While Mark was recently out of town, I took the time to tackle a project that was looooong overdue: a closet clean out! Since we have limited storage space and not the largest closet, we’re actually pretty good at getting rid of unworn items every few months. However, our closet organization skills are sub-par. The space is long and narrow, so it quickly gets messy and impossible to navigate. It’s safe to say it had reached a new low point.

I don’t sleep well when he’s away, so the first night he was gone, so I stayed up late and attacked it!

Instead of just putting things away as per usual, I took e v e r y t h i n g out and started from scratch. Taking everything out forced me to re-think the entire space, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results.

Some tips for closet organization:

• If you hang all your clothes in the same place all the time, its easy to feel uninspired and bored. There are some pieces in my closet I tend to constantly gloss over for one reason or another. Choosing a new hanging order has made me rethink each piece. I’d previously hung my clothing according to garment type: skirts together, dresses together, etc. Now, I have everything grouped by color! Mixing the order up has sparked new pairings I wouldn’t have previously thought to wear together.

I tend to hoard jewelry, which can easily lead to a cluttered mess if not organized.

• Having lots of small, pretty displays for accessories keeps your selection accessible, and it looks great, too!

Shoes and belts!

• Keep belts rolled up in a basket, and easily accessible. Ok…so these aren’t rolled, but they’re in a basket! I have a hard time keeping them neat and tidy.
• Use empty wine bottles to prop up boot shafts. You’ll maintain the integrity of the boot longer!
• Shoe racks are your friend!

Mark has a plethora of sweaters, which he wears even during warmer months. Previously, they were shoved in drawers and we were running out of dresser space.

• Grouped by color and placed over head on a shelf, he can always see and reach them quickly. Drawer space is opened up, andthe top shelf no longer looks like a bomb hit it.

As you can see, I’m pretty into baskets – all of these came from Target. I keep extra blankets and linens for guests stored above. Vintage furs and purses are stored in a slim bookshelf (also from Tar-jeeh). I keep them on the higher shelves so Atlas can’t get to them!

If you’re not looking to start from scratch but need a quick closet pick me up, I would highly suggest rearranging your hanging garments in a new order. Just seeing them grouped differently will enliven your sartorial selection!