Slide a ring pull (from a soda can) over a coat hanger and immediately you now have double the wardrobe space!
Source: I saw a picture online.
By Monique from Somerset, UK., Weston-super-Mare
The solution is so simple once I got a few ideas. First, we all know the basics (if not I will list some) sort hanging clothes by color and then by long sleeve or short, or if you live where I grew up, by season. For the things that always fall of the hanger, I have a solution that doesn't require buying hundred dollar hangers or using wire ones that ruin your clothes. Separate items like camis, tanks, silks, etc. and put aside for now. Set aside jeans and slacks also. NOW we are ready for a brand new closet, where you can find everything and nothing is on the floor!
You can buy plastic hangers on sale by the dozen everywhere, I have even seen them in thrift stores (if sterilized and cleaned, they are fine). Plastic hangers do not ruin your clothes like wire ones do. They also come in many colors, so I like different ones for separate people's closets. You can also use different colors for separate items in your own closet. For the item that continually fall off, what you need is tape, yes electrical tape will solve your problem. You just wrap tape in two areas on both sides of the hanger - this way the small straps sit very securely. Silks have resistance that make is so they don't just slip off.
Second, hang VERTICAL. It's easy - all you need is the paper clips that are larger, usually in colors can be purchased for practically nothing any where from dollar store to office supply stores. Take the paper clip (larger size best) and put over the hook part of hanger, then bend up making a J shape. The paper clip easily goes over hanger hook. Once over, you simply bend it upward. This allows you to hang another item going vertical, YES up and down, saving so much space. I usually hang 3 items per hanger depending on weight and length of clothing. For pants and shirts, it's a life saver. So much more space, and if organized by color, it's very easy to find on those days when "I cant find a thing to wear" applies. I found I had almost two of everything.The things that before were on the shelf now hang, leaving the shelf for baskets with belts, scarves, and even socks if short on drawer space!
It looks like a professional did it, all coordinated by long and short sleeve, nothing on the floor, and so much more room. While purchasing large paper clips, pick up a few large file clips. They work excellently for hanging skirts! Don't waste all that money on what they say is miracles, when it's so easy to do it yourself. Once it's started, it's so easy to keep it up and always be able to find what you are looking for! All of your friends will be amazed! It's like building a new space. I now go by the rule 1 new thing, 1 old thing donated - so everybody wins. Try it! It takes a few hours if you have larger closets ,things out of place or on the floor, but so worth while when complete.
With the money you saved, go out and buy shoe boxes (they go on sale for 1-2 dollars), label them, and throw out the old paper boxes. Even if you can only get a couple at a time, once done you will never look at those ads for professional closet organizers, buy costly hangers, or wish for another closet again!
Good luck and please show all your friends how "thrifty" you really are.
By Luana M. from San Diego, CA
Another benefit to this method is to see how many of your clothes you really do wear. If some of the hangers haven't been turned maybe you really don't need that too small, too big, out-of-style blouse (or trousers, etc.) anymore.
By sooz from Bradford, ON
By loves parties from Chillicothe, MO
It's the time of year where back to school, moving to a new apartment, or just making good use of your space is at an all time high. The only other time most people do this is what we know as Spring Cleaning. From people I know with children, this is a must. Those without back to school needs will find it feels great to get things in order before holidays, cold weather, or looking for things we may already have. There are good tips to make more room, sort out the old, and shop your closet, hopefully saving you time and money.
Start by making a list. Write down what you think you need, then look at the things you have and decide what you really need (for example black pants, white shirts, 4 pair of jeans, new underclothing, etc.) With that list, the first thing you do is go through your clothes and check to see if those black pants fit, are in good shape, are still black/not faded, aren't ripped, the zippers work, the buttons are all there, and finally check for stains. If they pass, put them back. If not, put them aside to either fix or donate.
Remember, don't donate something that is in horrible shape. Repair holes if possible before donating. If not, mark them so they can easily see what needs done before marking prices. With that in mind, many unusable things can make great rags, so keep a place for those things. White tee shirts that are not white any longer are good rags and cotton works well on many projects.
