SMALL CLOSET INTO BIG SOLUTIONS..!!

Lots of home remodeling projects are inspired by the need for more storage and better functioning space. Many involve “an addition”. If that’s true for you, you’re likely planning to “blow out a wall” or takeover some attic space and make it more usable.

Often this can be for a wardrobe,walk-in-closet or that much needed storage.

Here are some tips on doing your own “closet re-org” that makes the most out of your current wardrobe,walk-in-closet space.

Not all of us are lucky enough to have large walk in closets. You know, the ones you sometimes see on TLC or “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous”.

The Process

It begins with a process. You really do need to drag everything out into the open and start putting the things you never wear or use into a box or bag to donate.

The next step takes honesty and discipline. Look at each item and give it a rating from 1-10. Ten means you love it and wear it often with confidence and joy. Anything below a 7 should no longer have a home in your closet. It’s not doing you any favors and not serving your current lifestyle and goals.

Pick three to five adjectives that you resonate with and make sure each item you keep honors and conveys these characteristics.

Apply the 80-20 rule, since we really do wear 20% of our clothing 80% of the time. If you have things you just can’t bear to let go of – move them to the back of another closet or storage space. If another 6 months or year goes by and you still have not worn them – let them go without even re-evaluating. Trust that they have served their purpose and will now serve someone else’s purpose.

Structural Support

If you’re not up for having your closet designed by a professional, then go to a hardware store and purchase some items to help get more things stored in the same amount of space.

Consider installing an additional rod so you get “Double Hang”. These can often just be attached to an existing rod. Just make sure to measure vertical distance, height of existing rod and then how much space you need for the garments. And by space we mean vertically, not the width (left to right).

Attached a cloth “cubicle” section for either shoes or folded items. These also attach to rods and can really leverage vertical space efficiently.

Now start putting things back into your closet. The things you use the most should be the easiest to access. The goal is to be able to open (and close) the closet door – access what you need – and move on with your day.

Transform your ordinary closet into extraordinary one!

Start with the hardware

The handles on any of your bedroom furniture should be something that feels good to the touch, is easy to grab and open and makes you smile when you see it.

Add Simple Lighting.

Adding lighting to your closets no longer requires an electrician and a home renovation.

There are lots of options that are LED lighting that operate from battery power. You can often stick them to different surfaces and/or secure with a screw or two and Wa-La - you can now easily see your navy tops, brown tops and black tops.

The Man cave!!

Where’s the man of the house suppose to keep his wardrobe?

Well we know just what to do with “his” space.

Here’s our top picks and must know items/insights: An average pair of men’s shoes is wider than an average pair of women’s shoes. Allow 9” of space for each pair of men’s shoes (so an 18” wide shelf will hold two pair of shoes). And this dimensions also allows for hampers and baskets that will fit into a section this size.

Closet rod alert

Make sure there’s enough vertical distance between upper and lower rods to allow for shirt/jacket length. Men’s shirts are typically longer than women’s tops. And tall men require longer jacket lengths. You want to make sure to measure from the top of the hanger to the bottom of the garment so you have enough clearance to allow the clothing items to fit without dragging on the floor or the lower level of garments.

Simplicity rules.

Most men are very visual creatures. That translates to wanting to easily see and access what they have. Drawers with lots of specific compartments and things behind doors seem to be second priorities for the male contingency.

Incorporate hooks

Whether they’re for hats, sweatpants or robes, hooks are an easy organizing solution.

Ottomans

They are another great addition from both a design and function perspective. We all need a place to sit to put on and take off our shoes. Styles for ottomans can be very masculine and stylish.

So if you want to do something life changing for one of the men in your life (or you just want them to be more organized) give us a call. We’d be delighted to set up a personal consultation to see how we can help.

Good luck and happy organizing!

And if you need to add some structure to your closet – set up an appointment with one of our fabulous design team. We can double your storage capacity in no time flat and make your newly organized life so much easier to live.