We know we’re prone to hyperbole here at IDEAL, it’s a writer’s prerogative after all, but did you know that a disorganised closet is bad for your health and the environment?
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners have found that clutter can ‘’affect our anxiety levels, sleep, and ability to focus’’ as well as making us less productive.
In fact, research (which may or may not have been funded by Big Closet) published in 2009 observed higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol in mother’s whose domestic environments were cluttered.
That’s not all; the Green Home Guide point out that clearing clutter can reduce your carbon footprint, too, with a ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ policy benefiting your green credentials and helping you avoid having to make needless new purchases, particularly of clothes. And as we’re sure you’re aware, fast fashion is now one of the leading causes of landfill.
Anyway, we don’t think it’s too much of a reach, then, to highlight the benefits of a tidy closet. If you find yourself panicking as you open your wardrobe and your clothes start making a break for freedom, then you’ll know that’s unnecessary stress that could easily be avoided.
And if you also find yourself muttering out loud “Have you seen my red sweater?’’ before opting to buy a new one rather than sift through the debris, then you’ll know the harm that your disorganised wardrobe is inadvertently doing to the planet.
All sound a little too familiar? If your clothes are out of control, read on for smart ideas that will help you curate the ideal closet.
EDIT YOUR WARDROBE
Who What Wear explains that “shopping thoughtfully is a crucial component in creating a wardrobe that brings you happiness, evaluating what you already own is key”.
And we have to say, we agree with them. Prior to designing the ideal physical space for your clothes, you need to take stock of what you own and the clothes that will call that closet their home.
There’s a pretty big chance that you don’t use around 50% of what you have in your wardrobe so before you start collating the clothes you like, be ruthless with the ones you don’t. Give to charity the items you don’t wear, freeing up space for the ones that you love. Simple.
MAXIMISE STORAGE WITH A BESPOKE WARDROBE
‘’I have absolutely nothing to wear’’, said nearly every person who owns a freestanding wardrobe.
If the ideal wardrobe for you is simply being able to access your clothes more easily, then consider a fitted wardrobe. Because there are so many reasons to get a fitted wardrobe, not least for their organisational properties.
Inspired Closets, who are expert closet designers, tell us that “Fitted wardrobes come in sorts of designs, shapes and different sizes. They’re versatile, adaptable pieces. However small or awkward your bedroom space appears, there’s a fitted wardrobe perfect for it.’’
Indeed, fitted wardrobes are completely customisable and can accommodate your specific storage needs via a clever combination of drawers, shelves and different sized compartments. Speaking of which…
SHOWCASE YOUR COLLECTIONS
We’re still dreaming and we’re still designing, here. If you boast an impressive shoe collection, for example, then design a dedicated area just for your shoes in your dream closet. Consider glass display cabinets to create easily accessible (and assessable) storage for more precious pieces to keep them safe from dust and dirt.
CATALOGUE ALL YOUR CLOTHES
Let’s be clear, the ideal wardrobe is an organised wardrobe. It’s a wardrobe where you can see all of your clothes and know exactly what you own via a cursory appraisal alone.
While every home certainly deserves a fitted wardrobe, we’re not all blessed with the space or money to create a bespoke closet. Moreover, many of us rent, which is a massive barrier to designing your very own fitted wardrobe.
Do you remember that scene in the seminal teen classic Clueless where Cher’s clothes are catalogued on a computer? For an interesting organisational quirk, consider taking polaroids of yourself in all of your outfits — tops, bottoms, pants, skirts, the lot, and creating a catalogue so you know exactly what you own.
Alternatively, download the digital wardrobe app Whering which allows you to catalogue your clothes and create unlimited outfits. It even offers styling suggestions. Whering founder and CEO Bianca Rangecroft told Vogue “I want to fundamentally change the way we interact with our clothes, and that vicious cycle of not being able to see what you own, impulse buying, and not quite getting it right”. And you’re here for the same desires, right?
CONSIDER A CONVEYOR SYSTEM
We’re back to the 1990s (did we ever really leave?) and Cher’s revolving wardrobe. The idea behind a good closet is that you’re able to get a good visual of everything and remember what you have. Enter the closet carousel, essentially a hanging rack and conveyor belt rolled into one, which allows a moving appraisal of your clothes. If you’re lucky enough to have the space for one, that is.
These nifty devices, which can be freestanding or fit into a walk-in closet, allow you to view and access all of your clothes – even the ones lurking right at the back of the closet – at the touch of a button. Yours for $5000.
STANDING IN YOUR SPOTLIGHT
Because spotlights aren’t just for the catwalks….
The deepest recesses of a conventional wardrobe are dark and desolate, and items of clothing seem to get swallowed up by the gloom. Here’s where built-in closet lighting comes in. Able to create a luxurious boutique effect and a warm ambience whilst illuminating your clothes and accessories, a simple light in your closet can illuminate everything that you own.
You don’t need to spend big on lighting up your wardrobe either; simply buy some wireless, remote controlled battery operated puck lights from Amazon and voila, you have a well lit space and easily identifiable clothes.
CONSIDER COLOUR COORDINATING CLOTHES
Colour coding your closet is not only the easiest way to quickly find the clothes you’re looking for, but it also saves you time in coordinating your outfits stylishly. For the fastidious few out there, it’s also aesthetically pleasing in the extreme. And on that note, we’re off to admire our own wardrobe setups once again…goodbye!
Looking for more organisational tips? Let us direct you to our article on 6 ways to organise your wardrobe, once and for all.