5 Expert Closet Organization Tips Just in Time For Spring
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If you didn't read Marie Kondo's bestselling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, take some time and watch an episode of her new Netflix show, Tidying Up. On the show, Kondo encourages couples, friends, and families to do a purge of their homes, erasing anything and everything that does not "spark joy." Seem intense? It is.
And while Kondo's technique is impressive, and I'm sure emotionally cleansing for many, doing that big of a closet purge can be overwhelming to the point of undoable. And with Spring just around the corner (yay!), we wanted to share some simpler closet-cleaning rules to live by. The truth is you don't need to throw out 50 percent of your belongings to make your home feel more manageable.
We spoke to closet organizing extraordinaire Lisa Jacobs, founder of Imagine It Done, a New York-based organization company. Jacobs's approach to organizing: embrace and showcase the things you love the most.
Here, we go through five of Jacobs's most foolproof organization tips for even the most crowded closet.
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Merchandise Your Space
"Give your space life and personality," Jacobs suggests. "Display possessions that you not only love to wear but also to see. Anything from picture frames, art, and vases to clothing, jewelry, and handbags. By being surrounded by belongings you truly love, you will feel a sense of comfort, happiness, and peace." This Lotus Mango Wood Vase ($44) from Anthropologie would look great nestled in between piles of sweaters as an accent piece.
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Use Uniform Hangers
"The most crucial accessory is hangers. Uniforming hangers will maximize every square inch of space and give your closet an overall finished look." Jacobs suggests these Invisible Acrylic Hangers ($14).
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Display Unique Valuables
"Out of sight, out of mind," Jacobs warns. "Your prized possessions are meant to be worn and used. Showcase your pieces like handbags and sunglasses on shelves or in clear organizational accessories." More of a jewelry junkie? Find yourself a necklace stand ($25).
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Accessorize to Maximize
"Invest in storage like bins, baskets, drawer organizers, or dividers," Jacobs suggests. "When selecting a bin, make sure to consider the room, the placement, the contents, and the overall aesthetic of your space. I would place hair tools in a firm, wipeable bin and scarves in a soft, fabric bin." These pom-pom canvas bins ($92) come in three different sizes and are great statement pieces.
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Categorize Clothing
"When categorizing clothing, be mindful of your lifestyle," says Jacobs. "Separate according to your daywear, business wear, evening wear, activewear, weekend wear, swimwear, and sleepwear. The same rule applies to accessories. This will make getting dressed for any occasion easy-breezy." Find a ladder-style storage unit ($130) so you can see your favorite seasonal items all at once.
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