Closet Organization

Today, I put my favorite radio station on

tv

(Latin hits FTW)

and tackled one of my favorite rooms in the new casa: the closet.

closet

(Itโ€™s also on my 10 Ways to Make August Awesome list) ๐Ÿ˜€

It was a little bit of a challenge because I had to sort through a hefty amount of clothes, many of which I havenโ€™t seen in a year.

I think I made it work ๐Ÿ™‚

My half of the closet (so far):

closet

Of course, Iโ€™m not a closet organization expert by any means, but hereโ€™s how Iโ€™ve always done it.

1) Separate clothes into โ€œtypesโ€: storage (August is a great time to store the super summery stuff until next spring), dresses, shirts, athletic, etc.

2) Make a โ€œdonateโ€ pile

goodwill

and a โ€œsellโ€ pile for consignment stuff.

sell

3) Find a good spot for the storage stuff you want to keep but may not need for a while, and figure out where everything is going to go. Hereโ€™s my set-up:

Athletic

athletic

aka the wall of Zumba and lululemon ๐Ÿ˜‰

Thin strap tops โ€“> tanks โ€“> short sleeve —> long sleeve —> jackets —> pants

Cold weather

winter

(I donโ€™t go too crazy on the winter clothes since it doesnโ€™t get too cold here, and for jeans, I have 5 pairs: a boyfriend cropped, skinny cropped, two skinny pairs and a bootleg pair)

Everything else

tops

tanks —> tees —> button-ups —> dresses —> maxis —> blazers

I also have 6 of these stackable plastic containers where I store the folded stuff, like shorts, swimsuits, unmentionables (seksi in one drawer, athletic in another), pajamas and socks.

plastic

4) Organize by sleeve length and color. It only takes an extra second and makes everything so much easier to find!

I do the ROY G BIV thang and tanks to long sleeves.

5) Purses are up top, hamper is on the floor, but I have a couple of things I have no idea what to do with.

Shoes:

shoes 

Thereโ€™s a nice built-in shelf, but when I try to organize the shoes in there, they look weird.

shelves

Any ideas??

Also: jewelry. Iโ€™ve never really organized my jewelry, and it always ends up in a tangled mess (which makes the Pilot cringe). Should I roll with a jewelry box, or is there something else I can do with it?

Ideally, Iโ€™d like to build an island in the middle of the closet, so I can store my jewelry on top and have drawers for the Pilotโ€™s ties and nix the plastic containers. In the meantime, let me know if you have any ideas! (feel free to link away to awesome storage/organization products too)

Do you go through your closet on a regular basis? ๐Ÿ™‚ Whatโ€™s your absolute, 100% favorite thing in your closet?

Mine is the Badgley Mischka dress that my aunt saved the day with for the LA Gatorate launch party:

me (2)

Post Navigation:

105 Comments

  1. Claire @ Live and Love to Eat on August 2, 2011 at 3:49 pm

    SO jealous of that huge closet space!

  2. kate on August 2, 2011 at 3:49 pm

    I love your closet I really need to organize mine!!

  3. Jessica @ Sushi and Sit-Ups on August 2, 2011 at 3:50 pm

    You could look at a jewelry tree if things are always getting tangled. I wish I had a walk-in closet! I live in a really old house with tiny closets, so it’s always interesting trying to get everything to fit.

  4. Kari on August 2, 2011 at 3:52 pm

    My suggestion for the jewellry considering you have a walk-in closet is making hooks on one wall (decorative knobs or other cool hooks) and hang your necklaces on them. I am not sure about the other small jewellry though….hahaha.

  5. Julie (A Case of the Runs) on August 2, 2011 at 3:52 pm

    I wish I could hang everything, but my closet space hasn’t changed since I was 12. I also probably need to get rid of some (more) clothes.

  6. Lauren @ Sugar Coated Sisters on August 2, 2011 at 3:52 pm

    Ooph! My closet is in DIRE need of organization. Love your Badgley… my closet baby is a beautiful purple Betsey Johnson that I’m waiting to bust out for a wedding or two!

