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How to Maintain Your Closet Systems Throughout the Year

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:12:43 GMT

Closet systems tend to fade into the background once they’re installed. You load them up, close the doors, and expect everything to stay aligned and sturdy. Over time, dust builds up, shelves shift slightly, and hardware loosens without much notice. I’ve noticed that those small shifts are usually what lead to bigger adjustments later on.

Keeping your closet systems in good shape doesn’t require complicated routines. It’s about steady, simple habits that prevent strain and wear before they become visible. Small changes add up quietly when ignored. When you stay consistent throughout the year, alignment stays tight and surfaces stay clean.

To keep your closet systems in top shape throughout the year, I recommend these practical maintenance habits that make a real difference:

Dust and wipe down surfaces regularly
Perform a seasonal deep clean
Tighten and lubricate hardware
Distribute weight evenly on shelves
Control moisture and airflow
Use safe, non-abrasive cleaning products
Adjust shelving as storage needs change
Inspect the system once a year

Keep reading as we break down the simple habits that help your closet systems stay aligned, clean, and functional all year long.

Dust and Wipe Down Surfaces Regularly

Dust may seem harmless at first, but it builds up quietly along shelf edges, inside drawer tracks, and in those hard-to-see corners. Over time, that fine layer starts affecting how smoothly your closet systems operate and how clean they feel overall. Small particles settle into hinges and slide mechanisms where friction already exists. Left alone long enough, that buildup creates resistance you’ll eventually notice.

Wiping down surfaces regularly keeps that slow accumulation from turning into a bigger issue. A soft cloth and a mild cleaner are usually all you need, no harsh scrubbing required. Paying attention to shelves, drawer interiors, and door panels keeps everything looking intentional and well-kept. It’s consistency, not intensity, that really protects the finish.

Allowing dust to sit for months makes it harder to remove and increases the chance of light surface scratches during cleaning. Light, frequent wipe-downs are much easier on the material than occasional deep scrubs. Keeping tracks clear also helps drawers glide smoothly instead of dragging or sticking. Those small habits protect the system in ways you might not immediately see.

Making this a weekly or biweekly routine keeps your closet systems feeling stable and fresh throughout the year. I’ve seen how steady surface care prevents the slow decline many people assume is just normal wear. A few minutes at a time can save you from bigger adjustments later. Simple upkeep keeps everything aligned and working the way it should.

Perform a Seasonal Deep Clean

A seasonal deep clean gives your closet systems a reset before small issues build into larger ones. Emptying sections one at a time lets you see what’s working and what needs adjustment. Dust that collects behind stored items often goes unnoticed during quick wipe-downs. A full reset brings those hidden areas back into focus.

Taking everything out also gives you the chance to reorganize intentionally. Items that no longer belong can be removed, and frequently used pieces can be repositioned for easier access. That adjustment alone reduces daily strain on shelves and drawers. Small layout improvements make the system feel more functional.

During a deep clean, hardware deserves attention as well. Checking for loose screws, minor misalignment, or early signs of wear prevents gradual structural stress. I’ve noticed that most long-term issues start as small shifts that go unchecked for months. Catching them early keeps everything stable.

Completing this process at the start of each season keeps the system balanced throughout the year. It prevents overcrowding and uneven weight distribution. A fresh reset also makes regular maintenance feel lighter. Seasonal attention keeps your closet systems performing the way they were designed to.

Tighten and Lubricate Hardware

Hinges, drawer slides, and mounting hardware do more work than you probably think. Every time a door opens or a drawer pulls out, those components carry weight and absorb movement. Eventually, screws loosen slightly and alignment shifts just enough to cause friction. Tightening them before that shift grows prevents bigger adjustments later.

Drawer slides, especially in high-use areas, benefit from occasional lubrication. A small amount of manufacturer-approved lubricant reduces drag and keeps movement smooth. When drawers glide easily, there’s less strain on the surrounding structure. Smooth operation protects both the hardware and the cabinet frame.

Doors that rub or drawers that drag are usually early warning signs. Minor misalignment may seem small at first, but repeated stress compounds over months. Catching those small shifts early keeps everything balanced. Small corrections now prevent noticeable wear later.

Adding hardware checks to your seasonal routine keeps closet systems feeling solid and reliable. It doesn’t take much time, just a quick inspection and a few turns of a screwdriver. Staying ahead of small mechanical issues keeps the structure steady. Consistent attention makes the entire system feel stronger and more dependable.

Distribute Weight Evenly on Shelves

Shelves are designed to hold weight, but uneven distribution slowly strains the structure. Placing all heavy items in one area increases pressure on specific anchor points. Over time, that concentrated load can cause sagging or shifting. Balanced placement protects the integrity of the system.

Heavier items should sit closer to vertical supports whenever possible. Keeping weight near side panels or structural dividers reduces stress on the center span. Center-loaded shelves are more likely to bow gradually. A small adjustment in placement can prevent long-term distortion.

Rotating seasonal items also helps manage weight more effectively. Storing rarely used heavy objects on upper shelves may add unnecessary strain. Redistributing those items periodically keeps the load balanced. Even strong materials benefit from thoughtful placement.

Paying attention to how weight is arranged keeps closet systems stable year after year. Sagging shelves rarely happen overnight. They develop slowly from repeated overload. Even distribution supports both appearance and long-term performance.

Control Moisture and Airflow

Air quality inside a closet affects more than comfort, it directly influences material stability. When humidity lingers in enclosed spaces, panels and shelving absorb that moisture gradually. Wood and composite materials react by expanding slightly, even if the change isn’t visible at first. Repeated expansion and contraction slowly affects alignment.

Humidity shifts often go unnoticed until drawers begin to feel tight or doors start rubbing against frames. Those small changes usually develop over months, not days. Poor airflow allows moisture to settle into corners and behind stored items. Consistent circulation keeps the environment more stable.

Managing airflow doesn’t require complicated equipment. Running a dehumidifier during humid seasons or allowing occasional ventilation can make a measurable difference. I’ve found that steady humidity control prevents the slow warping many people assume is just normal aging. Stabilizing the environment protects both structure and finish.

Moisture control also reduces the risk of odor buildup and surface deterioration. Hardware experiences less stress when panels stay properly aligned. Even small environmental adjustments help maintain long-term performance. Balanced air conditions support closet systems year after year.

Use Safe, Non-Abrasive Cleaning Products

Moisture is one of the most common reasons a coated floor breaks down earlier than expected. Concrete naturally absorbs and releases vapor, and that movement doesn’t stop after installation. If excess moisture builds beneath the surface, pressure can develop over time. That pressure eventually leads to bubbling or separation.

Humidity inside the garage also plays a role in long-term durability. Spaces that stay damp for extended periods create conditions that weaken adhesion. Water intrusion from outside, even in small amounts, slowly affects performance. Repeated exposure compounds the problem.

Seasonal shifts add another layer of stress. Warm, humid air followed by cooler temperatures can create subtle expansion and contraction cycles. Those shifts may not be visible right away, but they influence how the coating bonds to the slab. Stable conditions support longer performance.

Managing moisture isn’t complicated, but it does require awareness. Keeping the garage dry and addressing leaks early protects the surface beneath your vehicle. Even a high-quality garage floor coating responds to environmental conditions. Controlling humidity helps preserve its lifespan.

Adjust Shelving as Storage Needs Change

Storage needs rarely stay fixed for long. A layout that felt spacious a year ago can start feeling cramped as wardrobes grow or hobbies change. Fixed shelf spacing doesn’t always adapt automatically. Periodic reassessment keeps the system aligned with how you actually use it.

Repositioning shelves creates breathing room where it’s needed most. I’ve found that even small height adjustments can dramatically improve accessibility and flow. Taller items benefit from added clearance, while smaller pieces often work better with tighter spacing. Balanced vertical planning prevents overcrowding and wasted gaps.

Frustration often builds slowly when storage stops matching your routine. Instead of forcing items into tight spaces, adjusting the layout restores order and reduces strain on panels. Flexible systems are designed to adapt rather than remain static. Making changes early prevents uneven weight distribution.

Taking time once or twice a year to reassess spacing keeps closet systems working efficiently. It also helps prevent gradual sagging or hardware strain. A layout that evolves with your needs feels easier to maintain. Adaptability supports long-term structure and performance.

Inspect the System Once a Year

A yearly check gives you clarity on how everything is holding up. Instead of assuming things are fine, you’re actively confirming it. Small alignment shifts rarely announce themselves loudly. They show up subtly, often in the way a drawer feels or a door closes.

Open and close each door slowly, paying attention to resistance or rubbing. Pull drawers all the way out and push them back in to check for smooth movement. Look at shelf lines from the side to see if anything appears uneven. These small observations reveal early signs of strain.

Hardware deserves attention during that inspection. Screws can loosen gradually from repeated use, even if nothing feels obviously wrong. Tightening them restores stability before stress spreads. Secure mounting points support the entire structure.

This annual review isn’t about finding major problems. It’s about catching quiet changes before they grow. A few minutes of focused attention once a year protects long-term performance. Consistent oversight keeps your closet systems dependable.

Conclusion

Keeping your closet systems in strong condition doesn’t require complicated routines or constant adjustments. Small, consistent habits throughout the year protect alignment, hardware, and overall structure. From surface cleaning to weight distribution and airflow, each step supports long-term stability. Most issues develop gradually, which means they’re easier to prevent than to fix. A little attention at the right time keeps everything working the way it should. Steady maintenance turns a good system into one that stays dependable for years.

Things to Consider Before Installing Swisstrax Flooring

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:23:50 GMT

Swisstrax flooring has become a popular option for homeowners looking to upgrade the look and function of their garage. The modular tile design offers visual appeal, airflow beneath the surface, and a clean, finished appearance. From my experience working with garage spaces, the best results come when expectations are clear before installation begins.

A garage floor takes on more than people realize. Daily vehicle traffic, moisture, temperature changes, and maintenance habits all affect how flooring performs over time. Swisstrax can be a great solution, but it isn’t a one-size-fits-all product, and understanding how it fits your space matters.

Before installing Swisstrax flooring, there are several important factors worth thinking through so you know what to expect long term. Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:

Garage usage and daily demands
Concrete condition and subfloor preparation
Moisture, drainage, and airflow
Temperature changes and climate considerations
Maintenance and cleaning requirements
Design, layout, and customization options
Installation approach and long-term flexibility

Taking a closer look at each of these points can help you decide if Swisstrax flooring is the right choice for your garage and how to prepare for a successful installation.

Garage Usage and Daily Demands

Before installing Swisstrax flooring, it’s important to think about how your garage is used on a daily basis. Parking vehicles, storing equipment, or using the space as a workshop all place different demands on the floor. Swisstrax tiles are designed to handle weight, but usage patterns still matter. A garage that sees constant vehicle movement will experience different wear than one used mainly for storage.

Vehicle type and frequency also play a role in how the flooring performs. Daily driving introduces heat from tires, debris, and moisture that settles beneath the tiles. Heavier vehicles and frequent turning can increase surface movement over time. Understanding these factors helps set realistic expectations for performance and upkeep.

Foot traffic is another consideration that’s easy to overlook. Garages used for hobbies, workouts, or home projects experience more walking and standing than parking-only spaces. Swisstrax flooring provides traction and comfort, but the layout and tile style should support how the space is used. Thinking through daily activity helps ensure the flooring complements your routine instead of working against it.

Concrete Condition and Subfloor Preparation

The condition of your concrete plays a big role in how Swisstrax flooring looks and performs once it’s installed. Cracks, uneven areas, and surface damage can telegraph through the tiles and affect how securely they sit. Even though Swisstrax is a floating system, it still relies on a reasonably flat and stable base. Taking time to evaluate the concrete helps avoid issues after installation.

Moisture and debris on the slab also matter more than many people expect. Dirt, oil residue, and loose material can interfere with how the tiles lock together. I usually advise homeowners to look closely at areas near garage doors and walls where buildup tends to collect. Cleaning and addressing problem spots beforehand makes installation smoother and more consistent.

Leveling is another part of preparation that shouldn’t be skipped. Low spots or raised sections can cause tiles to flex or separate over time. Small repairs or grinding can make a noticeable difference in how the floor feels underfoot. A solid, clean surface helps Swisstrax flooring perform the way it’s intended.

Moisture, Drainage, and Airflow

Moisture management is an important factor to consider before installing Swisstrax flooring. Water from rain, snow, or vehicles can collect underneath the tiles rather than staying on the surface. While the open tile design allows airflow, moisture still needs a clear path to evaporate or drain. Understanding how water enters and exits your garage helps prevent unwanted buildup.

Drainage patterns around the garage door and along interior edges deserve close attention. Sloped concrete, low spots, or poor exterior drainage can allow water to pool beneath the flooring. In garages where moisture regularly enters during storms or seasonal changes, these issues become more noticeable. I pay close attention to these areas during planning because they affect long-term cleanliness and maintenance.

Airflow beneath the tiles also plays a role in drying and odor control. Swisstrax flooring promotes circulation, which helps moisture dry out more efficiently. Ventilation and how often the garage door stays open influence how quickly that drying happens. Factoring airflow into the setup helps reduce damp conditions beneath the tiles.

Temperature Changes and Climate Considerations

Garage floors are exposed to more temperature variation than most interior spaces. Seasonal shifts, daily heating and cooling, and direct sunlight all affect how flooring materials respond over time. Swisstrax flooring is designed to accommodate these changes, but movement is still part of how modular systems behave. Knowing this upfront helps set clear expectations.

Expansion and contraction tend to show up along seams and edges rather than across the entire floor. Proper spacing around the perimeter allows tiles to adjust without stress or buckling. Layout decisions and edge treatments play a key role in how smoothly the floor handles these shifts. Planning for movement keeps the system stable as conditions change.

Surface feel can also vary depending on temperature. Cooler conditions may make the tiles feel firmer underfoot, while warmer conditions introduce a bit more flexibility. During planning, I account for these changes so homeowners understand how the floor may feel throughout the year. That context helps avoid confusion once the flooring is in place.

Maintenance and Cleaning Requirements

Keeping Swisstrax flooring clean is generally straightforward, but it helps to know what routine care involves before installation. Dirt, debris, and moisture can pass through the tile surface and collect underneath over time. Regular surface cleaning helps maintain appearance, but some attention beneath the tiles is part of long-term ownership. Being aware of this from the start prevents surprises later.

Surface maintenance usually includes sweeping, vacuuming, or rinsing the tiles as needed. The open tile design allows debris to fall through, which keeps the surface looking cleaner during everyday use. Lifting sections of flooring from time to time allows buildup underneath to be removed. Planning for this makes upkeep feel manageable rather than inconvenient.

Long-term care varies based on how the garage is used. Spaces used for parking, projects, or storage collect debris at different rates, and I account for that when discussing maintenance expectations. Swisstrax tiles are durable, but consistent care helps preserve both appearance and function. A realistic approach to maintenance keeps the flooring performing as intended over time.

