Don’t Stress When Getting Dressed: 5 Tips to Clear Closet Clutter

Do you feel stress every time you open your closet? Your closet should make you smile. The number one issue I see with clothing closets is that they are overstuffed. Try these tips to clear the closet clutter and make getting dressed easier.

1. Start to dig into your closet. Pull out all the things that don’t belong there, like papers, tools, stuffed animals. Put these items aside to work on later.

2. Gather and hang similar pieces of clothing together - shirts with shirts, pants with pants. Do the same with any items on shelves.

3. Within each category of clothing, sort by color. This is an instant pick-me-up for your closet, and you’ll be able to see how many white shirts and black sweaters you actually have.

4. Hang one item on a hanger or else it will be impossible to see what’s beyond the first layer of clothing.

5. Organize your accessories. Use hooks to hang belts, bags, or jewelry. Clear out and donate items you really don’t use anymore. The top shelf of the closet can be for hats or dressy bags/shoes that don’t get used as often.

21 Tips to Get Organized in 2021

January is Get Organized (GO) Month, according to the National Association of Organizing and Productivity Professionals. You’ve probably spent more time at home over the last year than ever before, so it is a great time to refresh your space and tackle some decluttering projects.

Need inspiration? Check out this article from Redfin with 21 ideas to get organized in 2021. Be sure to read to the end to find my tip for how a cart can be an organizing tool!

Organize Your Sheets

Recently a friend asked me: how can she keep her bed linens together by size?

Sheets often get stuffed into the linen closet, making it hard to figure out what size they are, and the printing on sheet tags can wear out over time.

Here are 6 ways to keep your linen sets together:

1. Put the sheet set inside the pillowcase, and label your linen closet shelves. This is my favorite way to keep sheets by size together because it is so simple!

2. Store sheet sets in small bins, labeled by size.

3. Use a permanent fabric marker to indicate the sheet size right on the sheet - just put a “T,” “Q” or “F” for example on the sheet tag, or inside corner.

4. Use a band around the sheet set, like this “sheet keeper” that states the size on the band.

5. Another option is to store the extra sheets for the bed in that bedroom, either under the bed or in a drawer or closet. That way you’ll have the right size for the bed.

6. You can also color code your sheets by bedroom or size: light blue is master bedroom, while the green and navy sheets are the kids’ rooms.

Sheets kept in the pillowcase, on labeled shelves

Creating Storage in a Vintage Closet

Closet storage is a top issue for my clients. Many of the homes I work in (including my own house, circa 1890) were built before walk-in closets were invented. Homes from the late 1800s, and even from the turn of the century to 1950 just didn’t have large closets.

In the typical New England house closet, you open the door and see one shelf near the ceiling, and then below a single bar for hanging clothes. To make this kind of closet work, I recommend either installing a closet system (like Elfa from The Container Store, which I’ve had installed in my antique closets) or using bins.

For this project, the client was storing baby items and outgrown kids clothes in this guest-room closet. We pulled everything out, then sorted and weeded. Some items were donated or went to another room. The remaining items were stored in clear bins with labels.

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Organizing Running Gear

I’m a runner and usually run in the morning, often before the sun is up. I have to get my run or exercise class in first thing in the morning or else it won’t happen!

Getting up early means I’ve got to be organized with my running stuff. Here’s how I do it:

• I have a drawer (Ok, drawer and 1/2 another drawer) dedicated to my running clothes -capris, leggings, shirts, and bras are all in one spot. To get my shirts to fit, I use Marie Kondo’s method of folding shirts. Keeping everything that I need to put on in one spot makes it easy to get ready, even if I’m half asleep. I do usually try to put out my outfit the night before.

• Downstairs in my small mudroom area, I have a bin for my gear. This includes outer layers of different weights, hats/ear warmers, water bottles, and other running accessories.

• In the bin I have a tote bag with the running things I use most often: it’s only used for running gear and I try to keep it stocked. If I’m driving to a spot to meet friends for a run or I’m going to a race, I always take this bag. Within the bag I use smaller zippered pouches to keep similar items together.

• My shoes are right near the back door in this same mudroom area, along with my keys, so I can put on my shoes, grab my keys and get out there!

What can you do? You don’t have to fold your shirts a specific way to get out the door in the morning. Here are some tips to try:

• Store the things you use for a certain activity in a dedicated spot - whether it is a drawer, a shelf, a cubby, or a bag.

