When visualizing a typical closet, what do you see? In many households the bedroom closet consists of one long closet rod with a shelf above, so it is often no surprise that a good portion of the wardrobe is found on the closet floor, bedroom chair or hanging on rarely used exercise equipment! One closet rod and shelf is simply not an efficient use of space, so in many cases it is not a question of the individual being disorganized, it is simply a lack of efficient space and storage options inside the closet.
A custom built closet is not in everyone’s budget. But even without built-in shelving and drawers you can still have an efficient and organized closet with the help of a few inexpensive closet organizers, found at many local discount department stores or online.
Here are a few tips on how you can maximize your closet space with inexpensive closet organizers:
- Skirts & Slacks: Maximize your hanging space with a 3-tiered skirt hanger or 5-tiered slack hanger. You can also find double hanging rods which hang onto your existing closet rod, creating another row of hanging space below – no tools required!
- Suits: For suits, you will want to keep the jacket and skirt/pant together to save time, so use either a hanger with clips or a hanger with a built-in hook designed to hold another hanger for the skirt or pant.
- Shoes: There are a variety of organizing options for shoes, including multi-level standing shoe racks and revolving shoe organizers. An over-the-door shoe organizer is one of my favorite space saving closet organizers, since it uses a generally underutilized area. Another great option is a hanging pocket shoe organizer that simply hangs onto your closet rod.
- Tops: Sweaters and tops should be folded and placed into a drawer, if possible. However, if you lack sufficient drawer space, consider a hanging sweater organizer. Similar to the pocket shoe organizer, the sweater hanger has several cubbies and hangs onto your existing closet rod. Or use open shelf baskets with “windows”, so that you can see what?s inside. Line them up on the shelf above the rod.
- Socks & Lingerie: Ideally, socks and lingerie should be stored in a chest of drawers or dresser. If you do not have either, bring in a rolling cart with drawers and store below your shorter hanging clothes inside the closet. Other options include over the door hanging pockets, or hanging pockets with optional drawers that you can purchase separately.
- Accessories: Hanging or over-the-door pocket organizers are also ideal to organize handbags and small accessories. You can also find specialty hangers for scarves and belts for around $10 each. Hats are best stored in a specialty hat box or inside a clear container. If you have space to hang items on the wall, install wall hooks to hang hats, jewelry and frequently used handbags etc.
Whenever possible, avoid storing items inside your closet that are not related to clothing, e.g. linens and papers. Store your off-season clothing in containers or specialty storage bags that can fit under the bed, or store them in another area of your home. Include mini cedar blocks to avoid moth damage.
If you find the process of organizing your closet overwhelming, call in a professional organizer. Many professional organizers will help you to completely overhaul your closet and will customize it for the way you live. Or if you prefer to do the work yourself, a professional organizer can simply provide some tips to get you started. Professional organizers generally charge by the hour or by the project.
Having an organized closet will eliminate the “I’ve got nothing to wear!” blues and you’ll find yourself spending less time staring in your closet and more time wearing the clothes you love!
Jacquie Ross is a Maryland based Professional Organizer, writer and owner of CastAway the Clutter! A member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, she teaches homeowners how to reclaim their time and space. Jacquie can be reached at jacquie@castawaytheclutter.com.
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