Design, Layout, and Customization Options

Design flexibility is one of the main reasons homeowners choose Swisstrax flooring, and careful planning makes a noticeable difference. From my experience working with garage layouts, tile colors, patterns, and spacing should complement the size and shape of the space rather than compete with it. A thoughtful plan helps the finished floor feel balanced instead of visually busy. Taking time upfront avoids layouts that feel random or overwhelming once installed.

Layout choices affect more than appearance. Border tiles, transitions at doorways, and pattern alignment all influence how finished the floor feels. When these details are overlooked, even quality materials can feel out of place. Mapping out the layout ahead of time helps everything come together cleanly.

Customization also plays a role in how the floor functions day to day. Tile texture, open or solid styles, and color contrast affect traction and visibility. Lighting, vehicle placement, and traffic flow all interact with these choices. Aligning design decisions with real use creates a floor that looks intentional and feels comfortable in practice.

Installation Approach and Long-Term Flexibility

Swisstrax flooring is often chosen for its modular design, which allows for a more flexible installation compared to permanent flooring options. Tiles connect without adhesives, making installation faster and less disruptive. That flexibility also means sections can be adjusted or replaced without tearing up the entire floor. Knowing how this system installs helps set expectations from the start.

Installation approach can vary depending on how the garage is used. Some homeowners prefer a full-wall-to-wall layout, while others leave expansion gaps or plan around work zones and storage areas. I look at how the space may change over time when discussing installation choices. Planning with future use in mind helps avoid rework later.

Long-term flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of modular flooring. Individual tiles can be removed to access the concrete, replace damaged sections, or reconfigure the layout. This makes it easier to adapt the floor as needs change. A flexible installation approach helps Swisstrax flooring remain practical well beyond the initial setup.

Conclusion

Swisstrax flooring can be a strong choice for the right garage, but it performs best when installation is planned with realistic expectations. Daily use, concrete condition, moisture, temperature changes, maintenance habits, and design choices all influence how the flooring holds up over time. Taking the time to think through these factors before installation helps avoid surprises and ensures the floor fits how the space is actually used. With proper planning, Swisstrax flooring can offer a durable, flexible, and visually clean solution for many garage environments.

10 Steps to Declutter Garage Cabinets Before the New Year

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:47:48 GMT

If you’ve ever opened your garage cabinets and felt instantly overwhelmed, you're not alone. These cabinets often become catch-all zones, especially when the year gets busy and projects stack up. Decluttering garage cabinets before the new year is one of the most effective ways to reset your space and approach the coming months with clarity. With a clear system and a little planning, this project becomes much more manageable.

As someone who helps homeowners transform cluttered garages into efficient and functional spaces, I’ve seen the dramatic difference a strong organization system can make. Most people think they need more storage, but what they often need is smarter storage. With the right strategies, your garage cabinets can become one of the most organized areas of your home.

Here are the 10 steps I recommend to help you declutter your garage cabinets quickly and effectively:

Empty out your garage cabinets completely
Sort items into keep, donate, sell, and trash piles
Clean and inspect your cabinets
Group similar items together
Prioritize high-use items in prime spots
Use clear bins, labels, and shelf dividers
Add door-mounted racks or hooks
Upgrade to adjustable shelving
Store hazardous or sensitive items safely
Create a simple maintenance routine

Let’s walk through each tip so you can create a garage setup that works for your home and lifestyle.

Empty Out Your Garage Cabinets Completely

The best way to start decluttering is by removing everything from your garage cabinets. This allows you to see exactly what you’ve been storing and what no longer belongs there. An empty cabinet gives you a clean foundation to build a more intentional storage system.

Taking everything out also helps you identify items you forgot you even owned. When you see the full picture, decision-making becomes much easier. This step sets the tone for the rest of the decluttering process and builds momentum for what comes next.

Sort Items Into Keep, Donate, Sell, and Trash Piles

Once everything is out of your cabinets, it’s time to decide what’s worth keeping and what’s simply taking up space. Sorting your items into four simple categories is one of the fastest ways to bring clarity to the decluttering process. This structure reduces overwhelm and helps you make confident decisions about what stays and what goes. It also keeps you from putting items back into your garage cabinets without intention.

Keep Items: These are the things you use regularly or seasonally and genuinely need in your home. Keeping only what you truly use prevents clutter from returning.
Donate Items: Items still in good condition can be passed on to someone who will appreciate them. This frees up space while helping reduce waste.
Sell Items: Some gear, tools, or equipment may still have value and can be sold online or locally. Selling them gives you extra space and a small financial return.
Trash Items: An ything broken, expired, or unusable should go straight to the trash or recycling. Removing these items immediately prevents unnecessary buildup.

Clean and Inspect Your Cabinets

With your cabinets empty, give them a thorough cleaning before putting anything back. Wipe down shelves, vacuum debris, and clear out any dust or cobwebs that have accumulated over time. A clean space makes your organization feel fresh and intentional.

During this step, check for any signs of moisture, pests, or damage. Catching issues early can prevent bigger problems down the road. This is also a great time to tighten hardware or repair loose shelving.

Group Similar Items Together

Grouping items by category helps create order and makes storage more intuitive. By organizing items based on how they’re used, you’ll find it easier to decide where everything belongs. This also allows you to see which categories take up the most space.

Lawn and Garden Supplies: These items are often bulky or awkwardly shaped, so keeping them together makes them easier to access before yardwork. Grouping also keeps fertilizers and chemicals away from everyday household items.
Tools and Hardware: Tools easily scatter throughout a garage, so grouping them in one zone saves time during future projects. Using small parts organizers helps keep screws, nails, and attachments contained.
Sports and Recreation Gear: These items typically follow seasonal patterns, so storing them together prevents unnecessary clutter during the off-season. Keeping everything in one place makes grab-and-go activities easier for families.
Cleaning and Car Care Supplies: These supplies are often used in batches, making it helpful to store them in one designated area. Doing so creates a streamlined process for car washing and garage upkeep.

Prioritize High-Use Items in Prime Spots

Not every item needs equal access, so place frequently used items at eye level or in easy-to-reach spots. This ensures your most-used supplies are quick to grab without digging through other areas. Reserve bottom or high shelves for seasonal or rarely used items.

This type of intentional placement makes your cabinets far more functional. It helps reduce clutter because every item has a specific, logical home. Over time, you’ll find that this arrangement naturally supports better organization habits.

Use Clear Bins, Labels, and Shelf Dividers

Staying organized becomes much easier when you use tools that reinforce your system. Clear bins, labels, and dividers are simple additions that can make a huge difference in maintaining order. They also help create visual structure inside your garage cabinets.

Clear Storage Bins: These allow you to see what’s inside without opening each container, saving time and reducing frustration. They’re especially useful for mixed or small-item categories like hardware or accessories.
Labels or Label-Maker Tags: Labels help prevent items from drifting into the wrong place and keep your system running smoothly. They’re particularly helpful in shared spaces where multiple people put things away.
Shelf Dividers: Dividers stabilize items and prevent piles from toppling over, helping you maintain neat shelves. They work especially well for towels, cords, rags, or loosely grouped accessories.

Add Door-Mounted Racks or Hooks

Door-mounted storage is a great way to take advantage of unused space. The inside of your cabinet doors can hold several lightweight items that would otherwise clutter your shelves. This instantly expands your storage capacity.

Spray Bottles and Cleaners: These store well on door-mounted racks because the upright position prevents spills. They also remain visible and accessible for quick cleanups.
Extension Cords or Ropes: These items tangle easily when tossed onto shelves or into bins, so hanging them keeps them neat. It also helps protect the cords from wear.
Small Tools or Garden Gloves: Lightweight items benefit from being stored on doors because they don’t take up valuable shelf space. This keeps frequently used items within arm ’s reach.

Upgrade to Adjustable Shelving

Adjustable shelves make your garage cabinets far more versatile as your needs evolve. Different items require different amounts of vertical space, and adjustable shelving lets you customize that as needed. This flexibility makes your cabinets more efficient and easier to use long-term.

If you acquire new tools or equipment, you can rearrange shelves without having to reorganize everything. Adjustable shelving also helps prevent overcrowding, since you can expand space where needed. It's a smart upgrade that grows with your lifestyle.

Store Hazardous or Sensitive Items Safely

Hazardous items need special attention to ensure safety and proper storage. Keeping these items in secure locations reduces risk and protects your home. Proper storage also helps preserve the quality of these materials.

Paints and Solvents: These should be stored in cool, dry areas to prevent deterioration or pressure buildup. Keeping them in labeled, upright containers minimizes spills.
Automotive Chemicals: Products like brake fluid and antifreeze should be stored high or in locking cabinets to prevent accidental access. Proper storage also protects containers from being knocked over.
Sharp Tools: Saws, pruners, and blades should be stored with covers or in designated holders to prevent injury. This also keeps your tools in good working condition.

Create a Simple Maintenance Routine

Once your garage cabinets are organized, maintaining them becomes much easier. A quick five-minute check each month can prevent clutter from sneaking back in. This small habit helps you stay ahead of disorganization.

During this check, toss empty containers, return misplaced items, and adjust shelves if necessary. The more consistently you do this, the more natural it becomes. Regular maintenance ensures your new system stays intact and functional.

Conclusion

Decluttering your garage cabinets before the new year is one of those projects that pays off far more than you might expect. I’ve seen so many homeowners breathe a sigh of relief once everything finally has a place, and I know how much a well-organized garage can simplify daily routines. With a simple plan and a few consistent habits, you can keep your space feeling clean, functional, and easy to use all year long. And if you're anything like me, you’ll enjoy the sense of calm and confidence that comes from stepping into a garage that finally works the way you want it to.

Back-to-School Kids’ Closet Organization Hacks Every Parent Should Try

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 20:08:29 GMT

Back-to-school season always hits harder than I expect. One minute, summer’s in full swing. The next, you’re standing in a department store aisle with a cart full of new clothes, gym shoes, backpacks, and lunchboxes. Multiply that by three or four little ones, and you’ve got a full-blown organization crisis waiting to happen inside every kids’ closet . Trust me, things can get ugly.

As someone who's been designing storage systems for families for years, and as a parent myself, I know what it’s like to dig through a mountain of mismatched socks while someone yells that they can’t find their uniform shirt.

I’m sharing my favorite back-to-school kids’ closet hacks that work in the chaos of everyday life and help make your life easier:

Create daily outfit stations
Use clear bins and labels
Double up on hanging space
Organize shoes strategically
Add hooks for quick-grab items
Create a homework and activity zone
Rotate outgrown and off-season clothes
Teach kids to maintain the system

If you’re ready to stop the morning madness and start the school year with a little more calm, keep reading. These tips might just save your sanity.

Create Daily Outfit Stations

One of the best things you can do is set up a weekly outfit system. Instead of asking the kids what they want to wear every morning, you can choose outfits together every Sunday.

You can use shelves, bins, or hanging sweater organizers labeled for each day of the week. Make sure everything goes in its spot: shirt, pants, socks, underwear, and even accessories if needed. Shoes for the day go right below the bin.

This tiny bit of prep saves 10 to 15 minutes every single morning . That adds up fast. And when you’ve got kids of different ages sharing a room or rushing out the door at the same time, anything that buys you back a little peace is worth doing.

Use Clear Bins and Labels

If I had a dollar for every time someone shouted, “Where’s my shirt?!”, I could retire early. That’s why I started using clear bins for anything that isn’t clothing but still lives in the closet, school supplies, art kits, sports gear, you name it.

Label each bin clearly with words and icons for younger kids who aren’t reading yet. If more than one child shares a closet, color-code the bins. That way, blue is for Ben, pink is for Piper, green is for Grace. It stops the endless digging and guesswork.

Clear storage makes it easy to scan for what you need without pulling out 10 things. When everything has a home, things get lost less and get put back more.

Double Up on Hanging Space

Most kids’ closets come with a single hanging rod. That’s fine for an adult, but it’s a massive waste of vertical space when you’re hanging little shirts and pants.

I recommend installing a second rod below the main one at a kid-friendly height. The lower rod holds all their everyday wear, like uniforms, casual clothes, even dance or karate gear. The upper rod is where I keep backup items, off-season pieces, or things they don’t grab every day. As they grow or their wardrobe changes, rotate what’s stored where. This trick alone can double your closet’s usable space without expanding the footprint.

Organize Shoes Strategically

Shoes are one of the fastest things to clutter up a kids’ closet. If they’re just tossed on the floor, they get lost, scuffed, or stepped on, and no one can find the pair they need. Here’s how to tackle shoe chaos:

Tiered Shoe Racks: These are perfect for holding multiple pairs in a small space. I keep school shoes on the lowest tier for easy reach.
Cubbies: Each kid gets their own row or section. It creates natural boundaries, and they love having their “own spot.”
Clear Shoe Boxes: These are great for special shoes or cleats. They keep dirt contained and make it easy to see what’s inside.
Fence-Style Shoe Racks: These hold shoes vertically and work especially well for smaller sizes.
Over-the-Door Hangers: Use these for slippers or lightweight sneakers. It’s a great solution when closet floor space is tight.

Whatever method you choose, be consistent. Once shoes have a home, it’s easier to teach kids to return them there.

Add Hooks for Quick-Grab Items

Closet rods are great for clothes, but they’re not ideal for backpacks, jackets, hats, or lunchboxes. I suggest adding hooks to every kids’ closet, like on the side wall, the door, or even inside the frame if space is limited.

Each child gets their own hook. Backpacks go up when they get home. Jackets hang there overnight. If they’re in sports, add a second hook for their gym bag or uniform. It keeps high-traffic items from being dropped on the floor or buried in a pile. Bonus: Kids feel more ownership when they have their own spot.

Create a Homework and Activity Zone

I know what you’re thinking: doing homework in a closet sounds unusual. But hear me out. A lot of kids use their bedroom closets for more than just clothes, especially if they’re short on storage space elsewhere.

When I design closets, I try to carve out one small shelf or bin for “active stuff.” That might be library books, in-progress school projects, field trip forms, or even their Chromebook. A rule you can adopt is: if it’s going to school tomorrow, it goes in this zone tonight. This can help you save a lot of time every morning.

Keeping schoolwork separate from clothes prevents accidental spills or crumpled papers. Rotate out the contents every weekend to keep it manageable. It’s not a full desk, but it does keep their academic stuff off the floor and out of the laundry pile.

Rotate Outgrown and Off-Season Clothes

Kids grow like weeds. And when their closets are filled with clothes that don’t fit or aren’t in season, it just makes everything harder. At the start of every school year, do a clean sweep. Pull anything that doesn’t fit and immediately decide: donate, hand down, or store. Then remove bulky off-season stuff like snow pants or summer swimsuits and pack those in bins on a high shelf or under the bed.

This leaves only current-size, in-season clothes in their everyday closet. It cuts down on decision fatigue and makes it easier for them to dress themselves. If they can see it, they can wear it.

Teach Kids to Maintain the System

I’ve learned the hard way that even the best organizational setup will fall apart if kids aren’t invested. So as a personal tip: involve them from the start. Here’s what I did to make sure the system keeps working :

Let Them Help Set It Up: If they choose their own bins or help label them, they’re more likely to care.
Assign Daily Tasks: Hanging up their outfit or putting shoes away should be part of the routine, not a once-a-week meltdown.
Offer Small Rewards: A clean closet all week might earn them a sticker or a little extra screen time. A little incentive always helps.
Make It Predictable: We do a “closet reset” every Sunday night. It’s part of the rhythm now, and they actually remind me if I forget.

