Closet Organizing 101
Though many of us would rather keep the door closed on the subject of closet organization, cleaning up your act can yield abundant daily and long-term benefits. Click ahead to see nine pro tips that will help you on your way toward taming unruly storage.
Needs First
In closet organization, as in many other home improvement projects, planning is the most important step. Before taking the plunge, survey the closets you have and decide what you wish to store in each space—crafts, hobby supplies, clothes, toys, tools or what have you.
Start with One Closet
Pick one specific closet as a starting point: Consider the ways in which the closet is currently letting you down, and set a goal for what you would like to accomplish in this area.
Measure To Fit
Get ready to measure—not just the space, but the items you’ll store in it. Measure clothing while it’s on the hanger, the height and width of containers and bins, and any special items that will require more space than average.
Use Every Space
Make use of often-overlooked space. Add hooks or shoe bags to the backs of doors, install high shelves for out-of-season items, and use transparent or decorative bins to store items neatly and provide easy access.
One Closet at a Time
Remember you don’t have to revamp everything at once: This is a project you can tackle over time, spreading out the emotional and budgetary stress.
Do It Yourself
Depending on the size of the job and your skills, you may feel comfortable doing all or some of it yourself. Big box stores, storage specialty shops, catalogs and the web offer a huge spectrum of storage options.
Free-Standing Solutions
Think outside of the box (or in this case the closet) with freestanding options. There’s no reason why you can’t store things outside of the conventional closet, as long as they are organized, presentable, and easy to access when needed.
Hire a Pro
Professional closet organizers will come to your home to talk over your needs, goals, and preferences. They will also take measurements, draw up plans, and make recommendations.
Clutter Coach
If you’re truly “stufficating” in possessions you can’t seem to part with, some closet-org pros are clutter coaches who can help you shed items from your stash.
For More...
If you are interested in more on storage, consider:
20 Clever Ideas for Repurposed Storage
Get Hooked: 10 Favorite Wall Storage Ideas
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