Tips for Organizing Your Closet

I have too many clothes, well, some think so. I love buying at thrift stores, consignment shops, and clearance racks. The problem is they get lost in a closet that should have enough room. Even if you have enough room, I promise there is a shirt, pair of jeans, or something you can't find. I have always had this problem - "I am woman" may apply. However, I am extremely organized, sounds like a contradiction I know, somehow I'm positive I am not alone.

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