Organize your closet as a styling space instead of a storage unit! Set up zones and categories in your closet to create a functional space you’ll love getting dress in!
Today I’m going to show you how I organize my closet into zones and categories to maximize layering and styling potential with current wardrobe. Come along as I refresh my closet for spring sharing all my best tips along the way!
The Best Way To Organize Your Closet Video Here:
Step 1: Decluttering
You know how the saying goes… “you can’t organize clutter!” I would actually have to disagree… you can organize your clutter but you’ll find yourself unorganized again very quickly!
The more clutter you have in your space the more unrealistic it is to maintain a tidy and organized area!
Check out my post and video on decluttering you closet HERE. You’ll find my top 10 questions to ask yourself when decluttering your closet. Some of these have helped me so much in growing my decluttering muscles over the years.
How To Declutter Your Closet Quickly:
Step 2: Map Out Your Zones
This portion of the process is unique to you! My zones look different than my husbands and ours might be much different than yours – As they should be!
The zones you choose should reflect your lifestyle and the function of your daily wardrobe. As a work-at-home-mom, my main wardrobe is fairly casual. I have highly functional zones that are easiest to access for workout clothes, pajamas, denim jeans, and cute casual tops because those items I’m reaching for on the daily!
You might be more like my husband who needs a functional zone for his workwear and uniforms. We all have different needs, careers, and styles and therefore different zones.
I find it best to take pen to paper and sketch out my closet as if it were empty. I then think about my zone needs and write them off to the side of the paper. Group like items together turning categories into zones.
It amazes me how sketching it out with intention first, helps me to make better organization decisions as I work through the space.
Next up, consider the areas in your closet that are easiest to access and start to fill in your sketch with those highly frequented zones (for me I need my casual tops, denim, workout clothes and pajamas in this area).
Step 3: Organize Into Your Zones
Now it’s time to make that sketch come to life! The fun part!
Move the items you’re keeping around into your predetermined zones from your sketch. I recommend cleaning your closet as you go so be sure to grab the dust rag and your vacuum so you can fully freshen up the space! You’ll be so happy you did!
Bonus: I recently updated all of the hangers in our closet to match! It’s amazing how much of a difference this made visually as I walk into my closet each morning. I’m not sure why I didn’t do this sooner!
Consider upgrading your hangers too! Here’s a link to some hangers I would recommend for a more polished look in your closet.
Step 4: Label, Label, Label!
I avoided labeling for years throughout our home! I didn’t think it was necessary and I often liked the look of our containers without labels.
Maybe I’m busier now with three kids? Losing my memory? Or it’s a plain lack of sleep? All I know is, labels are a game changer and a must-have in keeping an organized home!
I’ve learned over the years how important labels are in maintaining an organized closet! So go for it – label it all!
I bought these fabric bins from Amazon and sewed on these cute metal label holders. I printed off labels for a finished look but if you have decent handwriting you can do this much more quickly.
The important part is you have the bins labeled so you can upkeep this closet organization!
Step 5: Utilize Your Zones Daily
Now for the fun part! You get to enjoy this new organized closet every day!
The great thing about organizing your closet into zones is that it lends itself to a better layering and styling process!
My Zones Include:
- Outerwear
- Dresses
- Jumpsuits
- Blouses
- Basic Foundation Tops (Solid tees and tops)
- Plaids and Chambray Shirts
- Bottoms
- Shoes
- Accessories
Creating an outfit using zones:
You can start with any zone you’d like really! For example, sometimes I begin with shoes for the simple fact that I need something comfy for work or travel.
- Let’s say for this example I begin with the foundational zone grabbing a basic solid tee.
- I then decide which bottom I’d like to grab… let’s choose a floral midi skirt.
- Next, I’d like to add a piece from my outerwear zone because it’s a bit chilly out so I layer on a denim jacket!
- Then onto zone four to add some cute sandals or sneakers from my shoe zone.
- Top it all off in your accessory zone to complete the look for the day!
I’ve been dressing myself from zones for years and never realized it’s not how everyone organizes their closet. I do think it is the best way to organize and maximize the use of your wardrobe!
So I encourage you to consider zones the next time you organize your closet! Why organize by color or sleeve length when you can create a functional wardrobe and styling tool out of your closet every day?!
If you found this helpful in organizing your closet please leave me a comment below! I’d love to chat with you there!
Thank you for stopping by!
Lauren