Closet Organization Solutions

Maximize Your Space

Sometimes we want to blame messy closets on our lack of storage space, but the problem is not how many closets we have but is more about how efficiently we use the storage space we have. If you worry about an avalanche when you open your closet doors, it's time to make a change.

Today it is easier than ever to find closet organization solutions to help take advantage of the storage space in your home. Organizers use the following features to transform cluttered, overstuffed closets into functional storage space:

• Shelves
• Drawers
• Hanging rods
• Baskets
• Doors
• Slide-out tie and belt racks

Ready-made Closet Organization Solutions

Solutions for organizing closets come in a variety of styles. Some are easy to install and can be purchased as a ready-made storage system at your local Home Depot, Lowe's or other home improvement store.

Ready made closet organization systems offer a number of styles:

• Cabinet style
• Ready-to-assemble kits
• Chrome or vinyl-coated wire systems
• Mix systems to create a unique combination to fit your closet needs

How to Choose Your Closet Organizer

When deciding on which components to include in a closet storage system, there are plenty of details to take into consideration:

• What items do you want to store?
• Dimensions of items to store – for example dresses and shirts do not require the same amount of room.
• How many feet of hanging rods and shelves are needed?
• If you plan to include draws, have you figured in the extra cost?

Organizational Tips

As you set aside the time to organize closets, if you want long-lasting results there's a few things to take into consideration to de-clutter your closet. Here are a few tips:

Getting Started

• Before you start, decide what types of items you want to store in the closet. Make a plan for the items that don't belong or you may be tempted to stash them back in your closet.
• Tackling an overstuffed, messy closet can be overwhelming. Before you start, plan a strategy that breaks the project into manageable pieces. For example, if you have a walk-in closet but can't step into it, your first goal could be to deal with items cluttering the floor space. Or plan to work from the top shelf to the floor. Whatever will work for you.
• Have a designated place for the items you are getting rid of and a plan to dispose of them.

How to Take Advantage of Your Organization System

• For items you want to access quickly – place them on an open shelf.
• Bulky clothing like sweaters fit best on shelves.
• If you're a packrat, avoid drawers because they become an easy draw to keep things you don't need until the drawer is full. The clutter grows like a cancer and spreads throughout the closet.

Resources to Help You Organize

The Messies Manual

In Sandra Felton's book, The Messies Manual, she recommends a technique that involves using three bags when dealing with clutter.

• A bag for garbage
• A bag for items to give away
• A bag for things to put away elsewhere

This book is written with a sense of humor to keep you laughing and motivated and even offers a quiz to help identify what type of Messie you are.

Custom Closet Organizers

If you want to design your closet organizer, the following resources provide the services you're looking for:

• Closets To Go
• Closet Organizers – Tools to design your organizer online
• Space Savers
• Easy Closets
• Solid Wood Closets

Don't Procrastinate

If people would put forth as much effort to organize their closets as they do in making up excuses for putting the project off, the closet would already be neat and tidy. When you do get your closet organized, you'll reap rewards beyond the initial satisfaction of seeing everything in its place because organizing will help combat bad habits that invite clutter.

With luck, what you learn from organizing your closets can help you in every area of your home. The more you organize, the easier it is to find or know what you need, which saves you not only time but also the stress of frustration.