Choose a Color-Coding Method
There are a few different ways you can color-code your closet:
By Clothing Type
Group clothes by type – shirts, pants, dresses, etc. Assign each clothing type a color. For example, all shirts are red, pants are blue, dresses are yellow. This helps you quickly find a specific type of clothing.
By Color
Arrange clothes by their actual color. Reds together, blues together, etc. This allows you to easily pull together outfits in coordinating colors.
By Season
Organize clothes by the season or weather they are best suited for. For example, winter clothes are purple, summer clothes are orange. This makes seasonal transitioning effortless.
By Occasion
Categorize clothes by when you wear them – work, casual, exercise, date night, etc. Give each grouping a designated color. For instance, work clothes are green, casual clothes are pink.
Gather Supplies
To color-code your closet, you’ll need:
- Colored hangers, bins, boxes or shelves – one color for each clothing category
- Labels, tape or paint to mark colored containers
- Garment racks, cubbies or shelves to sort clothing
Acrylic colored hangers, stackable bins and adjustable shelving all work great. Make sure to have enough supplies in each color.
Sort Your Clothes
Go through your entire wardrobe piece by piece and sort into piles by how you are color-coding – type, actual color, season or occasion. This process will take time but is key to organizing successfully.
As you sort:
- Check condition and fit. Remove items to donate or mend.
- Discard items you haven’t worn in over a year.
- Launder clothing before putting away.
Assign Colors
Decide which color will represent each clothing category. For example, red for shirts, blue for pants. Consistent color assigning makes retrieving clothes easier.
Label colored organizing supplies with categories. For instance, write “Shirts” on red hangers, “Pants” on blue bins.
Put Clothes Away Color-Coded
Place each item in its designated color-coded spot. Some tips:
- Hang tops together in color groups.
- Roll sweaters in assigned colored bins.
- Stack pants, shorts and skirts in coordinated piles.
- Store accessories like belts, scarves and hats in matching boxes.
- Arrange clothes from light to dark shades within each color.
Maintain the System
To keep your color-coded closet organized:
- Return clothes to proper colored spots after wearing.
- Put new purchases immediately into the correct color location.
- Re-sort seasonally when transitioning wardrobes.
- Periodically purge clothes you haven’t worn.
- Adjust storage if needed to accommodate changing needs.
The work upfront pays off with a closet that’s neat, easy to use and a pleasure to look at! A color-coded system reduces stress by making clothes accessible. You gain time each morning and have creative inspiration at your fingertips.
Frequently Asked Questions About Color-Coding a Closet
Here are some common questions about organizing your closet by color:
How many color categories should I have?
This depends on the size of your wardrobe, but aim for 4-8 color groups. Too many becomes complicated. Stick to larger categories to start.
Should I color-code seasonally?
Yes, this makes switching between seasonal wardrobes simpler. Have one set of colors for cold weather clothes, a separate scheme for warm weather.
What’s the best way to color-code accessories?
Use smaller boxes or trays to corral smaller items like belts, gloves and hats. Assign each type a color and label them.
How often should I re-sort clothes?
Plan to do a full re-organization at least twice a year – when transitioning between seasons. Also when adding many new items or removing many.
What do I do if I run out of space for a color?
Reassess your categories and consider consolidating colors that have less items into broader categories. Or add more shelves, racks or units in that color.
Should I organize clothes by style instead?
You can, but color is a simpler starting method. Once mastered, add style organization too for next-level coordination power!
Conclusion
Color-coding your closet creates an organized system that makes getting dressed a breeze. Use colored accessories like hangers and bins to categorize clothes in a way that suits your needs. Maintain the order by putting pieces back properly each wear. With a color-coded closet, you’ll maximize your wardrobe and minimize morning stress!