Total Coat Closet Clean Out

December 1, 2010

As the temperatures drop and the snow starts to fall, what was once neatly tucked away in the far corner of the closet now needs to be ready to go every day. From coats to boots, get all of your winter essentials organized and your closet clean with our helpful tips and tricks.

Empty & Eliminate

The best way to get the cleaning started is to empty the closet. Take everything out and begin sorting.

Make a giveaway pile and donate unwanted items to a local donation center.
Separate and put away warmer-weather gear that won’t be used for a while. Once the cold weather has passed, follow our tips to stow away your winter items until next year.
Wipe the shelves, walls and door handles with Mr. Clean® Multi-Surfaces Spray Cleaner with Febreze® Freshness.

Quick Tip

Swiffer With everything taken out of the coat closet, it's the perfect opportunity to clean the floors. Swiffer® SweeperVac cleans the big and small stuff better than a broom and dustpan, even on textured surfaces. And the dry sweeping cloth digs deep into grout lines and crevices to pick up finer particles.

Hook & Hang

When it comes to hanging your items, there are a variety of options. Find one that suits your family best with these suggestions.

Use frames and pegboards to hang keys, small purses and sunglasses inside the closet.
Install metal hooks on your closet walls to hang scarves and gloves. Or avoid drilling holes by using over-the-door or adhesive hooks instead.

Tip: Designate a hook for each family member. To encourage tidiness, surprise them with a personalized screen-printed bag to hold their things.

Inexpensive, over-the-door shoe organizers are for more than just footwear! The pockets are the perfect place to stash winter accessories.
Inside the closet, secure an adhesive hook at the top and bottom of the door. Tie a piece of clothesline between them and attach your gear with large kitchen clips.

Corral Clutter

Now that the closet is cleaned out and hooks have been put in place, it’s time to organize coats and other items. Turn a few unique objects into extraordinary space-savers.

Create extra storage space at the bottom of the closet with shelves, a row of baskets or wire-mesh storage drawers from your local office supply store.
Use crates to store umbrellas or wet boots after coming inside from the snow or rain.

Tip: To protect your floors from wetness that can occur from damp gear, set your crates and other mesh organizers on old towels, rugs, doormats or placemats.

Give hats, gloves and scarves their own bins, and try our creative labeling ideas to keep track of where to find them.
Because outerwear is bulky enough as it is, use hangers for coats and jackets to maximize space. Or try specialized slotted hangers that hold up to five individual hangers then collapse to half the size.

Quick Tip

Décor isn't all about looks. Febreze® Candles aren't just beautiful; they can burn for up to 30 hours and the refreshing scent lingers long after you blow them out. Try the jewel-toned Febreze® Candle in Meadows & Rain® scent.

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