Your closet is the foundation of your wardrobe and your daily dressing routine. An organized, well-styled closet not only makes getting dressed in the morning quick and easy, but also helps keep your clothes looking fresh and wrinkle-free. Here are 13 tips to transform your closet into a functional, fashionable space you’ll love spending time in.

Evaluate and Edit Your Wardrobe

The first step to optimizing your closet is to take everything out and honestly evaluate each item. If something has been buried in the back for ages and you can’t remember the last time you wore it, donate or recycle it. Be ruthless and get rid of anything that’s stained, torn, doesn’t fit, or you just don’t love wearing.

Once you’ve purged the rejects, organize your keepers by clothing type and color. Separating tops, bottoms, dresses, shoes, accessories, etc. makes it easier to see all your options. Hanging or folding clothes by color helps you locate pieces to create cohesive outfits.

Regular wardrobe editing is essential. Do a purge every season to weed out ill-fitting or out-of-style items. Donating gently used clothes gives them a new life and makes room for versatile staples and trendy statement pieces that fit your current size and personal style.

Invest in Closet Storage and Organization Systems

The right organizational tools customize your space to store everything properly and maximize every inch. Consider:

• Shelving – Wall-mounted shelves above hanging rods add a second row for folded sweaters, jeans, or specialty storage. Sturdy free-standing shelving units also provide footprint-friendly storage solutions.
• Drawers – Deep drawers neatly store undergarments, socks, t-shirts and accessories. Opt for stackable options to double your capacity.
• Hanging rods – Adjustable double hanging rods double your hanging storage. Sturdy wood builds prevent sagging under heavy use.
• Hangers – Invest in high-quality wood or felt hangers. Slim, non-slip hangers maximize rail space. Specialty hangers properly hold delicate fabrics.
• Shoe storage – Free standing racks display your footwear collection while protecting floors from scuffs and dirt. Cubbies, shelves, and under-bed bins neatly store pairs.
• Accessory storage – Trays, jewelry stands, and hooks keep jewelry, belts, scarves and other small accessories organized and visible.

Take measurements and create a layout plan before shopping to ensure new organizational systems will properly fit your existing closet space.

Use Specialty Storage Items

Specialized storage solutions keep specific types of clothing neat, clean and wrinkle-free.

• Folding sweater boxes – Store sweaters upright in breathable boxes to prevent slouching and pilling.
• Suit hangers – Wide wooden hangers evenly distribute weight to keep jacket shoulders crisp and pant legs smooth.
• Tie/belt racks – Slide ties or fold belts over racks so they hang properly without damage.
• Lingerie bags – Fine lace and delicates stay snag-free in mesh bags during washing.
• Scarf holder – Hang scarves vertically to prevent creases on a wall-mounted rack or multipurpose hanger.
• Shoe tree – Keep the shape and absorb moisture in dress shoes with cedar shoe trees.

Invest in storage solutions designed for your most delicate and frequently worn clothing items. Proper storage keeps garments looking their best for longer.

Design With Lighting

Your closet lighting plays a crucial role in keeping your space functional. Evaluate and upgrade your lighting tools:

• Overhead light – Install an overhead fixture that provides even light distribution.
• Task lighting – Under-cabinet lighting illuminates your closet “workspace” where you dress and accessorize.
• Natural light – Windows or skylights give you the best clarity when choosing outfits. Optimize with light colored walls and flooring.
• Dimmers – Dimmers give you lighting control from bright for cleaning to mood lighting for relaxation.
• Smart bulbs – Automate or control lights remotely to save energy with smart bulb lighting.

With sufficient light, you’ll be able to clearly view details and colors as you select clothing. This helps you look polished and avoid fashion missteps that dim lighting could conceal.

Get a Full-Length Mirror

A wall-mounted full length mirror inside your closet lets you view your completed look before facing the world. Look for distortion-free mirrors that either hang vertically or tilt for ideal head-to-toe viewing. Light the area around your mirror well so you can properly judge clothing colors and see small details.

Having a quality full length mirror improves your daily dressing routine. You can quickly spot accidental wardrobe malfunctions and check that clothing fits and flatters as expected.

Create a Dressing Area or Vanity Space

Designate space in or near your closet for dressing, jewelry storage, and getting ready routines. A chair or built-in bench provides seating while putting on shoes. Install hooks for hanging purses, belts, or clothing waiting to be put away. Charging stations power up devices overnight.

Incorporate a well-lit vanity zone for applying makeup, styling hair, and displaying cosmetics and beauty tools. You’ll be motivated to start your beauty routine promptly and have everything conveniently at your fingertips.

Sit back and relax in your custom dressing space. Enjoy a slower morning pace with coffee or listen to music as you get ready without bathroom distractions.

