Marie Kondo is a Japanese organizing consultant and author known for her KonMari method of tidying and organizing. Her methods focus on only keeping possessions that “spark joy”, choosing effective storage methods, and tidying by category rather than by room.
One category that many people struggle to organize is scarves. Scarves can easily become a jumbled mess if not properly stored. Marie Kondo has some specific recommendations for neatly organizing and storing scarves of all styles.
Why organize scarves?
There are several benefits to properly organizing scarves:
– Find scarves easily – When scarves are organized, you’ll be able to locate and retrieve a specific scarf quickly and easily. No more rummaging through a messy pile.
– See all your options – Organizing scarves allows you to see everything you have in one glance. This makes it easier to come up with outfit ideas and choose the perfect scarf.
– Prevent damage – Messy piles stretch out delicate fabrics and cause wrinkles. Proper storage keeps scarves smooth and neat.
– Save space – Folding or hanging scarves tightly utilizes space efficiently. Less mess means more room in your drawers and closets.
– Reduce stress – The act of organizing can be calming and therapeutic. An organized closet brings a sense of order and control.
Evaluate your scarves
Before organzing scarves, Marie Kondo recommends going through each one you own and deciding if it truly sparks joy for you. Be honest with yourself and get rid of any scarves that are damaged, worn out, or styles you simply don’t like wearing anymore. Parting ways with these scarves makes room for new favorites that you’ll enjoy using.
You may choose to thank each scarf before letting it go. Marie Kondo views this as a way to honor the purpose the item once served before moving on.
Group scarves by type
Once you’ve pared down your scarf collection to only your favorites, the next step is sorting them into groups. Marie Kondo recommends grouping them by the following categories:
Light scarves
This includes lighter weight fabrics like silk, chiffon, and gauze. These delicate materials should be stored flat to prevent wrinkling or pulling.
Heavy winter scarves
Chunky knit or wool winter scarves can be folded or hung to save space.
Shawls and wraps
Larger shawls, wraps, and pashminas do well when folded into neat rectangles.
Rectangular scarves
Oversized rectangular and square scarves fold down nicely into organized rows.
Infinity scarves
These circular scarves without ends can be stored on hooks, hung on scarf racks, or simply placed in a drawer.
Grouping scarves by fabric and shape makes the next organizing steps simpler and more effective.
Folding techniques
For light and medium-weight scarves, Marie Kondo recommends folding them neatly into compact rectangles using the following techniques:
Standard fold
– Lay the scarf face down neatly on a flat surface.
– Fold it in half widthwise, matching up the short ends.
– Fold in half lengthwise.
– Fold widthwise once or twice more until you have a tidy rectangle.
Accordion fold
– Fold the scarf in half lengthwise.
– Fold one short side over by 2-3 inches.
– Continue folding it back and forth into tight accordion pleats.
– When you reach the end, fold it in half widthwise.
These folding methods keep scarves wrinkle-free and make them easy to stack or stand upright on a shelf.
Storing folded scarves
Marie Kondo recommends upright storage for folded scarves. Here are some effective ways to store folded scarves:
Drawers
– Use drawer dividers or inserts to separate scarf categories.
– Stand folded scarves upright, filed neatly in each section. This saves space and makes them visible.
– Shallow, wide drawers work best for folded scarves.
Shelving
– Neatly line up folded scarves on shelves.
– Style by color for a rainbow effect.
– Lean them against bookends to prevent toppling.
Boxes
– Large, flat boxes with dividers allow you to file folded scarves vertically.
– Label the sections.
– Stack hat boxes or slide under bed for hidden storage.
Upright storage keeps scarves neatly contained while allowing you to see all your choices at a glance.
Hanging options
For winter scarves and shawls, Marie Kondo suggests utilizing hanging space. Here are handy ways to hang scarves:
Hangers
– Use skirt or pants hangers with clips or velvet grip to hang scarves.
– Group scarves on each hanger by color or pattern.
– Hang them on a closet rod or over-the-door rack.
Wall hooks
– Install hooks on the wall, spaced a few inches apart.
– Hang scarves, shawls, and ruanas on the hooks.
– Group by color for a pretty display.
Scarf racks
– Vertical scarf racks have rungs or ribbed posts to hang scarves on.
– Some have circular bases that can sit on shelves or counters.
– Layer scarves by color or season.
Hanging scarves prevents folded creases while allowing them to be accessed conveniently.
Storing specialty scarves
Some scarves require a bit different approach. Here are Marie Kondo’s tips for storing:
Infinity scarves
– Drape them over scarf racks or wall hooks.
– Alternatively, roll them into a loose spiral and place in a drawer.
Long muffler-style scarves
– Fold these very long scarves into triangular shapes.
– Roll them up and store upright in baskets or shelves.
Bulky winter scarves
– Roll loosely and store in baskets, shelves, or bins.
– Prevent stretching by not hanging bulky knits.
By matching storage methods to the scarf type, you can keep them neatly organized.
Keep scarves visible
Marie Kondo suggests using open, visible storage like shelves, racks, and hanging methods rather than stuffing scarves into crowded drawers or boxes. Some benefits of visible storage include:
– See all scarf options at a glance. This makes accessorizing easier.
– Rotate scarves seasonally – stash warm scarves during summer and lightweight ones during winter.
– Notice when a scarf needs to be washed or mended.
– Gain a sense of joy from seeing neatly folded colors and textures.
– Prevent “out of sight, out of mind” effect.
Visibly organized scarves means you’ll get more use out of your favorites.
Keep scarves accessible
Even the best organization method fails if it’s not convenient. Marie Kondo suggests placing scarves in an accessible location:
– Store near where you get dressed. Bedroom closets or dressers work well.
– Install hooks or racks on the back of closet doors for easy grabbing.
– Designate a special scarf drawer in your dresser.
– Use hanging shoe organizers on the back of doors to store and see scarves.
– Store scarves near your coat rack or jackets.
With an accessible place for scarves, it’s easier to accessorize outfits and not be late.
Contain accessory items
Scarves are often paired with other accessories like handbags, hats, gloves, umbrellas, and jewelry. Marie Kondo recommends storing these complementary items together in your closet:
– Designate a shelf or bin for all accessory items.
– Use small trays or boxes to corral smaller pieces like gloves and jewelry.
– Store handbags upright on shelves to maximize space.
– Group belts and suspenders with scarves.
– Place cold weather accessories like hats, gloves, and earmuffs together.
Having related accessory items unified in one area makes getting ready more efficient.
Tips for maintaining organization
An organized scarf collection doesn’t happen overnight. It takes commitment to maintain tidy storage. Here are Marie Kondo’s top tips for upkeep:
– Edit scarves seasonally. Remove warm ones for summer, light ones for winter.
– Refold scarves after each use. Resist just tossing them into a pile.
– Prevent stretching by storing knits without hanging.
– Air out scarves outside occasionally. Freshens fabric and prevents smells.
– Wash or dry clean scarves several times a year. Follow care instructions.
– Don’t overload shelves and drawers. Too full causes disorganization.
– Reassess what sparks joy and purge unused scarves annually.
With regular maintenance, your scarf collection will stay neatly organized for convenience and joy.
Conclusion
Marie Kondo’s methods have helped countless people organize their scarves using clever folding techniques, proper storage methods, and accessible placement. Implementing her KonMari tips can bring order to even the most chaotic scarf collection. With scarves in their place, get ready to pick the perfect one to complement your outfit in seconds. You’ll never have to hunt fruitlessly through a messy heap again. Just as Marie Kondo promises, a tidy scarf drawer or closet will indeed spark joy each day.
