Expert Advice Tip Sheet -- Organizing Your Closet -- OnlineOrganizing.com

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	Organizing Your Closet

	By Ramona Creel

Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.

A LOOK AT YOUR CLOSET

organization begins with an honest evaluation of your wardrobe
you should have nothing in your closet that isn't currently wearable
lose anything that doesn't fit or is out of style
if you haven't worn it in a year, ask when you will wear it again
make sure everything in your closet goes with something else
store nostalgic clothes with memorabilia if you don't wear them
place baskets for laundry, dry-cleaning, and alterations / mending

CATEGORIZING YOUR CLOTHES

separate by season
store off-season in another area if short on space
separate by clothing purpose (formal, work, casual)
separate by type (jackets, blouses, pants, skirts, etc.)
separate by style (short-sleeve, long-sleeve)
clearly delineate categories with labeled rod divider discs
or assign each section to a different part of the closet
hang clothes by color from light to dark
for quick and easy dressing, hang full outfits together

STORING YOUR CLOTHES

be aware of climate when storing items in an attic or basement
put in cedar chips to keep out insects
cardboard crossbars get sticky and leave a line on folded pants
wire hangers make marks in the shoulders of your shirts
stick to padded or plastic tubular hangers
take your wire hangers to the dry cleaner to recycle
use double-hanging rods for shorter items
get rid of dry cleaner plastic covers as they clutter up your closet
store small loose items in drawer systems or plastic tubs
socks, lingerie, bathing suits, pantyhose, etc.
roll up pantyhose to prevent runs
hang belts, hats, and purses on hooks on the wall
hang scarves on a hanger or scarf rack
take shoes out of their original cardboard boxes
use a shoe rack to keep footwear in sight and organized
install shelves or bins for folding items

Copyright 2000-2009 Ramona Creel -- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box.

Ramona Creel is a Professional Organizer and NAPO Golden Circle Member. A former Social Worker, she has always enjoyed helping people find the resources and solutions they need to improve their lives. Ramona now travels the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of simplicity with everyone she meets. She leads by example -- having worked for more than 10 years as a Professional Organizer, and having radically downsized and simplified her own life as a full-time RVer. Ramona now considers herself a "Renaissance Woman" -- bringing all of her passions together into one satisfying career. As a "Virtual Organizer", she can create a customized organizing plan for your home or office. As a "Simplicity and Accountability Coach ", Ramona provides a proven program for making every area of your life a little bit easier -- perfect for those who want to make the time and space to focus on their true priorities. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a freelance writer and blogger, she shares organizing techniques, travel tips, and social commentary with others. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. You can also follow her on Twitter, check out her Facebook profile.

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