It never fails. Along comes January and the need to organize shifts into overdrive! I love a well-ordered home and I do try, but there are always certain areas, namely closets, that seem to breed chaos. Here is some needed inspiration courtesy of HGTV.com
Step 1: Assess Your Big ObstaclesAre your shoes
overtaking the space? Try a hanging-shoe rack or over-the-door
organizer. Do your clothes overcrowd? Thinner hangers create space so
you can find things easier. Feeling rushed each morning? Dividing
shirts, dresses, jeans, etc. bring a sense of order and saves time.
Solving your biggest problem will motivate you to create the closet of
your dreams.
Step 2: Make it a Family EffortGetting your
hubby and kids involved in organizing can make a difference in your
family's day-to-day life. Everyone should be in charge of his or her own
clothes, accessories, and toys. This will cut your cleaning time in
half and ensure nothing important is thrown away by mistake.
Step 3: Take An Hour
Scheduling
just 60 minutes a week can really make a dent in your overstuffed,
cluttered closet. Can't spare that much? Try two half-hour sessions. If
you're constantly being interrupted by "Hey Mom!" -- ask your spouse to
take the kids out for the afternoon. Remember to return the favor when
it's his turn to hit the closets.
Step 4: Start from ScratchTake everything (yes,
everything) out of your closet. If you don't remove it all, chances are
the same unworn clothes will be moved around the closet. Now it's time
to sort. Throw out old and damaged clothing. Donate what you don't need
or don't wear.
Step 5: Out with the OddRemove items that have
no business in your closet. Bank statements, insurance information, or
tax documents don't belong next to your shoes, scarves, and sweaters.
Create a Life.doc to organize and store all of your important documents
in one accessible place. File the remaining papers in an office cabinet
or milk crate.
Step 6: Organize in SectionsDesignate a place
for everything in your closet. Shoes in one place, sweaters in another,
and so on. This will help you keep order and save you time each morning.
Make smart use of the space. Installing shelves will double your
storage and help sweaters and t-shirts keep their shape better.
Step 7: Apply the 80/20 RuleYou may not want to
admit it, but the majority of clothes you have probably go unworn. It's
said that the average American only wears 10 to 20 percent of their
clothes. To cut down on the fluff, remove items you haven't worn in a
year. Drop off the excess at Goodwill or arrange a clotheswap with
friends.
Step 8: Put One In; Take One OutFor each new
item you buy to put in your closet, donate one item (or pitch it if it's
past its prime). This will keep you from returning to your pat-rack
ways.
Step 9: Keep It GoingDedicate 15 minutes a week
to straightening your closet after the "big clean". Spending this small
amount of time will ensure you never have to go through a major
de-clutter again.
Step 10: Reward YourselfRecognize and celebrate
what you've done. Treat yourself to some new hangers or buy that silk
blouse you've been eyeing. Now, you actually have room for it!
Sarah Welch and Alicia Rockmore are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed people get themselves organized. They are also co-authors of Everything (almost) In Its Place.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
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2 amazing observations:
Such good advice, Erin! And it is really well written and your blog looks so beautiful it should be in a magazine!
Thanks for posting this Erin. It's just what I needed to read to help me find a focus.
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