Don't you hate it when you can't find an item of clothing you
just
know you have -- somewhere! The thought of organizing a
messy closet can be daunting. Follow our simple, step-by-step
guidelines to get started. Once you get a system in place, it'll be
easier to keep it going.
1. Plan ahead. Stand in front of your closet and study it.
Consider if you have enough light or need additional hooks or
hangers. Invest in sturdy plastic hangers available at any dollar
store. They'll keep the shape of your clothes longer. Make a list
of supplies you'll need (include garbage bags) and purchase them in
advance.
2. Allow enough time. It can take a few hours to organize
your clothes closet, so set aside a morning or afternoon when you
know you can focus on this task without interruption.
3. Start from scratch. Take everything out of the closet and
put it on a bed or another surface where you can spread everything
out.
4. Freshen up your closet. Vacuum the closet floor, wipe
down shelves, and spray an air-freshener to eliminate musty odors.
Leave the doors open so your closet is airing while you organize.
TIP: Wrap a bar of fragrant soap in tissue paper. Put it
among your clothes on a shelf to keep them nicely perfumed.
5. Need more light? Install a light that turns on when the
closet doors open. Simple push-on, battery-operated lights are
inexpensive and easy to install. Find a range of lights by clicking
on "Closet" at
www.acehardware.com
6. Remove all out-of-season clothing. Store out-of-season
clothing in empty suitcases under your bed or in clear plastic bins
that have been labeled. Find underbed storage boxes and bags at
www.stacksandstacks.com; hanging shoe shelves,
garment bags and more at
www.holdeverything.com.