The overall goal isn’t perfection all the time. It’s well worth it to build habits that make mornings easier, homework smoother, and life a little less chaotic. It really helps families get along better, and I’ve seen that firsthand.

Conclusion

Getting ready for school can feel like a full-contact sport, but with a few smart systems in place, your kids’ closet can go from messy and frustrating to calm and efficient. From daily outfit stations to labeled bins and hook systems, every little change makes a big difference. And when your kids are part of the process, staying organized becomes second nature. Try one or two of these hacks now and see how much smoother your mornings get!

How to Rotate Seasonal Clothing to Maximize Small Reach-In Closet Space

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 19:38:21 GMT

Every day, I open my reach-in closet knowing that the space is working for me, not against me. I’ve discovered that staying organized isn’t just about neatness; it’s about making my daily routine feel effortless. For me, rotating seasonal clothing is the simplest way to maximize my reach-in closet space and keep my wardrobe truly functional, no matter how limited the square footage.

With a well-planned system, even the smallest reach-in closet can feel surprisingly spacious and easy to use. Seasonal rotation, for me, is about more than just saving space. I find that it also improves clothing care, simplifies outfit decisions, and helps me curate a wardrobe that fits my lifestyle right now.

Over time, I’ve developed a set of strategies that make rotation seamless, offer step-by-step guidance, and provide proven storage solutions and accessory tips for any reach-in closet.

Why rotating your wardrobe seasonally makes a difference
Step-by-step guide to rotating your seasonal clothing
Storage solutions for off-season clothes in small spaces
Closet accessories that help maximize reach-in space
Tips to stay consistent with seasonal closet upkeep

Why Rotating Your Wardrobe Seasonally Makes a Difference

There is always a sense of relief when I see only the clothes I will actually wear for the next season. Here are the key benefits I notice when I rotate:

Reduces Visual Clutter: When I remove out-of-season clothing, my closet instantly looks cleaner and less overwhelming. It makes it easier to find what I need each day.
Prevents Unnecessary Wear and Tear: My garments last longer because they are less likely to get crushed, stretched, or snagged. I am not forcing everything to fit at once.
Improves Outfit Planning: Choosing outfits is quicker and more intentional because only seasonally appropriate clothing is visible.
Encourages Regular Editing: Regular rotation encourages me to review what I actually wear, so I can weed out items that no longer fit my style or needs.
Frees Up Valuable Space: By moving off-season items out, I free up valuable space for better organization, new purchases, or just a more pleasant closet experience.

Even in a small reach-in c loset, this simple habit makes my entire bedroom feel more organized and inviting. I have found it actually changes the feel of my mornings. There is less chaos and more calm.

Step-by-Step Guide to Rotating Your Seasonal Clothing

Rotating my clothing might seem like a big project, but I have learned it can be completed in a few practical steps:

Empty the Closet Completely: I start by removing everything so I have a clear view of my entire wardrobe. I lay items on my bed or a clean surface. This ensures nothing gets overlooked and makes the sorting process more efficient.
Sort Clothing Into Categories: Next, I sort clothing into categories. I separate them into current season, off-season, donate, and keep for review. Having a donation bag nearby makes it easy to let go of pieces I no longer wear or need.
Clean and Prep Off-Season Items: Before packing anything away, I wash or dry-clean everything and take time to repair minor damage. This helps items last longer and ensures they are ready to wear next season.
Label and Store Off-Season Items: I label and store off-season items in clear bins or bags for each category. For example, I have bins for winter sweaters or summer dresses. This method makes it simple to locate specific items and keeps my closet organized when the next season arrives.
Take a Quick Inventory: I take a quick inventory, usually a short list on my phone, of what is packed away. This helps me avoid purchasing duplicates and makes future rotations even easier.

Following this routine twice a year keeps my closet functional and never overcrowded. What once felt like a chore is now just another way I take care of myself and my space.

Storage Solutions for Off-Season Clothes in Small Spaces

Creative storage is essential when there is no extra closet or basement space. I rely on these solutions in my own home:

Under-Bed Storage: Rolling bins or vacuum-sealed bags are perfect for bulky or out-of-season clothing. These fit easily beneath most beds and can be labeled for quick access.
High Shelving: Adding high shelving above the closet rod gives me a spot for bins or baskets containing off-season items. I prefer clear containers so I can see what is inside, and I label everything to keep it orderly.
Furniture With Storage: Benches or ottomans with lift-up tops are ideal for storing clothing or accessories. These multifunctional pieces keep items hidden but accessible when needed.
Closet Door Organizers: Racks or pockets mounted on the closet door hold shoes, scarves, or belts, freeing up the main shelf and hanging space. This is a game-changer for keeping smaller accessories organized and easy to grab.
Suitcases and Travel Bags: Suitcases and travel bags work double-duty. I store off-season items in luggage I only use occasionally. This keeps both my closet and my suitcases neatly organized until my next trip.

Each solution is designed to make the most of every square inch, helping me maximize the efficiency of my reach-in closet.

Closet Accessories That Help Maximize Reach-In Space

I have found that a few smart accessories can dramatically improve a reach-in closet’s functionality:

Double Hanging Rods: Adding a second rod creates space for shorter items like shirts, blouses, and folded pants. This effectively doubles my hanging area.
Pull-Out Baskets or Drawers: Pull-out baskets or drawers provide drawer-like storage inside the closet for smaller garments, workout clothes, or seasonal accessories. Everything stays tidy and easy to access.
Slim Non-Slip Hangers: Switching to slim, uniform hangers allows more clothes to fit while maintaining a neat, streamlined look. The non-slip feature keeps items from sliding onto the floor.
Hanging Shelf Organizers: Hanging shelf organizers, either fabric or modular, are perfect for sweaters, jeans, or shoes. They provide extra shelving when permanent shelves are not an option.
Hooks and Door-Mounted Racks: Hooks and door-mounted racks on the closet walls or back of the door keep hats, bags, or jewelry within easy reach and off the floor.

Small adjustments like these have completely transformed my closet into an efficient, organized system tailored to my needs.

Tips to Stay Consistent With Seasonal Closet Upkeep

Keeping my system working is all about developing easy routines:

Set Calendar Reminders: I schedule two weekends each year for closet rotation to align with major seasonal changes. Treating it like an important appointment for my home keeps me accountable.
Purge During Each Switch: I remove at least one item every rotation. Regular editing helps prevent clutter and keeps my wardrobe up-to-date.
Follow a One-In, One-Out Rule: Whenever I add a new piece, I remove something similar. This practice helps control wardrobe size and encourages thoughtful shopping.
Keep a Donation Bag Accessible: I place a dedicated bag or bin in or near my closet for items I decide to donate. Having it nearby makes it easier to let go of clothing on the spot.
Inspect for Damage Before Storing: I check all off-season items for wear or needed repairs before packing away. Quick fixes now save time and frustration later.

With these habits, my reach-in closet stays organized and easy to manage all year long. It is not just about keeping things tidy; it is about supporting the way I want to live.

Conclusion

A reach-in closet can be one of the most efficient spaces in my home when it is organized and rotated seasonally. The key, I have found, is not just cramming everything inside but intentionally curating and maintaining my wardrobe. With a little planning and a few simple routines, I have created a closet that works for me, making my mornings easier and my home more organized.

Top Lighting Tips & Trends for Stylish Custom Closet Systems

Tue, 20 May 2025 18:22:24 GMT

When I first started designing my custom closet system , lighting was the last thing on my mind. I was focused on shelves, drawers, shoe space, hanger bars, and finishes. But when it was finally installed, something felt incomplete. The layout was solid, the materials beautiful—but the moment I turned on the old ceiling bulb? It all fell flat. That’s when I realized something important: lighting isn’t a finishing touch—it’s a huge part of the design.

Once I started experimenting with lighting, everything changed. My closet didn’t just function better—it felt better. Like stepping into a boutique made just for me. And if you care about how your space looks and works (like I do), you’re going to want to get this part right. Here’s everything I’ve learned:

Why lighting matters in a custom closet
Types of closet lighting options
Lighting design tips for custom closets
Choosing the right lighting for your closet system

Below are my favorite lighting tips and current trends—tried, tested, and 100% style-approved.

Why Lighting Matters in a Custom Closet

I used to think lighting was an afterthought. Something you add at the end, if at all. But once I had my custom closet system installed, I realized lighting is everything—it changes how you feel in the space, how easy it is to get dressed, and even how your clothes look. A great light setup doesn’t just brighten the room—it elevates it.

Total Visibility Throughout: No more guessing whether something is navy or black. Every corner and shelf gets the attention it deserves.
True-to-Life Colors: You can actually tell the difference between charcoal and deep green. That alone has saved me from more than one outfit regret.
Design That Feels Intentional: The right lighting brings out the textures, tones, and lines of the closet itself. It’s what makes the space look designed—not just installed.
Atmosphere That Sets the Tone: Starting your day in a softly lit, thoughtfully styled space changes your whole mood. It really does.

Types of Closet Lighting Options

Before upgrading my closet lighting, I had no idea how many choices there were—or how different they’d make the space feel. Here’s what I learned by testing out a few (and obsessing over the details):

Recessed Lighting: Want lights that blend in? Recessed lighting disappears into the ceiling and throws a clean, even glow across the entire closet. It’s subtle but powerful.
LED Strip Lights: These fixtures are my secret weapon for under shelves and along drawer edges. You can highlight exactly what you want without adding clutter.
Puck Lights: These are small but mighty. They’re great for spotlighting shoes, bags, or jewelry drawers when you want that boutique look.
Chandeliers or Pendant Lights: Chandeliers or pendant lights work best in large walk-ins, where they double as functional lighting and visual statement. A little drama never hurt anyone.
Motion Sensor Lights: Wildly underrated—in my opinion—these lights turn on when I step inside, which means no more fumbling for switches with full hands.
Track Lighting: Want the power to aim light where you need it most? Track lighting is the solution I’ve moved mine around as my closet needs change, which makes it feel even more custom.

Lighting Design Tips for Custom Closets

Planning closet lighting is a little like building an outfit—you want layers, balance, and a few unexpected touches. Here’s what’s worked best for me:

A Setup That Layers Light: Blending task lighting, ambient lighting, and accent lighting is the secret to perfection. It’s a mix that keeps things functional and beautiful.
Color Temps That Don’t Wash You Out: Lighting in the 3000K–4000K range (think soft daylight) is ideal. It’s flattering but practical, and your clothes will show their real colors.
Dimming Options Go a Long Way: I didn’t think I’d use a dimmer in my closet, but now I love being able to adjust the vibe depending on whether I’m rushing out the door or winding down at night.
Highlight Key Pieces: Accent lighting isn’t just for showrooms. Highlight a row of handbags or shoes, and suddenly your closet feels ten times more luxe.
Expert Input Is Worth It: Getting advice from someone who actually designs closet lighting was one of the best decisions I made. They saw things I didn’t.

Choosing the Right Lighting for Your Closet System

Your lighting setup should match how you actually use your closet—not just how it looks in a catalog. These guidelines helped me figure out what to install (and what to skip):

For Compact or Shallow Closets: I’d recommend using low-profile recessed lighting or LED strips to make the most of the space. You want brightness without bulk.
Mid-Size Walk Ins: If your space is multipurpose, overhead fixtures plus a few accent lights hit the sweet spot. It’s about balance—you want enough light for daily use, without overdoing it.
Generous, Statement-Worthy Closets: Use a mix of chandelier lighting and adjustable task lights gives you both form and function. You’ll appreciate the flexibility, especially if your closet doubles as a dressing space.
Luxury Finishes: Glossy cabinet doors or mirrored drawers bounce light around beautifully. Matte finishes absorb more, so you’ll want stronger lighting.
Your Vibe, Your Choice: Whether your closet style is sleek and modern or warm and rustic, there’s a lighting setup that complements it. You just have to know what to look for.

Conclusion

Good lighting doesn’t shout. It whispers sophistication. It brings out the best in your space—highlighting colors and setting the mood. And when it’s done right, your custom closet becomes truly inspiring. So, if you’re designing a custom closet system you’ll use every single day, don’t let lighting be an afterthought. Think of it as the final accessory that pulls your entire look together.

Wire Closets vs. Traditional Closets: Pros and Cons

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 15:36:35 GMT

As a closet organizer, I’ve seen all kinds of closets ranging from simple to high-end. What always stands out to me is how much a well-organized closet can change how we use our space. Whether you’re struggling to fit all your clothes in or you just want a more streamlined look, the right closet system can make a world of difference. Two of the most popular options I come across are custom wire closets and traditional closets.

While they both get the job done, they each have their own set of pros and cons. In this post, I’m breaking down what makes each of these systems unique to help you figure out which one might be the best fit for you. Here’s what we’ll discuss:

What are wire closets
Exploring traditional closets
Pros and cons of custom wire closets
Pros and cons of traditional closets
Which should I choose

If you’re on the fence, keep reading to learn all you need to know about these two different closet systems.

What Are Wire Closets?

Custom wire closets are a practical, flexible, and budget-friendly option for many homeowners. These systems are usually made from coated steel wires, and they come in all sorts of configurations, including shelves, hanging rods, baskets, and drawers. The beauty of wire systems is that you can easily adjust and move things around as your storage needs change. So, if your closet is going to be evolving, wire systems are great for staying flexible.

Installation is usually pretty straightforward and can be done in just a few hours for a standard design. Since the materials are light, the process tends to be quick and easy. Wire closets are also much more affordable than traditional options, so you don’t have to spend a ton to get an efficient closet that works for you.

Exploring Traditional Closets

Traditional closets are all about style and durability. Made from materials like wood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF), these systems often have a more polished, high-end look. You can get super creative with traditional closets, whether you want built-in cabinetry, custom shelving, or drawers that fit perfectly. They’re ideal if you want a closet that feels like a true part of your home and adds a touch of luxury.

However, traditional closets do come with a longer installation time. You’re looking at a more complex setup that might take a few days, especially if you’re going for something fully customized. They also tend to be pricier upfront because of the higher-end materials and craftsmanship involved, but if you’re looking for a closet that’s built to last, it’s an investment that could be worth it.

Pros and Cons of Custom Wire Closets

Wire closet systems are known for being affordable and flexible, but there are some drawbacks to keep in mind, too. Here are the pros and cons to consider:

Pros

Affordability: Wire closets are much easier on the wallet. They give you good value for what you’re spending, so if you’re on a budget but still want to make your closet more functional, this is a solid choice.
Ventilation: One thing people love about wire closets is the airflow. Since the shelves are open, they let air circulate, which helps prevent stuffy smells, mold, or mildew. This is especially important if your closet is in a humid area or you have clothes that are stored for a while.
Flexibility: If you like the idea of changing things up, wire closets are perfect. You can move shelves around, add more rods, or rearrange things as your needs shift without any hassle.

