As we say goodbye to the holiday season, you may have found yourself with an all-too-familiar challenge: where to put all the new things you’ve accumulated.
Most of us come into the new year with more than just precious new memories. We also have new clothes, accessories, kitchen items, and impulse purchases that now have to find their way into our already full closets, pantries, and rooms.
And before you know it, your once-organized space becomes a source of daily stress rather than a functional part of your routines. I personally experience this every holiday season, and this year was no exception.
That’s why I’m kicking off 2025 with a new blog series dedicated to helping you reclaim your space, starting with that most personal of spaces – your closet. Our team of design and organizing experts have combined their years of experience to bring you practical, actionable advice for creating a closet that serves you beautifully.
Expert Organizing Tips for Your Closet
Brandon Stoute, our Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Organizing Services emphasizes the importance of systematic decluttering with his top recommendations:
Go Through Clothes Season by Season
Start cleaning out your closet by reviewing your wardrobe one season at a time. Pull out items you no longer wear or that have fallen out of style. A good rule of thumb to remember is that if you haven’t worn it in a year or two, it’s probably time to let it go. This approach of going through your clothes season by season makes the task less overwhelming. Those pieces you remove can be donated to someone who really needs or wants them.
Next Up: Your Shoes
Apply this same season-by-season review to your shoes. If they're worn out or no longer match your style, it's time to bid them farewell and make room for something new. Similarly, if you try on each pair of shoes and ask yourself, “If this was the only pair of black pumps I owned, are they comfortable enough to wear every day?” you’ll realize you’re holding on to some items that don’t really serve you! Let them go!
Manage Your Hangers
This tip may seem simple, but lots of empty, unused hangers create physical and visual clutter. Either store them elsewhere or donate them. Your closet should only be filled with what you actively use. We prefer velvet hangers to plastic hangers, as they are a thinner profile and don’t take up a ton of space.
Rylee Martin, our Senior Interior Designer & Certified Professional Organizer, brings a designer's eye to closet organization with her expertise in creating systems that last:
Seasonal Rotation Strategy
Don't let off-season items crowd your daily choices. If your space allows, create a separate storage area for off-season clothing. If not, invest in quality stacking bins that can be stored under beds or on high shelves. If that’s also not an option, simply rotate the off-season clothing to the end of the closet that is not as easily accessible. This keeps your closet from feeling so full and overwhelming, and you’ll be able to easily reach for clothes that are in-season.
The Power of Less
Choice paralysis is real – having too many options can actually make getting dressed more stressful. Focus on:
Maintaining a core collection of versatile staples
Limiting duplicate items (How many black t-shirts do you really need?)
Creating a cohesive color palette that makes mixing and matching effortless
Making Thoughtful Donations
As you declutter, remember that your unwanted items could be someone else's treasures or even their lifeline. Find local organizations that accept clothing donations, and consider:
Professional wear for organizations helping job seekers
Gently used shoes and winter wear for homeless shelters
Special occasion wear for programs supporting students who might not be able to afford prom or formal attire otherwise
We prefer to donate to Pick Up Please, an organization who will pick up small items (like clothing) from your location and donate them to our veterans. We also like to donate to local charities and Habitat for Humanity (for housewares). There is one particular establishment (which we will not name) we will not donate to, as it is not a charity, but a retail chain whose inventory costs them nothing. Beware!
Looking Ahead
This closet refresh is just the beginning! Throughout January, we'll share expert advice on organizing other major areas of your home, from pantries to home offices. Stay tuned for more tips on creating spaces that function as beautifully as they look.
Ready to transform your space with our guidance? In addition to designing rooms for clients nationwide, we also offer professional organizing services. Schedule a consultation with our team to learn more.
תגובות