Custom Closet Cleanup for a Fresh and Organized Holiday Season

The Importance of a Clean Closet for the Holidays

It should go without saying that a clean, organized closet is the hallmark of a neat home. There’s something so calming about a clutter-free existence, and many of us need as much of that calm as we can get during the holidays.

As mentioned, you can easily find the outfits and accessories you’re looking for when you have an organized closet. Strategically placing your items will allow you to quickly grab Grandma’s gift or that string of tinsel you always add to the tree.

Best of all, keeping your closet neat benefits your mental health. You’ll lower your stress, which is so important at hectic times of the year like these.

Assessing Your Current Closet Situation

So, let’s get started cleaning! First, you have to scope out your current closet setup. We suggest a thorough inventory of your entire closet, from the decorations to the clothes, accessories, shoes, and everything in between.

For these purposes, you can sort items into two main categories: seasonal and non-seasonal. Prioritize all the items you’ll rely on most throughout the season. As you go through your closet, don’t only focus on what’s inside but the custom space itself. Look for areas you’re underutilizing, such as vertical storage.

It’s also helpful to set specific goals for what you hope to achieve with this closet cleanup. That will keep you on-task and motivated.

Decluttering Before the Holidays

The days seem to go by that much faster around the holidays. It all attributes to that old saying that time flies when you’re having fun. That’s why you should make decluttering the first step of the cleanup process, and the sooner you can schedule it, the better.

First, remove everything in your closet. Deciding what to donate isn’t always easy, but if you haven’t worn or used the item in six months or so, that’s usually a pretty good indicator that it’s safe to donate it.

You should only donate items that are still in usable condition. If they’re worn, torn, or otherwise beat-up, just throw them away. Otherwise, plenty of organizations will be happy to take your donations. Vogue recommends Goodwill and the Salvation Army.

You might feel inclined to hold onto items “just in case,” like just in case you lose 10 pounds or just in case a specific style comes back into fashion. However, you have to be realistic, considering your closet needs now.

Organizing Your Closet for Holiday Needs

Your custom closet is looking much better, but there’s still more work to be done. Next, you need to carve out that holiday-centric closet nook you’ll use for outfits, decorations, and accessories.

Once you’ve spotted it, make sure to use labeled boxes and bins, so you can easily access your holiday goodies when you need them. If it’s clothes we’re talking about, rely on hooks and hanging organizers. These storage solutions are also great for accessories and can streamline your daily routine.

Maximizing Closet Space

We all wish we had bigger closets, but the way to get there isn’t to get an add-on to your home. Instead, it’s all about maximizing what’s already there. Custom closets are especially great for this, as you can take full advantage of vertical space using hooks and shelves.

Organizers, including bins and drawer dividers, can help you sort the smaller items that can get lost in the flurry of holiday magic, keeping your stress levels contained.

Here’s another helpful tip: use seasonal rotation this holiday season for your clothing. Push the off-season items deeper into the closet and keep your glitzy, colorful holiday attire nearer the front, so it’s always within arm’s reach.

Maintaining a Tidy Closet Throughout the Holidays

The risk of sorting your closet early enough into the holiday season is that as this jolly period proceeds, the closet can fall into disarray again. You’ll have to be proactive to prevent this outcome, regularly committing to quick (but efficient) tidy-ups each time you remove or add items to the closet.

It’s really important to place items back in their designated spots, even if this is sometimes time-consuming. The few minutes you take to do this now can save you a lot of time later, as you won’t have to frantically search for what you need.

Of course, your closet needs will change as the holidays end and a new year approaches. At that point, you should reassess your closet organization, resetting it, so it’s ready for a fresh start and a chilly winter.

Enlisting Help: Family and Professionals

Never feel like you have to achieve your custom closet organization aspirations alone. Getting family and friends involved is like their gift to you for the holidays. You can sort through items much faster, and in the case of a household, appreciate the collective neatened space you created.

Of course, if you simply don’t have the time to commit to closet maintenance this holiday season, you can always hire professional organizers. Their expertise and helpful hands will get through the task of organizing your closet quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of a fresh, organized custom closet. The time you take now before the holiday hubbub begins will set a positive tone for the festivities to come. Follow these tips, and prioritize your closet throughout the holidays. You’ll be glad you did.

Source

• https://www.vogue.com/article/best-places-to-donate-clothes