Cons

Aesthetics: To put it plainly, wire closets don’t have the “wow” factor that traditional wooden systems do. They’re functional, but if you’re aiming for a super polished, high-end look, wire systems can feel a little too basic.
Weight Capacity: Wire shelves are great for lighter items, but they’re not built to do heavy lifting of items like a large shoe collection or a lot of weighty coats. If you need something that can handle heavier items, you might want to go with something sturdier.
Perceived Value: Some people may not see wire closets as a premium option. Even though they’re practical, they can come off as less fancy compared to the warmth and richness of wood. This can make them less of a selling point if you plan to put your home on the market.

Pros and Cons of Traditional Closets

While traditional closets are beautiful, hold a lot of value, and stand up to heavy use, they have a few disadvantages, too.

Pros

Aesthetics: Traditional closets are beautiful, hands down. They add a sense of elegance and craftsmanship that wire closets can’t quite match. If you’re going for a closet that’s a statement piece in your room, this is the way to go.
Durability: These closets are built to last. They can handle a lot of weight, from heavy coats to stacks of shoes, and they’re sturdier than wire systems.
Customization: Traditional closets offer tons of design possibilities. You can personalize everything from the finish on the wood to the type of hardware you want. If you’re particular about details, traditional closets give you the freedom to make everything just how you like it.

Cons

Cost: This is where traditional closets can be a tough sell for some people. They’re more expensive, mostly because of the materials and the custom craftsmanship that goes into building them. If you’re on a tight budget, this might not be the most practical option.
Installation: Traditional closets take longer to install, especially if you’re going with a custom design. Expect a more involved process that might take a few days to complete, depending on how intricate the design is.

Flexibility: While you can certainly adjust things like shelves and clothing rods, modifying the wall-mounted system itself can be a bit more challenging than it would be with a wire closet system.

Which Should I Choose?

Here’s a list of factors to keep in mind when trying to decide whether a traditional wood or wire closet is right for you.

Budget

Think about how much you’re willing to spend. If you’ve got a tight budget, a custom wire closet will give you more bang for your buck. Traditional closets, while beautiful and durable, are a bigger investment upfront. With that being said, if you plan on listing your home for sale in the future, a traditional closet will have a bigger impact. It’s all about finding the right balance between cost and what you need out of your closet.

Aesthetic Preferences

How important is the look of your closet? If you want something that fits seamlessly with your home’s decor and adds a touch of elegance, traditional closets will likely be your best bet. But if you’re just looking for something functional and don’t mind a more basic design, wire systems get the job done.

Storage Needs

What are you actually storing in your closet? If you need space for heavier items, like coats or large accessories, traditional closets are probably a better choice. Wire systems are great for lighter items, like clothes and shoes, but they won’t hold up as well with bulkier belongings.

Future Flexibility

How often do you think your storage needs will change? You will be able to reconfigure both types of closets, but a wire closet is easier (and less expensive) to take down and start over from scratch. A traditional closet system is built into the closet, so while you can move some components, the “bones” of the system will be largely permanent.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, both custom wire closets and traditional closets have their strengths and weaknesses. Wire closets offer affordability, flexibility, and good airflow, but they might not have the same aesthetic appeal as traditional closets. On the other hand, traditional closets are beautiful, durable, and highly customizable, but they come at a higher price. Consider your budget, style preferences, and how much flexibility you want in your closet design to figure out which option is the best fit for you!

Closet Organizers for Shared Living Spaces

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 14:25:36 GMT

Living with others can be a wonderful experience, but it often comes with unique challenges – especially when it comes to storage space. I've seen how the right closet organizers can turn chaotic, cramped quarters into harmonious havens. Whether you're sharing space with roommates, family members, or a significant other, the struggle to keep everyone's belongings organized and accessible is real.

The key to peaceful coexistence often lies in how well we manage our shared spaces. When multiple people share a closet, the challenges multiply: limited hanging space, confused ownership of items, and the inevitable overflow that occurs when too many belongings compete for too little space. These issues can create tension and frustration in otherwise happy living situations.

Maximizing closet space: The importance of planning
Types of closet organizers for shared spaces
Making use of vertical space: Shelving and hooks
Creating personal space in a shared closet
Maximizing drawer space for smaller items
Utilizing closet doors for additional storage
Maintenance and regular organizational practices

Ready to transform your shared closet from a source of stress to a model of efficiency? In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about optimizing your shared closet space, including space planning, essential organization tools, and maintenance strategies that actually work. Let's dive in!

Maximizing Closet Space: The Importance of Planning

Before rushing to purchase storage solutions, taking time to plan your approach is crucial. Successful closet organization begins with a thorough assessment of both the available space and each person's storage needs.

Essential planning steps include:

Measuring your entire closet space, including height, width, and depth, to understand exactly what you're working with and to ensure any organizers you purchase will fit properly.
Taking a complete inventory of each person's belongings, categorizing items by type (hanging clothes, folded items, accessories) to determine storage needs.
Creating a rough sketch of your ideal closet layout, marking designated areas for each person and type of storage solution.

Remember, the goal isn't just to create equal space, but to design a system that accommodates different storage needs while maintaining harmony among all users.

Types of Closet Organizers for Shared Spaces

When it comes to closet organizers, selecting the right tools can make all the difference in maximizing your shared space. Here are the most effective options I recommend:

Hanging Organizers

Multi-pocket organizers for shoes, accessories, and folded clothes
Cascading hangers for maximizing vertical hanging space
Double-rod hangers to instantly double your hanging capacity

Storage Solutions

Clear storage bins with secure lids for seasonal items
Vacuum sealed bags for bulky clothes
Drawer organizers with adjustable dividers for smaller items

Space-Saving Specialties

Pull-out belt and tie racks that maximize deep corner spaces
Over-the-door shoe organizers that can be repurposed for accessories
Slim, non-slip hangers that maximize rod space

Making Use of Vertical Space: Shelving and Hooks

One of the most overlooked aspects of closet organization is vertical space utilization. In shared closets, making use of every available inch is crucial. Here's how to maximize your vertical space:

Upper Zone Solutions

Install additional shelving above hanging rods for seasonal storage.
Use shelf dividers to prevent stacked items from toppling.
Add labeled bins for items accessed less frequently.

Wall-Mounted Options

Install adjustable hook systems for bags and accessories.
Add a pegboard system for flexible storage configurations.
Mount belt and scarf organizers on empty wall spaces.

Creating Personal Space in a Shared Closet

Establishing clear boundaries within a shared closet is essential for maintaining organization and preventing conflicts. Try these proven strategies:

Visual Organization

Use different colored hangers for each person.
Implement labeled bins and baskets for personal items.
Create clear dividing lines using shelf separators or tension rods.

Space Division Methods

Assign specific shelves or sections to each person.
Use drawer dividers for smaller personal items.
Designate specific areas for shared items like cleaning supplies or extra hangers.

Maintenance and Regular Organizational Practices

A well-organized closet requires consistent maintenance. Here's a practical maintenance schedule:

Weekly Tasks

Return items to their designated spaces.
Straighten hangers and fold any disheveled items.
Quick cleanup of any dropped items or clothing debris

Monthly Tasks

Review and reorganize each section.
Check for any damaged organizers that need replacement.
Assess if the current system is working for everyone.

Seasonal Tasks

Rotate seasonal clothing.
Deep clean all storage containers and surfaces.
Evaluate and adjust the organizational system as needed.

Conclusion

With thoughtful planning and the right closet organizers, shared storage spaces can become a source of harmony rather than conflict. Remember that successful organization in shared spaces requires both the right tools and ongoing commitment from everyone involved. Take time to assess your needs, implement appropriate storage solutions, and maintain open communication with your closet-mates. Whether you're sharing space with family, friends, or partners, these organizational strategies can help create a peaceful and functional living environment that works for everyone.

Organizing Seasonal Items With Garage Organizers

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 14:40:46 GMT

I've seen firsthand how seasonal items can quickly overwhelm garage space, creating chaos and frustration for homeowners. The challenge of storing everything from holiday decorations to sports equipment often leads to cluttered corners and inaccessible items. That's where garage organizers come in – these versatile storage solutions can transform your space from a seasonal mess into an organized, efficient system that adapts to your needs throughout the year. Having helped countless homeowners optimize their garage storage, I've developed proven strategies for managing seasonal items effectively.

Whether you're struggling with bulky winter equipment, summer gear, or holiday decorations, the right organization system can make a tremendous difference in how you use and access your space. Let's explore practical solutions for seasonal storage. In this article, we'll cover:

Declutter and sort seasonal items before organizing
Use shelving units for easy access to large seasonal items
Install overhead storage racks for seasonal storage
Utilize wall-mounted slatwall or pegboard for smaller seasonal gear
Use cabinets for protected storage of seasonal decor and sensitive items
Create a designated zone for rotating seasonal gear
Label everything for easy identification
Practice these maintenance tips for keeping seasonal items organized

Read on for expert tips to transform your garage into a well-organized space that works with you, not against you, every season.

Declutter and Sort Seasonal Items Before Organizing

The first step to organizing seasonal items is tackling the clutter. Start by going through everything in your garage and sorting items into piles for discarding, keeping, or selling/donating. This ensures that only useful items take up valuable space.

This process not only helps declutter your garage but also creates a clean slate to plan your layout and use garage organizers effectively. Trust me, the less clutter you have, the easier it is to maintain an organized space.

Use Shelving Units for Easy Access to Large Seasonal Items

Shelving units are a game-changer for storing bulky seasonal items. Large storage bins filled with holiday decor, camping gear, or even coolers fit perfectly on shelves, keeping these items off the floor and within easy reach.

For added flexibility, opt for adjustable shelving. You can customize the height of each shelf to accommodate items of varying sizes. Pro tip: use clear, labeled bins for each season to make it easy to identify what you need without rummaging through everything.

Install Overhead Storage Racks for Seasonal Storage

For items you don’t use frequently, such as holiday wreaths, summer pool floats, or winter tires, overhead storage is a smart solution. Garage Living describes six types of overhead storage racks, from heavy-duty racks to tracks with storage bins to simple storage hooks. Garage storage professionals can help you assess your storage needs and garage requirements to decide which type of overhead storage solution is best for your needs.

This storage method frees up wall and floor space for more frequently used items. It’s perfect for maximizing space in smaller garages while keeping your seasonal essentials in their rightful place.

Utilize Wall-Mounted Slatwall or Pegboard for Smaller Seasonal Gear

When it comes to organizing smaller seasonal gear, like gardening tools, sports equipment, or holiday lights, slatwall panels or pegboards are hard to beat. These wall-mounted systems allow you to hang items with hooks, baskets, or shelves, making it easy to customize your storage.

Consider grouping items by season on different sections of the wall. For example, keep summer sports gear on one side and winter tools on another. This keeps everything visible and easy to access while reducing clutter in bins or boxes.

Use Cabinets for Protected Storage of Seasonal Decor and Sensitive Items

If you’re storing fragile decorations, electronic equipment, or weather-sensitive items, enclosed cabinets are a must-have. Cabinets protect these items from dust, moisture, and pests, ensuring they stay in great condition year after year.

Label the shelves or doors of your cabinets by season for quick and easy access. Not only do cabinets keep your items safe, but they also give your garage a clean, streamlined look.

Create a Designated Zone for Rotating Seasonal Gear

One of the best ways to stay organized is to create a designated “seasonal zone” in your garage. This is where you keep items for the current season in a prominent, easy-to-reach area. As the seasons change, rotate these items out, moving off-season gear to less accessible storage, like overhead racks or higher shelves.

This approach minimizes the time spent searching for seasonal items and ensures your garage remains functional and organized throughout the year.

Label Everything for Easy Identification

Labeling is the key to making your storage system foolproof. Use weather-resistant labels on bins, cabinets, and shelving to maintain readability over time. Be specific with your labels—grouping by season or type (e.g., “Winter Sports,” “Holiday Decor”) helps everyone in the household quickly locate and return items to their proper spots.

Labels save time and prevent the chaos of rummaging through bins or shelves, making your garage work smarter, not harder.

Practice These Maintenance Tips for Keeping Seasonal Items Organized

Regular maintenance ensures your organization system remains effective. Keeping your garage organized isn’t a one-and-done task. Regular maintenance ensures it stays functional year-round:

Declutter Regularly: At the start of each season, review your items, and donate or discard anything you no longer need.
Clean Storage Areas: Wipe down shelves, bins, and cabinets periodically to keep the garage fresh and dust-free.
Rotate Items Seasonally: Move seasonal gear to accessible areas at the beginning of each season for convenience.

These small steps will keep your garage organizers working efficiently and your space clutter-free.

Schedule quarterly reviews to coincide with seasonal changes, checking for damaged items and updating your inventory. Clean storage areas regularly, and adjust your system as needed to accommodate changing storage needs.

Conclusion

Using garage organizers to store seasonal items is a game-changer for maintaining a clutter-free and functional garage. From shelving units and overhead storage to wall-mounted systems and cabinets, these solutions help you store and access your seasonal items with ease. By decluttering, labeling, and maintaining your storage, you can transform your garage into a well-organized space that adapts to your needs year-round.

Ready to reclaim your garage? Explore a range of garage organizers, and start creating a functional, stylish storage solution for your seasonal items today!

Source

https://www.garageliving.com/blog/garage-ceiling-storage-ideas

Choosing the Most Useful Garage Cabinet Accessories

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 17:40:33 GMT

When it comes to maximizing the functionality of your garage cabinet , choosing the right accessories can make all the difference. Whether you’re aiming to create more space, improve organization, or simply make your garage look neat, the right accessories can enhance the efficiency of your storage solutions. In this post, I’ll explore a range of garage cabinet accessories, from shelving systems to magnetic tool holders, and discuss how to choose the best ones for your storage needs.

Let’s jump into the world of garage cabinets. In this article, we’ll discuss:

Shelving Systems
Drawer Organizers
Tool Holders and Racks
Baskets and Bins
Overhead Storage Solutions
Workbenches and Stations
Hooks and Hangers
Magnetic Tool Holders
Customizable Solutions

Ready to reclaim your garage space? Keep reading to discover the most useful garage cabinet accessories that can help you get started!

Shelving Systems

Shelving systems are the backbone of any organized garage. The most common types include adjustable shelves, wall-mounted shelves, and modular shelves.

Adjustable Shelves: Ideal for flexibility, adjustable shelves allow you to change the height to accommodate different items.
Wall-Mounted Shelves: Great for saving floor space, wall-mounted shelves keep items off the ground and within easy reach.
Modular Shelves: These systems offer a mix-and-match approach, letting you customize the setup based on your storage needs.

Benefits

Shelving systems offer increased storage capacity and customization options. For example, adjustable shelves are perfect for storing large items, like paint cans, while wall-mounted shelves can hold frequently used tools. Modular shelves provide a versatile solution for everything from sports equipment to gardening supplies.

Drawer Organizers

Drawer organizers are essential for keeping small parts and tools in order. Options include dividers, trays, and bins.

Dividers: Perfect for separating different types of tools or materials within a single drawer.
Trays: These can be lifted out for easy access and are ideal for smaller items.
Bins: Great for grouping similar items, such as screws, nails, or bolts.

