Closet Organizing Can Boost Well-Being

Spring has finally sprung and as people transition into their warmer-weather clothing, taking time for some closet organizing can be a highly satisfying rainy-day project.  With less clutter and items in tidy, accessible storage systems, adults can find things faster, save time deciding what to wear, and avoid the risk of falls reaching for items stashed on high shelves. 

According to a recent Wirecutter Home report, the first step in creating a more organized closet is to get rid of items that you don’t use regularly,  are in poor condition, or don’t fit.  Although the standard rule is to get rid of anything you haven’t worn in a year, because of the pandemic, organizers are extending this principle to two years. 

It’s also helpful to think about what you hope to achieve by decluttering.  Do you have a vision of what you would like the space to look like or is functionality more important?  Do you have a wardrobe that fits your current and future lifestyle?  With so many people retiring from jobs or continuing to work remotely, having more than a couple of suits or a few pieces of more formal business attire probably isn’t necessary.  

By purchasing storage and organizing tools carefully, you can keep better track of what you have and where to find it.  Slim hangers, shelf dividers, and hanging cubbies keep clothing and accessories tidy and easy to locate.  When you can see what you have, it’s less likely that you will purchase another similar item because you can’t find what you are looking for in your closet or drawers.  

Under-bed storage containers are useful for off-season clothing and bedding, but these items can pile up if not thinned occasionally.  With bins out of sight under a bed or in the back of a closet, it’s easy to forget what you have.  Vacuum storage bags are helpful to compress large bulky items like comforters – but if you have cats, you may need to store them in a cupboard where sharp nails can’t reach. 

Living in a cleaner, more organized living space can give people a greater sense of control over their lives and greater freedom.  A messy, cluttered home can worsen feelings of anxiety or stress for many people, and getting a better handle on household items, clothing, and linens can boost productivity and increase feelings of well-being, safety and security at home.   Read more about how clutter can influence perceived well-being by following this link to a recent study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology.