Organizing the Hall Closet

Still going strong on this 40 bags in 40 Days Challenge...nothing like a challenge to ignite the inner clean freak in me. This time it was the hall closet. I decided to purge a lot...and that meant just throwing out things that took up space. Before:

Back in the days, hall closets were used to hang guests’ coats. Today, we typically transport guests’ coats to the nearest bedroom because hall closets are now being used for sporting equipment, shoes, boots, backpacks, hats, gloves, scarves, wrapping paper…you get the picture. The trick, according to professional organizers, is to limit and categorize what you put in it.

1. Purge and sort. Get rid of what you don’t use or need. Then sort the rest. Is there another place you can hang those sweatshirts and team jackets? What about the mudroom?

2. Consider seasons. If your hall closet is small, you will need to make seasonal changes. After all, what good is a pair of mittens when it’s 90 degrees outside? Although that beach bag could be used on a trip, most likely it won’t be needed on an icy winter day. Find another spot for seasonal wear and sports equipment – even if it means extra large trash bags.

3. Categorize. Place similar items in containers, baskets, or bins, leaving room for hanging coats. Use shoetrees for shoes or simply place a laundry pan on the floor to use for wet boots or shoes. You can also hang an over-the-door shoe organizer or  hanging storage (see below) to hold everything from shoes to mittens to keys. 

Sorry these pictures aren't the greatest, but I was working with natural light on a dark day. Below, you can actually see the floor (and paint sample patches). 

Here's to 12 bags in 17 days!!