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CLOSETS -Big or small

Big or small, a well-organized closet space can help your life feel less cluttered and a lot more Zen. As living spaces are getting smaller, proper storage for all your personal belongings is the key to keeping your home feel bigger and cleaner. On this blog, we discuss how to better organize the least optimized space in your home; the closet!

Laundry/Utility Closet: This space can be organized on a small budget that is sure to make a HUGE impact. Whether the laundry machines are stackable or side by side you may want to consider the following:

• Open shelving in an upper cabinet for cleaning products and laundry detergents.

• Open shelving in a base cabinet for laundry hampers.

• A bit of countertop can go a long way in this work area. Go for laminate surface – this is an area where money can be saved.• Tall open storage for brooms, mops & vacuum.

• In a Linen Closet: Make use of deep slide out trays for easy access to linens — even those towels way in the back — without falling over piles

There are many storage solutions for this hard-working space; accessories for vacuum storage, clips for brooms & mops, pull-out racks for cleaning product, and so many more. Head over to our website for direct links to all the useful products out there.

Bedroom Closets: First things first, rip out that wire shelving unit that may have come with the house – it’s time for an upgrade! Solutions for this small space can cost as little as a few hundred dollars and can be installed in just one day. Here’s what you can achieve in a standard bedroom closet space.

Common Configurations: hanging space with double rods (for pants and shirts) and/or single rods (for long dresses and coats) in combination with open shelving. If dresser storage in the room is minimal, consider adding some drawers to the open shelf cabinet.
Every inch counts! Fill in all the extra space with shelving for shoes and accessories.

Pro tip: If the closet is for a child you may want to consider adding a second hanging rod, splitting the tall hanging area in two. Their garments aren’t as tall… yet…and as the child grows, the lower hanging rod can be removed to make room for longer garments.

Walk-In Closet: The holy grail of closet spaces! There’s something so rewarding about working in a space that stores items that you’ve collected over the years; items that represent you. This closet may demand further thought and research before starting the project. We encourage that you rely on us experts.

1. Take an inventory of your clothes: Do you have more blouses than dresses? Do you own any large winter coats and jackets? Shirts, blouses and slacks belong on double hangs, while dresses and long coats and jackets normally need single hangs. Men’s closet spaces normally don’t require many, if any, single-hang sections (exception of long coats). Adding more double-hang sections will better accommodate a wardrobe composed of mostly dress shirts and slacks.

Spacing:

a. Folded sweaters and shirts require 9 to 15 inches of linear space each.

b. Coats can require up to 68 inches of vertical space.

c. Pants and jeans require up to 50 inches of vertical space (about half of that when folded).

d. Skirts require up to 45 inches of vertical space.

2. If you have room, consider an island. Islands are a dreamy addition to any walk-in closet. But you need at least 10 feet of linear space. The more clearance space for islands with pullout drawers, the better.

3. Shoe Storage: There should be enough space to house the pairs you wear often. Allow 7 to 12 inches of space per pair. If you own boots, ensure that some of your shelves and cubbies are high enough to fit them.

4. Room to sit? The space may not allow for an island, so a bench could be the solution. Placed in the middle of the room, it will allow for an area to sit, or to lay out outfits.

5. Window in the picture? If a window is in the plans, consider putting a makeup vanity, or a built-in bench seat with drawers below.

6. Don’t forget the accessories: Belt and tie racks can be compact and mounted to any dead space you may have along walls. There are many built in accessories that may help, here are some of our favorites: (head over to our website for hyperlinks). a. Tie/Scarf Rack: Can also be organized with partitions in a drawer. b. Valet Rod c. Sliding Belt Rod: Can also be organized with partitions in a drawer. d. Drawer Partitions: For ties, belts and jewelry.

Additional Closet Storage: Does it feel like you just don’t have enough closet space in the house? Consider adding some with Millwork to your home’s front or back entry.

Pro tip: Adding one or two slide out trays to the bottom of the closet will help with visibility, by rolling out items, that otherwise sit in a dark deep space.

Why wait till the spring to clean out that closet? Contact us for your free in-home consultation where design meets practicality.