Organizing personal things such as clothes, underwear, jewelry, and other items can seem an overwhelming task. However, if you've been well organized prior to your vision loss, you may need to make very few changes. Take one step at a time and start with those areas that are causing you the most frustration.

Lighting affects how you see colors

It's a good idea to check out the lighting in your closet. Is it bright enough for you? Is there enough lighting? Is it even, and without deep shadows? Does the position of the lighting help or hinder you being able to pick out your clothes? Try taking the clothes you've selected to the nearest window and see if this helps you to identify or differentiate colors. When you want to match colors you will need to take the same approach and hold the clothes side-by-side under bright or natural light. If neither of these approaches works for you, you may need to consider some of the alternative marking and labeling systems described above (see our Sources of Products for Independent Living section for where to purchase these items).

Store Items in Different Shaped/Sized Containers and/or Drawers

Consider grouping like items together. For example, you could place different colored underwear in separate drawers or different shaped/sized containers. Gloves and scarves could be placed in another box or drawer; informal tops could be separated from formal tops. Some of these items you may need to label, others you may be able to identify by specific distinguishing features. Choose both the identifying and organizational system that works best for you. If you've been organized in the past, you may only need to make minor habit changes.

Storing Jewelry

Consider using a jewelry box that is divided into small areas that will hold individual pieces i.e., earrings or rings, bracelets/bangles, necklaces, etc. Try to keep matching items together in the same location. Consider organizing your jewelry by color, style (formal, informal), etc. It will also help if you tactually explore each piece so you are familiar with its unique characteristics.

Custom-Designed Storage

There are companies that specialize in pre-made shelving and closet organizers. They will visit your home, evaluate the storage space, and based on your specific needs, will design shelving, racks, and cabinets reflecting your specific needs and budget. Again, it's obviously important to make sure the end-result really is custom-designed to meet your unique needs.

Sighted Assistance

If you haven't yet found a system that works for you, and you're not quite as organized as you would like to be, ask a close friend or family member to assist you in developing identification and organization systems that works best for you. However, don't leave the decision-making to them, the final decisions must be yours. Remember the systems have to work for you — you're the one who has to use them on a daily basis!

Here are just a few additional suggestions:

1. Many clothing items can be identified without labeling. Use tactual cues such as texture, cut, style, and buttons.
2. Place matching outfits together on single hangers (e.g., suit, shirt, belt, tie, scarf, and slacks). Consider adding a ziplock bag that includes matching jewelry.
3. Group similar clothing together. Place all slacks in one part of the closet; all shirts in another.
4. Make a large print label with a file card and use a rubber band to secure it to the container. Mark it with a wide-tip marker or foam alphabet letters. Place it on the hanger with the clothing item.
5. Cut a large ring/donut from heavy cardboard. Mark it with a large print, Braille, or tactual symbol/letter. Loop the ring over the hanger.
6. Use safety pins as a coding system to determine color. For example, blue=1 safety pin; red= 2 safety pins, and so on. If necessary create a master list of your code system in large print, Braille or other accessible format for quick and easy reference. Use small brass no-rust laundry pins.
7. Use Braille clothing tags or labels.
8. Use egg cartons or plastic ice cube trays to organize small items, such as jewelry and accessories.
9. Use plastic Ziploc bags to separate socks and hosiery.
10. Use iron-on patches in various sizes and shapes.
11. Use buttons or French knots.

Use a variety of commercial marking systems including:

• Identi-Buttons Clothing Identifiers
• Match-Makers Clothing Identifiers
• "Touch To See" Identifiers
• "Say What" Clothing Identifiers
• Sock-Tucker
• Use audio talk labels or electronic color identifier (find this at SpeakToMe) that works on almost any surface - paper, cloth, wood, plastic, etc. Hold it against the object and the color will be spoken.
• Maintain a file card system in Braille or large print to describe which marked clothing items go together.

See our Products for Independent Living section to find these useful marking and labeling products.

Bottom Line! The key to feeling confident about clothing selection is to use a system that works for you. You can choose a labeling system and/or learn the distinctive identifying features of specific pieces of clothing — but remember — whatever you choose you will need to be consistent! Too many alternate systems will only result in confusion — which is exactly what you're trying to avoid!