If you have completed the first steps to an organized closet – including purging your closet “stuff” and deciding what type of storage devices you will need (ie six feet of hanging space and at least 10 shelves and 5 drawers and something to hold 15 pairs of shoes) then you are ready to get down to the serious business of purchasing a closet organization system.
If you are still up in the air about hiring a closet specialist you may want to talk to a couple of these people to see if they give free estimates. This would give you a good idea if their services are in your budget. If you can afford to hire a professional, you will undoubtedly end up with a personalized closet space that you will be happy with.
If you decide to do it yourself then gather up your list of needs and the measurements of your space and either head over to your local home improvement super store or sit down with your computer for a little online research. Although you will find more options online, sometimes it helps to see the closet organizers in person – so if you’re not in a big hurry it may help to check out some real live samples.
If you don’t want to spend a lot and/or do not want a permanent structure in your closet, than a wire closet organizer may be the way to go. These are easy to install and take apart and can be added to at a later date.
If you want a more permanent solution you can check out the Rubbermaid closet organizers or take a look at some of the wooden styles. Rubbermaid has been making closet organizers for years and has built a solid reputation for manufacturing durable products. Their systems are versatile, easy to install and easy to clean.
Some people prefer the look of a closet organizer made of wood. You will be able to find systems made of all types of wood, in all price ranges. Again, you will have the option of starting with a basic closet organization system and then adding on to it if necessary.
Once you have organized one closet, you may find that you want to keep going to organize other areas of your home. It is a great stress reliever to get rid of clutter, especially in the places we want to relax and unwind.
Once you have decided that your closet needs help there are a few simple steps to pinpoint the best solution.
The first step is always to clean out the closet of all the items that you do not need or want. If you are dealing with a very cluttered closet you may have a lot of purging to do. If you still have too much to fit in your space after a good purging, then you may simply need to find another home for some of the stuff.
If this is the case with a bedroom closet than you may have to utilize another closet or purchase a portable closet or wardrobe. While installing a closet organizer system will definitely gain you some space, there is a limit to the magic. If you have too many clothes you may have to rotate your winter/summer wardrobes.
You may also have a hall closet that has become a home for too many things over the years. While you are purging also consider whether some items that do not need to be readily accessible can be stored in a different place.
Once you have determined which items are to be stored in your newly organized space, take a look at how they will best be organized. Do you need shelves? Maybe some type of shoe rack? At this point try to be honest about the way you usually put things away. Are you the type that always hangs up your clothes on hangers – or would some open shelves get used more often? Do you really need a few hooks to hang up your favorite items quickly.
Once you have thought through how you will use the space and what items will be stored, you are ready to make a list of what types of storage devices you will need. This is a good time to take some measurements too. If possible, it is a good idea to draw up a plan for your closet, even if it is just a rough sketch. Keep going back to look at your stuff to see how much needs to be hanging and how much folded on shelves.
Once you have completed these initial steps you are ready to think about what type of closet organizers will work best for you. Read on for more helpful information on selecting the right closet organizer.
So you can’t even close the door to your closet anymore because there is so much stuff packed inside. Maybe it’s time to look into a closet organizer. But where do you start?
There are basically three ways you can go with closet organizers. You can call in the professionals to design a custom solution for your space. A cheaper alternative to this is to purchase a ready made organizer that will fit into your closet. For the most flexibility, you can build yourself a custom system with some of the do-it-yourself products available online and in your local hardware or home improvement store.
If you have the budget, bringing in a company that specializes in solutions for closets may be the way to go. There are probably several companies in your area that will come into your home and design an organization system that will meet all of your needs. You will have many choices on materials and the functionality of the closet. If you do not have the time or the ability to create a closet organizer yourself, this option may be appealing.
For the do-it-yourself type, there are now more options than ever for adding a little organization to your closet. Companies such as Rubbermaid sells kits with pieces that are adjustable to fit a variety of closet sizes. You can usually start with a basic kit and add on pieces as you need them. These types of kits will cost $100 – $500 depending on the size and style of the kit.
If you are not ready for a closet organization system, you may be able to get control of your space with a few separate items such as a set of hanging shelves, a shoe rack and a double closet rod. Make sure that you take measurements before you head to the store or begin shopping online for small closet organizers.
With any of these solutions the first step is always to purge the amount of stuff you are trying to fit into the closet. 99% of us can get rid of a few items we don’t need or use anymore.
Most people find that once they have taken the time to organize their closet, they will save time each day when looking for clothes to wear. Other people find a reduction in their stress level when they have de-cluttered a messy area in their home. It is safe to say that you will be happier once you can close that closet door!
Once you are ready to tackle other home projects, you can get some good tips at grand home decoration.