Does the organized closet really exist? Because I find that title pretentious, mythical and exhausting all at once. I just gotta lay it out there, in case you feel the same way. I say it often… I wish I had a house with endless storage.
You know, those fabled magical houses likened to unicorns, with endless closet space?
Why this topic? Because a sweet reader named Julie wrote us a little email that said:
…I’ve noticed that you guys always do a good job making your spaces work hard for you. I especially love your take on closets, now and in the past. With back to school right around the corner, I was wondering if you have any advice for the organized closet?…
So, I say I’d love to have more storage and more space, but then I know I’d be lying to myself. It would be more room to hoard more stuff. So I have to say, our current set up holds me pretty accountable, to say the least.
I think that the need for bigger houses are an American lie that we can easily buy into. By the time we sold the house we’re in now, and made the move to a bigger unicorn house with magical closets, it would only be a few years until our kids will be bigger and ready to move out, and then the vicious cycle begins again because we bought into said lie and now it’s time to downsize. {And pay for college. WHEEE!} Ahhh the American way. We’re a bit anti in our sentiments and all things McMansions.
Also, the world has bigger problems.
So we’ve always had spaces that have had to work really hard for us. I know that space is all relative. For instance, if I lived in NYC, I may go a little bonkers from the lack of space, and how stacked everything feels. I’m assuming one grows accustomed to it all? And in Germany, I’m pretty sure people are used to living in a way such different than our own. Some of you are rolling your eyes at me now. I get it. Our home probably seems huge to some when it comes to storage.
It’s all about perspective. My point? Do what works for you.
Also, don’t let this post fool you. I shared this on Instagram stories the other day if anyone is wondering how we pull off those photoshoots. #cramallthethings #reality
So no, our closets are not always perfect. And for what it’s worth, since we’re in the middle of a downstairs rehab, we went back and organized all the things before school. My nesting instincts always take over. Previously, it would cause an avalanche when opened. A house is always a work in progress. Be patient with yourself.
But from multi-functioning spaces, to some that served as strictly toy storage… Family closets, and everything in between, I do love spaces that work hard for us. And I keep coming back to the same thing… we have to be intentional with what we have to work with.
So no, I don’t always have my crap together. No pun intended. But in the meantime, here are my favorite tips and tricks for an organized closet.
organized closet – purge often
I learned a long time ago, that I can manage the stuff all day long. I can create cute basket areas and have a good plan. But if I’m not regularly eliminating things and giving them to people less fortunate, or handing them down to someone else, I’m still going to have a crowded closet. Smaller spaces/closets {the house we’re in now} have made us seriously consider these things. Time and time again.
Here’s a good place to start: One way to help is to use this motto: if you were shopping in that moment and wouldn’t buy that item… out it goes.
Which brings us to… things to purge from your closet: {Along those lines above}
• Guilt pieces – you know, the ones you paid too much for and no longer work because they’re totally out of style. It took me ten years to finally part with some Joseph A. Banks women’s suits my dad had especially fitted for me in college, with shoulder pads, silk shirts and everything. True story. I was so grateful, but I would never have worn them again, and I felt terrible for parting with them. It took a few layers of dust before one day realizing I wasn’t being rational, and parting with them permanently.
• Ill-fitting items – maybe you won’t fit into those pre-baby jeans again. Maybe that’s more than okay. Maybe it just makes you feel bad that they’re sitting there, and you can always go shopping again when you’re ready. Just saying. Being kind to yourself, and giving yourself at least a year to return to normalcy is a good thing – for what it’s worth, I always said two if I was nursing. Beyond that, maybe it’s time to part with a few things. I had three sections of clothes in my closet – some I’d mentally marked for each child. I was determined for my body to fit back, and these were little goals for me. I held onto way too many clothes for way too long that really wouldn’t fit my pre-baby body anymore. {My ribs expanded, y’all.} And by the time they did, they’d be out of style anyway.
• Sentimental things – I have more thoughts on clothing for children, as I have been guilty in the past when it comes to holding onto specific items just for them. And my own clothes I’m holding onto for specific reasons… with the exception of my wedding dress, no emotion should be assigned to inanimate objects. If you’re feeling a certain way, question yourself. And then move on.
organized closet – Store Seasonal Clothes
Yeah, you may say. Those are only for people with small closets.
We say, not so much.
The issue with big closets, and small alike is that while one doesn’t have the space, it can be overwhelming. You miss out on what you have and you can’t always find it.
If you store your seasonal clothes in another area, when it’s time to unpack, a. they seem like new and b. they make you really evaluate if it’s time for a purge because maybe you didn’t wear it last season.
While they say that wardrobes are a stylish expression of who you are, it can be easy to purchase too much. Steve Jobs wore the same thing over and over and over again, all because it saved mental energy. Sometimes I wear yoga pants daily because aintnobodygottimetobestylish. To each their own, but we say keep it simple.
linen/allthethingfornow closet
Emerson’s big girl room, here
organized closet – Assign Zones
From containers, to specific areas, to sharing and more… we’ve had family closets, closets to hold all the things, and closets the kids share. And if there’s one across-the-board truth, it’s that assigned areas are the key to a closet that won’t make you want to pull out all your hair.
Again, find systems that work for you. Sometimes, that may take some trial and error. It may be silly, but right now in this closet, the kids know which baskets are theirs. And it’s kept the peace. Especially in that rush of before-school-mornings.
We hope this helps everyone get a jump start on their closets and all things organization… especially now that school has mostly started back!
Am I the only one that goes on a nesting frenzy to save a little sanity?
We’d love to hear your thoughts on how to keep those closets organized.
Good luck to all!
Have an inspired day!
Great post. Thanks for sharing these amazing tips and tricks for an organized closet.