• Then put the things back in this spot and you’ll know they will be there when you need it next. This is key to making your systems work!

• Use smaller bags to organize/keep things together within a bigger bin or bag. Clear quart or gallon bags can work well.

• Keep similar items together - shirts with shirts, shoes with shoes.

• Keep items near where you use them - shoes and keys near the main door.

If you need help setting up a system for your stuff, contact me today.

Routines: The Secret to an Organized Morning

Mornings can be the hardest times for families. Parents need to get ready themselves, AND make sure their kiddos are ready to go.

One client, who also happens to be a teacher, made this simple but effective chart for her son. It hangs right near their front door, and is a reminder of the key things he needs to do before they leave the house. With velcro squares underneath each task, the son can move his Batman sticker along and remember what needs to be done.

What I love about this kind of chart is that it can build a child’s independence, and also save the parents from having to repeat the same things morning after morning. While this may not work every day, it is a great tool to use.

Here’s are similar checklists my husband created for my daughter to remind her of her morning and bedtime routines. What works to help your kids stay organized?

At the Ready: Organization for Everyday Items

Recently a friend staying with me shared an observation about my home: when she needed a pen, there it was…or a pair of scissors, exactly where she needed them. Her remark made me realize that I had organized my home for the little every day items that we need.

Where do I keep paper and pen?

• Near the phone

• In the kitchen (where a small drawer is filled with paper pads, sticky notes, pens and pencils)

• Next to my bed; read more about organizing your bedside table

• In the bathroom, for all those great ideas that you get in the shower

Where to keep other important items:

• Scissors on every floor, near the paper and pens (having duplicates comes in handy)

• Essential tools, like small screwdrivers, tape measure, flashlight in the kitchen in my “junk drawer”

• Keys near the back door

• Chargers in the kitchen

These are small items, but it can be frustrating when we can’t find them when we need them. Try to organize the essential everyday items in your home and feel more in control.

Organize Souvenirs in a Jar

Young kids love to collect rocks, sand, and shells while on vacation. When you return home, put those special objects in a jar. (Bonus tip: always tuck a few plastic bags into your suitcase when on vacation; the bags are helpful in many ways, and give you a place to stash those rocks and shells!)

I kept a few jars of shells and rocks on my daughter’s bookshelf. Now a teenager, she had the idea of using those jars as bookends. They are mementos and functional.

Snowed in? Get Organized!

Home with a snow day today? Once the French toast is done, and the movies get old, try an organizing project to clear the clutter and make you feel better. 

Here are some of my favorite ideas to get you started:

• Kitchen utensils
• Bedside table
• Drawers
• Organize your recipes 
• Kids costumes
• Kids artwork
• Craft space

How to Clear the Corner Clutter?

Corners are magnets for clutter! Things seem to end up in the corners of our rooms, often in piles, bags, or boxes. If you really want to clear the clutter, take a look at what's hiding out in the corners.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Pick one corner to tackle. Set a timer for 30 minutes.
2. Pull everything out. Toss and recycle what you can.
3. Put items in categories, and put away what you can.
4. Consider each item and why it ended up in the corner. Does it not have a place to go? Or is the place it goes over stuffed? Does the item require an action? Is it in transition to go somewhere else (to be donated, to a friend, to a family member)?
5. Deal with each of the items. If they have to go into a space that is overstuffed, put it in the area and then schedule another time to declutter that space. You can also schedule time to follow up and make decisions or add the action items to your To Do list. If items are going out, put them near your door or in your car and resolve to pass them on within a week. 

Once you’ve been able to clear the clutter in your corners, enjoy your space! The room will feel more open and peaceful.

Secret Storage for an Organized Bedroom

Is your bedroom peaceful, calm and organized? If not, consider furniture with secret storage. 

• Many beds come with storage drawers underneath. This is great for kids - and adults! The deep drawers are perfect for tucking away linens, or bulky clothing like sweaters and sweatshirts.
• Want a clear dresser surface? This cool dresser (see photo) has a top that lifts up to reveal shallow storage perfect for jewelry.
• Don't forget about ottomans with storage. They not only provide a place to sit, but do double-duty providing a space for blankets or clothing. 

Hidden jewelry storage

Sentimental About Stuffed Animals? Try This!

After reading my post, How Do I Get Rid of Stuffed Animals, a friend shared her creative idea for what to do with stuffed animals when you aren’t ready to let them go. She said she was too sentimental to part with any stuffed animals yet, but she also didn’t want them taking over her kids’ rooms.