  7. Lisa on August 2, 2011 at 3:54 pm

    I have a coat rack that I nailed to the wall and use(d) the hooks to store all my costume necklaces and bracelets. I have a couple fine pieces of jewelry that I always keep in the original box and put in one of my dresser drawers.

  8. Kari on August 2, 2011 at 3:55 pm
    • Fitnessista on August 2, 2011 at 4:05 pm

      cuuuuute!

  9. Annie D @ Annie's Simple Life on August 2, 2011 at 3:55 pm

    CUUUUUUUUTE weekender bag and brown pumps! LOVE. For my shoes, they’re just stacked on shelves like that, only on the floor. I’m not sure how to not make them look weird…. maybe group by type or color like your other ROYGBIV’s?

  10. Brandi @ The Vitamin Bee on August 2, 2011 at 3:56 pm

    It looks like you’ve made a lot of progress! I also arrange by style and color. It really helps to keeps things organized.

    Jewelry…I have a key rack hanging on wall that I just hang the necklaces on. It’s a great space saver.

    I go through my closet anytime I buy something new. If I buy something I have to throw/give something away. It helps keep my closet under control! My favorite thing in my closet is a French Connection “Dallas Delight” Dress. SO fun and sparkly!

  11. Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me on August 2, 2011 at 3:56 pm

    We have built-in shelves in our closet for shoes. So that makes me happy.

    I go through my closet pretty much every season. I haven’t in a little bit because I haven’t bought any new clothes. I’m in desperate need but I’m saving!

  12. Kelsey on August 2, 2011 at 3:56 pm

    Maybe try some cute baskets that tuck into the shelving for your shoes! That way you can separate athletic dressy flats etc. At it looks nice and clean ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Fitnessista on August 2, 2011 at 4:04 pm

      i love that idea!

  13. Lindsay @ The Gluten-Free Baker on August 2, 2011 at 3:57 pm

    I have an over the door shoe organizer that is AMAZING. It holds around 50 pairs ๐Ÿ™‚ I love it! You could try one of those.

  14. Whitney on August 2, 2011 at 3:57 pm

    re: your jewelry sitch: I spray painted a bulletin board white and store all of my necklaces and bracelets on it with clear pushpins – it’s a work of art and it doesn’t take up any floor space. I also have a small spinny earring holder that looks like a birdcage from Urban Outfitters

  15. Lindsey on August 2, 2011 at 3:58 pm

    LOVE the closet! I always try to organize mine according to type and color but then I mess it up ๐Ÿ™‚ I also used those plastic containers for clothes that don’t need to be hung up.

    For jewelry – here is what I made recently – http://www.arunningtale.com/2011/07/diy-jewelry-holder.html – so far I love it. I even bought larger shadow box frames to hold more!

  16. Holly @ The Runny Egg on August 2, 2011 at 4:00 pm

    Ok I think having an island in the middle is a good idea if you can make it work.

    Could you get shoe box things from Ikea (or start keeping the shoe boxes) to store shoes in? I know what you mean about them looking goofy just sitting on a shelf, plus if you can stack them they’d make more use of the space.

    My jewelry is all tangled up so I have no suggestions there.

  17. Casey @ Pocket Full of Sunshine on August 2, 2011 at 4:00 pm

    Great post, Gina! I saw your call-out for it on Twitter and forgot to respond but I was a definite YES. ๐Ÿ˜‰ Closet storage makes me weirdly happy. Your organization is great. As for the shoes, I just stack mine wherever they go and they pretty much always look weird/out of place at first. I haven’t been able to come up with anything better–they look weird the first day I put them somewhere new, then they end up being fine. ๐Ÿ˜‰

  18. Claire @ ThinkingClairely on August 2, 2011 at 4:01 pm

    I’ve always stuggled with how to keep jewelry, but then I found a super cute “jewelry tree” at Marshalls. It’s very shabby-chic and cute, and it rotates! It holds my necklaces/bracelets, and has a cup in the middle for earrings/rings. Works for me!

