Dreaming of a luxurious walk-in closet, but stuck with a less than dreamy space to house your wardrobe? Not to worry. Organizing expert, and closet stylist, Shira Gill, is dishing out her game-changing tips for how to transform even the smallest space into the closet of your dreams (and she’s walking the walk – she shares the three by six-foot closet featured below, with her husband). And if you need some additional support with your 2020 organizing goals? Check out Shira’s Virtual Closet Makeover Program or her brand new course, Get Organized Master Class right here.
Start with a Ruthless Edit
Whether your closet is large or small, there’s no reason to clutter up your space with items that just don’t fit, flatter, or make sense for your current lifestyle. Start with a quick sweep of your wardrobe, and get real about what you actually use, wear, and love. Gently used items can be donated, or consigned, through services such as The Real Real, Ebay, or Stitch Fix.
Ditch the Excess Hangers
One of the quickest, and easiest, ways to create additional space in your closet is simply to remove the excess hangers. Wire hangers can be returned to your local dry cleaner, and plastic hangers can be bundled up and recycled. Pro tip: create a streamlined and cohesive aesthetic by using uniform hangers in the same style and color.
The Sky’s the Limit (sort of…)
Going vertical can dramatically maximize your small space. You can DIY it by adding additional rods, or shelves, or contract with a specialized service such as The Container Store’s Elfa System, or California Closets, which will create a design plan to maximize your space from floor to ceiling.
Designate Boundaries in a Shared Space
Stuck sharing a closet? Don’t despair. Dividing the space, and creating clear boundaries, will ensure that you can take full ownership (and styling rights) over your side of the closet.
Stow the Seasonal
Pack up and relocate seasonal items such as bulky winter coats and heavy sweaters, or shorts, swimsuits, summer dresses, and cover ups, depending on the season. These items can be stored in an alternate closet, or tucked away in stackable bins (link to container store) or storage bags (link to Laundress).
Feature Your Favorites
Think of your closet as an opportunity to create your own curated boutique. Make sure your favorite items are featured front and center for easy access. Arrange your shoes and wardrobe by both type and color so you can find what you need quickly and easily.
Style Like You Mean It
Create visual interest, and a curated aesthetic, by styling your space with fashion or lifestyle books, candles, art, textiles, or anything else that inspires you.
As the song says, “If you can’t be with the one you love, honey, love the one you’re with.” Closet envy is real, Folks. Who wouldn’t want one of those dreamy walk-in closets that seem to go on for miles? But, for most of us, that just isn’t how we’re rolling. Don’t despair! If you put in a little effort to thoughtfully curate and style your closet, you’ll be living large in your small space in no time.
Shira Gill probably thinks you have too much stuff. Visit her at www.shiragill.com to sign up for her Virtual Closet Makeover program or newly launched Get Organized Master Class. Follow Shira on Instagram @shiragill for weekly tips and inspiration.