The changing of the seasons is the perfect time to freshen your closets — not only will you have an updated look for your space, but you will also showcase your clothing in a new way. When it comes to closet organization, I like to start from scratch and refresh the space from top to bottom. Doing so saves money because it gives your old clothes a new lease on life by making them easier to find, and with these budget-friendly tips, you’ll have a whole new space to love!
Tip #1: Take everything out. I mean EVERYTHING. Each shoe, bag and pair of pants. As you take things out, divide them into the following categories: toss, donate, keep and fix. Only keeping what you’ll love and wear is the quickest way to update your wardrobe. Everything else should go.
Tip #2: Clean your closet starting from the top and moving down. Since dust falls downward, start at the top (your light fixture and top shelves) and move downward. Dust, deep clean and vacuum. See, it’s feeling fresher already!
Tip #3: Update the paint and flooring. If your lease allows, repaint the interior of your closet. Even a coat of bright white paint can do wonders. You could also stick on vinyl decals (gold circles and black triangles are trendy right now), which should come off cleanly and won’t damage the wall. Check out this preppy closet makeover where one woman used wrapping paper as a rental-friendly wall covering. Consider putting down a small rug if you have hardwood or tile flooring. It’s inexpensive and really adds softness to the space.
Tip #4: Ditch the metal hangers. One way to extend the life of your clothing and make your closet look better is to ditch the metal hangers and invest in wooden or slim velvet ones. Pick up a pack each time you see them at discount stores, and eventually you’ll have enough for each piece of clothing, and it will transform your closet! Plus, you can take them with you, so it’s an investment you won’t lose when you move.
Tip #5: Add a personal touch. One renter-friendly way to add personality to your space is replacing the pulls on bi-fold doors. As long as you keep the original pull and put it back before you move, it’s an inexpensive way to insert your style!
Tip #6: Create additional storage with hooks. There are many beautiful hooks on the market, but even inexpensive adhesive hooks do the job and are easy to remove when it’s time to move. Use them to hang jewelry, bags and belts — you’ll find space you never knew you had.
Tip #7: Show off your scarves. This pretty scarf holder is functional, too. The scarves add decoration to your closet when displayed out in the open!
Tip #8: Add art or a mirror. Nothing says “glamorous” like a piece of art or a gorgeous mirror in a walk-in closet. Plus, it gives you a chance to check out your outfit or jewelry without leaving the room.
Tip #9: Get creative with displays. This vase doubles as jewelry storage (and the jewelry doubles as décor) when displayed on a closet shelf. I have a small table in my closet on which I’ve placed vases with my statement jewelry, and it always makes me smile.
Tip #10: Utilize space effectively. Find creative ways to store common items, such as shoes. Or double your space by using the back of your closet door or wall space to hang organizers for shoes, toys and more. This handy shoe holder hangs on the back of a closet door and instantly adds storage where we previously only had wasted space.
As you can see, putting in a little time to freshen up your closets can lead to an abundant reward for your effort — a feels-like-new space and wardrobe! Most of these ideas can be done in just a few hours. Which tips will you implement to organize your closets and add personality to your rental?