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How to Organize your Closet – Step 3: Building a System

December 11, 2013 By Alan S. | Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

The Dappered philosophy is all about looking good without costing an arm and a leg. While that usually means finding great pieces and even better prices, this series is about how to store what you’ve already got. We’re going to look at how to clear the clutter, how to outfit a closet, and how to use that closet to its full potential. 

If you’ve followed the previous article on outfitting your closet, you’re on your way to having a workspace that works for you instead of against you. Where the last article was about building your closet, this one is about using it. The goal is to have a closet where it’s easy to find things and easy to put them all together into outfits that work for you.

 SEVEN STEPS TO BUILDING A SYSTEM FOR YOUR CLOSET

1. Don’t over-crowd it

Overcrowding your closet will make it difficult for you to find anything and will defeat the purpose of the rest of this list. If you have too many shirts hanging on rods, you won’t be able to see everything. If you have too many pair of shorts in your drawers, you’ll never know what’s at the bottom. You can avoid overcrowding in one of two ways (and they’re not mutually exclusive). First, get rid of the clutter. Second, spread your stuff as evenly as possible across all available rod and drawer space. If you seriously just have that much stuff, you may want to consider revisiting the article on clearing clutter.

closet system gotta have room#1 and #4 in action. There’s room to breathe, and shoes are at eye level.
Check consignment stores for used, but still good looking armoires for your shoes & suits.

2. Choose an organization scheme that works for you

The scheme you choose is not nearly as important as simply having one in the first place. Some people organize their closets by color. Some organize by occasion. Others organize by type of clothing. Personally, I organize by clothing type followed by color. Do whatever feels right to you. Just make sure you keep it consistent.

3. Store coats separately if possible

Coats can take an incredible amount of space. If this is a problem for you, consider moving them completely out of your bedroom closet. If you have a coat closet, that’s where they belong. Otherwise, consider getting a hall tree or coat rack.

4. Make shoes easy to find

Just because they go on your feet doesn’t mean they belong on the floor. Marketing research shows that grocery store shoppers have a tendency to buy things near eye level and are more inclined to ignore things that are too low or too high. Similarly, bringing shoes up to eye level will make it easier for you to “shop” in your own closet. If shelf space is at a premium, consider rod-hanging shoe organizers. Just make sure to find one that’s wide enough since many are made to fit women’s (i.e. little) shoes.

5. Rotate clothing into/out of storage by season

When it’s winter, you’re probably not wearing those white linen pants. And you’re probably not wearing your heavy sweaters in summer. These aren’t items that are merely being seldom used. They’re items that aren’t being used at all. There’s no point for them to be taking up so much valuable closet space. Take the things that are out of season (whether on rods or in drawers) and put them in “deep storage”. Flat containers for under-bed storage are a good place for them. Even if you have room for them in your closet, they’ll end up cluttering the space and making it harder to find what you want (rule #1).

Closet Storage SolutionsGet it off the ground storage, and get it on the ground storage.

6. Do laundry before it’s necessary

I used to consider it a point of pride that I could go a month without doing laundry. But by the end of it, I was wearing stuff just because it was clean and not because I actually wanted to wear it. Doing the laundry is a necessary evil. But if it has to get done one way or another, it’s best to do it sooner than later. That way, your closet will always be on its “A” game. You’ll always have the full spectrum of your wardrobe available at a moment’s notice.

7. PUT IT BACK WHERE IT CAME FROM!!

This is the one that I think a lot of people struggle with most (myself included). But if this rule isn’t maintained, the rest of them aren’t worth crap. It’s the one thing that keeps the wheels in motion. If your system is a machine, this rule is the grease. Just do it.

Head here for the entire three part series. When not de-creasing shoes or keeping his closet in good shape, you’ll find Roving Style Contributor Alan S. participating as an active member on Threads.

Filed Under: Clothing, Dappered Classics Tagged With: a guy's guide to organizing a closet, creating a man's closet, how to organize a closet

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Comments

  1. Jack says

    December 11, 2013 at 5:33 AM

    I do the last one with a fanaticism unmatched, and my room and closet is spotless

  2. MaxMan6 says

    December 11, 2013 at 6:18 AM

    Wish I were like you, by time I get home from the office all I want to do is go to the family room and either play w/ daughter, read, or watch ESPN. Usually, just throwing garments on the bed…Def need to get better at 7

  3. Jack says

    December 11, 2013 at 6:29 AM

    I like doing that stuff too. 😊 I just find it more stress free if my house is clean.

  4. Tom says

    December 11, 2013 at 8:04 AM

    This probably falls more in line with yesterday’s advice, but the biggest quality improvement I’ve made in my life since buying my condo is putting in a closet from The Container Store. Instead of an old wooden rail running the length of the closet, I was able to move the rail higher, add even more hanging space below, added two tie racks and two shoe racks, have drawers, and a shelf on top of it all.

