CLOSET ORGANIZERS
Go from messy to organized with our closet organizer tips and sources
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Where To Begin
Closets are the first place to begin when starting a home organization project. But before you begin tearing things out of your closets, think about what belongs there and what doesn't. Your organizational system should be based on what you have to store. When organizing a closet, consider how frequently you use items as you find their new home. Things that are used a minimum of once a week should be stored within easy reach. And of course, before you add that new organizing shelf system, you're going to need to empty your closet. This is a good time to go through the contents of the closet and discard anything that you don't use. One recommended system is to have at least 3 boxes as you go through your closet. One box is for things you're keeping, one for things you are giving away, and the third for things you aren't sure of. Don't keep the "give-away" box around for long or you may be taking things out of it that you really don't need. The "not sure of" box can be closed up and put somewhere for a few months. At the end of this time, if you haven't gotten into it for anything, chances are you can also dispose of the contents of this box, too.Where To Look For Your Organizing Products
- Lowe's online site has a lot of tips for organizing your closets, and will show you the organizing tools they sell in their stores. You can order online if you're not near a Lowe's, or visit personally to pick up what you need.
- ClosetOrganizerSource.com is one of the top retailers of organizing products in the world. You'll find a large selection here, and at very reasonable prices.
- CreativeSpaces.com is home to most anything in the way of storage items for your home.
- EasyClosets.com allows you to design and order your closets online. They will ship free, often on the next business day.
More Organization and Storage Ideas
When undertaking an organizing project, take it one room at a time, and do it in small sessions--15 to 30 minutes at a time. You'll avoid burn-out, and be more likely to finish this project. While you're organizing, take an inventory of your belongings. Make a list of the item, description, and value. Put it in a safe place, and one more organizational chore is done.
For children's closets, use a double rod system, and move the dresser into the closet. This frees up floor space in the bedroom.
If you have a baby, you can use an over the door shoe organizer and organize his clothes for a week. Each outfit, including socks, is complete in each of the little slots for you to put on the little guy.
For linen closets, store bed linens together according to size. No more guessing what size a blanket is.
The space above the top shelf of a clothes closet is often wasted space. Consider adding another shelf above it. And keep a folding stepstool in each closet so you can easily reach items on the top shelf.
In the laundry room, keep a plastic shoebox for those small things that always end up in the laundry--money, lipstick, buttons, etc.
The Last Word
You'll find most any type of storage item from major closet organizers down to shoe boxes or tie racks. Knowing how you want to organize your belongings will help you decide on the storage items you'll need to buy. Once your closets are organized, you'll find it easier to keep them that way, and you won't have to look so hard for your belongings.Happy Organizing!