.
Benefits of File Folding
File folding maximises drawer space and keeps your clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes it easy to find and grab what you need without disrupting the rest of your clothing.
How to File Fold
Fold each item into a rectangle, then fold it again until it stands upright. Place these folded items in rows in your drawers.
Maintaining File Folding
Maintain this system by folding and putting away clothes immediately after laundry. This keeps your drawers looking neat and organised.
Space-Saving Storage for Shoes
Shoes can quickly clutter a wardrobe if not properly organised. Implement space-saving storage solutions to keep them tidy.
Over-the-Door Organisers
Use over-the-door organisers to store shoes. These take advantage of often-unused space and keep shoes off the floor.
Shoe Racks and Shelves
Install shoe racks or shelves inside your wardrobe. These keep shoes visible and easy to access, making it easier to choose the perfect pair.
Clear Shoe Boxes
Consider using clear shoe boxes for infrequently worn or delicate shoes. These protect your shoes while allowing you to see what’s inside.
Making Use of the Backs of Doors
The backs of wardrobe doors offer additional storage space that’s often overlooked.
Hooks and Hangers
Install hooks or hangers on the back of wardrobe doors for items like robes, bags, or scarves. This keeps them accessible without taking up valuable space inside the wardrobe.
Pocket Organisers
Use pocket organisers for small items like shoes, accessories, or even beauty products. This helps keep everything in place and easy to find.
Pegboards
Install a pegboard on the back of the door for versatile storage options. Pegboards can hold anything from jewellery to handbags, making them a flexible storage solution.
Organising Accessories
Accessories can quickly become a tangled mess. Keep them organised with a few simple strategies.
Scarves, Hats, Ties, and Belts
Use scarf hangers, hat racks, tie hangers and belt hooks to keep these items accessible and tidy. This prevents them from getting lost or damaged.
Jewellery
Store jewellery in organisers with compartments. This keeps pieces separate and prevents tangling or damage.
Bags
Hang bags on hooks or store them on shelves. Use dust bags or clear boxes for delicate or rarely used bags to keep them in good condition.
Sorting by Category or Colour
Organising your wardrobe by category or colour can make finding items easier and create a visually pleasing arrangement.
By Category
Group similar items together, such as all skirts in one section and all shirts in another. This makes it easy to find what you’re looking for and keeps your wardrobe tidy.
By Colour
Arrange your clothes by colour, from light to dark. This not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also makes it easier to put together outfits.
Combining Both Methods
Combine both methods by grouping items by category first, then arranging them by colour. This maximises organisation and visual appeal.
Seasonal Sorting
Switching out your wardrobe seasonally keeps it relevant and clutter-free. Separate your clothes into winter and summer categories. Store off-season items out of sight to keep your wardrobe streamlined.
Vacuum Sealing
Use vacuum-seal bags for out-of-season clothes. These save space and protect your clothes from dust, moisture and pests.
Rotating Clothes
Rotate your clothes as the seasons change. This ensures your wardrobe is always current and reduces the risk of clutter.
Decluttering for Resale or Donation
Once you’ve decluttered your wardrobe, decide what to do with the items you no longer need.
Resale Sites
Consider selling high-quality, gently used items on resale sites. This gives your clothes a second life and can earn you some extra money.
Charity Shops
Donate items that are still in good condition to charity shops. This helps others in need and supports a circular economy.
Recycling or Upcycling
For items that are too worn to sell or donate, consider recycling or upcycling them. Many organisations accept textiles for recycling, and upcycling projects can give old clothes a new purpose.
An organised wardrobe can truly transform your daily life, bringing clarity, joy and efficiency to your routine. By following these steps, you’ll not only create a beautifully arranged space but also discover the true potential of your wardrobe.
Further Reading: Clean up and Organise your Pantry, Did you know about desk Envy?