Closet Organizing
Conquer Closet Clutter
If your closet is a disaster area, it's high time to consider installing a closet system. From simple to grand (and with price tags to match), there are closet systems to meet every budget. And even if you can't pop for a high-end outfit, you'll be happy to know that many inexpensive versions offer some of the same features and benefits. In the following slides, you'll find some of the best closet storage tips for clothes and shoes.
If your closet is a disaster area, it's high time to consider installing a closet system. From simple to grand (and with price tags to match), there are closet systems to meet every budget. And even if you can't pop for a high-end outfit, you'll be happy to know that many inexpensive versions offer some of the same features and benefits. In the following slides, you'll find some of the best closet storage tips for clothes and shoes.
Rotate Clothes
The clothing items that take up the most room should be more readily available. Keep out-of-season clothes, shoes, and accessories in the back of the closet or in another closet; same for those "wish clothes" that don't fit but you can't bear to get rid of.
Stay Organized
Sort clothes by category or color to make it easy to find what you need. Insert garment organizers or use multicolored hangers to label your groupings. Also, professional organizers suggest turning all of the hangers in your closet the opposite way. Every time you wear an item, turn the hanger around. After a few months, you can clearly see what clothing items you could live without.
Double Your Space
Using double closet rods -- one over the other -- is the best way to squeeze more storage space out of a closet. Be sure to measure the length of each item you'll be hanging there and allow another 6 inches of clearance above and below each rod. Blouses, shirts, skirts, jackets, and kids' clothes will all fit on double rods.
Create Closet Cubbies
Organize your own closet -- or a child's -- with a combination of double hanging rods, drawers, andshelves. Drawers corral small items such as socks while cubbies hold folded items. Upper shelves can store out-of-season shoes and clothing in clear bins with lids.
Set Up a Temporary Closet
Can't afford the space or money to build a closet? Here's one great solution using drapery panels, easy-to-install hanging rods, and wire basketstorage systems.
USE DRAWERS WISELY
Large drawers pack lots of storage capacity, but they can get messy fast. Use drawer organizers to keep stacked items from sliding. And place clothing strategically in drawers—the accessible top spot should be reserved for items worn daily.
ADD A BENCH
A 4x5-foot mirror, cut at a local glass shop, transforms the back part of the walk-in-closet into a dressing room complete with a shoe bench to try on heels. Add a cushion to the top of the purchased shoe bench for extra comfort.
SHOE-STORAGE TIPS
It’s tough to store shoes in an orderly fashion, but put away properly, shoes are nearly decor.
Tips:
-Think about where you take off your shoes. You’re more certain to keep shoes organized if storage is close to where you take them off.
-Check out storage options at estore and online. You’ll see floor racks, wall mounts, and clear plastic over-the-door hangers. Stash old tennis shoes and boots in a bench by the most-used house entrance.
-Hang pants and skirts on one side of the closet and shirts on the other. The space that opens on the floor below the shorter pieces of clothing is ideal for shoes.
-Increase your floor space by placing shoes in alternating directions.
-Store infrequently worn shoes in their original boxes with photographs pasted on the front.
Tips:
-Think about where you take off your shoes. You’re more certain to keep shoes organized if storage is close to where you take them off.
-Check out storage options at estore and online. You’ll see floor racks, wall mounts, and clear plastic over-the-door hangers. Stash old tennis shoes and boots in a bench by the most-used house entrance.
-Hang pants and skirts on one side of the closet and shirts on the other. The space that opens on the floor below the shorter pieces of clothing is ideal for shoes.
-Increase your floor space by placing shoes in alternating directions.
-Store infrequently worn shoes in their original boxes with photographs pasted on the front.
CREATE A REMINDER BOARD
Precut cork squares affixed to the inside of a cupboard door with adhesive spray become a handy spot for storing clothing receipts or reminders. Shelf paper is easily adhered to modular pieces before installation. The same technique can be applied on the back of a closet door.
ADD HOOKS IN THE CLOSET
A pair of stick-on utility hooks help squeeze utility out of every inch of this slender wall. Easy to use and cheap, these hooks are decoratively strong and keep soft items from getting crushed.