After you have gone through your list, checked what you have, what you need, and know which clothes that may need some attention later on, you now are ready to arrange them in a way that doesn't cause stress or cause you to look over something you know you own. Lists are great, but you have decided what you need before starting and stick to it. Unless you find a tagged item that fits great and is something you love, always stick to the list you made before hand. I only need so many old tee shirts for night shirts. Things that date from the 1980's can now find a new home. You may also want to keep clothes that have have dates, places, or funny characters to a minimum when doing this, unless of course, it is NBA, NFL or another sport you love. These have value and cost so much to replace.
You now should have only what you want to keep on hangers or in the drawer space. It's time to put them in an order that works for you. I have read that you should hang clothes by color and, if you have room, hang by season. Don't hang jeans, fold them. Of course, these thing depend on your life, work, church clothes, area you live, and mainly space. I like hanging clothes vertically, since I find it saves space, time, and keeps things in orderly fashion. Hangers with several bars on them makes this easy. I also have little hooks that allow me to hang as many 4 articles while taking up little space. Before I found these, I used Christmas tree hangers or paper clips, bending them so they hung around the hanger's hook, and allowed another hanger to neatly be placed on them. This is where I sort by color, button up shirts, or light weight jackets and blazers. Since you have cleared out what you no longer use, there is so much more space for the things you wear.
If you live in area where Summer clothes can be put away (like in an attic or other room), replace them with clothes for the coming winter. It still may be hot, but I assure you the weather changes fast. Keep that in mind if you still need summer clothing, only keep what you will need and hang those items so it's what you see first. That way when Fall does happen early one morning, everything is in order you can now take those items and put with the rest safely until next Summer. Maxi dresses and some sleeveless dresses can be worn with sweater, blazer, or jean jackets, making a new outfit for free. You have already gotten everything you need, it's now ready to wear and easy to reach. As my Grandma always said "think ahead".
Once you have your clothes sorted, hang your shirt and skirt set or pants outfits so theyare together. You may now have a new outfit from shopping your closet. Last year color blocking wasn't a huge trend, now it is making way into more outfits then before. Yes, you can wear that pink with red or orange and plaids can be different colors. I like being in trend if it doesn't cost money - how fun to change it up a little. Popping a color under that same old suit you wear for work can make you feel like you have a whole new outfit on. When putting Summer things away, make sure some of those tops can't be worn under a blazer. You may have several options for free.
White button down shirts are always a must for most of us. They can be worn so many different ways - dressed up or down. Women can wear your husband's old shirts. If it still is in good condition, try wearing a belt and leaving shirt out, instead of wearing it the same old way. Once again, it's a new look for free. As my son got older, his clothes became mine; who cares what side the buttons are on. Men, yes, if their work requires suits or even for church, I wouldn't recommend it for them, but for ladies it can be fun! I love wearing neck ties with dress slacks, jeans, or even a maxi skirt. Changing it up seems like new, always.
After you have sorted through your jeans, slacks, pants and skirts, hang these items together. Makes it easy because usually that is what starts an outfit. For small closets, remember jeans take up more room then tops, so folding these neatly can clear up space if needed. You decided on your list how many you would need, and try sticking to that. I understand finding a pair you may have forgotten is tempting; put those away, and swap out in the future if you need the space. Having too many pair of the same jean is taking up space where something you don't have could be placed. Same thing goes for slacks, sweat pants, and even leggings - too much of the same thing puts you into a rut of wearing same thing over and over.
For new seasons, try new things you can always swap out since you now have a system where you can find everything at a glance. Mentioning leggings (my weakness), they are perfect for the hanger with 4 or 5 rungs. If you like try putting the ones you just wore on bottom after they are washed,that way for ever rotating them instead of wearing same ones every time. Here again legging can be put in a drawer. They go great with the longer tunics, shirts (men's belted shirts work here) or sweaters, take up much more space. We don't want these things wrinkled. Summer shorter dresses can be worn over leggings, even with long shirt underneath. If it's way cold, a turtleneck could work making a new look with leggings or tights and boots.
Sweaters should always be folded if possible. Sometimes this can't happen, so use paper tissue over hanger, and fold sweater in half using the middle bar instead of hanging like you would a shirt. They get shoulder bumps sometimes and after time these become permanent. The tissue paper (used paper from a gift works fine) is inexpensive compared to replacing a sweater.
