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How to Clean and

Thoroughly Organize

Your Coat Closet

by Maria Gracia Updated August 2, 2024 Join our newsletter to be notified when new content is added to our website. As summer winds down, it's the perfect time to declutter and reorganize your coat closet, especially if it has been overlooked for a while. Follow these detailed steps to transform your coat closet into an orderly and functional space, ready for the crisp fall weather ahead. 1. Start by emptying out the entire closet. Remove everything, including coats, shoes, items hanging on hooks, and any containers. This blank slate will provide a clear view of the space and make the cleaning process more manageable. 2. Thoroughly clean the closet. Use a vacuum attachment to clean the shelves and remove any dust or debris. Don’t forget to vacuum the floor to eliminate dust bunnies. Then give the floor a good clean as well. 3. Upgrade your hangers. Ditch flimsy wire hangers from the dry cleaner or easily breakable plastic ones. Invest in sturdy hangers capable of supporting heavy coats without bending. Consider purchasing wooden or heavy plastic matching coat hangers for a more polished and organized look. Ensure you have enough hangers for your family members and some extras for guests. 4. Group by family member. As you return the coats and jackets to the closet, organize them by each family member. Avoid including items that don’t fit or aren’t worn by anyone. For better organization, visually divide each person’s section into winter coats/jackets and summer coats/jackets. If you have out-of- season items, consider storing them elsewhere. 5. Keep accessories organized. To maintain order with accessories like winter gloves, scarves, and earmuffs, add tote bags or containers (color coded) for each family member. Before placing items inside, take the opportunity to discard any gloves that are missing mates. 6. Organize your shoes. Add a shoe rack to the coat closet, but reserve it for shoes you wear regularly. For a larger shoe collection, use your bedroom closets. 7. Add some hooks. If you store items like umbrellas, dog leashes, and backpacks in the coat closet, add sturdy hooks to keep these items easily accessible and tidy. 8. Add shelving. Consider installing extra shelving if your closet currently only has one tall shelf. This added space will provide more storage and make it easier to keep things organized. 9. Contain small items. For tall items like canes or umbrellas, include a tall container to store them neatly. By following these steps, your coat closet will be transformed into a well-organized and functional space, all set for the upcoming cooler weather. Back to Organized Storage Index