Organized Your Closet, Open Up Your Wardrobe
While many of us enjoy staying updated with the latest fashion trends, it can sometimes cause our closets to get out of control. We can use this time of year to help get them organized and get things off the floor.
I sat down and chatted with the Chief Design Officer for California Closets, Ginny Snook Scott, to get some ideas about why and how we can re-design and/or re-organize our closets.
So let's start with the why.
This time of year inspires organizational epiphanies. This started at the peak of spring cleaning, and often when we think of those epiphanies we think about the bigger projects like remodeling kitchens and bathrooms. But what about those little things that aren't as expensive and as time-consuming. I'm referring to adding storage to you house...it costs a lot less and can add value to your house when that time comes.
Closet space is a high priority in a new home. California Closets recently did a study about what remodeled areas actually add cost to the home, the closet/storage came in at the top. Potential new home owners will look at the kitchen and bathroom and then most head in the direction of the closet doors.
75% of homeowners consider prioritize closet space as important or very important, which is 25% more than it was last year.
While adding value, you can currently enjoy it. It's important to be able to keep yourself organized. Typically the closet is where you start and end your day, so having everything in place can really set your attitude for the day.
Now let's move on to how we can maximize the storage space in our closet.
Hire a professional organizer. They can help you get an idea of what needs to be done. Professional organizers will offer the budget-friendly suggestions that can mean doubling your hanging space and creating shelving so your shoes are off the floor. These are simple and inexpensive additions to add to your closet.
By pulling everything up off the floor, you have it at eye level and are more likely to see everything you have without something getting lost at the bottom or back of the closet. Many people don't realize how many things they actually have until their closet has been fully organized. This means that favorite top that disappeared has been collecting dust in the back of the closet for months.
Beware the dressers and drawers. Clothes can get hidden away in the these and we can forget some of the items we have in them. A suggestion Ginny made is getting rid of your dresser and replacing it with shelves so you are able to see everything you have.
If you were to look at the bottom drawer of your dresser at the very bottom of that drawer, chances are you will find something you haven't seen in about a year. With the shelving, you will be able to have everything in sight and then you won't be tempted to buy it again because you didn't realize you already had it.
Another suggestion is to rotate items in your drawer. Typically when we do laundry, we tend to put the clean stuff on top in your dresser, and then those are most likely the first items you grab when you're looking for something to wear. So instead put those newly clean clothes at the bottom of the drawer and allow yourself to grab something you haven't worn for a week or two or three.
Don't be one of the those people who only wears about 30% of their wardrobe because they it sits on top in the dresser. This is also another way that those favorite pieces will get worn out faster.
Motivate yourself to organize. Spend time on the personal touches and details. You want to make the space look like the décor of other areas of your home and go beyond basic storage. So have fun choosing really beautiful handles, intricate details, and fun pieces that really make a statement to your closet.
You can get great ideas for how to do this from place like Pinterest or Ginny recommends even going to a showroom where you can walk through an example closet and get ideas. For more ideas of great ways to organize your closet, you can also check out www.californiaclosets.com.
So open up your eyes to all of the clothes you have in your closet, and get them off the floor. The more in sight your clothes are, the more creative you can be with your style choices, and the more you can save money knowing what fashion staples your already have.