Store Seasonal Items Efficiently

Don’t forfeit precious closet real estate to bulky out-of-season clothing and accessories. Use under bed bins, wardrobe boxes, and vacuum storage bags to compress and neatly tuck away seasonal items. Label containers by season so you can rotate when the weather shifts.

Strategic seasonal storage frees up closet space during warmer and cooler months. Your most relevant wardrobe items get prime visibility and access when hung in roomy closet confines. Quickly stow and retrieve seasonal apparel and outerwear as the weather changes.

Display Jewelry and Accessories Creatively

Jewelry and accessories perfectly pull together any outfit. Make them the focal styling point by dedicating an entire closet wall to display your favorite pieces.

Use artistic wall grids, floating shelves, and repurposed household items like plate racks or cutlery caddies to hang necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry. Arrange hue-coordinated scarves and belts in a cascading color spectrum. Design gallery-style vignettes to turn functional storage into an art feature.

Visible accessories inspire daily ensemble ideas. You’ll enjoy mixing, matching and layering eye-catching pieces every morning.

Add Fragrance with Sachets or Plants

Infuse your closet with fresh subtle scent using natural options like cedar, dried flowers, and live plants. Tuck sachets onto shelves or hang from rods to lightly perfume clothing and add texture. Miniature rosemary topiaries, ivy, ferns or orchids thrive in indirect light shelving nooks.

Pleasant natural aromas make your closet a spot you look forward to visiting daily while getting ready. Greenery adds life and a decorative flair that enhances the overall ambiance.

Install Special Finishing Touches

It’s the little details that truly customize and personalize your space. Add special finishes that make your closet feel like home:

• Wallpaper or paint – Jazz up plain drywall with color, prints or creative finishes like shiplap or beadboard.
• Crown molding – Complement architectural details in your home or add visual interest with simple trim.
• Flooring – Cozy up bare floors with washable area rugs, a vibrant patterned carpet remnant or vinyl plank flooring.
• Soft seating – A comfy chair provides perching space as you get ready or relax while deciding what to wear.
• Artwork – Hang a mood-boosting gallery wall or inspiring vision board.

The right touches showcase your style and make your closet a favorite space to start every day.

Keep it Clutter-Free

An organized, clutter-free closet always looks tidy and polished. Make quick daily closet cleanups part of your routine:

• Toss dirty clothes directly into the laundry.
• Put away clothing and return accessories to their assigned homes.
• Dust shelves and vacuum flooring to remove dirt and pet hair.
• Wipe down mirrors, glass and chrome with glass cleaner.
• Spot clean marks on walls with mild soap and water.
• Freshen air and fabrics with steam or fabric spray.
• Restock cleaning and laundry supplies when running low.

A few minutes of daily maintenance keeps clutter contained so you always have a neat space to select your daily wear.

Store Shoes Properly

Improperly stored shoes can quickly look worn, creased, and dirty. Follow proper storage guidelines to help shoes hold their structure and last longer:

• Point toes straight – Keep shoe toe shapes straight, not crammed angled sideways.
• Stuff toes – Crinkled toes smooth out when stuffed with tissue paper.
• Use shoe trees and heel caps – Absorb moisture and maintain shape with cedar inserts.
• Rest heels – Eliminate compression creases by resting heels on shoe rack lips or a shelf edge.
• Dust bottoms – Prevent scuffs and floor dirt by wiping shoe soles before storing.

With mindful storage methods, your shoe collection maintains its like-new shape and cleanliness longer.

Design a Laundry Zone

Cut down on closet clutter by incorporating laundry necessities into the adjacent space. Laundry zones keep everything you need organized in one handy spot:

• Hampers – Designate separate bins for whites, colors, delicates, and dry cleaning.
• Drying rack – Air dry delicates on a collapsible rack stowed beside the washer.
• Iron and board – Eliminates travel to distant ironing spots.
• Steamer – Touch up wrinkles quickly on a wall-mounted garment steamer.
• Shoe care – Store shoe polish, cleaners and brushes alongside shoe racks.
• Sewing kit – Mend minor repairs immediately to prevent damage.

With laundry and clothing care supplies right inside your closet, upkeep becomes quick, convenient, and clutter-free.

Incorporate Closet Maintenance Into Your Routine

A little closet TLC ensures everything functions properly, stays clean, and withstands heavy daily usage. Add maintenance to your regular routine:

• Check rods and shelf brackets – Ensure all hardware is securely anchored. Tighten any loose anchors or screws.
• Inspect drawers – Check drawer glides roll smoothly. Tighten any loose joints or hardware.
• Clean tracks and vents – Use a vacuum crevice tool to remove dust and dirt buildup.
• Wipe surfaces – Clean inside drawers, side walls and baseboards. Disinfect doorknobs and hangers.
• Check lighting – Replace any burned out lightbulbs promptly. Clean fixture covers and bulbs.
• Touch up paint – Spot paint scuffs on walls and trim to keep your closet looking fresh.