  19. Laura (Cookies vs. Carrots) on August 2, 2011 at 4:01 pm

    I always organize my closet based on ROY G BIV. Makes it so much easier to find everything!

  20. mountain girl heidi on August 2, 2011 at 4:02 pm

    I found this on Pinterest and think it’s a great idea. I’ll eventually get around to implementing it. Also, I saw someone who organized smaller jewelry pieces like earrings and rings in ice cube trays.
    http://www.maillardvillemanor.com/2011/07/cutlery-tray-for-jewelry.html
    (Personally, I think I’ll be heading back to this site, because there are a ton of great organizational tips!)

    • Fitnessista on August 2, 2011 at 4:07 pm

      that is so pretty- love it!

    • Dynamics on August 2, 2011 at 4:24 pm

      This is and amazing idea!! Thanks! My friend has a ginormous closet and she hangs knobs all over her closet to hang her jewelry. Looks nice and organized. Her husband has this tie thingy thing that hangs on the closet rod. She got it here… http://www.organize.com/closet-accessories-ties.html

    • Kristen on August 2, 2011 at 5:28 pm

      I LOVE this idea! I am definitely going to do this to organize my jewelry ๐Ÿ™‚

  21. Lisa @ Sunny Seed Stories on August 2, 2011 at 4:03 pm

    Your closet organization system reminds me of mine. For shoes, I suggest this over-the-door shoe rack:
    http://www.amazon.com/Whitmor-Over-Door-White-36-Pair/dp/B0019FOUQ0/ref=dp_cp_ob_hg_title_0

    There is a freestanding version as well.

  22. Gina @ Running to the Kitchen on August 2, 2011 at 4:03 pm

    I really need to go through my closet more often that I do. There have been items that I’ve held onto for 3 years now saying “maybe I’ll wear it this year”. Yeah, those need to go!

  23. Crystal on August 2, 2011 at 4:04 pm

    I use an expandable shoe rack that sits on the floor of my closet. If you have floor space in the closet, I recommend it. http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=16191167 For jewelry, I totally bought one of those GemGini organizers–I saw the infomercial on tv! I like it b/c nothing gets tangled.

  24. Liz @ Tip Top Shape on August 2, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    My favorite piece of clothing is this little jacket I have from Anthro. It is my absolute favorite thing to wear!

  25. char @ char on a mission on August 2, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    What an awesome set up you have…and ginormous closet space haha. I will take your donate pile because I’m sure it probably trumps what I have!!!

  26. Elizabeth @ reads recipes runs on August 2, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    Good timing on the post! I am moving in 2 weeks, so I will have a great opportunity to reorganize my closet. For shoes I LOVE the over the door pocket holder things (Yeah, that’s their official name right?) http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10012681&N=&Nao=20&Ntt=shoe+storage We have one behind the door in our closet by the front door. It’s super convenient but we really only store the shoes we wear most often there the rest are on a rack. (PS when I grabbed the link it looks like the container store is having a sale! holler.)

    For jewlery I do two things. One is a cute little bowl for storing our wedding rings when they aren’t on, another for nondangling earrings. THen I have a jewlery tree for necklaces and other earings. One thing I like is they they are nice enough to put on the dresser or something, so that way you see them when you’re getting ready and actually remember to put them on… something I forget more than I should.. haha.

  27. Amanda on August 2, 2011 at 4:08 pm

    For jewelry, I currently have a jewelry box for everything but necklaces. I have one of those wire necklace hangers on my dresser so they don’t get tangled. Not sure about the shoes, I currently just have a bunch of shoe racks!!

