4 steps to a closet that you love

We all know that I love a nice clean, organized closet. I'm not saying that all of my closets are always neat and organized (um, cuz they're not!), but I do love the process of cleaning out a closet and making it more functional and stylish in the process.
I was sitting down to write about my latest closet organizing adventure- when I had an epiphany. I still plan to show you the details of my newly revamped closet- but first I want to tell you about HOW I did it.

So, without further adieu, I bring to you the narcissisticly self titled 4 step process to creating a closet that you love. (I'm such a geek, but you love me for it).

-{Announcing}-

-{Clean}-

 Clean out the closet.

In most cases it works best to actually physically take everything out of the closet so that you can start with a clean slate. Toss the junk...and try to be honest with yourself about what you REALLY need to keep, and what you could/should probably part with. Once the closet it empty, give it a quick pass with a rag to clean dusty shelves and cobwebby corners.

-{Smart}-

Define the purpose for your space.

As you take stuff out you might start to see that you have all kinds of random things mish mashed together in a closet- now is the time to be smart about what goes back into the closet. Having a closet with shared purpose is perfectly all right, but see if you can visually divide the space so that like is with like. As you do this, plan to put the things that you use most often in the easiest to reach spaces. Also, when deciding what to put back into the closet, make sure you are filling the closet with things that are used in an area close to the actual location of your closet. (You don't store your pots and pans upstairs in your bedroom do you?) Once you have a vision for the space, decide if you want to add/subtract/move shelves or hanging bars based on your needs.

-{Simple}-

 Simplify your space.

Now is when you put everything back into the closet- aim for optimal function. Think about removing things from their original packaging to save space. To steal a term from one of my favorite organizing guru's now is a time to start to "containerize," but try to start with a use what you have approach. The goal here is just to keep small, loose pieces together so that you can get to them easily when you need them. It doesn't necessarily have to be picture perfect- just a simplified version of your ideal space. Remember, place like with like. Sort by size or color as applicable.

-{Style}-

Add in some colorful and cohesive elements.

Here's the fun part, but patience is key or you will spend more than you need to, (which is why this step is last). Pretty containers can be expensive- but they are eventually bound to go on clearance, or end up in the dollar section of your favorite store. By waiting until you have the space otherwise organized you'll know exactly what you need, how many of them you need, and what size. Just keep your eyes open as your do your normal shopping- try to find the best deals on slimming hangers, cute boxes, or other decorative touches. It doesn't have to be picture perfect overnight- and hopefully the 3 previous steps will have gotten your closet to a place where you can stand to NOT be in a hurry. The styling part is completely optional, but in  my opinion it's the reward for the grunt work of the rest of the job.



Doable? Realistic? I hope so!
Think about that for awhile and then check out how I applied this process to one of my own closets here.