Benefits

Using drawer organizers improves organization, saves time, and makes accessing your tools easier. Imagine reaching for a wrench and knowing exactly where it is without rummaging through cluttered drawers – this is the power of drawer organizers.

Tool Holders and Racks

To store and organize tools efficiently, consider tool holders and racks, such as pegboards, magnetic strips, and wall-mounted racks.

Pegboards: Offer a customizable way to hang tools by size and type.
Magnetic Strips: Perfect for keeping metal tools, like screwdrivers and wrenches, in view and within reach.
Wall-Mounted Racks: Ideal for holding heavier tools, like shovels, brooms, or even bikes.

Benefits

These accessories save space, reduce clutter, and provide easy access to your tools. For example, a pegboard allows you to hang multiple tools in a single, organized space, while magnetic strips keep frequently used tools at your fingertips.

Baskets and Bins

Baskets and bins come in various materials, like wire, plastic, and fabric.

Wire Baskets: Great for ventilation and visibility, ideal for items, like sports balls.
Plastic Bins: Perfect for stackable storage and easy labeling.
Fabric Bins: Suitable for lightweight items, like cloths or rags.

Benefits

These accessories provide flexibility and ease of use. For example, plastic bins can be labeled and stacked, making them a great solution for seasonal items or bulk storage.

Overhead Storage Solutions

Overhead storage is a smart way to utilize vertical space with options, like ceiling-mounted racks and overhead cabinets.

Ceiling-Mounted Racks: Great for bulky items, like holiday decorations or camping gear.
Overhead Cabinets: Offer a more enclosed storage option for keeping things dust-free

Benefits

By decluttering your garage floor and using unused vertical space, these solutions free up valuable ground-level storage for frequently accessed items. Fleximounts points out that by using overhead storage, you’re also protecting the items you store from the kind of damage that can affect things in garages, like pests, moisture, or flooding.

Workbenches and Stations

Workbenches are crucial for anyone who loves DIY projects. Consider adjustable workbenches, portable workstations, and built-in work areas.

Adjustable Workbenches: Allow you to customize the height for different projects.
Portable Workstations: Offer flexibility and can be moved to different areas of the garage.
Built-In Work Areas: Provide a permanent, dedicated space for tools and projects.

Benefits

A workbench or station provides a central, organized area for tasks and projects, improving productivity and ease of use. Whether you're repairing a bike or building a birdhouse, a workbench keeps everything you need in one place.

Hooks and Hangers

Hooks and hangers are versatile storage accessories for hanging various items, including utility hooks, coat hooks, and bike hangers.

Utility Hooks: Ideal for holding cords, hoses, or small tools.
Coat Hooks: Can be used for jackets, hats, or bags.
Bike Hangers: Keep bicycles off the floor and free up space.

Benefits

These accessories save space, provide easy access, and help keep your garage organized. For example, bike hangers keep your bikes safe and out of the way.

Magnetic Tool Holders

Magnetic tool holders come in various sizes and are perfect for organizing metal tools and equipment.

Small Strips: Great for screwdrivers and small tools.
Larger Strips: Can hold heavier items, like hammers or wrenches.

Benefits

Magnetic tool holders offer easy access, secure storage, and space efficiency. They keep your tools visible and at hand, reducing the time you spend searching for the right one.

Customizable Solutions

Customizable garage cabinet accessories, such as modular systems and adjustable components, allow you to tailor storage solutions to your specific needs.

Modular Systems: Offer the flexibility to change your setup as needed.
Adjustable Components: Allow for quick and easy customization.

Benefits

These solutions provide flexibility, adaptability, and personalized organization. For instance, you can modify a modular system to fit changing needs, such as adding more shelves or rearranging bins.

Conclusion

Choosing the right garage cabinet accessories can significantly enhance your storage experience by providing better organization, increased storage capacity, and ease of access. From shelving systems to customizable solutions, these accessories help create a streamlined and organized garage. Assess your own storage needs, and consider incorporating some of these accessories to transform your garage into a functional, tidy space.

Source

https://www.fleximounts.com/blog/why-overhead-garage-storage-is-becoming-increasingly-popular

Incorporating Labels and Visuals in Custom Kids’ Closets

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 14:02:26 GMT

In my work with homeowners, I often run into the situation where a parent isn’t sure how to help their child’s closet stay organized. My team designs and installs effective and child-friendly kids’ closets that are created to appeal to children of all ages. When it comes down to the daily nitty-gritty of keeping those closets tidy, however, sometimes parents get frustrated. I’ve found that using labels and visuals is a great way to help keep order in closets for kids of all ages.

In this article, we’ll go over some of the best tips I have for using these items in kids’ closets:

The benefits of using labels and visuals
The different types of labels and visuals
How to create effective labels
Where and when to place the labels and visuals you choose
Keeping these items maintained

At Klutter Killerz, my team thrives on addressing some of your most challenging organizational woes. Whether you struggle with your children’s closets, feel overwhelmed by an unruly garage, or simply need some help getting your own storage spaces in order, we can help.

If your main concern right now is getting your kids’ closets in good order, we’ve got you covered! Keep reading to learn more.

Benefits of Using Labels and Visuals

You might wonder what the advantages are to using labels and visuals in the first place. Here are some of the ways they can benefit your child and his or her closet:

Super Simple Organization: Labels and visuals make it so much easier for kids to find and put away their belongings. Think about how nice it will be when your little one knows exactly where their socks, shirts, and toys go just by looking at a picture or a word. Even the littlest members of your family will be able to stay organized, regardless of whether they can read.
Boosts Literacy and Categorization Skills: Labels aren’t just great for organization; they’re also great for learning. When you label your child’s closet with words and pictures, you’re sneaking in some learning moments. They start associating words with items, which is important for early literacy. Plus, sorting things into categories (like shirts, socks, or toys) helps develop their skills in categorizing items, which will be helpful in school.
Encourages Independence and Responsibility: One of the best parts about using labels and visuals is how it encourages your kids to be more independent. When they know exactly where their items go, they can start taking control of their own space. Imagine your child’s pride in being able to put their clothes away because they know exactly where everything belongs. It’s a win-win situation – you get a tidy closet, and they can take pride in their accomplishment.

Types of Labels and Visuals

Sometimes, parents aren’t sure how to label items when their child is too young to read. The good news is that there are visuals appropriate for all stages of childhood – from toddlerhood to the teen years.

Text Labels

Text labels are straightforward and can be easily read by kids who know how to read. The idea is simple – label each drawer with its contents, like “socks” or “hair ties.” Early readers will start to recognize words, and older kids and teens won’t feel as though their closets are too babyish. Text labels are also classic and clean-looking.

Picture Labels

For younger children or those who aren’t reading yet, picture labels are a great choice. You can use photos, printed clip-art, or even hand-drawn pictures. For instance, use a picture or drawing of socks for the sock drawer or a toy car for the toy bin. Little ones who can’t read yet will be able to easily recognize where their items belong.

Color-Coded Labels

Color-coded labels add a splash of fun to organizing. Assign different colors to different types of items. For example, blue for shirts, red for pants, and yellow for toys. You can use colored stickers or labels to keep it vibrant and clear. Once kids know which color goes with which type of item, it will be easy to put their things away. You can make this more appealing by choosing their favorite colors.

Icons and Symbols

Using icons and symbols is another great visual method. Simple shapes like stars, hearts, or even different emojis or smiley faces related to the items can work wonders. For example, use a star for pajamas or a heart for favorite outfits. These are easy to understand for kids who aren’t reading yet. Even teens might get a kick out of using emojis or icons they consider ironic.

Creating Effective Labels

Here are some tips on actually creating the labels you’ll be using in your kids’ closets:

1. Choose the Right Materials

You’ll want to choose materials that are durable and that will stand up to use. At the same time, they should be easy to switch out as your child’s wardrobe changes due to the seasons, their preferences, or their age.

Laminated Paper: Laminated paper is durable and should last quite a while. You can print out labels and laminate them, and they’ll withstand little hands rummaging through the closet.
Adhesive Vinyl: These are great for sticking directly onto drawers, bins, or shelves. They’re smooth and durable, and you can just wipe them down as needed.
Chalkboard Labels: These add a fun, interactive element. Use chalk or chalk markers to write and easily update the labels as needed. Kids who are learning to write often love these.

2. Use Clear, Legible Fonts and Bright Colors

To keep the closet looking good and the labels easy to see and read, go for clear, legible fonts and bright, attractive colors.

Fonts: Choose simple, sans-serif fonts that are easy to read. Avoid overly decorative fonts, small fonts, or those in cursive that might be hard for kids to recognize.
Colors: Bright, bold colors can help grab attention. Use contrasting colors for text and background for better visibility. Use your child’s favorite colors when you can.

3. Involve Kids in the Label-Making Process

Getting your kids involved in making the labels can significantly boost their interest and cooperation.

Choice of Materials: Let them pick the materials and colors they like.
Creating Labels: Have them draw pictures, choose icons, or help you write the labels.
Placement: Allow them to decide where the labels should go to give them a sense of ownership.

Placing Labels and Visuals

Once you have your labels created, it’s time to decide where to put them in the closet. Here are some of my best tips and tricks:

Eye-Level Placement

The golden rule for placing labels and visuals is to keep them at your child’s eye level. It will help catch their attention and will also look nicer, overall.

Why It’s Important: Labels at eye level are accessible and more likely to be seen. Your child won’t be having to look up or crouch down to see the labels.
How to Do It: Measure your child's height and place labels and visuals where they can easily see them. Be ready to move the labels up over time as your child grows.

Categorizing and Grouping Items

Good labeling makes it easy to categorize and group items. This makes it easier for kids to know where everything belongs.

Categories: Group similar items together, such as shirts, pants, toys, and shoes.
Subcategories: For larger categories, consider subcategories. For example, within toys, you might have bins for action figures, dolls, and Legos. If you have a drawer of hair accessories, you might want to separate them into clips, hair bands, and ties.

Consistent Placement

Consistency is crucial when it comes to labeling. Using a predictable system helps children remember where things go.

Same Type, Same Place: Place labels for similar items in the same spot on each drawer, shelf, or bin. For example, always place clothing labels on the top left corner of drawers.
Uniform Style: Keep the style and format of labels consistent. This includes using the same font, color scheme, and size. This will help the closet look nicer.

Maintaining and Updating Labels and Visuals

Once you have your labels or visuals in place, you’ll want to make sure they continue to look and function well over time. Here are some tips on doing just that:

Regularly Check and Update Labels: Set a regular schedule, like the start of a new season or the new school year, to update labels. Adjust them as needed to reflect what’s being stored in each of the bins, drawers, or shelves.
Clean and Maintain the Labels: For laminated or vinyl labels, you can just wipe them down with a damp cloth. Chalkboard labels can be refreshed with a new layer of chalk paint or chalk marker. If a label is damaged, have extras available, so you can replace it.

Making Updates Fun

Sometimes you’ll need to update the labels or the closet itself. This can feel stressful to a child who has gotten used to a certain way of doing things, but you can involve them and make it fun.

Let Them Help: Your kids can draw new pictures, pick new colors, or help you write new labels.
Make It a Game: Turn updating labels into a scavenger hunt or a matching game. For example, match the new labels with the items, or find items that need new labels.
Celebrate Changes: Use updating sessions as a chance to celebrate growth and change. For example, “Look how much you’ve grown! Time to update your closet for your new clothes.” The Cleaning Authority has a lot more ideas on making all types of cleaning, including closet cleaning, fun.

Conclusion

Using labels and visuals is a great way to transform your child’s messy closet into a well-organized, functional, and appealing space. You’ll both benefit from smoother daily routines, and your child will love being more independent. If you’re struggling with closet organization as a whole, please give my team a call. We have professional designers who are ready to help you take control of your child's closet. Best of all, your consultation is free!

Source:

https://www.thecleaningauthority.com/blog/home-life/make-spring-cleaning-a-game-for-your-kids/

Space-Saving Ideas for Reach-In Closets in Small Apartments

Wed, 15 May 2024 20:23:06 GMT

Many of my clients assume that if they have a small home, custom closet systems aren’t for them. I disagree! My team works in small houses, condominiums, and even apartments – anywhere there’s potential to create extra storage space. When it comes to a small living space, maximizing the storage potential of your reach-in closets is key.

Here are some of my ideas for making the most of your reach-in closet:

Double-hang your closet rods
Use under-shelf baskets
Choose space-saving hangers
Add hooks and shelves
Install lighting and mirrors

Let’s talk about how you can make your small closet look and function better.

Double-Hang Your Closet Rods

In a small apartment, every inch of space makes a difference. When you hang one clothing rod under another (leave about three feet of space between the two), you instantly double the closet’s hanging capacity. This means that if you’ve been having to place some of your items over a chair or even in another room to accommodate them, you may now have enough space to put them in your closet.

You’ll benefit from this tip if you wear mostly separates. You can hang your shirts on the top rod and pants (folded over the hanger at the knee) and skirts on the bottom rod. Some people prefer to do the opposite to pet the slimmer items on the top rod, which lets more light through to the wider items on the bottom. When a couple is sharing the closet, another idea is to hang one person’s items on the top and the other’s on the bottom.

Use Under-Shelf Baskets

If you have shelves in your closet, chances are good there’s some unfilled space between them. You can add baskets that hang from an upper shelf and take up only part of the space between that and the shelf below it. In a small home, this can drastically improve your storage situation, particularly if you have several shelves and use several baskets.

You’ll want to use these for lightweight items, like hair accessories, socks, bathing suits, ties, or belts. If you want more ideas on how to use baskets throughout your home to increase your storage potential, check out what the experts at Better Homes & Gardens have to say.

Choose Space-Saving Hangers

When hanging items on the rods in your reach-in closet, you can maximize the number of items you hang by choosing space-saving hangers. Bulky hangers can add clutter to your closet, and the idea here is to make everything look and function in a more streamlined fashion.

You have several options when it comes to saving space with hangers:

Switch out plastic and bulky wood hangers for velvet hangers
Use clips to hang skirts rather than folding them in half over the hanger
Choose “magic hangers,” which have several holes that cascade down – holding several items on each one
Pick hangers with an extra bar at the bottom to accommodate both the shirt and pants for a full outfit

Add Hooks and Shelves

Adding hooks and shelves to the interior wall of the closet will help you take advantage of every inch of space available. My team will often install various types of hooks on the side and front wall of a reach-in closet. You can use these for items, like purses, scarves, and hats. If you have a solid wood door, installing hooks there is also an option.

Shelves can make the most of corners and the side walls, and depending on the size of your closet, could be just the right place to add shoe organizers, bins, or small items, like watches and jewelry.

Install Lighting and Mirrors

Finally, I recommend upgrading your lighting and adding mirrors to a small closet in a small home. The reason isn’t because it actually adds space – instead, it adds the illusion of space. While having better lighting and a reflective surface won’t give you more room to store your belongings, both options will improve visibility and make the space feel more appealing and roomy.

Some lighting options to consider are LED strip lights, battery-operated touch-lights, and a table lamp placed on a shelf. Mirrors can be used on any wall of the closet, behind the door, or even on shelves to create a feeling of depth.

