Work From Home Closet Makeover

Who could have predicted what we’ve gone through this year? I sure didn’t think so many disruptors to our usual routine would occur, that’s for sure! One thing that does look like it’s going to change for good is my wardrobe, though. Today, I’m sharing my work from home closet makeover and the process I use to keep it organized. 

What Inspired My Work From Home Closet Makeover?

With my full-time job, I’m only going into our office two days a week, which means the rest of the time, I’m working at home. Truth be told, I’m not sad about it. My commute downstairs to my kitchen table, aka my “desk”, is about 30 seconds instead of nearly 30 minutes. Dinner can be started earlier now and a load of laundry or errands can be run at lunchtime. Unexpected blessings have come with COVID. Dealing with occasional internet call issues with clients is way better than braving traffic problems. Just thinking about NOT driving through the snowstorms in the upcoming winter months makes me feel infinitely happier. Because driving in a snowstorm in Ohio is stressful and sometimes terrifying.

When the pandemic started, I fell into the same clothing rut as everyone else. Anxiety was high, everyone was quarantined at home, and pajamas became a day-long wardrobe choice as we glued ourselves to our computers, phones, and TV screens. Things are a little better now, yet still far from “normal” and retail clothing stores may never rebound.

Why Did I Do This?

I typically clean out my closet twice a year – right around Memorial Day and again shortly after Labor Day. You can read about how I typically do this in one of my first blog posts here. This time around, though, the process is a little different. Since it now appears that working primarily from home will be the new normal for a very long time, and possibly from now on, I frankly don’t need nearly as many clothes and shoes that are work appropriate. That doesn’t mean I need to get rid of everything, but working from home does not call for polished, tailored clothes and heels. I can definitely clear some space in an already small closet. My jam-packed closet before pic below tells the story!

I personally find switching out a closet seasonally to be a therapeutic process, and also fun, believe it or not. It feels like I get a brand new wardrobe twice a year, especially when pulling out clothes I forgot I had. Instead of rushing through the task, I developed a method to my madness. Earlier this year when I did a cleanout, I was still left with a lot of clothes I wasn’t ready to part with. Then it turned out to be the summer of hanging out at home, so those clothes sadly hung out too, all summer long.

My Work From Home Closet Makeover Process

• First, I pulled fall clothing storage bins out of the attic and took everything out, putting organized piles on our bed. Everything was washed before it was put into storage last year, so it was all good on that front, thank goodness.

• Every article of clothing and shoe or boot was reviewed individually.
• Sweaters went into open bins I keep in an armoire, workout clothes in bins on the top shelf.

• Completely worn out clothing got tossed.
• With the exception of staples like black leggings and jeans, multiples of the same type of clothing were donated.
• Clothing and shoes that were in good condition but no longer wanted or needed, like dress pants and heels were put in a large donation bag.
• Last year, I put sweatshirts on a shelf and I never felt like they were easily accessible or easily kept neat. This year, I hung them on hangers.
• Blanket scarves were put into bins under our bed last year. I thought that made sense, but the problem was I kept forgetting about them. This year, they were also put on hangers.
• Summer clothes that still fit and look good were put in bins for next year.

Here’s what the inside of my closet looks like now.

Much neater, right? Shoes are all lined up on these industrial-looking shelves that Matt built. Clothes are hung in color order. Jeans are neatly folded on another shelf. Rarely worn items and an overnight bag are on the top. I also keep an empty clothes basket in the closet to toss dirty clothes in. There’s a full-length mirror on the closet wall and some hooks to hang clothes on each night so I don’t have to dig through the closet. It’s small but tidy.

Why An Organized Closet Makes Sense

Every person is different with their own set of routines and habits. Even though I’m a morning person, I am a busy morning person. I eat breakfast, read a bit, say prayers, walk Yosemite, feed chickens, and run or bike a few miles before many people even think about getting out of bed. Having a streamlined and organized closet saves me precious time and lots of frustration in the morning. A good closet cleanout reminds me of what I already have, too, so it keeps me from buying things I don’t need. Now if only Matt would do the same to his side! ?

What are the tips and tricks you employ to keep your closets clean and organized? Do you enjoy it too, or do you find it to be a tedious chore? Let me know in the comments!