Closets are often overlooked as a place in homes that could use some reorganization and redecorating. Spring is a great time to give these forgotten spaces the consideration they deserve. Use these simple steps to get you well on your way to the transformed closet you deserve.
Step 1: Clearing and Sorting
Just like any other major transformation project in your home, to start, you must remove everything from the closet. This is the perfect opportunity to get rid of the things you thought you were going to use, and never did. It’s also the perfect time to transition your cold weather clothes into storage. Start by going through your clothing before packing anything away and decide what to give away and what to throw away. You certainly don’t need to store any items that you won't be wearing the next winter season.
Step 2: Cleaning and Painting
After removing everything, it’s time to give your closet a long overdue cleaning. Work from top to bottom to remove all of the cobwebs and the dust that has accumulated in corners and on any shelves. Wiping down the walls will help as well.
At this point you are ready to paint! This step is often forgotten or disregarded, but can make an amazing difference toward making your closet a fresh, clean space that you can enjoy that much more. Continue with the color from the rest of the room or, if the room color is too dark, consider using a nice, bright white. Start at the highest point and work your way down, beginning with the ceiling first.
Don’t forget the woodwork! Shelving, baseboards and trim can be done in a high gloss to give them extra protection. Once you’ve completed your paint job, think about adding shelving or storage where needed. If you have the option of installing new shelving consider cedar lining: not only does it look nice but it also helps repel pests like moths.
Tip: Sanding and painting closet shelves and/or using shelf liners can help prevent garment snags and protect clothing from the natural oils found in unpainted wood.
Step 3: Lighting
Good lighting is a must, and even if your closet isn’t wired you can now find inexpensive (and battery operated) alternatives to shed some light on your new space. Most styles use LED lights that emit clean, bright light. Some even come equipped with motion sensors so they’ll turn off automatically once you leave the area.
You now have a storage area you can be proud of. This kind of clean up and paint job is so simple and can also lend considerable support to a home sale.
Storage Solutions
Now that your closet has been renewed for spring, it’s time to say good-bye to your cold-weather clothes for the season. Sweaters do take some special care for storing, but most of these tips can apply to any clothing being stored away during any season.
- Take sweaters that require cleaning to the dry cleaners if the manufacturer's label advises it. Once back from the cleaners, remove sweaters from plastic or wrappings and air them out before storing. This step will help to eliminate possible discoloration or odor from dry cleaning chemicals. Wash your remaining sweaters using the gentle cycle on your laundry machine, or hand wash in your sink.
Tip: Never leave clothing inside plastic dry cleaning bags. Plastic prevents good airflow and can foster mold and mildew. Use fabric hanging bags when necessary. Even an old, clean bed sheet will do the trick and keep clothing protected!
- Plastic storage containers are better than cardboard when it comes to storing clothing, as cardboard can attract bugs. If using plastic, be sure to store in a dry place (not the basement), as they can tend to hold moisture. Even if you don’t have plastic bins handy, one of the best storage containers is an unused suitcase that has been thoroughly cleaned. Look for bins or suitcases that can be easily stored either in the bottom of your closet or under the bed.
- Line containers with acid free or white tissue paper and begin to separate out the more delicate sweaters that will need some sort of wrapping. For example, you will want to wrap anything made of cashmere or angora before storing. Wrapping sweaters in tissue paper can help protect them against dust and dampness. It also prevents delicate sweaters from rubbing against rough wool sweaters, which can cause piling.
- Fold each sweater, taking care not to ‘fold in’ a wrinkle during storage. Once folded, wrap the more delicate sweaters in tissue paper. You can now begin stacking sweaters in your storage container. Stack with the heaviest sweater on the bottom, moving up to the more lightweight sweaters at the top. Do not over-pack containers, as this may damage your sweaters. By stacking loosely, you will allow air to circulate and give your fabrics breathing room.
Tip: Sweaters should almost always be stored folded on closet shelves, in drawers or in containers. For hanging clothing, wood, padded and wide plastic hangers are a wiser choice than wire because they hold the shape of the clothing better. If hanging certain fabrics, such as knit wear and silk fabrics, use white tissue paper to pad the shoulders. Even hanging clothing should be kept as evenly spaced as possible to allow air circulation.
- Once packed, close the lid firmly. For additional organization, label the outside of the bin with "Sweaters" or “Winter Clothing” and include notes about colors, sizes or styles so you can easily identify them when packing for a mountain getaway, or for when winter's chill inevitably rolls around again.
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