Want more Closet space: Look up, look way up
View Comments This past weekend I began a new chapter in my career. I am one of the latest columnists for the Saturday Community insert in our paper. KVStyle is a great read, it has everything from parenting to green living to…you got it organizing. I will be sharing my expertise every second week and am thrilled to be part of this awesome community resource. Here is my first article from the March 6th edition.
As a professional organizer I spend most of my days talking about space planning, storage and time management. I blog, do presentations, work one on one with people and teach other professional organizers how to start a business. This column is another way for me to share my organizing knowledge and talents with the people in the Kennebecasis Valley.
Here is one of the most frequently asked questions I get. I don’t have enough closet space in my home, what do I do?
Lets talk about Vertical Storage. As the friendly giant always said look up…look way up.
Most older homes have a standard flat shelf with a bar that is attached underneath for hanging clothing.
When these homes were build wire shelving and the custom closet industry was in its infancy.
Are you living with a 30 year old…pre California Closet era design that does not incorporate great storage and functionality? Want to take advantage of all that vertical storage and jump into the new millennium?
By using this 6 Step Organizing System your closets will be functional in no time at all.
1. Choose a closet that seems to cause the most stress and spend some time Dreaming about what the closet would look and feel like when it is finished.
2. The Plan for the closet needs to include the budget for upgrades like a wire closet unit or baskets and hanging organizers if you are staying with the current configuration. The timing on when you will be doing the organizing and who will be involved are also important for this step. You can purchase items for the project inexpensively by checking out the local Canadian Tire for shelving units and the Dollar Store for baskets.
3. Take everything out of the closet so you can Sort like with like. Gather all shirts together, pants, etc…
4. The Purge is the hardest step in the system. Letting go of things that no longer suit our tastes, clothing that does not fit and sentimental items can stop you in your tracks. Questions to ask yourself. Do I need this item? Do I love this item? Can someone else use this item? Does someone need this item more than I do?
5. Before you get at the task of Reorganization you need to install your new closet system or add the extra storage options with your baskets and hanging organizing units. When adding the closet items back think about items that are frequently used and keep them at your fingertips. Out of season items and sentimental items can be stored way up top. By upgrading an average five foot closet you have just doubled or even tripled the square footage of storage space, depending on which configuration you have used.
6. The last part is actually something that never ends, Maintenance. I like the one thing in and one thing out technique. Once you have your closet just the way you want it this trick will keep it free from clutter.
By revisiting your existing spaces you can reclaim and use the space that you have in a more functional way. Enjoy your new found storage and closet space!