Conclusion

Finding storage in a small house or apartment can feel like a challenge. A custom reach-in closet can make it easier when you have the right tools in place. I’d be happy to help! Give Klutter Killerz a call to schedule a free in-home consultation, and one of our designers will show you how a custom storage space can make a huge difference in how your home looks and functions.

Source

https://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/organization-basics/storage-solutions-using-baskets/

His & Hers: Walk-In Closet Organization Tips for Couples

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:05:15 GMT

As someone who designs closets, one challenge I encounter quite often is working with frustrated couples who are sharing a closet. It can be a struggle to keep everything in order when space is limited and each person has a full wardrobe of clothing and accessories to maintain. The good news is that with the right approach, organizing a walk-in closet to accommodate two people can be done.

Here are some of the ways I recommend arranging a walk-in closet for two:

Start with a clean slate
Divide the closet into zones
Compromise on design elements
Work together on regular maintenance

If you’re ready to banish arguments about the closet starting today, keep reading!

Start with a Clean Slate

If you and your partner have a disorganized closet, the first step is to take everything out and start fresh. Pull out the clothing, shoes, and other accessories, and put them in piles on the bed, a chair, or even in another room.

Also, remove anything that doesn’t belong in the closet; maybe you’re storing outgrown children’s clothing or seasonal decorations in your walk-in closet. It’s best to find another place for these if you’re squabbling over space.

Go through your clothing and shoes, and see if there’s anything you can give away or otherwise remove. Southern Living has some ideas on how to clean out a closet to get rid of extra items you’re not using.

Use this opportunity to dust the shelves and walls, remove any cobwebs from the corners, and sweep or vacuum the floor.

Divide the Closet into Zones

Now that your closet is cleared out, it’s time to put everything away. I recommend breaking the closet up into zones. Each person should have designated shelves, drawers, and hanging rods, as well as individual shoe storage and, if applicable, a rack for ties, belts, scarves, and other small accessories.

There can be exceptions to this guideline. For example, if neither of you has many shoes, it’s fine to share a large shoe organizer. Also, don’t feel as though you need identical space; if one of you has a lot of hanging items and the other has mostly jeans and t-shirts, it would make the most sense to allocate more hanging rod space to the former and extra drawers to the latter.

Compromise on Design Elements

Your walk-in closet system should be a space that appeals to both of you. You may each have different tastes and organizational preferences, and both should be accommodated to the extent possible. Just as you did for other areas of the home, sit down and talk about the colors and styles each of you prefers.

Try to find a common theme or color palette; even if one of you is more minimalistic and the other is more bohemian in terms of decorating, a bright white or solid black finish could appeal to each of you. Both of you will have your own color schemes within your visible wardrobe elements. You may need to compromise on things, like lighting or other decorations; try to find something that each of you will find pleasing.

Work Together on Regular Maintenance

Finally, it’s important for each member of the couple to work together on keeping the closet neat and tidy. With two people using the space, it’s easy for it to get cluttered. Make some ground rules about a mutually acceptable level of neatness, and strive to stick to that.

Have a regular time, perhaps once per month, to spend 15 minutes or so going through the closet – straightening what needs to be tidied and removing any items that don’t need to be there any longer. This should not fall on just one person, and it should be done frequently enough that it doesn’t take longer than about a quarter of an hour.

Conclusion

By keeping my tips in mind, you and your partner should be able to transform your walk-in closet into a stress-free space that accommodates both of you. It just takes some planning and cooperation. Of course, if you are still having trouble finding the space for everything you need to store, feel free to give me a call, and you can meet with a member of my design team to create the custom closet of your dreams.

Source

https://www.southernliving.com/rule-for-cleaning-out-closet-7373514

How to Organize a Home With Little Space

Sat, 27 Jan 2024 21:29:40 GMT

Organizing a small home is a big undertaking! But don't worry, this complete guide will equip and motivate you to gain control over the chaos.

Some basic organization principles apply to every room of your home; these include as purging unnecessary items, decluttering often, and using all available space. Moving room by room, take just 15 minutes a day to purge and organize the remaining items. Finally, stick with your new system to keep your home organized and beautiful!

There's no time to waste! Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of organizing a small home.

Small Home Organization 101

In order to effectively organize your home, there are a few tips to keep in mind.

Separate Into Zones

Take organization slowly. Start with one room, or if one room is too much, start in one section of the room. Stay focused on that one area until you're satisfied with it.

Another way to organize is by dividing your home into zones. This method was made popular by Marla Cilley (also known as the FlyLady). For example, zone 1 is the kitchen, zone 2 is the master bedroom, and zone 3 is the bathroom. Then, spend only 15 minutes a day organizing (or, once your home is organized, cleaning and decluttering) one zone and be surprised at the results!

Embrace The Purge

In order to keep a small home organized and tidy, you can't hold onto extra stuff. Often, houses are cluttered and disorganized not because the home doesn't have enough space but because there's too much stuff.

When you begin organizing your home, it's vital to do a deep purge. This can be tough at first; emotional attachment to objects is a real thing! Or perhaps you rationalize that you might use an item in the future. Tiny Buddha offers these tips for releasing your attachment to objects:

Start with an easy, annoying, or distracting area
Set a time limit
Only keep the essential or "beautiful" items
Challenge yourself to keep as few items as possible

As you move through your zones, be intentional about purging each area. Keep only the items you need or bring you joy. Then, decide whether to donate, sell, or trash everything else. A garage sale is a great incentive to purge (but be sure to donate anything that doesn't sell!).

Take Inventory

While you're in the process of purging, make note of what storage solutions you might want or need for your remaining items. There are so many options to choose from! Take your time to find the ones that are right for you.

Declutter Often

It's not enough to do a one-time purge; it's important to regularly declutter each area of your house to keep items from piling up. This is where zones are particularly helpful! Assign a zone for each day, and spend 15 minutes or less cleaning and decluttering.

Use Vertical Space

It's easy to think of storage as what's easily accessible. But in a small home, every square inch counts! Don't be afraid to use space from the floor to the ceiling. This is particularly important in closets but can be applied anywhere in your home. Bookshelves, storage units, shelves, hooks, trundle storage, and more, are effective ways to maximize space.

Be Choosy

When you have a small home, you have to be very choosy about what stays and what goes. There's not endless tabletop space for décor or cabinet space for an extra kitchen gadget. Holding onto these things will not only make your home more cluttered but will also reduce the function of your storage space. Again, routinely declutter your zones to regularly evaluate what items no longer serve a purpose.

Stick With It

Old habits are hard to break. Your new organization system may feel awkward at first, but be intentional about putting items away correctly, decluttering regularly, and carefully choosing which items you keep.

Room By Room

Now that you've got your decluttering and organizing tool belt on, it's time to get to work! Below is a room-by-room breakdown of specific organizational hacks.

Garage

A top tip for organizing your garage is to not put anything on the floor! This is particularly important so your tools don't incur any damage from water, avoid them from being a tripping hazard, and keep children and animals safe.

Find a storage space for all of your garage items either on a shelf, cabinet, bin, or otherwise hung or stored on the walls. The garage is one place where you can utilize magnetic storage, which allows you to still see all of your tools but keeps them out of reach of small hands.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms primarily look disorganized due to a lack of storage. The first order of business is to add extra storage space! Some popular and cost-effective ways include small floating shelves, mounted cabinets, rolling carts (to fit between the toilet and sink), or over-the-toilet storage.

Once you've added extra space, you can designate certain areas for everyone's items, or give each person their own multipurpose organizer to arrange how they please.

Bedrooms

Disorganization can make bedrooms feel smaller than they are! Here are some ways to organize and declutter your bedroom so it appears more spacious:

Over-the-door laundry baskets - Remove the eyesore of an overflowing laundry basket and give yourself some extra space by using a hamper that hangs over the door.
Too Much Furniture - Small bedrooms can feel even smaller when too much furniture is crammed into them. You might have to pick and choose so your bedroom is more functional. For instance, a bed caddy or mattress pocket organizer can take the place of a nightstand. If your closet allows, put a low dresser inside and hang clothes above it.
Under the Bed - Use various containers to store seasonal items under your bed. Beware though of storing clothes in plastic containers, as they can become susceptible to mold growth.

Living Room

In your living room, choose furniture with a multifunctional purpose. For instance, use a storage ottoman for blankets and make sure all of your tables have drawers or shelves for books, magazines, and electronic storage.

Don't waste your wall space! Choose tall bookshelves or cubbies, which give the option for functionality, storage, and decor display. Or, utilize hanging shelves for storage.

Laundry Room

Although laundry rooms are justifiably chaotic, especially those on the smaller side, they don't have to be! For instance, install a fold-down ironing board, add some hanging bars for freshly-ironed clothes, and mount a Slatwall rack to store detergent, stain removers, and cleaning agents.

Kitchen

Kitchens are easily cluttered with too many gadgets and cookware. It's crucial to purge your kitchen of all non-essential items! Replace single-purpose appliances with multi-purpose appliances, cut back on your potholders and cooking utensils, and give away decorative dishes that you don't use.

Many cabinets will allow you to add storage space on the back of cabinet doors, like those featured in thekitcn.com. If you have a pantry, utilize every square inch with tiered shelves, canned goods storage, and over-the-door organizers.

Closets

Closets are additional spaces that quickly overflow with extra clutter. This is not only annoying, but it also reduces the function of your closet space! Use an over-the-door organizer for shoes, hats, and mittens.

Don't be afraid to use high and low spaces: add an extra shelf above your hangers for extra vertical storage or use a shoe organizer or storage bins for low storage. Installing a custom closet is yet another option for maximizing space, as referenced by the pros at Clever Closets in Four Tips for Organizing Your Custom Closets.

Conclusion

Organizing your small home can feel overwhelming, but getting started is the hardest part! Divide your home into zones and work on one zone for 15 minutes to purge unnecessary items and take inventory of what storage solutions you might need.

Moving zone by zone (or room by room), implement your new methods. Once you've organized your small home, be sure to stick to your new system and declutter often so it stays that way!

Sources

Garage Man Cave Makeover Ideas

Sat, 27 Jan 2024 21:27:33 GMT

Your garage man cave is a gathering place to unwind in a comfortable environment. It would only make sense that a great location for this is your garage, but how do you transform a garage into a man cave?

Here are 6 steps for designing the ultimate garage man cave:

Revamp Your Garage Floor
Install The Right Lighting
Bring in Comfortable and Functional Furniture
Add Some Character
Don’t Forget About Texture
Keep Your Garage Organized

Learn the ins and outs of designing your very own garage man cave below!

Revamp Your Garage Flooring

If there's one thing for certain, it's that the most important element of your garage man cave makeover is the flooring. It often becomes the overall focal point of any design project. With so many eye-catching options available, it’s no wonder. Seasoned home advice site Bob Vila lists a number of common flooring choices to consider.

Interlocking tiles (also known as Swisstrax) are a popular choice. Simply snap them in place and cover up any existing imperfections. One of the top reasons Swisstrax is so popular is the lack of maintenance it requires.

Perhaps you enjoy the natural look of concrete for your garage floor. One option is to apply a concrete stain to it. Translucent in appearance, a concrete stain will give your concrete garage floor the look of natural stone. After a couple of coats of stain and clear sealer, your floor will look marble-like and glossy.

If you prefer, you could always paint your garage floor. Maybe you recently completed a project and have a gallon of paint leftover. The only drawback is that you will need to reapply a coat or two every few years.

Install The Right Lighting

Many times, garages are places that are dark and dreary since there are no windows. Even though you don’t likely want your man cave to be overly bright, it does need to have several lighting options. Remember, it's first and foremost a garage so you need to see what you're doing which is where overhead lights come in.

Consider hanging a couple of pendant lights around as well. They're the perfect complement for placing over a poker table or a pool table. Maybe you decided to build a bar within your man cave, in which case task lighting can be incorporated as well.

Bring In Comfortable and Functional Furniture

When it comes to man cave furniture, comfort is the number one priority. For instance, picture an overstuffed leather sofa alongside a mini-fridge. Ottomans are great to have for sitting and double as a table. Of course, you'll also want to have a nice big TV hanging in your garage man cave. If you decided to put in a bar, don’t forget the barstools! Make sure that your guests have a place to set their drinks so that liquids don’t get spilled all over your new floor.

Add in Some Character

When it comes to decorating your man cave, let your personality really shine through. This is the space where you truly get to be yourself. Display your sports memorabilia, any personal accomplishments, and items that make you feel happy and relaxed.

Paint the walls a color that really sets off the space. Since color is a very personal choice, stick with one that resonates with you. In regards to decorative accents, pick out a few character pieces that add significant visual interest to the space.

Don’t Forget About Texture

When creating a man cave in your garage, one element you should never forget to display is texture. Try to include it wherever you can. One perfect way to insert texture is to install Slatwall racks. Not only are they aesthetically appealing, but they are also highly functional. You'll be able to hang an endless number of tools and accessories and adjust them whenever the need arises.

Keep Your Garage Organized

Keep in mind that no matter how great your man cave is, it still exists within a functioning garage, meaning everything you have stored there needs to be kept in order. Having cabinets and a workbench is certainly useful for organizational purposes. Investing in a tool chest may make sense if you have a large collection and wish to create a mini-workshop.

Attach hooks to your walls to hold large items such as rakes and shovels. Attachable baskets and bins are perfect for mounting to Slatwall racks. Fill them with whatever else in your garage needs a home. To learn tricks and tips about keeping this area of your home shipshape, check out this article by Connecticut Closets & Garages - How to Organize A Messy Garage.

Final Thoughts

Transforming your space doesn’t have to break the bank. It just takes a bit of organization and creativity. Put in the right floor, light it up a bit, make it comfortable and before you know it, your garage man cave will be the ultimate at-home retreat!

Sources

Unlocking Potentials: Space-Saving Hacks for Small Custom Closets

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 20:26:13 GMT

As a professional closet organizer, I love the challenge of working with small custom closets . The key is making the most of every inch of space, and my team has the experience and expertise to come up with some really creative solutions that our clients love. In this article, I’ll go through some of my best space-saving ideas for reach-in closets.

Some ways to make the most of your small custom closet system include:

Custom solutions for nooks, crannies, and corners
Hidden components that pull out as needed
Double-hung clothing rods
Various shoe storage options

I’d love to work with you on maximizing your closet’s potential. In the meantime, let’s delve into some of these tips.

Custom Solutions for Nooks, Crannies, and Corners

When it comes to a small closet, you really need to take advantage of every bit of space. Many closets have small cutouts, tight corners, and other unique architectural features that beg to be used in some way.

Custom-built shelves fit into these unique spaces because they’re built for the space you have. Corner shelves can be made on an angle if your corners aren’t square, for example. If there’s an awkward nook, drawers or shelves can be built to fit the space perfectly.

The goal is to design custom solutions that fit, so the entire system looks cohesive, and so there aren’t any buckling or gaps. With customized pieces, this is possible.

