Many thanks to our fabulous guest blogger Mika Perry for sharing her helpful tips for closet organization with the moms of Scottsdale! Read more about Mika at the bottom of her post.
You’ve met the teacher. The new sneakers are broken in. That pricey, oh-so-cute, BPA-free water bottle has already been in “lost & found”… twice. Your preschooler’s lunchbox is packed daily, like those perfect bento boxes on Pinterest. Now, please pause for another to-do item:
Let’s focus on ourselves.
“Whaaaat?? OURSELVES?” you loud-whisper ask.
Yes. And here’s why: whether the 2014-2015 school year is in full swing for your family, or you are quickly reading this on your iPhone, folding your baby’s onesies, while your toddler throws the yogurt he wants but ironically hates at the same time… if you are a mom, you definitely deserve some attention on yourself right about NOW.
As a professional organizer, busy moms are one of my most common clientele. And with many kids back in school, we’re finding that it’s the perfect time to shift focus and give your own personal space some love. The playroom? Leave it for another day. The nursery? Not now.
Right now, let’s get your own closet in order because you deserve a place that makes you feel like you are shopping in your favorite boutique, and leaves you feeling a bit more special as you start your day as “Mom.”
1. Match your hangers
If there is one thing you do for your closet for an instant upgrade, it is replacing all your hangers with matching slimline hangers. Pro tip: go for the black. It makes the hangers essentially disappear and puts the focus on the clothes. Get them at Costco for $9.99 for a box of 35. Best. Deal. EVER!
2. ROY G. BIV
Remember the acronym for the rainbow colors? This is how we arrange everything from shoes to shirts to socks. Pro tip: pinks go before the reds, and whites always come first!
3. Who are you?
Carrie Bradshaw was a total “shoe” person. Decide what kind of person you are, by figuring out what you are drawn to most when you are out shopping. Handbags? Jeans? Jackets? Give those spaces what I call “prime real estate” in your closet. Place them front and center, and invest in some tools that will help showcase them like a store. Pro tip: I love to help handbag lovers display their pieces upright and maintain their shape with these purse pillows!
4. Hit the floor
Place loose items that find their way to the floor (like scarves, totes, and hats) in bins and baskets. Don’t forget to label! Pro tip: casual, daily-type shoes like flats, sandals, and sneakers also tend to clutter the floors. Keep them in a canvas bin for easy access, while still maintaining a clean look.
5. Don’t forget the jewelry!
Accessories play a huge part in any boutique, often times displayed prominently. This is because they finishes off the look or takes a semi-basic outfit to a whole new level. Follow their lead and show off your jewelry, whether you have just a few key items or an enviable collection of baubles. Pro tip: acrylics keep everything sparkly! You can stack them to save space, and when placed in a drawer mimics custom inserts!
Oh, and bonus?
All of these closet organiation tips will help you put an outfit together faster than before. Which is exactly what you need for life’s more demanding moments (cue aforementioned yogurt situation.) Happy organizing – and don’t forget to take care of YOU!
About our guest blogger:
Mika Perry is Neat Method’s Scottsdale gal, whipping up Valley homes into tip top shape as a luxury residential organizer. Born in Japan but raised in Arizona, Mika is a Sun Devil through and through. She aspires to be supermom to her two girls and cherishes time with friends and family. She takes on any challenge, and has even tackled an overnight run in the desert. She loves classical music, but secretly listens to hip hop. She’s obsessed with neon, anything monogrammed, and big hair. She worked in finance before shaping young minds as a teacher. She believes in the art of entertaining and thrives on being head chef during holiday gatherings, making her Neat Method’s Master of Kitchens. Follow Mika on Instagram, Pinterest, and NEAT’s blog here.
All photos by Neat Method
