How to Organize Your Room's Closet
By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide
Closets are always the spot in my house that I'm most embarrassed to reveal, the place where all the homeless items in my house are kept. After our last moving adventure, I was determined to get rid of the clutter and keep our closets organized and user-friendly. The following tips have been compiled over the years from our many moves and submitted by friends and family who have organization down to a fine science.
Step 1: Assess the Space
· Before you unpack one article of clothing, decide what the closet's purpose will be. Is it in a front hallway where coats and boots will live, or is it next to the bathroom where all the linens and towels should be stored?
· Once you know its purpose, look inside the closet to see if it has all the necessary fixings for what you want it for. Does it have enough shelving? Could it use more rods for extra hanging space or could it store a bin or a hanging shoe rack for all that footwear?
Step 2: Get What You Need to Make the Space Work
· Measure the area and purchase the products you need to make the space work; consider using wire shelving for items that may need to breathe, or storage bins with wheels. Take a walk through your local home store or surf the net. Research before you buy to ensure you're getting the right product for your needs.
· Consider the following items. Are these things that could help keep your closet organized and uncluttered?
· Shelving: There's a variety of shelving units out there, everything from permanent fixtures to portables that can move with you. My favorite are the collapsible type that hang from the top rod to provide extra storage for sweaters and tee shirts. Again, before you purchase, make sure they're going to fit what you need. Decide before you start shopping.
· Rods or Bars: Most standard closets have at least one rod that extends its length; installing a second bar below this one can add twice the amount of hanging space. Rods are available that don't need to be installed and can be adjusted to the length you require. Just make sure you measure well to ensure the closet can hold this extra feature.
· Storage Containers: Depending on what you need to store, containers are available in varying sizes, shapes, and materials. I prefer the see-through type for items like winter sweaters or sports gear and even shoes. Being able to see what's inside before I venture in, helps when I'm in a rush to get out the door.
When it comes to footwear, there are oodles of options out there. I recommend purchasing a shoe rack, one that can be installed inside the door or that hangs from the closet rod, or the clear plastic shoe bins you can purchase at most home stores. Again, being able to see the shoes will prevent you from digging through the boxes. Shoe boxes work well for kids, too.
· Complete Storage System: Almost every home store will sell you a closet organizer system. This is a great option if you need a lot of extra features. Research before you buy and know what you want before you walk into the store. Take with you a list the features you need, the closet size and what the closet will be holding if you want someone at the store to assist you in your purchase. These units range from inexpensive to top-of-the-line systems that will cost you quite a bit more.
· Wire or Wicker Baskets: Look for baskets that have a labeling system so you can identify contents quickly and easily. Wire baskets allow clothes to breathe, while wicker looks neater as the contents aren't visible. Whatever kind you decide on, it will be more visually appealing if you use the same types of materials throughout your organizational system.
· Hangers and Hooks: We all have our preference, but what every person's closet shouldn't have are wire hangers. Wire will misshapen your clothes and will not hold delicate pieces such as spaghetti-strap tops or dresses and lingerie. You're already spending time and money on organizing this space; spend a little more and get rid of all the wire hangers. This will prevent damaged clothes. Wood hangers work well and look nice, too. For delicate straps, padded hangers keep items from slipping. Also, look for hangers that will serve a dual purpose; a large clip attached to a hanger will allow suits to stay together. Remember, get as much mileage as you can from your organizing tools.
Another great tip I discovered when working for a company that insisted on early morning hours (and I'm not a morning person), is to install a hook on the inside of the closet door where clothing that is to be worn the next day can be hung. This would save me at least 20 minutes in the morning when trying to pull everything together. Hooks are also great for hanging belts and neckties.
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