    For the last two years my dresser set has been in my bedroom almost solely for collecting dust. If you haven’t maximized your closet potential, do it. It will literally change your life.

  5. Nora says

    December 11, 2013 at 8:13 AM

    http://www.easyclosets.com <– for a few hundred bucks, build your own custom closet. Or, for the more advanced http://www.familyhandyman.com/closet/organization-the-closet

  6. Alan says

    December 11, 2013 at 9:02 AM

    My wife’s happiness is directly proportional to how well I can implement step #7.

  7. Alan says

    December 11, 2013 at 9:04 AM

    I’m asuming you mean the Elfa closet organizers. They’re visibly sturdier than other modular systems I’ve seen from Home Depot and Lowes. They’re pretty pricey, but they have annual 30% off sales (which will be starting within a matter of weeks for anyone that is interested).

  8. ARP says

    December 11, 2013 at 9:27 AM

    If you have purpose specific clothing (e.g. ski pants, hiking boots, a tux, etc), store them in the back or separately. It’s probably OK to “crowd” those items and long as you know you have them (I doubt you’d forget you own a tux)

  9. Tom says

    December 11, 2013 at 10:03 AM

    Yep, Elfa. Took my measurements in and they entered them on the computer…then we picked out how to configure the closet together. It was expensive but it’s the best thing I’ve done to my place. Nothing like being able to see everything and stay organized. Good call on the sale.

  10. kentyman says

    December 11, 2013 at 10:54 AM

    You meant “hall tree”. I actually didn’t know what you mean, but Google did when I tried to look up what it was.

  11. Alan says

    December 11, 2013 at 11:12 AM

    Yup. Auto-correct doesn’t work when you accidentally spell another word.

  12. Brailleyard says

    December 11, 2013 at 11:45 AM

    Firmly agree with this – dont be afraid to turn a useless space into a walk in closet – I found some amazing Ikea shelving at Goodwill ( whodathunk?) and some basic rails at walmart – and now i’ve got every MAN’s dream. its the only spot in my dingy apartment that has hardwood floors (craigslist) and a shelf just for the accoutrements…

    But you’d better believe the fairer sex will take notice. And if you’re lucky like me – they’ll ask you to come install their closet too…

  13. Randy says

    December 11, 2013 at 1:51 PM

    Great series! I like the idea of keeping the shoes on the shelf so I can see them but hate the idea of getting the dirt and grime from the bottom of my shoes on my shelves, even with shelf liner. Any thoughts on this? Thanks.

  14. Alan says

    December 11, 2013 at 2:09 PM

    Well if the shelf is dedicated to shoes, the grime isn’t really being spread around. (It’s one of the benefits of having a home for that sort of thing.) Drawer liner paper would have been my suggestion, but it sounds like you’ve already nixed it. Hmmm… How about paper towels? They’re like drawer liners except they’re disposable and cheap.

    If you’re installing new shelving, you may want to consider using wire shelving. Everyone from Rubbermaid to Closet Maid to Container Store makes a variation, depending on budget. Dirt can’t stick to something that isn’t there.

    You can also look into the rod-hanging shoe organizers mentioned above. They serve a singular purpose so the grossness is contained.

    Lastly, there are floor-standing shoe organizers, but they’re generally too short for my taste. But at least they keep everything tidy.

    FWIW, I’ve been putting shoes on white solid shelves for years and have yet to notice any dirt and/or grime on them.

  15. Randy says

    December 11, 2013 at 2:50 PM

    Thanks for the reply. I think I’ll just put some shelf liners in because I’m such a germaphobe, haha.

    One last question, though. Any suggestions on socks? I have a lot and like the idea of spreading them out to look at them. I don’t want to put them into drawers or box organizers. I’ve got them on my shelf now all laid out, but I must admit they do take up unnecessary space.

  16. Alan says

    December 11, 2013 at 2:59 PM

    I’m assuming you don’t want to put them into boxes or drawers because then you can’t see them. So how about clear bins? Take your pick.

    http://www.containerstore.com/shop/dorm/storage/storageBoxes?productId=10000166

    It’s not the most elegant appropach, but it’s functional.

  17. ForeverGuest says

    December 11, 2013 at 7:17 PM

    Wipe your feet. Just kidding. Sort of. But really, wipe your feet. A quick pass over the soles with a paper towel will take care of especially crusty shoes. And if they’re wet and/or muddy, let them dry first. Then just knock or wipe away the grime before shelving.

  18. ForeverGuest says

    December 11, 2013 at 7:19 PM

    I know a guy who hangs his socks from tie hangers.

  19. Randy says

    December 12, 2013 at 12:42 AM

    Haha, always do. I suppose it’s more of a hygiene issue for me – just thinking about all the things those soles come into contact with.

  20. Alan says

    December 19, 2013 at 3:45 PM

    Boom.

    http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80037066/

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