Making the Most of a Small Closet

***Space is all relevant isn't it? What one person might consider big, might be tiny to someone else. I don't have a dresser, so ALL of my clothes are located in this closet. My husband has a dresser where he stores a small amount of his clothes, but for the most part we share this closet. We have had to make it work, so I thought I would share some of my tips in case they can be helpful for anyone else in a similar closet situation.***



1. Keep out-of-season clothes elsewhere. This is my #1 tip and something I would do even if I had a large closet. During the summer, we keep all of our sweaters, jackets, long-sleeve tops, etc. in plastic storage bins under our bed and in the attic. This is vital for two reasons:

• Space. Keeping out-of-season items out of sight frees up space for other, seasonal clothes.
• Forces you to purge clothes twice a year. Every time I change out seasonal clothes (for us, usually April and October) I go through each item currently hanging in the closet. I pull out the seasonal clothes and sort through them. Each item that hasn't been worn during that season (more details below) gets donated. Essentially, less clothing goes into storage each year (or, more realistically for me, the new items I've bought replace the items I get rid of, so I never have to worry about storing more items). 

2. Purge At Least Twice A Year. I mentioned above that I purge during each seasonal change, but I usually do it more often, because I really love it (I know, it's weird). Here are my tips on purging:

• Change your perspective. I LOVE getting rid of things - I find it extremely liberating and freeing. I think having that perspective is easier said than done, however. If you're the type of person that hangs on to things because your convinced it will come back in style, train yourself to think differently. Do you love to shop? Maybe one item out means another item in. Are you sentimental? Take a picture of the item then donate it. Or, if you are still struggling just watch a few episodes of TLC's Hoarders  and see if that changes your perspective:)
• Get rid of anything you haven't worn in a year. There are a couple of ways you can keep track of this - turn your hangers one way and then as you wear items, flip them the other way. Or, place all of your clothing items on one side of your closet and move them to the other as you wear them. Personally, I have so few clothes it's easy to remember whether or not I've worn them.
• Donate or sell old items. Here is a great article on how to sell, swap or donate clothes. You can also try to sell items with storenvy, poshmark, plato's closet, or other similar stores. 

container store, target, ikea

3. Invest in a good closet organization system. We were lucky enough with our current closet to not to need to purchase an installation system, but most of the time they are worth investing in. If your closet only has one shelf and a bar underneath it, you'll never be able to maximize your space. Purchase an easy closet organizer from IKEA, the Container Store or even Wal-Mart. It will probably cost you at least $100, but it is completely worth it!

4. Utilize bins, baskets and drawers. Not only do baskets make your closet look pretty, they will help keep you incredibly organized. Stacking belts or purses on a shelf will work fine the first time you organize, but eventually it will turn into a jumbled mess. Group like items together (i.e. don't put your belts with your t-shirts) in each bin. Bonus points for labeling.

5. Recognize unused space and maximize it! In closets, the underutilized space is often on the door, under your hanging clothes or in an awkward corner. Figure out a way to use it. For us, it was underneath the bottom shelf. We purchased those plastic drawers from Lowe's and now they hold t-shirts and workout clothes.

Other places that may be underutilized: the back of a closet door, space underneath hanging clothes and corners of shelves.

I don't have a dresser, so I used some extra space next to my hanging clothes to store undergarments. I used an old plastic drawers (see how I painted them here).
 

6. Have a space for everything as well as room to grow. Keep in mind that you'll probably be adding to your closet regularly. If all of your drawers are crammed full and there is no more hanging space, you probably need to reevaluate where you keep things and/or get rid of more items.



7. Know what works for you. Organization is different for every person. That's what makes it fun. For example, I love the idea of storing t-shirts vertically so can see them all (<< click for video).
I love the idea, but that won't work for me because I have short, flimsy, plastic drawers for my t-shirts. However, t-shirts aren't a part of my every day wardrobe because I work in an office. So, there really is no reason for me to be able to see them all at the same time.

Or take this example for storing your purses:

source

Great idea, but not only do I not have much hanging room, I hardly ever change bags, so for me that would be a waste of useful space. I store my purses under my pants in a box:

Do what works for you. If you need to incorporate a chair next to your closet because you like to toss your clothes after you wear them, do it. If you wear scarves every day, put them somewhere where you can see them. 

8. Make it Pretty. In my personal experience, the more attractive something is, the more likely I am to keep in clean and organized. Closets aren't typically a place we think about decorating, but it's important to incorporate a little "pretty" and a little "you" to make it something your proud of. I painted the inside of all our closest when we moved in a few years ago and it's just so much better than the dingy, off-white before. You don't have to spend a lot of money to make it pretty - paint is cheap. Use what you already have and make it look better. For example - I used to hate all the plastic drawers in my closet, but instead of buying new ones, I painted them.

What about you guys? Anyone else have a small closet? Any tips or tricks on keeping things organized?