Whether your closet looks like you were just visited by Marie Kondo or a Dothraki Horde, we could all do with a couple organization tips to keep our closet manageable and our clothes in optimal condition.

It’s okay, these organization tips will still be helpful long after the references above ;)

So read on! It’s time to clean up your closet and create a polished and personalized space that you can enjoy each time you get dressed.
 

Keep your daily essentials in the front row

You've heard the phrase "out of sight, out of mind"—while that usually applies to former flames, the same rule also works for closet organization.

Store your least-worn items at the back so you can dedicate prime closet real estate to your most beloved pieces. This will make getting dressed a lot more convenient, and you'll avoid the all-too-familiar situation of rummaging through the closet and ending up with a pile of discarded clothes on the floor or bed. 

Style tip: Organize your go-to accessories, like a classic watch or simple jewelry, on a small tray next to your closet. Having them visible will encourage you to wear them and give you a more complete and polished look.

Think like a pro: know when to fold 'em

It might seem basic, but improper storage can cause a garment to lose its shape. Make sure you properly note which items to fold and which items to hang.

Clothes you should fold:

Gently fold delicate items such as cashmere sweaters and heavy knits. For extra care you can add a layer of acid-free tissue between garments.

Denim should also be folded, as hanging can cause it to stretch out in the wrong areas. Casual items such as T-shirts and tops can work both ways, based on personal preference.

Clothes you should hang:

Keep your outerwear fresh by hanging them for storage. Your vintage leather jacket, silk blouse or suit would appreciate the extra TLC.

Invest in some flocked hangers with velvet lining to keep your choice garments in mint condition. As always, any cocktail attire is best stored in a garment bag.

 

Out of season items don’t need prime real estate

Before putting anything in the closet at the end of each season, make sure your clothes are prepped for storage.

Launder items as needed, or send your clothes to a trusted dry cleaner for professional service—especially important for winter coats. This removes any scents or stains, as moths are attracted to undetectable smells.

Don't forget to clean your closet at least once per season (it can get dusty). It's also a good idea to go through and remove any items you don't wear on a regular basis. Consider selling or donating the pieces that are in good condition—doing so will help keep your closet organized as well as help those in need.

 

The elements of style: invest in the right storage

The essentials: Storage bins are your best friend. Instead of unsightly plastic bins, consider linen storage organizers. Fabric organizers help your clothing stay fresh by allowing air to circulate. Try borrowing elements from Scandinavian decor, such as a set of wooden or copper hangers, to help your closet achieve a minimalist and uniformed aesthetic.

The extras: Personalizing your space does not always require an involved process. Switching out little things can make a huge difference, such as adding some decorative items or art in or around your wardrobe. You can also paint or wallpaper the inside of your closet to inject a little more color and personal style.

Fill some sachets with dried lavender buds and place them in your closet to keep your clothes smelling great and repel any moths that might be creeping around your wardrobe—it's a pleasantly scented alternative to using moth balls.

Cedar chests are also a smart choice for woolens, as Red Cedar has natural oils that kill moth larvae (it's a good idea to first put the clothing in a resealable plastic bag for more protection).

While closet maintenance might seem like a chore, keeping these tips in mind will help you streamline the process and stay organized. Just like a morning workout or healthy breakfast, a well organized closet and easy to access closet helps set the right tone for the day -- the great one that you deserve!

 

 

 

Photos: WorldWide / Shutterstock.com, Chelsea Francis, Milada Vigerova, Crew, Mary Whitney

It’s that time again—your laundry hamper is full and you’re out of clean socks. If you don’t have time to do your own laundry, you can turn to a professional to take care of your clothes. Some cleaners have a 15 lb minimum policy, though, so you’ll need to make sure your laundry meets that expectation.

Not sure what 15 lbs of laundry looks like? Here’s how you can determine your laundry’s weight and take advantage of a full load.

Laundry weight

Before you have your clothing laundered, you’ll want to check that you have enough for the minimum 15 lb weight requirement. A household washing machine usually holds 7 or 8 lbs of laundry, but professional machines can handle larger loads.

Here’s what 15 lbs of laundry can include:

Depending on your wardrobe, your 15 lbs of laundry might include more or fewer items.

If you find counting articles of clothing too tedious, you can weigh your laundry following these three simple steps.

1. Weigh yourself on a bathroom scale holding your laundry.
2. Weigh yourself on the same scale without your laundry.
3. Subtract the second weight from the first, and the total will be the weight of your laundry.

Alternatively, you can place your clothing in a laundry basket and weigh that on your scale. Remember to measure and subtract the weight of the empty basket afterwards.

Don't feel like doing laundry or carting your clothes to the cleaner's? See if Rinse serves your area. We'll pickup, expertly clean and fold, and return your laundry to your door, 7 days a week. Learn more at rinse.com. 

 

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Contrary to popular belief, red clothes are not more prone to color bleeding than any other color. Below we’ll discuss why this is and help you understand ways you can avoid color bleeding.

Why do red clothes color bleed?

More often than not, red garments color bleed simply due to the type of dye commercial clothing manufacturers oftentimes use when making red colored clothes. The dye is called direct dye and it is actually available in other colors, which are equally as susceptible to color bleeding. However, it’s commonly used with red colored clothing items. Therefore, red colored clothing is associated with color bleeding more than other colors.

Garments with red direct dye are much more likely to color bleed in the laundry as opposed to clothes that use fiber reactive dye. This is because of the chemical makeup of direct dye and it reacts with the fibers of the clothing.

Red color bleeding also can be a result of over dyeing or the dye not being properly settled in the fabric of the clothing.

How do I avoid color bleeding?

Unless you are making your own clothes or dying your own clothes it’s difficult to know much about the dye used on your clothing items.

With that said, there are a few best practices you can follow regardless of they type of dye to limit your chances of experiencing color bleeding on your next laundry day.

1. Always separate lights and darks. This is a mandatory practice at Rinse but you may be surprised to know that many people at home overlook this important step when doing their own laundry.
2. Use a color fixative such as Retayne or Raycafix on your clothes pre-wash to help prevent color transfer.
3. Use cold water over hot water when washing. Hot water can loosen up the fabric and increase the likelihood of color bleeding.
4. When possible, adjust your washer settings to delicate or something similar to reduce the amount of friction inside the washing machine.
5. Add color catcher sheets to the machine to help catch and hold dyes during washing.
6. Turn your clothes inside out to reduce both color fading and color bleeding.

As you can see there are several steps you can take to help reduce the chances of color bleeding. By implementing these basic tips you’ll not only limit color bleeding but improve the lifespan of your clothes.