A clean and organized closet is an essential part of dressing for success. There is nothing like on a Monday morning trying to figure what your wearing and you cannot find anything, simply because your closet is not organized. This weekend, let’s get it in order.

First, make sure you have the needs supplies, i.e. hangers, storage solutions for scarves, gloves, jewelry, etc. When purchasing hangers, you will need variety, such as padded hangers for blouses, felt hangers for slacks and dresses, and wooden hangers for suits. Remember when purchasing your supplies, the aesthetics of the items. You may want to adhere to a color scheme, etc. Do consider purchasing scented sachets, as well. You want your closet to be an enjoyable space. You can get a lot of great ideas from boutiques and department stores, too.

This is my poodle door stop. One of my favorite closet accessories.

Next, if you have a smaller sized closet, like mine, I suggest that you take everything out of the closet. It will be much easier to move things around working with an empty closet.

Then, decide where everything will go. Make a section for skirts, pants, blouses, blouses, shoes, handbags, etc., and a space to place a weeks-worth of outfits. Every Sunday, I pull my outfits for the week, it makes getting dressed and prepared for work each day less hectic.

Survey each piece. If you answer NO to any of the following questions, do not return the garment to your closet. It will be taking up space for future new and even more fabulous garments. Put the garment to the side for donation to a charitable organization.

• Do you like it?
• Is it a quality garment, by look and feel? (I advise against making this judgment based on brand name, alone.)
• Does it look good on you?

Items that you will keep, place in the designated section in the closet. Also in each section sort the items by color scheme. I start with white and move across the rainbow to black in each section. This will take a while, however it is the first and most important stage in getting your closet organized.

I am nearly finished. Still some tweaking is needed.

Next week, I will discuss taking a deeper dive into your closet. You want to make sure that you have the proper garments for your life style. A lovely closet is another way to inject some “Marvalous” into every day.

Every woman needs a place in their home where they can take some time to re-center and recharge. It does not take a lot of space nor does it take a lot of money. I have created Serenity Spaces in a number of areas in my home. One of my favorites is in a corner of my bedroom, my personal nail salon. I love painting my own nails. However, I do leave the pedicures to the professionals. It is a very calming process of preparing my nails, moisturizing my hands, and then applying the color.

I make the experience enjoyable by listening to contemporary jazz while taking in the scenery of my space and the view through the nearby window. Maintaining a variable selection of polishes and attractively storing the needed supplies is essential. A crystal container is used for the cotton balls. In the mason jar are the nail files, clippers, and cuticle trimmers. On the tray are items there mostly for visual purposes and my favorite lotion. The desk that I use was an inexpensive thrift store purchase for $30 which I painted. I love my nail salon!

When you are creating your space, consider the following:

1. What you love and the spaces that you have available? Example spaces could be the bath, your closet, a craft room, a desk in the kitchen, office, etc.
2. Once you have settled on a space, determine what activity will take place in that area? For example, a comfortable chair in a corner of your home that you will use for quiet time and reading.
3. Do you have the needed supplies? Make a list of what you need to ensure that you do not forget anything that you will use in your space.
4. How will you store the supplies? Mason jars, crystal vases, ceramic bowls, and tea cups can be used to store small items. However, you may want book shelves or other larger storage items depending on your needs.
5. What accessories will you use to enhance the beauty of the space? The attractiveness of the space is what will entice you to use it frequently.

Have fun creating your serenity space or spaces, it will make your home even more enjoyable for you. Taking the few minutes to relax, will also make you a more enjoyable person, too. Your home is your castle, make a space for the queen that you are.