Hidden Components That Pull Out As Needed

When I build a custom closet, what you see isn’t all that you’re getting. My team often uses hidden components that only pull out when you need them. Some examples include valet rods, pull-out mirrors, racks, and other accessories that stay hidden when not in use.

The advantage here is that you’ll be able to use the items as you need them, but they won’t be contributing to any visual clutter. A valet rod can telescope back into itself when you’re not using it, but it will be ready to extend at a moment’s notice when the time comes to hang up your outfit for the next day.

If you need to do a last-minute outfit check, pull out the mirror, and take a look. Then you can put it back, so it won’t be blocking your access to your clothing and accessories.

Using hidden functionality in this way increases the items you can store while allowing everything to look streamlined and tidy. When the closet looks good, you’ll feel better about using it, which is the goal.

Double-Hung Clothing Rods

You can literally double your storage space for hung clothing by adding a second clothing rod. Usually, we’ll move the existing rod up a bit and then install a new rod a few feet below it. This lets you move some of your separates down – freeing up lots of space and giving you room to install shelves, drawers, cabinets, and other items to the left or right of the hanging rods.

If you wear a lot of longer items, such as dresses or suits, or if you prefer to hang your pants by their cuffs, you will need some full-length hanging space. This is no problem; we can leave one section with only the top rod to accommodate these items.

Various Shoe Storage Options

Most people have a number of shoes to store in their closets. I’ve found that in a small closet, extra footwear tends to accumulate on the floor, which isn’t beneficial to anyone. Not only can the shoes get crushed or stepped on, but they also become tripping hazards.

My team carries a variety of shoe racks, shoe shelves, and other shoe organizers to consider. The best type of shoe storage is going to be the one that fits well in your closet and that accommodates your collection. If you have only a handful of pairs of shoes, you might do well with a small shoe rack on the floor. If you have many pairs, however, you may need floor-to-ceiling shelving or some other storage solution.

Better Homes and Gardens offers a variety of options, both in and out of the closet, for storing these wardrobe essentials.

Conclusion

Making the most of a small closet can be a challenge, but with the help of custom closet systems, you will be thrilled by how many items you can store in this space. Reach out to me, and a member of my team will be happy to meet with you in your home to come up with the right solutions for your reach-in closet.

Source

https://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/organization-basics/organize-shoes/

Holiday Decorations: Organization Tips for Stress-Free Holidays

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 20:26:41 GMT

As an organization professional, I see a lot of chaos around the holidays. There’s joy and festivities, of course, but holiday decorations can begin to take over, particularly when it comes time to set them up and put them away again. The good news is that I have a lot of organization tips to share when it comes to keeping holiday decor in good order.

Here are some of the best organization tips I’ve compiled over the years:

Categorize your holiday decorations
Use your custom garage to store decor
Look for space in your custom closets
Find space-saving solutions
Keep an inventory list
Downsize at the end of the season

I can help you have the tidiest holiday season ever with these hints and tricks. Let’s get started!

Categorize Your Holiday Decorations

Before getting started, it helps to put everything in neat categories. This will allow you to find what you need when it’s time to decorate, and it will also help you later when it comes time to put it all away for next year.

As you take out your items, make note of whether you need bigger or different boxes to group your belongings. For example, your ornaments should all go in one box (or two if you have a lot), your lights can go in another, your candles in yet another. If you have special serving platters or dishes, keep them together. If you find you need more bins or boxes, you can often get these on sale after the holidays. I recommend labeling boxes to make both packing them and unpacking them easier.

Use Your Custom Garage to Store Decor

If you already have a custom garage, now’s the time to use those overhead storage racks, cabinets, and other components. You can put holiday decorations up high, since you’re really only accessing the space twice each year: once to take the items down, and once to put them up. If you currently keep these items in lower cabinets and you need that space for something else, go ahead and move them up higher.

Some items that will do well in a garage include a Christmas tree, inflatable decorations, and outdoor lights. You won’t want to store any seasonal foods or anything that could be damaged by weather extremes, such as items made from paper.

Look for Space in Your Custom Closets

Your custom closet system may have extra space to accommodate smaller decorations, such as the boxes of ornaments, the tree topper, your menorah, or even non-perishable holiday foods. Adjustable shelves and bins placed on the highest shelves are great for this.

As a side note, if you don’t already have a custom closet, you might consider purchasing one for yourself or someone special for the holidays this year. I find the winter to be a good time to get this done, since many people are less busy after the holidays, and there aren’t the scheduling issues we often encounter in the summer, when our customers tend to go on vacation.

Keep an Inventory List

When you put up your decorations, keep a list of what you’re using. Also, be sure to mark down if you’re missing anything. For example, if some of your ornaments are broken or if you don’t have enough lights, having this written down will allow you to take advantage of post-holiday sales.

You’ll also want to inventory what goes into each bin or box, as this will save you time later. Start the process as you pull out your decor, and make sure it’s complete and accurate when you go and put the items away.

You can do this with an analog system. Just grab a notebook, and write down what you have and what you still need. Another option is to use a digital system as described on Refined Rooms.

Downsize at the End of the Season

One of my favorite and most effective tips to share is to downsize and declutter at the end of the season. Any decorations that didn’t get used this year might be ready to find a new home. If they’re broken or in bad shape, it’s time to toss them, but if you simply changed your color scheme or you had too much of a certain type of decor, donating them is a good idea. It will allow someone else to enjoy them and prevent them from causing clutter in your own house.

Conclusion

If you’re struggling with holiday decoration clutter, I’ve shared a handful of tips I think will help. Divide your items by category, use your custom home organization systems to help, keep an inventory list, and be ready to purge items you’re no longer using after the holiday season is over. You’ve got this!

Source

https://refinedroomsllc.com/organizing-holiday-decorations/

Creating Clothing Storage Without a Custom Closet System

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 20:27:27 GMT

Some homes just don’t have the closet space that you might want. Sometimes, especially in older homes, bedrooms and bonus rooms don’t have closets at all. Does that mean the owner is just out of luck? There are strategies that people can use to help create clothing storage spaces even in rooms where a custom closet system just isn’t a possibility.

Get Out-of-Season Clothes Out of Your Way
Try a Wardrobe Rack for Hanging Clothes
Consider a Bookshelf for Folded Clothes or Shoes
Don’t Dismiss Your Under-Bed Space

Take a look at some of the ways that you can work on creating clothing storage space even without a closet.

Get Out-of-Season Clothes Out of Your Way

The reality is that if you don’t have a closet, space in the room you’re working with is at a premium, so it’s vital to avoid having more things to store in there than you must. If you’re not in the habit of storing out-of-season clothes out of the way until you need them again, it’s time to start.

You can use storage bins or boxes to store clothes; just be sure they’re clean and dry to keep mold and pests away. The Spruce points out that even clean cardboard boxes in good shape could attract pests and allow them in, so it may be better to avoid those and opt for plastic instead – or even empty suitcases. Store the clothes in a clean, dry space – garage conditions can be too humid, but a spare room, attic, or even basement will work as long as the area is relatively dust-free and free of moisture.

Try a Wardrobe Rack for Hanging Clothes

One of the reasons people need closet space is for the storage of hanging clothes. However, you don’t necessarily need to have a closet with an installed hanging rod to hang your clothes – you just need space for the hangers. A wardrobe rack is slim and can fit in several different places, and these are usually affordable and easy to find.

When you hang items on the rack, try to use the same style of hangers for everything, as this will save space. Look for hangers that are slim and prevent slipping but can still support the weight of heavier clothes. You may be able to double your hanging space by using soda can tables to attach a second hanger to a first hanger. This also saves time choosing clothes because you can pair outfits and hang tops and bottoms together this way.

Consider a Bookshelf for Folded Clothes or Shoes

A bookshelf, or several bookshelves, may be a more efficient way to store some of your clothes than a dresser would be. These come in a wide variety of lengths and widths, so you could choose one large case that covers a wall or several smaller ones that sit neatly in each corner of the room. You can also take advantage of vertical space by using stackable shelves to go higher.

These shelves can be a handy way to store your folded clothes. Shelves are also great for keeping shoes off the floor and organized. You may be able to attach shoe fences to shelves that you’re using for shoes to prevent them from slipping or being knocked onto the floor. You can even use the shelves for baskets that hold accessories, jewelry trays, makeup cases, and other essentials. Bookshelves can be very versatile and functional pieces of furniture in rooms without closets.

Don’t Dismiss Your Under-Bed Space

If you’re able to reach underneath your bed, don’t dismiss the potential usefulness of this space. If you’re short on storage space for out-of-season clothes, the space under the bed is great for storing folded clothes you don’t need right now. It can also be useful for shoes, purses, and other items.

You can use under-the-bed storage containers like bins, sliding baskets, and rolling drawers to help keep your items safe. If you happen to be in the market for a new bed frame, you may want to look for frames that incorporate drawers and shelves into their design for even easier storage options.

Conclusion

Trying to organize a room that doesn’t have a closet can seem overwhelming at first, but there are actually many options that can give you the clothing storage space you need even in rooms where there is no closet or a very small closet. By separating your seasonal clothing, adding a wardrobe rack, using bookshelves, and taking advantage of your under-the-bed space, you can store a lot of things.

Source

https://www.thespruce.com/storing-seasonal-clothing-1900114

Surprising Tricks and Tips for Organizing Your Custom Closet System

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 19:27:42 GMT

You already know about decluttering your closet, using common closet features like shelves, rods, and dressers, and rotating your wardrobe seasonally. However, you’re still having problems fitting everything in your closet. Some surprising hacks can help you make your custom closet system more organized.

Here are some less common closet-organization tips to consider:

Order Hanging Clothes by Color
Use Dividers for Shelves and Drawers
Fold Your Clothes a Different Way
Add Functional Furniture

Let's take a closer look at some of these less well-known ways of taking control of your closets.

Order Hanging Clothes by Color

A common way to organize your clothes is to go by type of clothing. Pants on one side of the rod, then skirts, then blouses, then dresses, and so on. There’s nothing wrong with that system, but it’s not the only one to consider and it may not be the best choice for you. Have you thought about organizing your clothes by color, instead?

It may sound a little strange at first. You’d have pants, skirts, tops, and dresses all mixed up! Wouldn’t that be chaos? Remember, the point is better organization, and a sign of good organization is when you can find what you need without having to hunt and you're able to see what you have at a glance.

Colors are a strong visual cue. When you organize clothes by color and you know you’re looking for a red shirt, your eye will immediately be drawn to the section of the rod where the red clothes hang, instantly eliminating most of the line of hanging clothes. From there, you should be able to find the shirt you’re looking for very quickly. What’s more, when you’re putting clothes away, the task will also be easier, since you’ll just be matching the colors of the pieces that you’re putting away with the section holding that color.

On top of that, a rainbow closet is a visually interesting and attractive design!

Use Dividers for Shelves and Drawers

You fold your clothes neatly, but in a few days, they’re jumbled together and falling off the shelf or preventing the drawer from closing, and it’s tough to find anything. What’s happening? The problem is that you’re probably trying to create neat stacks of clothes, but they’re coming into contact as you get things off the shelves or open and close the drawers.

It’s a lot easier for the stacks to stay neat if they don’t interfere with each other. There’s an easy way to make that happen: dividers! If your shelf would normally support two stacks of clothes, put one divider in the middle and now neither stack has any place to go or any way of mixing with its neighbor. A wider shelf or drawer could be divided into thirds.

Fold Your Clothes a Different Way

Another thing to consider is how you fold your clothes. You may not be doing it in the most space-efficient way, even if the folding method you use is the one that was passed down to you by your mother and grandmother. There are other methods that won’t wrinkle your clothes and may allow you to store more things and make less of a mess while accessing them.

Good Housekeeping shares the Marie Kondo method for folding different types of clothes. You’ll learn how to fold both T-shirts and jeans so they can be stored horizontally, which means that you can pick up the one you want without having to rifle through a stack and potentially undo your organization system. You can also learn the best way to fold dress shirts, sweaters, and even socks. These methods can seem a bit more complicated than what you’re used to, but the folding will go quickly once you’ve learned and practiced the method, and your storage will be much more efficient.

Add Functional Furniture

If you have a walk-in closet, one of the great things about having all that space is the ability to add furniture. You can have a bench, an ottoman, a closet island, or something else. Increase your organizational abilities by adding functional furniture – pieces that double as storage space.

Many ottomans have a piece that lifts up, revealing a hollow where you can store more clothes or accessories. Storage benches include storage compartments underneath the seating area. A closet island should have drawers or cabinets, as well as a surface space that can hold baskets, trays, or other tabletop organizers.

Conclusion

Go beyond the basics to find ways to further organize your custom closet system. Try a new hanging system, add dividers to drawers and shelves, learn more efficient folding methods, and bring in functional furniture.

Source

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/g2685/how-to-fold-clothes-to-save-space/

Is It Better to Fold or Hang My Clothes?

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 19:28:22 GMT

To fold or hang your clothes... that is the question. It's an easy one, actually, but it all depends on the particular clothing item, and how much storage space you have in your closet.

If you're looking to rearrange your closets and get more organized, then these top tips on what to fold, what to hang, and where should get you on the right track to closet bliss.

Built-in cubbies are great for storing a variety of folded clothing that's easy to access
Divided drawers can help you keep small, delicate items together
Invest in the right type of hangers for your wardrobe needs
Maximize vertical space with hooks and racks
What to hang and what to fold

You deserve to look amazing any time you leave the house, so read on for more ideas on how to keep your wardrobe in excellent shape.

Folding Clothes for Beautiful Display

Bookcases and cubbies are a smart way to store folded clothing as well as display accessories. They're splendid for folded thick sweaters, jeans, and activewear like t-shirts and yoga pants.

Many people also choose to show off their shoe collections in this way. Keeping your shoes off the floor and stored neatly can extend their life and make choosing the day's proper pair a breeze.

Lots of closets have upper shelves that are hard to reach, but with a simple step stool, you can easily turn that area into storage for your carefully folded seasonal items like coats and accessories. Mesh-fronted fabric baskets are great at protecting the bulky things you love but don't need every day.

The pros at DASI Innovations recommend that you store like items together - this adds to the visual appeal of your closet and helps you find the things you want to wear much faster. To learn more, check out Effective Tips for Organizing Your Custom Closets.

Divide and Conquer

For many, keeping socks and underwear sets together and ready to wear can be a real challenge. But with some clever drawer inserts and dividers, your lingerie, hosiery, and undergarments can be folded neatly until they're wanted.

Looking for more inspiration? New York Magazine has a freshly updated list of twelve brilliant drawer organizers that can be utilized in a myriad of ways. Besides holding folded socks, underwear, ties, and scarves, these sweet drawer inserts are also ideal for storing sunglasses, pins, and other accessories.

Hangers Galore

To maximize the space in your closet, consider investing in a double closet bar. Available in stylish metallic finishes, two bars give you twice as much room for items that should always be hung, like dress shirts and suits.

