A Professional Organizer's Secret.... Step-by-Step Guide to an Organized Closet

Feeling cramped in your closet? Whether your goal is to create more visible space, refine your wardrobe, or curate a stylish and functional setup, taking a strategic approach can make all the difference. Step by step guide to achieving a well-organized closet, from a professional organizer!

1. Define Your Goal Before You Begin

Before diving in, take a moment to write down your goal and keep it in sight during your closet session. Ask yourself:

Do I want to see more space and organization?

Do I need to feel confident in knowing what fits?

Take stock of my wardrobe to understand what I own?

Am I aiming to make money consigning pieces?

Is it time to let go of items because I'm consumed by too much clutter?

Your goal will shape your approach. If aesthetics are your priority, focus on where and how you put items away. If fit is your concern, your energy should go into trying on every piece and making decisions on keep or go.

2. Prepare Your Space for a Productive Closet Session

Before you start sorting, set up your space for success:

Make your bed – The bed is a great sorting station!

Remove all dirty laundry from the floor – Start a load of laundry to free up space.

Gather supplies – Vacuum, dust rag, all-purpose solution, grocery bags for donations/consignment items, a sharpie, and a positive attitude.

Blast your favorite tunes – Create an upbeat atmosphere.

Wear something comfortable – Choose an outfit that makes it easy to try on clothes.

3. Sort into Categories with a One-Touch Method

Depending on your closet layout, removing your clothes in sections and sorting them on your bed can be more efficient than trying to sort and organize everything while standing inside your closet. This method keeps the flow manageable and prevents overwhelm.

Be ruthless and create clear categories for your clothing:

YES – Items you love, wear often, and fit well.

MAYBE – Pieces you like but aren’t sure about.

DONATE – Items in good condition that no longer serve you.

CONSIGN – High-quality pieces that are in seasons and could be sold.

Use grocery bags or bins labeled for each category to simplify the process. A key tip for handling your MAYBE pile:

• Store it separately for a set period (one month, three months, etc.). If you don’t reach for anything in that time, donate it without reviewing—trust yourself! Less is more!

• Set a reminder in your phone and check out Lupine Home Services’ recommendations for inspiration on supporting your local donation and consignment shops.

  
  

4. Put Your “YES” Clothes Back with Intention

Reminder to clean & wipe off shelving, dust your hangers and vacuum your closet and corners before putting clothes away.

To make your closet both organized and visually appealing, try categorize your clothing by:

Season – Rotate fall/winter and spring/summer wardrobes.

Color – A visually satisfying and easy-to-maintain system.

Type/Style – Workwear, casual, dressy, lounge, etc.

Storage Preference – Folded vs. hanging based on what’s easiest to maintain or what your space allows.

5. Consider a Seasonal Rotation

If space is tight, store off-season clothing elsewhere—in bins, another closet, or under-the-bed storage. One option to keep your current wardrobe accessible to prevent clutter. Don't have this luxury, reach out to Liz with Lupine Home Services for a in-home consultation to build a workable system.

6. Upgrade Your Closet System

If your closet isn’t meeting your needs, small upgrades can make a big impact:

Drawer Organizers / Dividers - Invest in drawer organizers for small items.

Hangers -Use uniform hangers for a clean look. Wood or plastic are sturdy options, while velvet hangers save space but may not be as durable.

Shelf Dividers - A great option to keep items like folded sweaters and purses clearly organized and divided.

Garmet Bags / Storage Bins - Keep off season items or speciality clothing tucked away in a labeled in storage bags/bins.

If you're overwhelmed by the whole process and don't even know where or how to start, contact us today to set up your in-home consultation.