Build a Smarter Closet

We have recently moved into a 20-year-old house.  And I have to say, there is ample storage space in the many large closets throughout the house.  Then why is it that I have toys strewn all over the floor, clothes that can't find a home, clear plastic bins in every corner, and large items leaning against the wall next to the closet?  It is simply because the space within those nice large closets is not well organized.

Many homeowners who were not fortunate enough to build the home they live in, where they would presumably have created large well-organized walk-in closets in every room, decide to revamp their closets with a professional closet organizing system, like California Closets.  If you're looking to save some money, many home improvement stores offer up a couple DIY systems that you can install in a weekend.  The only thing you need to do is come up with the design that will fit your needs.


Source:  California Closets


So what should you think about when remodeling your closet space?  That definitely depends on how you live and what sorts of things you want your closet to do for you.  No matter what you store in your closets, we've included some steps of great things you can incorporate into your closet redesign that will help you with everyday functions and get the clutter out of your main living space and back where it belongs....in the closet!

Step 1:  Declutter

Maybe the reason you can't fit everything into your closets is because you simply have too much stuff.  Go through everything you normally keep in your closet and decide what has more value to you:  that particular item or the space you will have if you get rid of it.

Step 2:  Plan Out The Space

Once you know what will be going into your closet, be sure to plan the space so that everything will fit and be stored in a logical space and so that it will include everything you want it to. 

• You want the things that you commonly use everyday to be within easy reach and those things you rarely use stored up high. 
• Do you need to have a dirty clothes hamper in your closet? 
• Do you like to iron your clothes in your bedroom? 
• Do you store jewelry there? 
• Do you have over sized items that need extra space? 
• Where do you want to keep your seasonal items? 
• Do you want to store all those shoes in cubbies or in a hanging bag?

Constantly ask yourself questions like these to be sure you include everything you need in your closet space.  Then, take a trip on the internet.  Pull up pictures of well organized closets and see if there is anything that catches your eye and makes you think, "I NEED that in my closet!"


Step 3:  Make It Even More Useful

Here asre a few things that can be added to your closet to really increase it's functionality and make your life a lot easier:

• Install an outlet.  Many a time I have needed an outlet in my closet for ironing clothes, vacuuming, or having an out-of-the-way spot to recharge those flashlights, tablets or handheld vacuums.
• Add lighting.  Let there be light!  Even a very shallow closet in a brightly lit room will have a lack of light for seeing everything that is in there.  Add a light somewhere in every closet.
• Extras.  A small bench, a pull down ironing board, a rolling ladder, baskets to hold loose items, hooks for hanging robes or brooms, the list could be endless.
• Add Quality.  Large, self-closing drawers can help you quietly get ready in the morning while your spouse sleeps.  Exchange those hollow core doors for 6-panel solid wood doors.  Paint the inside a bright white so everything can be seen to it's best advantage.  If you have quality throughout your entire home, don't skimp on it in the closet.
• Leave some space.  Everyone likes stuff.  And it seems that we are continually buying more stuff all the time.  Be sure you leave some space in your closet for future purchases. 

Step 4:  Enjoy, Put Your Stuff Away, and Repeat Step 1

Yes, once you have a fully organized and ideally functioning closet, you can sit back and enjoy it.  But, sadly, reality steps in the moment you take something out and don't put it back.  An organized system works only as well as you allow it to.  And if you find that you aren't putting things away because it's too hard to reach or just isn't in the right spot, by all means, revamp your plan and change it.  Then be sure to periodically go through your things and purge what you don't use or need. 

One last thought.  Well organized and maximised closets in older homes are a terrific selling point.  So it's worth doing even if you don't necessarily see the need for it yourself.  I plan on starting my closet redesign today!  It will take some work, but the end product will so be worth it.  How about you?  Do you have some great ideas for closet organization?  We'd love to hear what you think.

Source:  Michelle Schwake for Stafford Family Realtors