Let me begin by greeting everyone, Happy New Year! It feels wonderful to be back! I hope everyone had a wonderful vacation, whether it was spending the holidays with loved ones or traveling to some remote island for some peace and quiet. One of the things I love about the New Year is that most people start it optimistic about changing things for the better, setting personal goals for themselves or their environment.
Something that gets ME excited is the detoxing process in my own home, to help create a clutter-free, more zen environment. I do it a few times a year but majority of my decluttering process happens in December or January. I sell or donate items thereafter to people who will appreciate them more. Not many people know this but I finally got my closet after six months of having no permanent space for my wardrobe. The termites got to it in June, and it took forever for me to order and have it installed. When I received it last month, it gave me the opportunity to start fresh and carefully select the items that would go into it. For my new bedroom closet, I am ONLY placing things I really need and I have some suggestions for 2016 on how to organize one’s closet.
1. Declutter
Yes, we have all heard it before but this is important. Before organizing things, take a few minutes to determine whether you still need those pants you did not fit into since college 15 years ago. I know we tend to be sentimental about things so this can be difficult. Confused on which items to discard? I once interviewed someone who explained her wardrobe method. She would hang clothes on hangers all facing one direction. Every time she wore something, she would return it to the closet on a hanger facing the opposite direction after having it laundered. At the end of the year, if there are any pieces that are still facing the original direction, she would get rid of those items and donate. That is one way. Try to find a system that works for you.
2. Smart Storing Solutions
I live in a condominium so space is an issue, always! I try to maximize my closet as much as I can. To lessen the stress from all the items I squeeze into the area, I place them in strategic levels. I compartmentalize my items into three spaces. For pieces that I use often, I hang them at eye level. These would include dresses, blazers I wear for work and tops that wrinkle easily.
For pieces that I sometimes use, I utilize the drawers below. These are also for items that can be folded without the hassle of ironing them often. These would be my jeans, shorts and undergarments. As mentioned, I have limited space so sometimes I have to store other items aside from my clothes. Some people change their bags constantly so these have to be placed somewhere they can be easily reached. I don’t. I can use the same bag for a whole month or two so I place the bags on the top level. Determine which compartment your things belong to depending on your lifestyle.
3. Coordinate
For a cleaner, sleeker look, I use one type of hanger for all my clothes. When I open my closet doors, my eyes just zone in on the clothes because there is less distraction from the hangers. My personal preference would either be the clear or wood hangers. The clear ones blend in more but the wood ones make the space homey.
4. Let there be light
One thing I regret not incorporating into my closet is light. My closet is set in a dark area of my bedroom. In the daytime, it is fine. At night though, it is a bit difficult, making it less time efficient to pick out an outfit. The measurement of a standard closet is 60cm deep so if you have things folded at the back, they will get lost. If you have the chance to add some lighting, do so.
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