Hangers :: Visual | Declutter Tips

Jan 6, 2012 by April    1 Comment     Posted under: Declutter Tips

Hangers, one of the essential tools in a closet. And yet, so many ask me “what’s the best hanger to use?”

The answer can be as complicated as each of the people asking … so I thought I would provide visual declutter tips for this topic.

Much like that what not to wear show, I’ll start with the What Not to Hang With visual …

On the left side of the visual you’ll notice the products that attempt to “consolidate” your hanging items. I’ll just point out here that you can fit more hangers on the space of the bar than the designated organizer allows for the same space. Just Sayin.

The upper right image starts out so hopeful and yet I’ve seen the 3-month-plan for this one. Either there are so many things hung on it that the top portion rips out of the wall {yes, leaving damage} or it is too difficult to continue opening and shutting and quickly is abandoned. Let’s not even discuss the times said product is discovered in a closet declutter.

As for the lower right image, I don’t recommend it mainly because of the single use style. Meant to be used for items that need a little help staying on the hanger. Too often other clothing is hung on this style and the wardrobe suffers from snags, odd shoulder deformity and even non-use since the nicer clothes get the nicer hangers.

Now.

Onto the fun part …

What Hangers a Clutter Coach Recommends:

Wood Hangers:

1. The Standard Wood Hanger ~ perfect for coat closets, or heavier items that immediately make a plastic hanger slump under the weight. A standard wood hanger is a fantastic multipurpose tool.

2. The Suit Hanger ~ important for many reasons when you own dress suits, man or woman. The hanger tends to offer more support for the entire shoulder and you can maximize space on the closet bar by attaching matching pants on the same hanger. Also, show off your pro hanger knowledge by including a suit hanger or two in your guest bedroom closet the next time you host a business traveler … they’ll appreciate the gesture.

Metal Hangers:

3. Accessory Hanger ~ this metal tie / belt / accessory hanger is a great solution for all those belts you’re hanging over the bar … or a perfect reason to rescue those ties {or necklaces} from the hanger they’ve been abandoned on

4. Skirt / Pant Hanger ~ treating your skirts / pants with respect will pay off ten fold when it comes to your time management. A skirt / pant hanger allows the garment to be stored in it’s intended state, when you’re rushing to get dressed you’ll be met with clothing that’s ready to go instead of needing ironed.

5. Updated Classic Metal Hanger ~ these aren’t your grandmother’s metal hangers! Thick metal {often steel} holds up under the pressure of daily, weekly and monthly abuse. If you can’t seem to get away from the comfort of metal consider trading in those wire hangers for these sturdy guys!

Padded Hangers:

6. Padded Bow Hangers ~ every little girl loves to have these padded hangers as a member of her wardrobe, but as adults their purpose is for those wonderful garments we refer to as blouses.

Velvet Hangers:

7. No Slip Shirts / Dresses Hanger ~ I should warn you, the invention of these no slip velvet hangers is an organizing experts dream come true! Maximizing space while providing important function, this shirt / dress hanger is perfect for the section of your closet that houses the long and short of it all.

8. No Slip All Purpose Hangers ~ continuing on with the no slip hangers the ones with the bar across the bottom just add an element of purpose, expanding the opportunity to hang trousers below your blouses. These guys are a staple in my personal closet and what I toss in my suitcase when I travel. {yes, I take hangers with me when I go to conferences … it’s how I roll}.

Phew!

I hope all this information has opened your mind up to a whole new way of thinking when it comes to using the right hanger. Now go declutter that hanger inventory in all your closets! {grin}

When you declutter your hangers, which ones will you keep?

Got anything to say? Go ahead and leave a comment!