7 inexpensive (or free!) ways to create a more organized closet

By H annah Holland The Washington Post

UNLESS YOU’RE A “Real Housewife” or Cher Horowitz from “Clueless,” your closet could probably use a little help. And though it’s certainly possible (even easy) to spend thousands of dollars on custom shelving and professional decluttering, we interviewed expert organizers who say a few simpler techniques can also go a long way toward creating a tidier, more manageable environment. Herewith, seven organizing tips that work just as well in modest apartment closets as they do in luxe walk-ins — and some of them won’t cost you anything.

1. Purge

Even the biggest closets get overstuffed at some point — clear out the excess before you do anything else.

Ashley Coleman, founder and CEO of Done Neatly, says you should “perform an edit two times per year — before spring and summer and then again before fall and winter.” Ask the hard questions. Did you even wear that bodysuit last season? Do those pants still fit you? If the answer is no, it may be time to donate or sell those items.

One word of caution, though, from Jamie Hord, co-founder of New York City organizing business

Horderly: She notes that even the best intentions to turn giveaways into cash can end with your clothes in a “sell pile” that never leaves your closet. If you think you could wind up in that scenario, she advises just donating.

Or she suggests avoiding the need to do a big purge altogether, using the one- in, one-out method. “Get rid of something old when you bring in something new,” Hord says. “This way, your closet is always staying pared down and maintained.” This practice also forces you to stay on top of what you already have, meaning you’re less likely to spend money on clothes you don’t need.

2. Start small Every expert we spoke to had the same advice: When you’re ready to begin organizing, start small. Annie Schmidt, owner of SOS Home Organizing and Design in Dallas, suggests targeting one drawer or category of items, such as shoes, then building from there.

“Once you tackle that [drawer] and gain momentum, it gets addicting,” says Schmidt. And resist rushing to buy new organizational products — you need to know exactly what you’re keeping and where additional storage may be needed before bringing in more things. Once that first drawer evolves into tackling your whole wardrobe, mentally prepare for the process to take some time — days, even.

“Try to break organization overhaul into stages,” Schmidt suggests. “It is less overwhelming, and you will stay motivated if you don’t wear yourself out in the beginning.”

3. Use luggage (and other clever spots)

In especially small closets, purging sometimes isn’t enough. To free up space, rotate items in and out seasonally. One trick Schmidt suggests is nesting smaller pieces of luggage and other items you won’t need for a while inside larger suitcases. The space beneath your bed is also valuable real estate. You can find inexpensive rolling bins specially designed to SEE CLOSET, PAGE F9