Organization makes his/her closet workable

When it comes to creating workable his and her closets, the key is organization. The reality is that most closets are simply not large enough to accommodate the belongings of two people. And when it comes to organizing in general, a lot of people tend to hold onto things — including clothing — for nostalgic reasons, and this can add to the clutter.

In general, to keep the closet organized and create ease of use for his and hers setup, follow these simple steps:

1. Clean out your closet after every season. If you haven’t worn something for an entire season, chances are you probably won’t wear it in the coming year.

2. Unwrap dry cleaning. If you can see an item of clothing, it is easier for you to remember it is there and wear it.

3. Follow the “one in, one out” rule. If you buy a new white shirt, get rid of one you already have.

4. Ask yourself these questions: When was the last time I wore this item? Does it fit? Does it need mending? Does it have a stain on it? All of these questions can help you decide if the item is something you should keep or something that should go.

Some of my top organization picks (all items you may already have around the home):

n Use a drawer utensil divider to organize jewelry.

n Use kitchen cabinets to create order and organization in a home office or closets.

n Buy a multidrawer tool box. You can use these to organize everything from office supplies to makeup.

My favorite closet items on the market:

n Use huggable hangers instead of traditional wood ones. They reduce space and keep your closet orderly.

n Fold clothing and place into clear bins. Put out-of-season items or those you don’t use very often in clear bins and label with a marker, or place a photo on the outside of the bin that helps you identify what’s inside.

n Use erasable boards. They come in all sizes, and you can purchase erasable markers for labeling. Effective labeling is the key to effective storage and organization!

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com or visit her website at www.cathyhobbs.com.