Her solution was to purchase a bean bag cover (cover only, no filling), and then load up the inside with the entire stuffed animal collection! The bean bag sits near the books in the room, and if her boys really want one of the animals, it can come out. What a fun idea!

For a similar idea, Boon makes an Animal Bag, a cover specifically for stuffed animals, but with a window, so you can see what’s inside. Once it’s filled it makes a cozy seat.

There are also stuffed animal hammocks, but I really love the bean bag chair cover idea.

What are your ideas for keeping control of a stuffed animal collection?

New Year, New Closet – Part 2

Last week my elfa closet system was installed and I couldn’t be happier!

After my husband worked so hard on getting the ancient plaster walls repaired in the closet, we decided to have an elfa installer put in the system. My installer was amazing: he was used to working in old homes and was able to use every inch of space.

It’s amazing what a difference it makes when your clothing hangs from the rod facing you, instead of an angle as it used to be (see “before” photo below). I can see everything, and I also noticed how many pairs of pants I have that I haven’t been wearing!

BEFORE    READY AND WAITING

ELFA INSTALLED  A NEW CLOSET

While my closet may look full, I have so much room in between clothes hanging on the rods; items aren’t stuffed in as they were before. I nearly doubled my hanging space. And I love the new pull out shoe shelves. All the components are adjustable, which is a huge plus in a closet.

Do you have a closet system that works for you? What’s your secret to an organized closet?

I have not received any compensation for this post; I am just very happy with how my elfa closet system turned out.

New Year, New Closet – Part I

This year I’m getting a new clothing closet, and I couldn’t be more excited!

I’m fortunate that my 1890s home actually has two closets in the master bedroom, so I have one all to myself. It’s a decent sized closet, but the space was definitely not utilized to its fullest. And like so many closets around here it had one single shelf across the top, and two rods perpendicular to each side – not even straight across!

My fabulous husband is repairing the cracked plaster walls of the closet (see him on Ask This Old House) and then we are going to install an elfa closet system from The Container Store.

The Container Store offers all kinds of adjustable elfa components for “reach-in” closets and I’m in the process of designing one with my local store. Many of my clients rave about elfa so I am looking forward to having a system that utilizes all the space in my closet.

Here are photos of everything that I took out of the closet, and what the empty closet looks like “before.”  Stay tuned for after photos.

De-Clutter & Donate: Anton’s Cleaners Coats for Kids

It’s that time again – time to go into the back of your closet and see what coats you can donate to Anton’s Cleaners Coats for Kids program. I know my daughter outgrew her winter coat last year, so I’m ready to pass it on.

This year Coats for Kids will be collecting coats from October 14th through January 11th. Coats will be cleaned and then partner organizations will distribute them to families in need throughout the Greater Boston area.

Favorite Container #9: Closet with Adjustable Shelving

A closet is one of my favorite containers for organizing the home. Whether it holds food, clothes, toys, games, party supplies, or winter coats, the closet is an important tool for keeping chaos at bay.

And I don’t mean because you can stuff things in and simply shut the door! A closet can provide a ton of storage. I’ve found that one of key elements to a functional closet is having shelving, and preferably, adjustable shelving.

I like adjustable shelving because it gives you the flexibility to move the shelves based on what you are storing. While fixed shelving (often in bedrooms) is better than no shelves at all, installing shelves that can move helps the closet adjust to whatever you decide to keep inside.

For example, the closet in my family room is filled with arts and crafts, photo albums, sewing items, and gift wrapping supplies. I was able to cut and install the shelving to fit perfectly around my Rubbermaid Wrap n’ Craft storage container.  But if I end up storing games or something else in here, I can lower the shelf height and use a longer shelf piece.

One of my favorite projects was converting our barely-useful hall closet into an awesome storage space. Originally this closet had the typical clothing bar and one high shelf, with a huge open space underneath. Suitcases, bags, the vacuum and my husbands work clothes ended up there, but there was a ton of unused space.

After installing adjustable shelves, this closet not only holds clothes, but also all our travel items, the beach towels and bags, and extra bedding. We picked the shelf height based on what we were going to store inside.

As soon as the cracked walls in my bedroom closet are fixed, I can’t wait to try out elfa shelving from The Container Store. Stay tuned for more on that project.

The bottom line: If you are creating a closet from scratch or re-doing an old closet, install adjustable shelving.

