Golden leaves litter the sidewalks rather than adorn the trees. The darkness of morning lingers just a little longer. Pumpkin spice turns to peppermint mocha.
Yes, these are all signs that autumn is fleeting and winter is slowly creeping its way in. As November kicks into gear, we clamor through closets to reach those cold-weather favorites – chunky knits, blazers and leather boots – that have been hibernating all summer.
This process can be time-consuming and messy (I own how many scarves?!), but The Container Store, which has been helping customers get organized for more than 35 years, has fool-proof tricks and products to make the fall to winter transition worry free.
By following The Container Store’s tips for the six most common problem areas, you’ll spend less time sorting through your closet, and more time enjoying all the season has to offer.
Best of all: once you’ve made your list and checked it twice, you can shop the new Chicago South Loop location to benefit Step Up’s mission to inspire women to inspire girls. During The Container Store at Roosevelt Collection Grand Opening Weekend on November 15 and 16, and 10% of sales will be donated to Step Up Chicago! Read more about the Grand Opening Weekend here.
- Create an instantly streamlined appearance by using the same color and type of hangers throughout your closet when your summer dresses are stored away and the long hanging space becomes home to coats, maxi skirts and winter frocks.
- The majority of your wardrobe is made of short hang items, including shirts, blazers and folded pants. Because you may have a high volume of these items, cut bulk by using slimmer hangers. Short on space? Double hang items with one rod above another for greater efficiency.
- End the notoriously over-stuffed drawers that barely close. Dividers or drawers help separate by color, type, or a system that works for you. (Think: Gym socks in one row, boot socks in the next, tights in another, and so on.) If using in-closet drawers, choose a tool that is transparent or easily labeled so you can immediately recognize your items.
- Store out-of-season items on higher shelves and keep those you use most in the most accessible spaces. Fabric tote boxes repel dust, fold flat when not in use, and can add a fun pop of color or pattern, making them a great storage solution for items you won’t need until next year.
- Footwear takes up a surprising amount of space, so store flats and sandals in clear boxes on higher shelves. Seasonal shoes stay protected on a gliding boot rack or, space permitted, on a shelf with inserts to keep them perfectly shaped. Just remember to keep those you wear frequently easy to reach.
- Use specialty hangers for accessories. Scarves will stay untangled and in arms’ reach. If you’re short on hanging space, try storage hats, scarves and gloves in clearly labeled boxes.
Victoria Arruda is a Step Up supporter and the communications assistant at Haute Living, a luxury furniture showroom. She graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 2014 with a bachelor’s in journalism in sociology. Victoria spends much of her free time running, cooking, or unapologetically listening to pop music.
