Home Design

You go to the mall, buy a shirt and skirt and toss it into a big black hole - otherwise known as your closet. You'll be lucky if you ever find your purchases again.

If that situation rings true, it's time for a closet overhaul. Don't sigh in disbelief - it's worth the effort to get yourself organized. According to the National Association of Professional Organizers, organized people save time and money and have lower stress and frustration levels. Instead of saying, "I have nothing to wear!" organize your closet to help you find clothing faster and easier.

First, open up your closet and put everything on the floor. Place each item into one of three piles - trash, donate and keep. Trash clothing that you haven't worn in a year and anything that's stained or torn beyond repair. If you aren't sure about something, try it on in front of a full-length mirror. Keep anything that makes you smile and flatters your figure. If you are grimacing at the sight of your reflection because the shirt looks awful on you, toss it into the "donate" pile. Also put expensive or sentimental items you feel guilty parting with into the donate pile.

So you don't change your mind, immediately take charge of the "donate" and "trash" piles. That way, these items won't mysteriously migrate back into your closet. Put the "trash" pile into plastic bags, and add them to the rest of your garbage. Take your "donate" pile to the car and toss it into the trunk to be dropped off at the local Salvation Army, clothing drive or consignment shop.

Now that you know what you want to keep, it's time to sort. Divide clothing by season - summer, winter and spring/fall. If you have room, store out-of-season items in a cedar closet (which repels moths without having to use mothballs), hanging garment bags, storage chest or clear storage bins. If space is an issue, see if your dry cleaner offers winter storage.

Now, the next step is to sort clothing by type. Some people organize their wardrobe by activity, such as work, play or nightlife. Others hang shirts with one another, pants together, etc., and then sort even more specifically by color. As long as you are consistent, it doesn't matter how it's organized. Not only will it now be easier to create outfits, but you won't buy another white shirt on your next shopping trip because you'll know you already have five in your wardrobe.

It's easy for hanging clothing to get in a jumble. Use hangers of the same type - mixing and matching hangers just creates a mess. (Don't forget that hangers can also hang ties, belts, bags and umbrellas.) Arrange hangers all in the same direction to keep the closet neat and tidy.

Store fancy formalwear in a separate closet or a zippered garment bag in the back of your main closet or hall closet. That way clothing will be ready to wear when the invitation arrives in the mail. Keep dressy shoes, evening bags and other accessories in clear boxes so they are protected and easy to locate when you need them.

It's time to tackle your drawers. Sort items, throwing away anything with stains or holes, and matching any socks. Store items like undergarments, socks, lingerie or T-shirts in separate drawers. For hosiery, store each color in individual plastic bags.

Now, there is no reason for you to say "I have nothing to wear!" because your closet will be well-organized. You'll spend less money on shopping, and get a bigger wardrobe - without even spending a dime.

FEELING DWARFED BY CLOSET chaos? Getting organized is easier than you think.

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