STYLE Savvy: Considering the Closet

My closet is one of the best-organized spaces in my house, but, as an I need to see it person, I find its dark recesses intimidating.

I've tried adding light, and that helps, but not enough.

I've tried buying skinny hangers, but my clothes still get crushed (I know. Get rid of some).

I am on the cusp of a clothing reorganization.

But where do I put everything? My house is small enough that I have to move clothes around when the seasons change, so a closet overhaul promises to be an intimidating endeavor.

There's that word again.

Would you be surprised to know that I have some drawers I'm not fully utilizing? Combined with the big, rectangular space that is my closet, I have space -- theoretically, anyway. The problem is determining how to best use it, and how to get from here to there.

All of my usual small steps tactics aren't enough. This requires making a big mess in order to create order.

[Tweet "5 tools from @L2Hess to help #organize your #closet!"]

Fortunately, STYLE provides the blueprint I need to make this work.

• Start with successes. I know some drawers and sections of my closet are working and well-utilized, so the first step is to decide what I don't have to change. That shrinks my task considerably, and sets me up to...
• Take small steps. Once I know what I have to fix, I can make a list. Then, I can either set aside an afternoon and make a big mess, or I can chip away at it drawer by drawer, section by section.
• Yes, it has a home. The heart of this project is determining which homes are working and which need to be changed, so as I...
• Let it go and get rid of items that are out-of-style, out-of-shape, no longer my size or no longer to my liking I'll be able to decide which things belong in which homes (I hope). Once I've weeded out the non-keepers and put everything is in its (new) place, I'm on my way to...
• Easy upkeep. My end goal. Right now, the upkeep is not easy because some of the space is well-utilized, but other spots are overstuffed and therefore clamoring for attention.

Funny how this process is cyclical. When the upkeep is no longer easy, it's time to go back to the beginning and Start with what's working. Not only does this help me identify what I need to fix, but it also reminds me what I'm aiming for. If something's working, it's probably true to my styles, and something I should try to replicate in the spots where things aren't working as well.