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Spring is here, and nothing gets me more in the mood for warm weather than cute tanks, shorts, and swim suits. The problem is when you have accumulated so much junk in your closet that you can’t even see what you own!

To me, getting your closet in check is the main purpose of spring cleaning. I recently had a closet purge and I have felt so good about it every day since! Now, I can finally see what I own without having to dig for a certain shirt, and I know where each type of clothing is. I also color-coordinated my hanging clothes, which makes getting dressed for work so much easier!

Having a clean closet this spring has made me so happy, and I know it will make you happy too.

Here are my top 5 tips for cleaning your closet! Happy cleaning! 

Ivana Hrynkiw, closet, spring cleaning

Baskets are closet cleaning’s best friend

I know I say this a lot, but baskets are life, ya’ll! I bought five matching square wicker baskets from Target when I started my closet purge. They don’t have to match if you don’t care, but make sure they have some sort of handle so you can easily pull them out and see what’s in there! I also have separate baskets for my boots, my flip flops, and my bathing suits.
Keep in mind that variety stores like HomeGoods or Tuesday Morning always have tons of baskets, and will probably be more affordable. I just didn’t have one of those stores near me when I got the itch to spring clean my closet, so Target was my saving grace.

Trash versus donate versus keep

This is the part everyone hates, but its the most necessary part! Maybe you don’t realize it, but there are so many things in your closet you don’t wear anymore or probably even have broken zippers. If you keep stuffing these things in the back of your closet, either vowing to wear it or planning to get it fixed (but never do), it’s time for it to go. Remember, not every thing you don’t want is suitable to donate! Anything that’s broken, badly stained, or has holes in it, throw it in the trash. For me, the easiest way to differentiate these was to have three piles on my bed, and toss articles of clothing in each as I decided.

Sort, sort, sort

For me, this was a vital step. I sorted tank tops from short sleeve shirts and put them in separate baskets. I also separated t-shirts I sleep in from t-shirts I work out in, and put them different places. This helps me every morning to quickly grab the type of shirt I want without messing up every top in my closet!

You don’t need 17 gray sweaters

Again, this is a hard one and goes back to the donating versus keep step. As you’re sorting and putting everything in its new home, remember that you probably don’t need several different types of the exact same thing. A tan cardigan is a tan cardigan— you only need one. This is definitely how my closet gets overstuffed in the first place, because it’s so hard to resist! There’s nothing wrong with having several white t-shirts or a few black camisoles, but something that isn’t a staple doesn’t need to come in multiples. (No, jeans don’t count. I can’t stop myself on that one)

Find a system that works for you

Everyone is different, and everyone has a different vision for their dream closet. If you want everything hanging, find a way to install a second or third hanging rod or buy a standing rack to keep in your bedroom. I like to have some things folded, which is where my baskets came in handy. And, I HATE having pants hung so I keep mine on a separate shelf where they are easily accessible. My point is, find what works for you and stick to that! If you’re more comfortable hanging your shirts, then you’re more likely to do it… which in turn keeps your closet from looking like a hurricane hit.

This post is not sponsored; all opinions are my own.

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If your house is at all like mine, there isn’t a whole lot of storage space. I also really hate (visible) clutter, so it can be hard to figure out where things should belong. When I started moving things from my parent’s house to my fiancés, I quickly realized what a lifesaver cute storage options really are.

There are millions of variations of the options below, but you can really take these ideas and make them your own! For example, I have some wooden crates I bought for $6 at a local hardware store– I’m going to stain them to match our bed frame and use them to store sheets. It just depends on your style and needs, but something similar to options can work for anyone.

I’ve listed and linked below some of my favorite storage options and how I use them. I hope this list gives you some inspiration, and let me know how you use them!

home, storage, home storage

1. Wicker basket: I have an addiction to baskets like these, and I have them all over the house. In the closet, in the pantry, under the sink… I love them. You can usually find baskets in the same color but in different shapes and sizes at T.J. Maxx or HomeGoods, and then you can create unity while getting the different sizes you need to hold your stuff. (Buy the one pictured here)

2. Marble lazy Susan: While most people think lazy Susan’s are only for the kitchen (which they are great for!), they can actually be used for so many things. A pretty marble one can be used for things like nail polish or jewelry holders, while you can keep the wooden one in the kitchen. (Buy the one pictured here)

3. Bamboo shoe rack: I have two of these racks and I probably could use another. I use them for my heels, Mit’s shoes, and even hats! They stack, too, which is great for shoe hoarders like me. (Buy the one pictured here)

4. Painted jars: I bought a can of rose gold metallic spray paint at Walmart and I’ve never looked back. It takes 5 minutes to spray a few Mason jars (or plain glass jars from the dollar store), but they look like you paid high-dollar for them at a boutique. I use mine for makeup storage (check that out here!) but you can also use them for pens if you have an office.

5. Wooden cart: This is something I showed in my office room makeover too, and I hadn’t even taken the tag off of it in the picture! I loved it so much, I just loaded everything in it without even ripping off that pesky price tag. Obviously, I kept it. I use my cart for makeup storage (again) and for my camera gear. Use it in the bathroom for washcloths and essentials, or try it if you have a walk-in closet for socks and tights.  (Buy the one pictured here)

6. Trunk: In my parents’ house, at my college apartment, and now, I have always had a trunk at the foot of my bed. As a kid, it held my stuffed animals and toys. In college, it held books. Now, it is used for sheets and duvet covers. I love the idea of a trunk at the foot of the bed, and I think its safe to say I will always have one. Literally, throw anything you need in there! (Buy the one pictured here)

This post is not sponsored; all opinions are my own

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