Photo: peyri
We've all faced a closet that somehow ended up being the catch-all for everything we needed to store right away, get off the floor or pick up quickly before guests arrived. But there comes a time to face the ugly reality and we've got some tips for setting up your closet storage.
1. Purge the closet
Get rid of clutter by donating or throwing away anything that you won't be using in the next year, or haven't used in the past 12 months. Of course keep everything of sentimental value but if it's that old sweater you haven't touched in five years or some hockey sticks that are in better shape than you are, get rid of them. You won't miss them --we promise.
2. Evaluate shelving
After purging the closet you may have more space now than you realize. By getting stuff off the closet floor and up on shelves where you can see it and use it, you'll be winning the war on clutter.
3. Use low-profile hangers
Now sold at most home furnishing stores, these low-profile hangers are the same dimensions as regular hangers but cut a much more narrow profile which allows you to store more clothes in the same amount of space that typically would be filled up by wide wood or plastic hangers.
4. Label everything
Invariably stuff gets stored in old shoe boxes and you forget where and what things are. Treat yourself to a labeling machine. By labeling everything you'll have a quick closet reference and only need a glance to see what something is. Another favorite tip is to take a photo of the enclosed items (this works great with pairs of shoes) and stick the photo on the outside of the box.
5. Use common sense
When storing items keep the most used things within easy reach. In irregular-shaped closets with space behind walls or with hard to reach shelves, keep only sentimental storage and photos, not shoes or jewelry. If you don't you'll forget what you have and never wear it! Out of sight, out of mind (which, by the way, is not a technique we recommend for clutter).
Turn to ShelterPop for more organization tips!
