Organize Your Closet in 7 Simple Steps

Whether we’re on a de-cluttering kick or preparing to transition to a new season, we seem to be constantly in need of a closet edit. However, when it comes time to weed out our wardrobes, it can be hard to know where to begin. Here to help us achieve our sartorial organization goals, the style experts behind Columbus, Ohio-based fashion consulting firm Wardrobe Therapy share seven steps to closet enlightenment.

Step 1: Work in sections. Rather than embark on an all-out purge, remove one category at a time from your closet. Start with pants, then move on to blouses, then blazers, and so on.

Step 2: Try everything on. This is essential for a meaningful edit! Even though this is the step we all want to skip, you need to bite the bullet and put those pieces on. Pour yourself a nice cup of tea or a glass of wine, put on some music, invite a friend over if need be—just get down to business. Look in the mirror and ask the tough questions. And don’t forget shoes and accessories.

Step 3: Start sorting. Establish piles based on the item’s potential fate—think: keep, donate, seasonal, sell, toss—then start sorting. If something is out of season or doesn’t currently fit, plan to store it in another place or delegate a small, out-of-the-way space inside your closet where the items won’t interfere with your everyday wear.

Step 4: Review items for wear and tear. If you see pilling, stains, snags, missing buttons, or yellowed collars on items you wish to keep, put them in a pile to be cleaned or repaired before going back into the closet.

Step 5: Return edited category to closet. Take a moment to properly position items on hangers, then hang them up according to color, grouping whites with whites, greys with greys, blues with blues, blacks with blacks, etc.

Step 6: Separate your tops into knits and wovens. In case you’re in need of a refresher, knits are your sweaters, sweatshirts, and tee shirts. Wovens are your button downs, silk blouses, flannel shirts, and likely many of your date night shirts. To properly store and care for your sweaters, store them folded.

Step 7: Maintain and enjoy. You now have an edited, functional wardrobe that is ready for action, so enjoy it and the effortless approach to getting dressed it provides. And if you need help following through on the above steps or find yourself feeling like you still have nothing to wear, hire an expert.

TSG Tip 196 from Wardrobe Therapy in Columbus, Ohio. This tip was adapted from Wardrobe Therapy’s blog post, “Closet Refresh: 7 Steps to a Closet You Will Love.” Learn more about Wardrobe Therapy, the services they provide, and their expert advice at wardrobetherapyllc.com. Wardrobe Therapy is featured in The Scout Guide Columbus.