Organizing Your Closet

Found on: FreshAmerican.com

Found on: BHG.com

Found on: ElleDecor.com

This week I stumbled upon a blog post talking about smart moves to make before you move into any home. One of those was to install shelves, cubbies and hooks for an organized closet. What a brilliant idea! While  your clothes are still in the boxes take the time to remodel or redo one of the "rooms" of the house that is best when effectively straightened out and sound. Listed below are a few tips of how to DIY and/or what to know before you hire a professional closet organizer.

Get Rid Of Your Old Clothes
It might not be easy, but tossing out or donating old clothes is key to making room in your closet. The truth is most of us have an ever-changing style or taste in clothing. So go through your closet and ask yourself if you’d buy this item today, or if it has a sentimental factor that warrants storage. Then lay it all out, and organize it by use, type or color. This will help you to get a grasp on what you wear and thus what you will need to find a way to store effectively in your new closet. Ask yourself, what would be ideal? What is the easiest way to access this item when I am getting ready? Next, you'll need to clear everything out of the closet so shelves, rods and more can be installed. 

Think Of Storage That You Like
Some of us hate digging through boxes (even if they're labeled), others don't like looking at open shelving, so think of what you want your closet to look like. Do you want it to resemble a traditional entertainment center (where most is hidden in cabinets and the show stopping pieces are on display)? Or maybe you want an open feel, all custom shelving, beautiful hardware, and beautiful boxes for a nice sleek look. Try considering: peg boards (for belts, and scarves), custom small square drawers (for ties, nylons and watches), glass dividers (for a more open feel, but still accomplishing the separation you need), a built in ironing board (for quick fixes), and narrow alley rods (for scarves, jeans, and more). Need inspiration check out LA Closet Design, their gallery of different storage systems is wonderful!

Low On Space Or No Closet
Don't have a closet or have such a small space for clothes theres no possible way it can support new shelves? Freestanding armoires are perfect for customizable storage space to take the place of a closet. Wire shelving or canvas storage can take the place of a narrow space. A tiered shelf stores shoes, accessories, or your delicate cashmere sweaters!

Lighting In A Closet
Whether it's a bright table lamp or a massive chandelier, good and bright lighting makes a difference in a closet (even if it's a tiny closet). You base what you wear some days on color, seeing that color clearly is helpful, and if you have a mirror in your closet seeing how that color or outfit may look together on your skin will never appear more clearly than with bright lights.

Finally design this closet based on how you get ready in the morning, or when you are in a rush. Build it effectively, sketch it out, and don't be afraid to call a professional closet organizer to get an estimate on what your dream closet may cost!