  28. Megan on August 2, 2011 at 4:11 pm

    I love the organization. I’m college student who has a big walk-in closet at home, but I make good use of my space in my apartment. I totally organize by color, style, etc. like you. The only thing that’s driving me crazy right now is the fact that my mom makes me store all my college stuff (bedding, kitchen stuff, tv, etc.) in my closet. It is overflowing and a mess, but I only have a month until I move back to school so I’m just dealing with it.

  29. Alisha on August 2, 2011 at 4:12 pm

    I framed window screen in a rad vintage frame and hang all my earings on it and use clear tacks across the bottom for necklaces. I have a bracelet tree with a ring dish sitting on my dresser. It works out really well!

  30. Libby on August 2, 2011 at 4:13 pm

    I have a necklace holder that looks like a dress form on my dresser. Super cute and was a gift. I can’t find a similar one online, but these are another fun option: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ClaudinesLimited?ref=seller_info

    I have one of these for my earrings: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MLH3XE

    They fun and stylish and a great way to display everything while keeping it organized.

  31. Lindsey on August 2, 2011 at 4:17 pm

    I keep saying I’m going to make picture frame jewelry holders, but have yet to do it. I figure your jewelry is pretty, so why not display it? Here’s a few examples of what I mean:

    http://www.redblondeandburlap.com/2011/04/ugly-picture-frame-turned-jewlery.html

    http://www.julieannart.com/2011/04/jewelry-holder-tutorial.html

    Living in NYC, I’m super jealous of that closet space! haha

  32. Joelle (On A Pink Typewriter) on August 2, 2011 at 4:25 pm

    Love this post.. I’m moving in a couple of weeks, and this is exactly what I need to do w my cluttered closet!

  33. Megan @ On The Road Again on August 2, 2011 at 4:25 pm

    Great tips! I go through my closet roughly twice a year (usually during summer and winter) to eradicate clothes I don’t wear anymore. This also makes for a good reason to plunk some cash down on some new threads, too!

    As for your shoes organization: Perhaps you could try a few low shoe racks (like this: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=16586676) under your tanks – blazers row of clothing. You’d have to move that gorgeous LV duffel, though. Or maybe an over-the-door or under-the-bed organizer?

  34. Hillary on August 2, 2011 at 4:26 pm

    I organize my closet the EXACT SAME way. How weird!

    I like those hanging shoe organizers for my closet. Ikea also has some great storage options!

  35. Theresa on August 2, 2011 at 4:26 pm

    Your closet looks great! For my necklaces I bought a shelf and painted it white, then I put hooks on the bottom, and I hang my necklaces based on color. It looks really cute and adds color. I keep mine in my bathroom and have a few pictures/decorations on the shelf. I will email you a picture tonight if I think of it ๐Ÿ™‚

  36. Tiffany K. on August 2, 2011 at 4:30 pm

    I keep all my casual shoes (flip flops/sandals) in those foldable bins on the floor; and everything else is on those stacking shelves (I found them in the kitchen section at Bed Bath & Beyond). Maybe you could stick one in the back of the built ins so you can see those and have room underneath and in front for other shoes you use more regularly.

  37. Chelsea on August 2, 2011 at 4:37 pm

    I hang all my necklaces on cute jacket hooks and then for rings and earrings I store them in a drawer in ice cube trays!

  38. LeeAnn on August 2, 2011 at 4:38 pm

    My closet is organized the same way! Except I live in Colorado so there are a lot more “cold weather” clothes!! My husband laughs at my color coordination!

  39. Jacquelyn Wheeler on August 2, 2011 at 4:44 pm

    I use the thin cork board sheets and attach them to my closet with the double sided tack from 3M (the kind that removes nicely). Then I use regular old push pins and space them out every so often along the cork. I hang my necklaces and bracelets from them. It keeps them from getting tangled and makes everything easy to find. I organize based on my favorites. Some of my lesser worn necklaces are hung two or three on a push pin. For my earrings, I actually use the ring drawer in my jewelery box. I think it holds the stud types quite nicely and allows me to see everything at once. The dangley ones I just throw in a drawer together. The jewelery box is a small one my Aunt got me when I was around 12 and my jewelery outgrew long ago. I love that I was able to re-purpose it and organize my jewelery on the cheap.

