NEW COLUMN! Declutter Diaries: Coat Closet

By Y.M. Lowy

Welcome to the first post in our home organizing series! In this weekly Monday column, we’ll explore a different area of your home each week - helping you declutter, organize, and bring back its shine. We’ll also share interesting facts and feature your perspectives on how you tackle the task!

We’re kicking things off with the foyer and coat closet - those areas that tend to collect clutter as soon as you walk in.

Organize This:

Even if you don’t have a large entryway, you can still keep this space neat and organized. Small changes, like using vertical storage or creating designated spots for shoes and bags, can make a big difference. Let’s get started with some simple ideas to help make your entryway welcoming and clutter-free.

• 1. Empty the Closet: Start by taking everything out of the closet. This gives you a chance to assess what’s in there, check for items you no longer need, and clean the space.
• 2. Sort Through Your Items: Go through your coats, jackets, scarves, hats, gloves, and any other items. Consider donating or storing off-season items. I like these fabric organizers for storing coats during the spring and summer. They fit where large bins don’t and can even be stored under beds.
• 3. Use Slim Hangers: Replace bulky hangers with slim, strong ones. These take up less space and help keep clothes from slipping off. Make sure the slim hangers are not flimsy and can hold a winter coat. These hangers give your coat closet a sleek, tidy upgrade that is affordable.
• 4. Add Hooks for Extras: Install hooks or pegs along the inside of the door or on the closet wall for scarves, hats, briefcases, and umbrellas. Hooks are great for frequently used items.
• 5. Maximize Shelf Space: If your closet has shelves, use baskets or bins to store small items like gloves, mittens, or extra hats. Label each container so it’s easy to find what you need. Soft fabric bins allow little hands easy access without the risk of heavy falling objects.
• 6. Use the Floor Wisely: If you have room on the floor, consider a shoe rack or a mat for shoes, boots, and other footwear to keep the floor clutter-free. This expandable shoe rack is great for closets with little room.
• 7. Maintain It: Regularly go through your coat closet, especially at the start of each season. Make sure you only keep what you need and put items back in their designated spots to prevent clutter from building up again.

Did You Know?

The coat closet is high on the list of the most used spaces in the home, but often gets the least attention! Studies show that the average person opens their coat closet more than 30 times a week- whether it’s to grab a coat, find an umbrella, or a pair of shoes. So, by keeping it organized, you can make your daily routine smoother and less stressful!

Myth Busting:

Myth: If your closet is overflowing, you need more space

Reality: Often, organizing and purging clothes can solve the issue without needing extra storage.

One Item Purge Challenge:

Part with one item you don’t need, use, or love. This week, I challenge you to tackle the umbrellas in your coat closet. Is there an umbrella in your stash that’s missing ribs, or torn, or does it not close properly? If the answer is yes, it's time to let it go. 

How Do You Do It?

Be honest - how often do you part way with an old coat? Are you a “one in, one out” kind of person or are you secretly running a coat museum?

Let us know in the comments below!

photo: Shutterstock