Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Tip of the Day Tuesday / Closet Makeover 101


Ladies & Gents time to take out your summer outfits and get ready for the hot sunny days ahead! You may find yourself (and your closet) trapped in your winter gear and asking yourself what’s the point in owning great pieces if you can’t find them?

We’re here to help! AOD’s got tips on how to get a clean and well-organized closet to maximize the functionality of your storage space.


Step 1: Game Plan & Purging
Categorize the items that will go into your closet, especially if you have a small closet. We really only use 20 percent of our wardrobes as we tend to wear clothes that are comfortable, make us look good, and fit. Therefore get rid of things you no longer wear and if you need help with what to get rid of ask a friend to help. Chances are they may find new joy in some of your old pieces!

Step 2: Storage Solutions
Hiring a professional may be more affordable than you think. They’ll design something that works and on your budget! But if you plan on designing your own storage unit, there are a lot of great closet organization systems that you can purchase at Ikea, Walmart, Canadian Tire, Target, and Home Depot.

Designer Tip: Pick a unit that allows you to see your clothes and accessories. If you don’t see it, you won’t wear it.


Step 3: Start Organizing
AOD has categorized each piece and how to organize it to make it easier for you. If you have the space we really recommend that you hang everything on hangers for a stylish and accessible closet.

Designer Tip: Avoid using plastic storage of any kind. Fabric garment bags and boxes will protect your clothing from chemicals and damage and are great for seasonal storage.

Tops: We recommend that you hang tops; they won’t wrinkle as much and are ready to wear. Organize according sleeveless or long sleeves and then categorize it by colour.

Sweaters:  Knitwear and sweaters should be folded so they won’t lose their shape on hangers. You will want to organize sweaters by colour and then put them on shelves with dividers or in cubbies.

Jeans & Pants: There are a number of ways to organize your jeans & pants; it’s really a personal choice. We recommend that you sort them by colour first and then light to dark denim. To keep them from wrinkling, we suggest you hang these on pant hangers or have a pant hanging system installed.

Shorts & Skirts: Hang shorts and skirts by using clipping hangers. Pinch or fold at the top of the garment on either side. Place clips on the inner part of your fold so the hanging clips don’t mark the garment.

Dresses: We suggest that you hang your dresses according to colour rather then by length. You may what to categorize your dresses into 2 categories, the first category for formal wear and the second for everyday wear.

Shoes: There’s certainly mainly ways to organize shoes! We highly recommend putting your winter boots away in storage. Shoes will look great in cubbies or on shelves where you can see them. For space saving try toe L to heel R. This gives at least an extra pair per shelf.   

Under garments & Lingerie: Lingerie should be tucked away in drawers, Bras in one drawer and underwear in another. Organize these items by colour, size and type while laying them flat down (think Victoria Secret Store drawers, they’ve got it down).

Jewelry: These delicate items should be kept in a built-in drawer or one with suede or plush fabric dividers.  No space for an extra drawer? Try a large jewelry box or two that can be stored or sit attractively on top of your dresser or vanity.

Bags, Scarves, and Hats: We suggest hanging hats and scarves on wall hooks or if you have quite a collection on a shelf folded and sorted by colour. Bags should hang on the highest shelves.

Finally some inspiration to get you ready for your closet make over. Here are AOD’s favorite closets:


Images: Pinterest

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