Kids Clothing Organizer

It’s back to school time! While I’m excited for the return to a more regular routine, it also means back to overseeing homework, packing lunches, and making sure the favorite shirt is clean.

One way to avoid arguments in the morning about what your child is wearing to school is to use an outfit sorter. It hangs from the rod in the closet and provides a slot for each day of the week. Your child chooses their outfits for the week ahead of time, maybe on Sunday (or the night before) and puts everything into the slot. Then in the morning it is so easy to grab the clothes and get dressed!

Not only does this pre-planning help alleviate some of the morning stress, it also teaches your child to be more independent.  It also helps you both find out if the favorite shirt is in the wash, avoiding last minute frustration.

Here are a few examples of clothing organizers:

• Amazon.com
• The Organized Parent
• Walmart with seven pockets (no labels)

For more on organizing your child’s room, check out my video from This Mom Needs Help!

Favorite Container #7: Eagle Creek™ Pack-It™ Cubes

This month kicks off my summer travel and I’m very excited to report on my new favorite container for travel: the Eagle Creek™ Pack-It™ Specter Cubes.

When my husband and I travel together we often share a suitcase. Everything inside starts out nice and neatly folded, but after day 1, his stacks of clothes start to topple over into my clothes. After a few days it’s chaos and neither of us can easily find what we need.

The Eagle Creek™ Pack-It™ Specter Cubes solved this problem! My husband and I tested out the cubes on our eight-day trip to South Dakota, where we would be packing and re-packing often.

We bought two sets of small, medium and large. While the small size was pretty small to hold much, the large size worked great to hold stacks of shirts or shorts.

The cubes are super light and fit perfectly into a carry-on or full size suitcase. Best of all, they kept my clothes separate from my husband’s. My husband also loved that the cubes make it very easy to re-pack items after several days away.

This specific product helped us solve a nagging issue. Sometimes a specialized container is the way to go.

That’s Neat! Organizing did not receive any compensation for this review. I just love the product!

Travel Tip: Stack, Fold & Roll

Travel Tip from a client: Stack all your shirts together, fold in the arms, and then roll them up. The client did this last year for a trip to Europe and said it really worked – it even kept out the wrinkles.

I tried this on our recent summer trip and found that it worked better for synthetic or blend shirts, rather than all cotton ones. My all cotton T-shirts were still pretty wrinkled.

I also tried stacking and rolling all my shorts and skirts together; they didn’t have too many wrinkles and it definitely saved space.

Do you roll your clothes when you pack? What's your packing secret?

Favorite Container #4: Clear Boxes for the Closet

It’s that time of year in New England when a beautiful, sunny 65 degree day is then followed by a cold, raw and rainy day. While the weather is unpredictable, warmer temps are on the horizon—and by this point I am feeling done with Winter gear no matter what! 

While getting our closets and the mudroom ready for the change of seasons, I realized how much I rely on clear boxes and canvas bins. So this month for My Favorite Container Series I’ll share how I use clear, plastic boxes for a simple, easy system.

No surprise here: I like clear, plastic boxes because they make what is inside visible, and they are durable. (I’ve written before about how The Container Store clear boxes are my favorite.) 

But the boxes also are integral to how I maintain my closet, and help my daughter with hers. 

• My husband and I store our off-season clothes in fairly large clear, plastic bins. When it’s time to get the summer things out, I can bring down the bins from the attic. Take the warm weather clothes out, and load in the winter things. The bins are Sterilite (115 quart size) and are bigger than I’d like, but it is very easy to just have one bin to look for and deal with!
• In our closets we also store our winter (wool, cashmere) sweaters in clear sweater boxes. When sweater season is over I add some new cedar blocks and snap the lid shut.
• I also use a clear box without a lid to hold my handbags on the top shelf of my closet.
• All my work and dressy shoes are stored in clear boxes.
• My daughteris growing so fast, so I keep a clear bin on the top shelf of her closet. This is a typical old closet with one fairly high shelf at the top—it’s the perfect place for the “Clothes to Grow Into” bin.

The clear bins make it easy to 1) change out my clothes at the change of the seasons; 2) organize  and see my sweaters, shoes, and handbags; and 3) contain my daughter’s clothes that she’ll grow into.

Important Bonus Tip:  If you are doing a seasonal change of clothes in your closet, now is the time to do a quick purge of items you 1) didn’t wear at all in the last 6 months and 2) really don’t love anymore.

And if you need help with setting up a closet system that works for you, please let me know!