Organizing your hanging clothes efficiently involves selecting the right tools and implementing systematic arrangement techniques to maximize space and accessibility. Based on organizational principles, effective methods include choosing appropriate hangers, smart hanging strategies for specific items, prioritizing what to hang, knowing what not to hang, and applying categorization and color-coding.
Here's how to organize your hanging clothes:
Essential Steps for Closet Organization
Implementing a few key steps can transform a cluttered hanging space into a neat, functional closet.
1. Choose the Right Type of Hangers
The foundation of an organized hanging space starts with your hangers. While the reference doesn't specify types, using hangers that are suitable for the weight and material of your clothing prevents damage and maintains garment shape. Consistent hangers also create a visually streamlined look. For instance:
- Sturdy hangers for coats and jackets.
- Padded or flocked hangers for delicate blouses or slippery fabrics.
- Hangers designed for suits or dresses.
Using the right hanger ensures clothes hang properly without stretching or falling off.
2. Use Kids' Hangers for Adult Pants
A practical tip for saving space and keeping trousers neat is to use kids' hangers for adult pants. This technique works well because the smaller size of children's hangers is often suitable for folding adult pants over, preventing them from pooling at the bottom of the closet and taking up less rod space horizontally compared to standard adult hangers used for folding or clipping.
3. Hang Your “Nicest” and Most Used Items
Prioritize hanging items that are delicate, prone to wrinkling, or those you wear most frequently. This ensures they are easily accessible and remain in good condition. Think about items like:
- Dress shirts and blouses
- Trousers and skirts (using appropriate hangers)
- Dresses
- Jackets and blazers
Keeping these items readily available simplifies your daily routine.
4. Don't Hang Knitwear and Casual Clothing
Certain items are better stored folded than hung. Specifically, knitwear (like sweaters) and casual clothing can stretch or lose shape when hung. Folding these items preserves their structure and saves hanging space for garments that truly benefit from being on a hanger. This includes:
- Sweaters
- T-shirts (especially heavier ones)
- Some casual pants (like joggers)
5. Categorize, Then Color-Code Your Closet
A highly effective system is to first categorize your clothes, then organize each category by color.
- Categorization: Group similar items together (e.g., all blouses, all skirts, all jackets). This helps you see exactly how many items you have in each category and makes putting outfits together easier.
- Color-Coding: Within each category, arrange items by color. A common approach is to go from light to dark, or follow the colors of the rainbow. This visual organization makes it simple to locate specific items quickly.
| Category | Examples | Organization Method |
|---|---|---|
| Tops | Blouses, Shirts, T-Shirts | Hang (non-knit), Fold |
| Bottoms | Trousers, Skirts, Jeans | Hang, Fold |
| Dresses | Casual, Formal | Hang |
| Outerwear | Jackets, Blazers, Coats | Hang |
| Knitwear | Sweaters, Cardigans | Fold |
Using a table like this can help visualize your categories.
6. Arrange Clothing in the Same Direction
For a clean, uniform look and efficient use of space, ensure all hangers face the same direction. This simple step makes the closet look much neater and makes it easier to flip through items without hangers getting tangled.
By following these steps, you can create an organized hanging space that protects your clothes and simplifies getting dressed.