  40. ellalinea on August 2, 2011 at 4:48 pm

    I use a candelier to put all my jewellery on, It looks super pretty too!

  41. Meg | One Love Meg on August 2, 2011 at 4:48 pm

    I hang my jewelry, especially my long necklaces. You can also get a hanging jewelry wall that looks like a shirt but you hang it. Kinda clever. As for shoes, yikes! I am constantly re-organizing my shoes. My bf built me a shelf a the bottom of my closet that seems to work well. Looks like you have lots of room. I have never hung my athletic clothes but I pay more for them sometimes then my other clothes so I might as well.

  42. Julia on August 2, 2011 at 4:52 pm

    I personally like this idea…it can be self-made and also makes for a pretty wall accessory…:
    http://www.quickandsimple.com/how-to/organize-clean/jewelry-craft-storage (#2: The Hang of it)…
    I tried it myself and it turned out great, maybe a little too messy due to the amount of necklaces I own…:-)

  43. Michelle on August 2, 2011 at 4:55 pm

    What great ideas!! I have a big closet with all kinds of fancy organizing stuff in it, but not enough poles for hanging stuff, super jealous! I am hoping when I FINALLY lose this weight, I will have to organize clothes, right now I have 3 pair of pants and like 5 tops that fit.!

    My sister has both of these, not exact, but similar.
    she has a TON of jewlery!

    http://www.amazon.com/Powell-Jewelry-Wardrobe-Full-Length-Antique/dp/accessories/B001TH7G0A

    http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Silver-Finish-Jewelry-Armoire-Mirror/4118750/product.html?cid=202290&kw={keyword}&adtype=pla

  44. Jessica @ Dairy Free Betty on August 2, 2011 at 4:56 pm

    Pintrest is a great website for organization. Just type it in and it will show you pictures of great ideas! Especially for jewlery. Glad to see I’m not the only one will a closet full of mostly workout wear! ๐Ÿ™‚

  45. Jamie on August 2, 2011 at 5:00 pm

    I stole this idea from my friend for organizing my necklaces – take a cork bulletin board, hang on wall, buy some pretty pushpins, arrange in lines or however you want according to necklace length on the board and voila! instant necklace organizer with no tangles! everything lies in nice straight lines. i always found that my necklaces would “pool” at the bottom of my jewelry box (mine had one of those revolving necklace holders.)

  46. RhodeyGirl on August 2, 2011 at 5:02 pm

    Target sells small clear tupperware type storage containers that fits a pair of shoes perfectly. I have those stacked on my awkward shelf so I can see all my shoes and also stack a few on top of each other. Doesn’t work for boots but great for everything else.

    Also, you need a big jewelry armoire like I have. I fit all of my jewelry in it and it’s super organized and it makes me so happy. I put all of my fun chunky necklaces into snack size ziploc bags and have them lined up in one drawer. Everything has its place and I can always find stuff so fast. Mine was from Pier 1 but they don’t have anything similar right now. Emailing you a pic now!

    LOVE the closet and I’m so jealous of the size.

  47. Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn on August 2, 2011 at 5:06 pm

    Oh my god. That is a beauuuuutiful closet!!!! I WANT

  48. Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance on August 2, 2011 at 5:12 pm

    Wow, your closet is a dream! It kind of reminds me of Carrie’s from the Sex & the City movie

  49. AR on August 2, 2011 at 5:17 pm

    I once had shelves like that for my shoes and I ended up buying some collapsable shoe shelves from container store so that each shelf was doubled. It worked well for the space and I wore stuff more often because I could see what I owned displayed all at once.

  50. Madeline (Food Fitness & Family) on August 2, 2011 at 5:29 pm

    I organize my closet pretty much the same way! My hubby laughs at the ROY G BIV of my side. LOL.

Leave a Comment





This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.