Nate Berkus is well-known for his stunning design work. As a leading figure in interior design, he specializes in crafting spaces that are both curated and personal. However, his organizing philosophy is refreshingly simple and easy to implement.
Instead of relying on complex systems or numerous storage tricks, Berkus promotes a straightforward three-step routine that minimizes storage stress.
I decided to try this method in my perpetually messy closet, and I was pleasantly surprised by how straightforward it was to organize clothes — here's my experience.
Nate Berkus' Simple 3-Step Organizing Method
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Berkus' three golden rules for home organization are straightforward: Sort by color, Sort by size, Sort by usage. 'It's a system that works every time,' Nate states on Instagram.
Applying It to My Chaotic Closet
I've consistently struggled with home organization, particularly in my bedroom where an oddly shaped and compact closet resides. With my closet and three-drawer dresser shared, space for clothing is limited, leaving little room for long-term clothing storage for seasonal items.
Thus, I decided to implement Nate's simple tweaks for a more organized home.
As a content editor specializing in organization, I've experimented with numerous organizing and decluttering methods in my home, but my closet always seems to revert to chaos.
With such a simple technique, I didn't anticipate much improvement. However, returning to basics turned out to be just what I needed, helping me sidestep the common home organizing mistake of over-organizing a home.
Opting for the simple route prevented me from feeling overwhelmed.
Although I initially struggled to declutter without making a mess by emptying my entire closet, I found that laying everything out and clearing my usually cluttered clothing rail allowed my mind to feel less congested.
Next, I began to return items, one at a time, grouping them by type and size (for example, large oversized sweaters first, followed by fitted ones, then long-sleeved tops and blouses, and finally short-sleeved items).
While organizing, I aimed to maintain a color-organized closet, placing items between others. Since my wardrobe mostly consists of muted tones (white, cream, chocolate brown, and black, with occasional blue or burgundy), this was quite manageable.
This straightforward organizing idea turned out to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing ways of organizing a closet, aligning well with Berkus' signature effortless yet polished style.
The hardest part of this method was determining how to arrange my closet by usage. Nate suggests placing frequently used items in the most accessible spots for everyday convenience, while less frequently used items should go in harder-to-reach areas.
My initial organization led to some winter clothing being mixed with spring and summer pieces, which isn't ideal during current heat waves when heavy wool sweaters are far less useful.
Fortunately, the solution was simple – I created two distinct 'zones' in my closet, applying the same principles of size, color, and usage to my fall/winter clothes and my spring/summer wardrobe.
I believe adding clothes rail dividers, available in packs of 40 from Walmart, would clarify this division, particularly when organizing a small closet with lots of clothes.
Now, my most frequently worn lighter linen garments are right at hand when I open the closet door, ready for those sweltering mornings. Next on my agenda is getting my partner on board to organize a closet when living with a partner.
Why This Method Works
Closets can be some of the most overwhelming spots to organize, making simple methods all the more important.
This method is effective due to its simplicity. Punteha van Terheyden, head of Solved, shares, 'Nate's three-step solution eliminates the chance of overthinking home organization, regardless of where it's applied in your house. It's just as effective for organizing a bedroom as it is for organizing a kitchen, without requiring significant adjustments.
'I plan to implement this in my awkward under-stairs closet, which currently holds a jumble of coats, bags, and miscellaneous items that lack a designated home. Nate's straightforward organizing trick will help us access the items we need most.'
Pair this relaxed approach with the best clothes storage ideas, and you'll have a winning combination. Angelia York, a professional organizer and VP at Saint Louis Closet Co., recommends switching to velvet hangers, available at Target in packs of 30. 'Switching to slim, velvet hangers saves surprising amounts of space and keeps delicate fabrics from slipping. This strategy balances your wardrobe visually while keeping everything within reach.'
You can apply the same size-color-usage concept to organize a dresser as well. Courtney Cummings, a professional organizer and owner of The Stylish Organizer, suggests, 'Transform any disorganized drawer into an Instagram-worthy space using adjustable drawer dividers [The bamboo dividers, available at Walmart, which help reduce plastic use in your home]. Then, utilize the file folder method to enhance visibility of clothing items in your drawers.'
Recommended Products
Pack of two
Livhil Under Bed Storage With Wheels
Using under-bed storage is an excellent way to maximize your existing closet space, whether it's for off-season items or larger pieces that need folding but take up too much room in drawers. These wheeled bags allow for quick access when needed.
Pack of 50
Hanger Central Black Velvet Hangars
It's hard to find a professional organizer who doesn't appreciate velvet slimline hangars for closet organization. They hold clothes in place without taking up excessive space.
Five-piece set
Naturalcozy Round Small Woven Baskets Set
These shallow baskets are perfect for grouping small items on counters, in cabinets, closets, and on surfaces that tend to accumulate clutter.
Includes four sizes
Vtopmart 25 Pcs Clear Plastic Drawer Organizers Set
This fantastic and versatile organizing set costs just 76 cents each, and its non-slip bottoms make them ideal for drawers, shelves, and cabinets. Available in eight colors.
Editor's pick
Joseph Joseph Tota - Trio 90-Liter Laundry Hamper
After a month of testing, our head of solved Punteha fell in love with this laundry hamper. It eliminated the physical strain she previously experienced while sorting laundry on the floor or reaching into the depths of a basket.
Six pack
Joseph Joseph Shoe-In Shoe Organizer
Maximize space by utilizing vertical storage, whether it's in your closet, entryway, or awkward under-stairs areas.
Meet the Experts
With over 30 years of experience, Angelia specializes in transforming and organizing homes. She focuses on helping clients maximize storage through stylish, customized solutions. In addition to working directly with homeowners, she collaborates with builders to design custom storage systems that enhance functionality and add long-term value to new homes.
Courtney is the founder, owner, and lead organizer at The Stylish Organizer. She transitioned from event planning and program management to professional organizing 16 years ago, discovering the joy and serenity she could bring to others by transforming their homes.
Punteha was editor of Real Homes before joining as Head of Solved. She is a DIY enthusiast and dedicates her weekends to personalizing her newly built home. She faces chronic pain, so she focuses on small transformative projects that enhance functionality and declutter her space.
As long as I commit to returning items to their designated spots and avoid the common pitfalls that lead to a cluttered closet, I doubt I will need to reorganize a closet anytime soon.
Check out Nate's three commandments for decluttering to simplify your organizing journey.
