Tips & Tricks from a Professional Organizer

A well-organized primary closet is a game-changer when it comes to starting your day with ease. A clutter-free, thoughtfully arranged closet allows you to quickly find what you need, while also keeping your clothing and accessories in good condition. The key to a functional and stylish closet lies in creating designated spaces for your clothes, deciding which items are best folded versus hung, and finding smart solutions for storing shoes and accessories.

Zoning Your Closet: Create Areas for Each Category

Zoning is all about grouping items together to create a functional flow in your closet. When everything has a designated space, it’s easier to locate your clothing, and it also helps maintain a clutter-free environment. Here are some key zones to consider when organizing your closet:

Workwear/Professional Clothing: Set aside a specific section for professional attire, such as suits, blazers, and business casual pieces. Keep these items together so you can quickly grab what you need for work without having to sift through your entire wardrobe.
Casual Wear: Organize your casual clothes—jeans, t-shirts, and sweaters—in a separate area. This can be a distinct section or shelf that’s easy to access. Group your items by type (pants, shirts, sweaters) or by season (summer clothes, winter clothes).
Outerwear: Jackets, coats, and other outerwear should have their own designated space. Consider installing a separate hanging rod or hooks for easy access to these items. Seasonal outerwear (like winter coats or rain jackets) can be stored on higher shelves or in bins when not in use.
Specialty Items: If you have special items like formal dresses or suits, set up a designated area where these can hang without being in the way of your everyday clothing. This keeps them protected and in good shape.
Seasonal Clothing: For clothing that’s not currently in season (such as winter sweaters in summer), designate a storage area that’s easy to access when needed but doesn’t crowd your main wardrobe. Consider using bins, under-bed storage, or high shelves for seasonal pieces.

By grouping clothes into categories, you not only save time in the mornings, but you also keep your closet organized and functional.

Folding vs. Hanging: Know What Works Best for Each Item

Knowing which items should be folded and which should be hung is a crucial part of organizing a closet. Properly storing your clothing ensures that your items stay in good condition while maximizing your closet’s storage potential.

What to Hang:

Coats and Jackets: Always hang outerwear to preserve the shape and structure of the fabric.
Dresses and Suits: Hang dresses, formal gowns, and suits to prevent them from becoming wrinkled.
Button-Down Shirts and Blouses: These should be hung to maintain their shape and avoid creases.
Trousers and Slacks: Hang trousers with clips or a pant hanger to keep them wrinkle-free and in good shape.
Long Skirts: Store long skirts by hanging them to avoid creasing.

What to Fold:

T-Shirts and Casual Tops: Fold these to save space and reduce stretching or warping on a hanger.
Sweaters: Always fold sweaters to avoid stretching out the fabric, especially around the shoulders.
Jeans and Pants: While you can hang pants, folding them in stacks on shelves or in drawers is also a great option for easy access.
Shorts: Fold shorts to keep them neat and save space in your closet.

Delicate Fabrics and Knitwear: Items made from delicate fabrics (like silk or cashmere) should always be folded to prevent stretching or losing shape.

By folding the right items and hanging others, you ensure your clothes remain in great condition while maximizing closet space.

Storing Accessories: Keep It Organized and Accessible

Accessories can easily get lost or become tangled in a closet if not properly organized. Use these tips to keep your scarves, jewelry, hats, and other accessories in order:

Jewelry: Use a jewelry organizer or a velvet-lined tray to store your rings, earrings, and necklaces. Hanging necklace organizers or small drawers are also a great way to keep jewelry tangle-free and visible. For delicate pieces, a dedicated jewelry box with compartments is ideal for keeping items safe and organized.
Scarves and Belts: Store scarves and belts on hangers with hooks or on a belt rack. A simple over-the-door rack or a hook system can keep them easily accessible without taking up too much space. You can also roll scarves to prevent creases and store them in bins or drawers.
Hats: Use a shelf or hooks to store hats. A simple hanging rack or basket is perfect for storing hats, keeping them from becoming squashed or misshapen.
Handbags: Store handbags in a way that keeps their shape intact. Use shelf dividers or hang them on hooks. For smaller bags, consider using a bag organizer or clear containers.

A few well-chosen storage solutions for accessories will not only keep your items easy to find but will also ensure they remain in great shape.

Storing Shoes: Maximize Closet Space

Shoes often take up a significant amount of space in a closet, so it’s important to have an organized system for storing them. Here are a few ways to keep your shoes organized:

Shoe Racks: Traditional shoe racks are a great way to store shoes in an orderly fashion. They allow you to store multiple pairs of shoes on shelves, keeping them easy to access.
Clear Shoe Boxes: For high heels, boots, or shoes you don’t wear every day, use clear plastic shoe boxes. These protect your shoes from dust, allow you to see exactly what’s inside, and can be stacked to save space.
Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer: If your closet space is limited, use an over-the-door shoe organizer with pockets. This is a great way to store flats, sandals, or sneakers, and it keeps them easily accessible without taking up precious shelf space.
Shoe Risers: Using shoe risers to store your shoe maximizes the space on the shelf and allows you to double the amount of space you have to store shoes.

A Closet That Works for You

Organizing your primary closet doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few thoughtful zoning strategies, careful decisions about folding vs. hanging, and smart storage solutions for accessories and shoes, you can create a closet that’s functional, organized, and easy to maintain.

By organizing your closet, not only will your clothes stay in better condition, but you'll also streamline your mornings and make getting dressed a stress-free experience. With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a clutter-free, efficient closet all year long. Happy organizing!

Organizing Your Primary Closet