We’re obsessed with a lot of things here at Havenly. For instance, we can’t get enough of goats that sound like humans or GIFS that keep on giving.
But when it comes to obsessions that are truly close to our design hearts, we can’t think of anything better than getting organized! If there’s one place in our homes that continuously needs a bit of organizing, it’s our closets. Yeah, we’re human too.
Got closet organizing questions? Well, thanks to Senior Stylist Caroline Brown at MM La Fleur, we’ve got closet-organizing answers!
Answers To Your Most Pressing Closet Organizing Questions
What are the best hangers?
CB: Felt hangers in a single color make your closet look less cluttered instantly—even if it’s still cluttered. I have these beige ones in my closet.
The felt grips slippery silk tops, and they have two hooks to hang accessories so you can assemble a complete outfit the night before. Want to know the worst hangers? The ones that come with your dry cleaning. They bend, are ugly and mismatched, and will ultimately damage your clothes. Throw them out.
How can I make the most of my small closet in a rental home?
CB: Think outside the closet. No apartment real estate is off limits when it comes to storage: under your bed, in your oven (just kidding…kind of). Hang as much as possible and use all the wall space in your closet for shoes, accessories, and hooks.
Is there one smart closet investment to make?
CB: Invest in lighting. I can’t say this enough. I’ve seen too many closets with poor lighting, and you can barely see the shirt in front of you. Also, invest in a good mirror. No more cheap mirrors! Get a mirror where you’re able to see yourself clearly from head to toe. Sometimes those shoes seem like a good idea from bird’s eye view, but when you finally see the whole picture, they might not be right.
How do I know which clothes I should hang and which I can fold?
CB: This is simple: You can hang everything but your sweaters and knits, which will stretch over time on a hanger. When in doubt, if a garment feels heavy, fold it. Unfortunately, not even clothes can escape the wrath of gravity.
How can I display my shoes without taking up too much space?
CB: I use the floor to organize my shoes, but you have two other options if floor space is tight: 1. Hang them on the inside of your closet door. 2. Organize them in a plastic bin under your bed.
Handbags: They get dusty after sitting for a while. What can I do?
CB: Before we talk about dust, keep your unused handbags beautiful by filling them with newspaper so they maintain their shape. (Stuff it into your boots, too, while you’re at it.) As for dust: This is obvious, but move them to place less likely to collect it. Can you find space in your closet? Also, put them in the dust bags they come with.
How should I store out-of-season clothes?
CB: Get out-of-season clothes out of sight so your closet can stay focused on the season at hand. Store them in other spaces, such as under your bed. Use bed lifters—a room looks instantly more elegant with a higher bed, and you’ll have great extra storage. If necessary, it’s also easy to rent storage space.
What’s the best way to organize jewelry and other accessories?
CB: Create some real estate in one of your dresser drawers for translucent plastic trays with small and large sections to accommodate all jewelry sizes. For cheap holders for earrings and necklaces, use empty egg cartons. Another option is hanging jewelry organizers.
How can I utilize those hard-to-reach areas?
CB: Use a small collapsible step ladder or a “picker” (a long tool that helps to reach those hard-to-get-at areas). Also important: there’s a solid chance you don’t have good lighting in that hard-to-reach area. Get a tap light that adheres to the wall so you can see while you’re up there.
Are there any methods for sectioning off different areas of my closet?
CB: You can organize your closet a few different ways:
- By type: long-sleeve tops, short-sleeve tops, short-to-long skirts, pants.
- By color: only do this if it helps you put together outfits; otherwise, I would recommend choice #1.
Other tips: Separate your closet into two sections—one dedicated for work clothes, and another one for your off-duty outfits. You can also use different-colored hangers between groupings, or turn certain sections of clothing the opposite way.
What colors should I use for closet walls and shelves?
CB: I recommend a light beige, like Benjamin Moore’s Bar Harbor Beige. I like Benjamin Moore’s Linen White for the shelves. Stay away from color and stick to neutral. Keep it light.
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Now go forth and organize those closets! When you’re done, be sure to thank our buddies over at MM La Fleur for their expert advice. You’ll find plenty more home styling tips on their blog. Happy decorating!