How to Maximise Your Wardrobe Space

A disorganised wardrobe can often seem like a disaster, making getting dressed a chore. Often it's because there's not enough room for all your stuff. But imagine opening those doors and immediately spotting exactly what you want to wear. Your wardrobe is a haven, with no random piles of Things that you have to search through. All your stuff fits, and you don't have to cram items in together. Sounds great, right? Well, this vision can become a reality. Let's explore how you can maximise your wardrobe space and conquer your chaos.

If you're using a piano for clothes storage, then... well, you're really in a situation!

Assess Your Current Clothing Situation

You're going to have to go through your clothes (and accessories) before you can even think about maximising the space you have. Chances are that eliminating a few items will free up some space, so grab a cup of your favourite beverage, put on some tunes, and get sorting.

Decide what you want to keep and what you don't.

And COMMIT to getting rid of the items you don't want to keep. Bag them up and put them out of sight. They're not coming back into your life and taking up wardrobe real estate. You can deal with whether you want to donate or recycle them later. For now, you need to get them out of your space.

Plan Your Storage Solutions

After you've been through your stuff, it’s time to plan how to store the items you’re keeping.

If you're short on space and don't have the means to restructure and rebuild your current storage, here's some tips to help you:

1. Invest in Thinner Hangers: Thin doesn't necessarily mean cheap or flimsy. Do some research and look for slim hangers that won't bulk out your available space.

   
   

2. Learn to fold properly: You can free up a ton of drawer or shelf space by learning how to fold your items. Yes, even underpants and socks. Trust me, a few seconds spend folding your undies will lead to a longer term more pleasant experience.

   
   

3. Invest in hooks for belts and necklace stands: Hooks placed on the inside of your wardrobe door are great for storing belts. Get a cheap set of hooks from your local hardware store or online - the ones used for hanging keys are a good size and reasonably priced. They will hold all but the heaviest of belts. The alternative is, if you've got the space, to roll them and store them in a drawer. You can even get drawer dividers for this. For necklaces, there's a ton of necklace stands available online. They sit on your dressing table, and let you display your jewellery as well as making it easy to choose what you want to wear that day. Some even have earring racks and ring trays.

Group Similar Items Together

Group your clothes by category, for example blouses with blouses and jeans with jeans. This arrangement simplifies outfit selection, which will save you time.

The other option is to create outfits and hang those items together, but if you've got an extensive wardrobe of items that work with almost everything else, that might not work so well for you. You know your wardrobe best. You decide which method works for you.

Don't dismiss the drawer organiser

Use drawer dividers for smaller items like socks and belts. Or ties - too many times I've seen ties just thrown in a drawer and trying to take out one brings out tie spaghetti, which then has to be separated.

Shelves should be used for hats, knitwear (see above about folding) and trousers. Don't ever hang knitwear. Fold it. It keeps the item in better condition for longer.

Store Seasonal Items Separately

If you have the space, that is. If not, consider putting them at the end of your hanging rail or at the bottom of the drawer/back of the shelf.

Make Use of the Floor Space

Remember to utilise the floor area of your wardrobe Again, this depends on your space. If you can, invest in a shoe rack to stop your shoes from becoming jumbled. Bags can also live in the bottom of your wardrobe.

Maintain your new system

Commit to keeping your wardrobe organised. If you feel like you're falling off the neatness wagon, schedule a weekend to sort things out again. Don't let it get to the point it was before.

Your wardrobe could look like this:

This is very organised, with the space used well. It's rather pleasing. And not a piano in sight!

It really could, but you're going to have to commit to it.

Stay tidy!