Small Closet Organizing

Even though it is cold and rainy outside, I am optimistically determined to get my clothes ready for Spring.

With a closet that is smaller than most American refrigerator's, I have to be organized; my mom will tell you that it is the excessive amount of clothes that just makes my closet appear to be smaller than it is, but I am sure she is wrong, and have convinced myself that if it looks neat then I obviously don't have a problem.

Anyway, with Spring here, I wanted to share some easy ways to get you and your small closet ready for any new season.

• It seems obvious, but take out everything that you probably won't be wearing for the next three months (eg. heavy sweaters in the Summer and string bikinis in the Winter).  Store these in airtight boxes, under your bed, another room in your home, or in the least accessible part of your closet (if you need them, you will know where they are, but they won't be taking up important real estate).
• Do the same thing with your dresser drawers, coat closet and shoes, making sure to clean and repair shoes, coats and string bikinis before you store them away. (By the way, I still haven't got my favorite pair of boots repaired, so I spent all Winter trying to avoid puddles and changing out of wet socks). 
• While you're at it, check for items that are worn, don't fit, or you just don't like any more; throw out anything that is damaged beyond repair, and donate the rest.
• Place the clothes you love and plan to wear the most, in the most convenient spot of your closet (usually right in front of you, at eye level). The fancy and rarely worn items should fan out to the left and right, according to how often you reach for them (it is silly to be pushing aside your ball gown every week to reach for your denim jacket)  
• Swap around your coats and shoes too; if it is Spring, make sure your light jackets and sandals are front and center, easy to get to, then plan out the rest according to when you think you might need them. (If your boots will be retired until Winter, then tuck them away in a corner underneath your wool coat). 
• If you want to really go the extra, buy huggable hangers - these will double your small space, and the consistent color and style will make everything look a hundred times more neat. 
• A hook or two, on the inside of your door, is handy for storing belts, scarves, necklaces, tomorrow's outfit etc.  
• It seems a bit contrary, but if you can, try to leave the floor or shelf of your closet empty - some empty space creates the illusion of calm (and makes you feel impeccable organized ..... even if you're not).