Underclothes, bras, and camisoles all can be put in bins, baskets or i put mine in an inexpensive plastic dresser that fits neatly in bottom of my closet. Please when you sorted these items, only donate what can or will be resold. Good bras in great shape are hard to find. You made your list with back to school sales, it's a great time to replace old underclothes at lowest prices of the year. Tights, thicker stockings, and socks are also on sale right now - best prices of the year at most places. Even if it's not near cold yet, keep it in mind if you have to have room for these items. Old ones with runs or holes should be thrown out. However, if you have warm tights or socks, thrift stores and local shelters need these items for homeless during winter months. Also, if you have old coats, please make sure you help keep someone warm if possible. They may not be able to be resold, but these items are in great need every winter, in every city.
I have the greatest tip for belts. You take an old curtain rod, or just use brackets that hold the rod. Have someone cut a dowel rod (you can ask at hardware store) and put or tack on back of your closet or behind the bedroom door. Buy some S hooks - each hook can hold several belts or even necklaces, keeping them orderly, out of the way, and off the floor. Belts are one of the things I always look for at the thrift store, they change any outfit easily. These rods can hang neck ties, too.
I may be thrifty. I don't have even close to the amount of money an average person has, but that doesn't mean I have to dress like I don't care or know what's happening in fashion. We all should care - it says so much about a person. We all can make the most of space, money, and time (storing things properly means as little ironing as possible). Hold your head high, smile, and enjoy taking your old and making it look new again.
Make sure you keep all this work up, so when you find one of the articles of clothing on your list, you have room to put it neatly. Stick to the list - you'll find it on one of your outings. I've read where they used a board with magazine pictures, giving ideas on outfits. Inspiration boards can be fun, give you ides on what to look for instead of impulse buying (even at thrift stores, why buy it if you aren't going to make good use of it). This starts with knowing what you have, it being in good condition, and able to be worn several different ways! Ladies this is being fashionably trendy maybe not require spending anything but your time, and it's worth it.
If you don't care about being in a new look, you'll be blessed by organizing what you wear and keeping it ready to wear at a glance.
By Luana M. from San Diego, CA
Use shower curtain hooks. I put about 10 on each hanger then hang up the clothes. Put each piece on a seperate hanger and hang onto the curtain hooks. It works good when you don't have a lot of closet space.
By coville123 from Brockville, Ontario
By Liz from Charleston, SC
I find that room in my closet is essential to lessening my stress. If you are the same, I have a cool idea I came up with that you might like. I take a very strong hanger that has a swivel hook. Then, I put those really strong clips on and hang the others crosswise for pants, blouses, etc. You can use as many as will fit, but for the photo I used 5. You can leave them perpendicular or slant them to fit better in the closet. This also works for things like scarves, ties, belts, etc.
By Sandra from Salem, OR
After receiving a camera phone as a gift, I've started to take pictures of myself wearing the outfit (use a full length mirror), I have a friend take the picture, or I just lay the pieces together on the floor. I will take close-ups of jewelry, belts, scarves, and shoes.
Transfer the pictures to your computer and print them. I use regular copy paper which is cheaper than photo paper. Assemble the pages in a 3-ring binder with vinyl sleeves, a photo book, or on a bulletin board if you have the space in a walk-in closet.
You can categorize by Casual City Wear, Country Wear, Clubbing, Summer, Winter, Dressy, or whatever helps you to find them. This has helped me recreate a smashing look and has challenged my creativity. Meanwhile I'm getting more use out of the clothes I have and saving money by preventing more purchases. Just as importantly, though, I'm no longer forgetting a smashing look nor do I ever feel that I have nothing to wear.
By Pinky from Granite Falls, MN
Source: Tipnut.com
By Elaine S. from Near Cedar Rapids, IA
Once you know what your keeping you will then know what kind of storage you need. That way you will only buy what you need. Try to use what you already have. Remember, if you have not worn it in a year, donate it. If you cannot afford storage containers use card board boxes, and if you want, spray paint them for added color. Label with Post-it notes of what is in the box for easier access to the item you need. Clear plastic storage bins are great so you can see whats inside.
