Organizing My Closet

I'm finally back!  I think I mentioned in an earlier post that I have started a new job.  I still intend to update my blog but had to take the time to adjust to our new normal around the house.  Being organized has eased the transition back to work.

Through all of this, I have also taken on the task of switching my closet over to my fall/winter wardrobe.  It has become necessary because I have to make sure I am presentable everyday!

Our current house has nice, big closets, which makes the task a little less daunting.  In our old house, I had bins for my clothes that went into storage during the off seasons.  I have also found that the Alabama climate makes switching clothes over a little tricky, because it stays warmer or gets cold and then a warm spell hits.  Therefore, I keep more of my summer wardrobe out than I did while living in Virginia.

Okay, on to the actual organization!

The first thing I do is divide my closet into sections for shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, sweaters/jackets, and accessories.  No matter what the size of your closet, this is key to picking out a great outfit!

I am lucky enough to have shelf space in my closet.  I use this for my sweaters and certain shirts so that they don't get hanger marks in the shoulders.  I also keep out shirts that fit nicely under sweaters so that I can layer them.  In my old house, I kept them in a dresser and bins under the bed.

I like my purses and bags!  They stay organized on higher shelves.  I recently read that hanging them from their straps adds extra tension to the bag, causing them to wear out faster.  If you haven't noticed yet, I also try to sort each area by color.  This adds to the ease of putting an outfit together. The two little baskets were found at a yard sale, and I put them to work holding wallets and belts.

I have read many great strategies for storing scarves.  This is what I find works for me.  I simply fold each scarf in half and drape them over a hanger.  I use the same strategy for my heavier scarves in my coat closet.

My jewelry organizer has gained many accessories since I put it together.  This has probably been one of the best things I have added to my closet.  It makes everything so easy to see and add to an outfit.

Baskets are used to organize my smaller necessities, such as socks, tights, slips, and other undergarments ;)  They fit nicely between my two hanging shelves.  The baskets came from Ikea.

I also have to have a place for my shoes.  The racks have been picked up at yard sales here and there.  I keep my flip flops in a separate basket, and my boots are lined up next to the shoe racks.

The best tip I have is something I've done for a while.  Each season, I turn all of my hangers backwards.  As I wear a piece, I put it back with the hanger facing the correct way.  This allows me to see at the end of the season what I haven't worn.  It also helps me vary my outfits (I dislike wearing the same things close together.) throughout the season.  I can decide whether I want to try pieces I haven't worn or donate them.

What tips do you have for organizing your closet?

You can find this post at Link Parties from these wonderful blogs: The Prudent Pantry, Here Comes the Sun, Jane's Adventures in Dinner, Project: Inspire, Melting Moments, The Artsy Girl Connection, Confessions of an ADD Housewife, The NY Melrose Family, Someday Crafts, The Dedicated House, Adorned From Above, Organize and Decorate Everything, Six Sisters' Stuff, I Heart Nap Time, Positively Splendid, Heatherly Loves, Kayla Creations, Debbiedoo's, A Stroll Thru Life , The Thrifty Home, Beyond the Picket Fence, Stone Gable