Whilst browsing particularly through social media, one can see so many beautiful walk-in closets. I have to be honest, I have always been fascinated by walk-in closets. I would literally visualize how organized it would be and am always super excited when asked to organize a walk-in closet. There is something fascinating about them.
Reality Check: I don’t own a walk-in closet but a normal wardrobe. Ultimately I am happy with my wardrobe, because when you sit down and think of it, walk in wardrobes can be a contradiction for those who want to live with less and want to stay organised.
What am I saying? Isn’t a walk in closet the best option for having your clothes organized?
Your closet should reflect your lifestyle. So if you are like me, a mum that works outside the home, and would live in jeans, t-shirt and flat shows, (with occasional weddings or special event), then you don’t need a walk in closet.
- Have you ever thought that you are paying your home loan to have a space to store stuff. Not a space to LIVE IN but a space to STORE STUFF (Ok some of you might live in your closet 🙂 )
- If you have a walk-in closet you feel the need to fill it up which means spending more money.
It is useless having a walk in closet if it is not organized and if you only wear 20% of your clothes (which is the norm).
We only wear 20% of the clothes we own 80% of the time.
So yes, you can definitely live with a smaller closet and here are some tips how to keep it organised:
1. Purge
Aim at eliminating 80% of your clothes. Don’t hang on to clothes that don’t fit any more with the hope of fitting in them one day. Do away with clothes that you no longer love. If you want to achieve that luxurious feeling, then less is more. We all know that feeling of luxurious when we enter highend boutiques. Why do we get that feeling? Because they have few items on display.
2. Capsule Wardrobe
I am no fashionista, but I believe that simple and classical pieces can take you a long way. Maybe you want to consider the capsule wardrobe approach. It’s not an easy task but if you are focused you can achieve great results. If you would like to learn more about capsule wardrobe you can read more on MyDivaInside blog post Effortless Capsule Wardrobe
3. Store your shoes in a shoe organizer out of your walk in
If you have a small closet and want to create that luxury feeling then you need to have less in your walk in. Therefore unless you have a discreet show organizer in your closet, then it is recommended to store your shoes somewhere else. I believe the majority, don’t wear your outside shoes inside your home, so consider setting up a show organiser somewhere in the vicinity of your hallway.
Shoes should always be hidden away. Apologies if I am harsh, but I just hate it when you see shoes on the landings of apartments. I have also seen houses with a small porches that have their shoes on the porch (for me it’s a big NO NO).
4. Keep it simple
The larger the walk in closet, the more features you can include in the design of your closet. Despite being appealing, it would cost more money. Some walk in closets systems on paper seem useful and practical but in reality they are not. Having uniform hangers (best ones are the wooden ones), is a simple way to give your closet a uniform look.
Having a small walk in closet or a wardrobe does not mean that you are limited. It’s all about how you organize it.
Love
Strugglingmum xxx
PS: If you would like assistance in organising your walk-in closet, feel free to contact me for a quote.