With periodic inspections and cleaning, your closet systems function optimally for years to come.

Conclusion

With strategic organization systems, specialized storage solutions, creative design details, and consistent maintenance, it’s easy to transform your closet into a stylish, efficient dream space. Implementing even a few of these impactful ideas helps streamline your daily dressing routine and keeps your wardrobe organized. A functional, well-designed closet reduces daily stress and makes getting fabulous quicker than ever. Which tips will you try first to spiff up your closet space?

Frequently Asked Questions about Spiffing Up Your Closet

Here are answers to some common questions people have about revamping their closet:

How often should I clean out my closet?

• It’s best to do a thorough closet clean-out at least twice per year – at the start of spring and fall seasons. This allows you to remove off-season items and make room for current wardrobe needs.

How much closet space do I need?

• Industry guidelines recommend allotting 2′ – 2.5′ of hanging rod space per person, 1 drawer for undergarments, and a 20″ depth for folded clothing on shelves. But add more space if you have an extensive wardrobe.

What are the best organizational systems for a closet?

• Modular shelves and drawers allow customization for clothing types, heights and seasons. Hanging rods with adjustable double bar allow double the hanging space. Shoe racks provide visible tidy storage. Specialty items contain accessories.

Should I group closet items by type or color?

• Organize by clothing category first to designate areas for long hanging, short hanging, folded, shoes, accessories, etc. Within those groups, arrange by color to locate items easily when dressing.

What kind of lighting works best in a closet?

• Overhead lighting ensures you can see details. Under cabinet lights illuminate your prep zone. Natural light enables accurate color matching. Dimmers give you lighting control.

How can I store off-season clothing out of the way?

• Use under-bed bins, wardrobe boxes, and vacuum storage bags to compress and contain bulky sweaters, coats, etc. Label containers and store in garage or basement.

How wide should a closet door be?

• Standard closet doors are 24″ – 36″ wide. opt for the widest possible, around 36″, especially if two will share the closet. Wider doors allow easy moving in and out.

What flooring works best in a closet?

• Easily cleanable options like vinyl, laminate flooring, or stain resistant carpeting. Area rugs add softness underfoot and tie in adjacent room decor.

Title: 13 Ways to Spiff Up Your Closet — and Your Dressing Routine

An organized, efficient closet makes your daily dressing routine quick and easy. Here are 13 tips to optimize your closet space so getting ready is a pleasure:

1. Edit Your Wardrobe

Regularly purge unwanted items and donate gently used clothing to make room for essentials. Organize keepers by clothing type and color for a streamlined layout.

2. Add Custom Storage Solutions

Install specialized shelves, rods, drawers and racks to neatly accommodate all your belongings. Proper storage keeps clothes wrinkle-free.

3. Use Specialty Organizers

Contain sweaters, suits, delicates, and accessories in storage items designed to prevent damage and prolong use.

4. Optimize Lighting

Install overhead fixtures, task lighting, mirrors, and natural light sources so you can clearly view clothing details and colors.

5. Get a Full Length Mirror

A distortion-free full length mirror near your closet lets you check your completed looks before facing the world.

6. Create a Dressing Area

Designate space near your closet for perching, dressing, jewelry storage, and other getting ready routines.

7. Utilize Efficient Seasonal Storage

Neatly stash off-season clothing away in labeled under-bed containers and vacuum bags so in-season wardrobe takes center stage.

8. Showcase Accessories

Display jewelry, scarves, purses and other accessories on artistic grids, floating shelves and uniquely repurposed household items.

9. Add Natural Fragrance

Infuse your space with fresh subtle scents using live plants, dried botanicals, essential oils, or cedar sachets.

10. Include Special Finishing Touches

Add pops of color, trim, artwork, soft seating and other details that customize your closet with style.

11. Maintain Clutter-Free

Toss, return, and tidy daily to keep your space neat. Freshen air and spot clean surfaces between deep cleanings.

12. Store Shoes Properly

Point toes straight, stuff with tissue, use cedar inserts, and keep heels resting on shoe rack lips to maintain shape and prevent damage.

13. Include Laundry Essentials

Designate hampers, drying racks, irons and cleaning supplies in a handy laundry zone inside or near your closet.

By following these tips, you can transform your closet into an organized, eye-pleasing space that brings joy and ease to daily dressing routines.