If you need more hanging space install another rod for hanging. Sort stuff by color or hang skirts, blouses, pants etc, together. I found it easier to hang all matching items together. Store scarves and purses on one hanger with shower curtain hooks. Hang a shoe organizer on the closet door for smaller items. Hang small hooks inside and outside for housecoats.
For kids closets you can install a rod at the top and middle of the closet for more hanging and their clothes are small enough for that when you have small closets. Use old dresser drawers for storing things under the bed if you do not have enough space in the closet.
How long it will stay this way is unknown. We can now see the bottom of their closets. My five year old isn't coming down in mis-matched outfits anymore, like the fuchsia skirt with green leotards and a red and white polka dotted shirt.
By Coville123 from Brockville, Ontario
Tips to help you organize your closet. First, get rid of stuff you don't wear. If you can't tell what you don't wear, he's how to figure that out: Hang up everything.
The key to a happy closet is organization, but sometimes that price of that organization doesn't make you happy. Shelving systems and organizers are available in home improvement stores around the country, but there are alternatives to these often pricey organizers.
If this is too much for you and tools aren't your friend, then try stacking milk crates. Often on sale during the back to school rush, these can be purchased for under $5 each. Stack them on the floor to create a cubicle-style shelving or use them on the closet's top shelf for out of season gear. If they aren't staying in place well, use zip ties to fasten them together quickly and securely. With the use of a washer and a sturdy screw or some screw hooks, the crates can even be fastened to the wall for light weight storage.
Keep thinking creatively and your closet will be organized in a little time for little money.
You can never have too much space in your closet! If you're looking for ways to organize your bedroom closet to get the most use out of a small space then keep reading. The following suggestions might just help you find the room that you need.
If you have any clothing or shoes that are out of season then use suitcases to store them. Vintage suitcases with interesting designs or patterns can also function as decorative pieces throughout the home and can even be stacked to create small end tables.
If you have a lot of belts then there are two good options to keep them organized: roll them up and place them in a drawer or hang them from a hanger and place them in your closet.
Sweaters fold better than hang. They take up a lot of room on a hanger and they can get out shape. Instead, try to use shelves in your closet and stack sweaters, starting with the bulkiest and heaviest on the bottom.
You've probably seen those cup racks that you can buy for your kitchen and hang your coffee mugs or tea cups on. Well, they also work for purses. Nail one inside your closet and hang your purses from it to get them off the floor. You can also do this in your garage or anywhere else you have the room.
Try to hang the longer items on the sides of your closet and your shorter items in the middle (you still hang like with like). By doing this, you can also place things on the floor of your closet in the middle without long items covering them.
For the sake of space, try to keep outfits together. If you have a particular shirt that goes with a specific pair of pants then try not to separate them in your closet. Hanging items together takes up less room and makes it easier to find what you need.
As far as pants are concerned, it's generally better to hang them straight with a clip than to fold them over a hanger. Some hangers aren't strong enough to support folded pants and you also run the risk of having a crease.
My friend is expecting her first baby in September, she lives with her parents in a very small 2 bedroom house. She's trying to look for ideas on how to organize her closet (which is super small) so she can fit his clothes along with her's in there. Does anyone have any tips or ideas that are cheap?
By KayHall
By Tapestry Lady
04/29/2012
Congratulations on her baby! We had a baby last year, and we live in a one bedroom apartment so space is pretty tight. We don't even have a closet here! What I did was consolidate hubby's clothes and mine to clear out a couple drawers for the baby, one for her clothes and one for bedding. It's a good excuse to have a clear out and decide what clothes you wear and which ones you can give away.
I bought some of those small plastic chests of drawers to store her diapers and odds and ends. Under-bed storage also comes in handy. Fortunately baby clothes are small and don't take up a lot of space. One of those hanging sweater organizers for the closet would be a handy way to organize things, too.
I have little space in my closet. How can I make more room for other things that need to go in it, like shoes, my purses, etc.
By Danette from Evergreen Park, IL
By lucas0921
03/02/2011
For extra items like socks, undershirts, and the like, I simply put them in plastic grocery bags and hang them on hooks, nails, or hangers on bare areas of my closet wall. You can usually see what is in the bags pretty easily or you can use magic markers to write on the bags. Not too attractive but close to free.
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Organizing Your Bedroom Closet