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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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

 

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