The start of a new year is the perfect time to hit the reset button, especially when it comes to your closet. With the chaos of the holiday season behind you, January offers an opportunity to create a more organized, clutter-free space. And the best part? An organized closet can transform not only your mornings but your entire approach to getting dressed.
Whether you’re tackling a small reach-in closet or a spacious walk-in, the principles for creating an organized system remain the same. Here’s how to overhaul your closet for 2025 and keep it organized all year long.
1) Declutter First: Start with a Clean Slate
Before you begin organizing, you need to know what you’re working with. The first step in any closet overhaul is decluttering. It’s the foundation of an organized system, and it can be surprisingly enjoyable and liberating!
How to declutter:
- Pull everything out: Take everything out of your closet. Yes, everything—clothes, shoes, bags, scarves, and accessories. This helps you see your wardrobe in its entirety and makes it easier to sort through.
- Sort into categories: Create piles for clothes you wear, clothes you don’t wear, and clothes you’re unsure about.
- Ask yourself key questions: When was the last time you wore this? Does it fit? Is it in good condition? Does it reflect your current style? Is it outdated? If something no longer works, part with it.
- Donate or sell: Donate items that are in good condition but no longer serve your needs. Selling higher-end items can help in funding a closet upgrade! After all, a custom closet system lends itself beautifully to organization.
Your result will be a wardrobe of items you’ll love to wear, rather than a mix of impulse buys or things you’ve outgrown.
2) Sort and Categorize
Now that you’ve pared down your wardrobe, it’s time to organize what’s left. The goal is to make it easy to find what you need and keep everything in its place. Sorting your clothes into categories and using systems will ensure you won’t spend unnecessary time searching for items you just know are in there somewhere.
How to sort:
- By season: Separate your clothes by season—winter, spring, summer, fall—and store off-season clothing in bins or under-bed storage. This keeps your closet from feeling overcrowded and makes your everyday wardrobe more accessible.
- By type: Group similar items together—shirts with shirts, pants with pants, dresses with dresses, and so on. You might want to consider grouping workwear separately from casual or evening clothes.
- By color: Organizing clothes by color not only makes your closet visually appealing but can help you mix and match items easily. A well-organized, color-coded closet can spark more creative outfit combinations and save you time when selecting the days outfit.
3) Invest in Storage Solutions
If you want to keep your closet organized throughout the year, you’ll need a storage system that is both functional and stylish. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so consider your specific space, the types of clothes and accessories you own, and your personal preferences. This is an area Victory Closets can assist you with. We can show you how to stretch your storage space beautifully.
Key storage solutions to consider:
- Hanging rods: Use multiple hanging rods at different heights for shorter and longer items. Consider a double rod system (one at the top for long items, one below for shorter pieces like shirts and blouses) to maximize vertical space.
- Shelving units: Install adjustable shelves to store items such as sweaters, jeans, and shoes. Don’t forget shelving to easily access accessories, hats, or bags. Consider labeled bins or baskets to contain different items.
- Drawer organizers: Invest in drawer dividers or baskets for smaller items like scarves, hats, belts, and socks. This will keep things from getting messy and ensure everything has a designated spot. Jewelry drawers, complete with inserts, can be massive time savers when pulling jewelry.
- Valet Rod: Installing a pull-out valet rod allows you to select the next day’s outfit for easy morning access and helps keep ironed clothes wrinkle-free.
4) Make It a Routine: Maintenance is Key
An organized closet isn’t something you do once and forget about—it requires a bit of upkeep to stay functional and tidy. Here are some simple ways to maintain your new system:
- One-in, one-out rule: For every new item you add to your closet, make sure to donate or sell an old item. This prevents your wardrobe from becoming overwhelming again.
- Weekly tidying: Spend 5–10 minutes each week putting things back in their designated spots. This can be done while you’re choosing outfits for the week.
- Seasonal refresh: At the start of each season, take a moment to reassess what you’re wearing. Swap out seasonal clothing, fold things you no longer wear, and make space for items that are appropriate for the new season.
With these simple steps, you’ll be on your way to starting 2025 with a system that works for you—and keeps you organized throughout the year. Remember, it’s all about creating a space that supports your lifestyle and makes your daily routine easier, one well-placed pair of shoes at a time.
If this is the year to invest in a closet system to experience the ultimate organization, allow us to help. Call Victory Closets for your free 3D rendering and budget-friendly quote!
Happy organizing!
