How to Organise Your Wardrobe, According to Experts

In a world that feels increasingly chaotic, it feels important to cling to order wherever we can find it. It might seem like a small thing, but organising your wardrobe is a simple place to start. Think about it: we get dressed every day, so if our clothes are messily crammed into random drawers or hanging haphazardly off cheap hangers, we're going to experience the same self-inflicted annoyance on a daily basis. A tidy wardrobe is a tidy mind.

There are other perks, too. “Knowing how to properly store and care for your clothes not only helps you create a calm wardrobe but also extends the life of your clothing so that you can enjoy them for longer,” Maria Bettis, organisation expert and founder of Slow Style Mindset, tells me. “I remind my clients that opening their wardrobe is the first thing they do each morning, so if the experience is positive it will help set their mood for the rest of the day.”

Sounds worthwhile, right? But before you embark on a complete closet overhaul, there are a few things to keep in mind. Find out exactly how experts go about organising their wares, plus the handy products that make the job easier, below.

If you're working with a compact space, a heavy-duty wardrobe might not be the best option for you. I asked John Lewis' Home Design Stylist, Leah White, what she would recommend. “Fixing shelves on the walls that run the length of the room is a great solution in small spaces, as they keep the space feeling open and the illusion of more room. Clothing rails can then be hung underneath, maximising the space without the need for a chunky wardrobe.”

According to Bettis, “categorising and colour coordinating clothing makes the process of getting ready each morning easier.” There are financial and environmental benefits, too. “[It] helps identify gaps in your wardrobe so you can shop with purpose and steer clear from unnecessary impulse purchases.”

There's more to organising a closet than just hanging clothes. “Fold denim using shelf dividers to get the most use from your wardrobe,” White suggests, “and roll smaller items like strappy tops and shorts to really maximise drawer space.”

After talking to Bettis, I'm convinced there's a knack to making your knitwear last. “Your delicate knitwear is best stored folded to retain its shape but if you prefer to hang them, ensure you use rounded knitwear hangers to avoid pointed hanger marks on the shoulders that can cause permanent damage.”

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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