Easiest Way to an Organized Closet

Dear K & K: My closet is overstuffed and it’s such a pain in the butt to get things in and out of it. I just want an organized closet but it feels elusive. I dutifully change things up seasonally. I’ve got matching hangers. I try to get rid of a few things every year but it’s still a nightmare. Help!!!! Signed: Stuffed in Seattle

Dear Stuffed: First, read our recent blog post on creating the perfect closet system. Sounds like you’re more than halfway there. So for you, the easiest way to an organized closet is to hire a stylist. They’re brutal but effective at clearing out clothing clutter. We always recommend clients in the same position as you hire a stylist to “shop” their closet. We borrowed this phrase from our favorite stylist, Real Life Style‘s, Lani Inlander.

When you have a stylist shop your closet, you bring out EVERYTHING, including accessories. Then you go through it piece by piece. You put together outfits, photograph them and create a look book on your phone to quickly find outfit ideas. Then, any stylist worth his/her salt will tell you what items you should get rid of at the end of your session. She/he can also tell you what items you might need to add to complete a few looks.

If there are things that your stylist suggests you dump but you can’t part with them just yet, then create a magical later box of clothes. Put it somewhere besides your clothing closet. Revisit in 6 months and see what you remember AND miss. Whatever that is, keep it. Everything else, donate to someone else.

So, if you’re in the DC area or NYC area, call Lani. Everyone else, ask around. And no, you don’t have to be a gazillionaire to afford one. Often people are willing to trade services or for a few of hours of work, it’s not as insanely expensive as you’d think. Happy “Shopping”: Katie & Kelly