You'll also want to make sure you're using the right type of hangers for your wardrobe needs. According to the well-known design site Home Stratosphere, there are 29 different kinds of hangers. Don't worry - there's no need to get that deep into it. Below are the main types to consider having in your closet:

Velvet: These are great for camisoles, dresses, and anything else with spaghetti straps
Wooden: Sturdy and reliable, these workhorses can handle suits and heavy winter coats
Dress/Shirt Hangers: Ideal for formal and informal shirts
Clip hangers: Clip hangers are superior at storing skirts and certain types of pants

Hooks and Racks

These days, there are more organizational accessories available than you can shake a stick at! Wall-mounted hooks come in various sizes and stylish finishes, and they can help you maximize your vertical space by hanging things all the way up to the ceiling. Specialized racks are built to help store other items that do well hanging, like pants, scarves, belts, and ties.

Know When to Fold 'Em

Still not sure what to hang up and what to fold? Lifestyle guru Martha Stewart has got you covered. Here is the definitive list of what you should hang versus fold to keep your clothes looking fabulous for years to come!

You should hang:

Blouses
Dresses
Anything made from flowy fabrics like silk
Linen clothing
Dress pants/ slacks
Jackets

Folded items:

Thick, luscious sweaters
Workout clothes
Shorts
Lingerie/ hosiery/ swimsuits

Could go either way, depending on space:

Scarves
Jeans
T-shirts

Conclusion

Knowing how best to store your wardrobe can be quite confusing. As a general rule of thumb, you should always fold anything made out of a knitted material that can warp out of shape. Most business clothes should be hung to avoid wrinkles. Dresses and linen shirts should be hung up. Store your underthings and delicate items folded in special drawers or baskets.

Sources

Your Stress-Free Guide to Sharing a Custom Home Office

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 19:27:56 GMT

Whether you’ve been working from home for years or you’ve only started recently, you need a reliable home workspace that facilitates your ability to do your best work and be productive. However, what can you do if you’re not the only person in your home who’s working from home? That can be a tricky problem to solve, but it is possible to create a custom home office for two.

Understand Each Other’s Working Styles
Define Each Work Space
Know What to Share and What Not to
Don’t Forget About Ergonomics

Learn how to put together a great working space for two when you have to share your home office

Understand Each Other’s Working Styles

Before the two of your begin working together, you should get to know each other’s work styles. This knowledge will help you set up your home office space in a way that can accommodate both of your needs. Remember that your compatibility as partners, family members, or roommates may not translate into workplace compatibility. If you like to keep your desk as clear as possible, but the other person likes to spread papers and supplies over every available space while they work, a double desk or two desks positioned face to face is liable to drive both of you out of your mind. Their clutter will inevitably spread onto your half of the workspace and you’ll try to straighten up the stacks of paper and supplies that distract you from your work.

However, if you know this information about each other before you start planning the office, you can go ahead and plan on two separate desks in separate spaces in the room. You can even face away from each other if that helps prevent each person from fixating on the other one’s surface space. It also helps to know whether one of you may be leaving the office area frequently so their workspace can be closest to the door, or whether either of you is bothered by certain noises, which might necessitate noise-canceling headphones, a white noise machine, or some other solution.

Define Each Workspace

There are plenty of ways to set up two workspaces, including double desks or wall-mounted standing desks that can put both workers near each other while they work. Even if you’re splitting a workspace and that sounds fine to both of you, though, it’s important to define each person’s workspace and set boundaries.

This can mean using a divider to separate two desks placed close together – for example, a bookcase placed in between two wall desks, or a room divider in the middle of the room. If both of you are more flexible about your space, a simple agreement about which areas belong to which person and which areas are shared may be enough even without a physical barrier. Either way, it’s important to remember that for a shared space to work, each person needs to have some type of space they have ownership over, and neither can take over the room entirely.

Know What to Share And What Not To

While separate spaces are important, some spaces and objects should be shared. A cabinet or drawer full of office supplies like paper, staples, printer ink, paper clips, and the like should be accessible to both people. Printers or paper shredders can also be shared. A bookcase can be a shared space in many cases, but if there are too many books for one bookcase between the two people, two may be needed. Bookcases, filing cabinets, and credenzas that are shared should be divided up with specific shelves or drawers for each person, rather than having things jumbled up.

Computers, phones, and desks should usually not be shared – each person needs their own equipment and needs to know that nothing will have been moved, rearranged, or deleted when they come back to it. Each person should also have their own chair. When it comes to items like desks and chairs, both people shouldn’t have the exact same one unless that’s how they’re both most comfortable. You spend a lot of time working, so you should have a desk and chair that’s comfortable for you, and your partner should have one that’s comfortable for them.

Don’t Forget About Ergonomics

Speaking of comfort, you shouldn’t forget about ergonomics when creating a shared home office. This means having the desks and chairs at the right size and height, but you should also be taking ergonomics into account when choosing things like keyboards and mice for your computer setup.

You may think ergonomics is a thing to consider in any home office, and that’s true, but paying attention to ergonomics can also help you share a home office with someone else more peacefully. That’s because ergonomics is good for more than just your body and physical health. According to Pacific Solstice, bad ergonomics can hurt not just your body, but also your mental health. They make you feel more stressed and can negatively impact your mood. That’s likely to affect how you interact with the person you’re sharing office space with. When you feel better physically and mentally, you’ll also be in a better mood and more able to get along with the person sharing your workspace.

Conclusion

You can share a home office if you need to, but to do it effectively, you and your partner will need to understand and make accommodations for each other’s working styles, define your workspaces, decide what you can and can’t share, and make good ergonomics a priority.

Source

https://pacificsolstice.com/blog/can-ergonomics-affect-your-mental-health

Transform Your Child’s Custom Closet with These Ultimate Makeover Tips

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 19:29:50 GMT

As parents, we all know the struggles of keeping our children's closets organized. From outgrown clothes to scattered toys, it can feel like a never-ending battle. However, reorganizing your child's custom closet should not be a stressful task. In fact, with a little planning and creativity, you can turn this seemingly daunting chore into a fun and rewarding project.

We will explore how to transform your child's closet space by decluttering and incorporating some playful design elements. Get ready to create a functional and whimsical haven that your child will love by following these simple steps.

Declutter the closet
Optimize storage solutions
Incorporate fun and functional design elements
Rotate toys and display favorites
Label storage bins
Customize storage for different ages and needs
Teach and encourage organizational skills

1. Declutter the Closet

Before diving into the realm of design, it's essential to declutter your child's closet. The organizing experts at Connecticut Closets & Garages recommend taking everything out of the closet so that you have a blank slate to work with.

Start by going through each item, assessing its condition, and determining if it still fits your child or holds sentimental value. Be ruthless but thoughtful in your decision-making process. Remember, decluttering not only creates more space but also makes it easier for your child to find and maintain their belongings.

You can involve your child in this process, teaching them valuable lessons about organization and letting them have a say in what stays and what goes.

2. Optimize Storage Solutions

Once the clutter is out of the way, it's time to optimize your child's closet storage. Consider incorporating adjustable shelving units, hanging rods at varying heights, and baskets or bins for smaller items.

The closet pros at Better Homes & Gardens suggest choosing storage options that are hassle-free and easy for children to use. The less complicated means the more likely things will remain organized.

Use vertical space to maximize storage capacity, keeping frequently used items within easy reach. By customizing the closet to your child's needs, you'll make it simpler for them to maintain orderliness and encourage their independence.

3. Incorporate Fun and Functional Design Elements

Now comes the exciting part – adding playful design elements that will turn your child's closet into a magical space. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

a) Bright Colors and Themes: Use paint or removable wallpaper to create a vibrant backdrop. Consider your child's interests, whether it's a favorite cartoon character, a fairytale theme, or a sports motif. By incorporating their passions into the design, you'll make the closet a place they'll want to spend time in.

b) Chalkboard or Magnetic Surfaces: Transform a portion of the closet into a chalkboard or magnetic board. This allows your child to express their creativity, display artwork, and leave fun messages. It's an excellent way to personalize their space and make it truly their own.

c) Door Accessories: Decorate the closet doors with playful accessories like stickers, hooks, or even a growth chart. These additions not only add visual interest but also serve a practical purpose, providing additional storage options for bags, hats, or jewelry.

d) Lighting: Don't underestimate the power of good lighting. Install adequate lighting inside the closet to make it easier for your child to find what they need. Consider using motion-activated lights or LED strips to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

4. Rotate Toys and Display Favorites

To prevent your child's closet from becoming overwhelming, consider rotating their toys. Store some toys in a designated space outside the closet and periodically swap them out. This approach not only reduces clutter but also keeps the excitement alive as your child rediscovers their favorite playthings.

Additionally, create a display area within the closet to showcase their most cherished toys or stuffed animals. This adds a personal touch and keeps these items within easy reach when it's time to play.

5. Label Storage Bins

Incorporating labelling and organizational systems can work wonders in maintaining an organized closet. Use color-coded labels or picture labels for younger children to identify different categories of items.

Invest in clear plastic bins or transparent storage solutions to easily identify the contents of each container. This promotes a sense of order and makes it simpler for your child to put things back where they belong.

6. Customize Storage for Different Ages and Needs

As your child grows, their storage needs will evolve. Consider adjusting the closet setup to accommodate these changes. For infants and toddlers, incorporate lower shelving or cubbies for easy access to their clothes and toys.

As they get older, adjust the height of hanging rods and shelving to accommodate longer garments and larger toys. Adapting the closet to their age and needs ensures that it remains a functional and organized space throughout their childhood.

7. Teach and Encourage Organizational Skills

Transforming your child's closet is not just about creating an aesthetically pleasing space; it's also an opportunity to teach them valuable organizational skills. Take the time to show them how to fold clothes, categorize items, and maintain order.

Encourage them to participate in the tidying process and praise their efforts. By instilling these skills early on, you're equipping them with lifelong habits that will serve them well in the future.

Conclusion:

Reorganizing your child's custom closet doesn't have to be a stressful task. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can transform their closet into a playful haven that reflects their interests and encourages organization.

From decluttering to incorporating fun design elements and optimizing storage solutions, each step contributes to creating a functional and creative space that your child will love. So, roll up your sleeves, get creative, and embark on this exciting journey of transforming your child's closet into their own little sanctuary.

Sources:

Get the Trendy Custom Closet System You’ve Been Dreaming Of

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 19:30:24 GMT

You may be pleased with your custom closet system , but perhaps you are looking to upgrade your walk-in closet to turn it into a lovely, trendy dressing room. It doesn’t take a lot of time or effort to do that.

Follow these tips to get your walk-in closet looking trendy while also being super functional.

Upgrade the flooring
Choose new lighting
Add a sitting area
Paint the closet walls
Buy stylish storage bins
Organize by color and occasion
Upgrade the closet door

Upgrade the Flooring

One way that you can freshen up your closet is to upgrade the flooring. If your walk-in closet currently has carpet in it, for example, consider upgrading to hardwood or ceramic tiles. Rich wooden hues against the solid color of the custom closet system can really make it look luxurious. Marble or ceramic tiles can also brighten up the space, making it look fancier.

If you would prefer to keep the ground soft under your feet when accessing your closet, then consider upgrading your flooring with some updated carpeting. Choose a thick, soft carpet with a good underpad for added softness.

Choose New Lighting

Adding some new lighting can help to make the closet look brighter and trendier. You want to keep the lighting bright in the closet so it is easy to find what you are looking for.

Many different types of lighting would work well in a closet. LED track lighting is useful in a small area because you can aim the different bulbs to face certain areas that may require more light, such as the darker corners. Or, if you are looking to make your walk-in closet look a bit more luxurious, consider a small chandelier to hang from the ceiling.

Add a Sitting Area

The ultimate piece of luxury in a walk-in closet would be a sitting area, whether that be a comfy chair or a small bench. Depending on the size of your space, you can choose just a small chair or a larger bench with storage underneath.

The designers at Amazing Interior Design suggest a variety of seating ideas, depending on the size and style of your closet. You could choose a puffy ottoman as a central focal point in the closet, or if you have an island then you could extend the island to include a small bench on the end. There are many different options to choose from, so select something that goes along with your sense of style.

Paint the Closet Salls

One of the easiest ways to add some pizzazz to your dressing room is to freshen it up with a new coat of paint. Choose a nice, bright color that will add dimension to the area. If you do prefer a darker shade, be sure to lighten it up with bright accent colors along the trim and shelves in the closet.

Choosing the same paint as your bedroom walls is often a nice way of freshening up your closet, and it makes it look like an extension of the room.

Buy Stylish Storage Bins

You can customize the look of your closet by simply purchasing some new stylish bins. There are wicker baskets, wire baskets, fabric bins, wooden boxes, and even plastic totes.

Depending on the look you are going for, choose matching storage bins to hide away those little items in your closet to keep the space looking neat and organized.

Organize by Color and Occasion

The pros at HGTV suggest organizing your closet by color and occasion to give it a tidy appearance. It not only looks tidier but also makes it much easier to find what you are looking for each day.

One way you can organize your clothing is to sort it by work clothes and casual clothes, and then sort those items by color. Or, perhaps you would prefer to sort them by weather, such as storing thicker, heavier items in one spot, while putting lighter items like t-shirts together in another area.

Upgrade the Closet Door

Adding a new door to your walk-in closet can transform the way the closet looks, both from the outside and the inside. You could perhaps choose a French door with glass panes to add brightness and luxury.

Another option could be to install a shuttered door, which would create some interest and dimension in your room. Frosted glass paned sliding doors are yet another alternative that will add brightness to your space.

Conclusion

Choosing a few of these tips can make big changes, making your walk-in closet look super trendy and stylish. None of the ideas need to cost a lot of money; you can transform the look of your closet just by making a few simple changes.

Sources:

How to Maintain Order in Your Kitchen Pantry Using 5 Accessories

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 19:34:03 GMT

Sometimes, it seems like kitchen pantries cause their own chaos. You just cleaned it last week, but somehow it’s back to being a complete mess. Fortunately, there are all sorts of methods that you can try out to keep your pantry organized throughout the week.

So, do you want to know how to maintain order in your kitchen pantry using accessories? Try out these five products:

Sliding Baskets
Wine Racks
Shelf Dividers
Spice Racks
K Cup Organizers

Throughout this article, you’ll also learn about routine maintenance ideas to keep your pantry in order, as well as how to get the most out of your pantry, regardless of its size. All it takes is a few minutes per week to keep your pantry looking brand-new and organized. Let’s get to it!

Which Accessories Should You Get for Kitchen Pantry Organization?

There are dozens of accessories that claim to be the best on the market. Whether they’re massive tubs or low-sitting baskets, these items take the stress out of maintaining order in a pantry. That being said, not all of them are worth the money.

Here are the best accessories that you can get for your kitchen pantry:

Sliding Baskets

Sliding baskets are usually made out of wire or metal with a thin coating. This coating prevents damage to the basket, but it also saves your pantry’s lining. You can put all sorts of mason jars, canned food, and boxed meals in these baskets to separate them. You’ll be able to know where everything is without having to sift through the madness!

Wine Racks

Wine racks are another helpful suggestion that can get everything back to normal. Whether you prefer to buy your own wine or people are always giving you a new bottle as a gift, it can get hectic very quickly. Try out a wine rack to keep all of the bottles in one spot. You can even organize them by brand, grape, or year.

Shelf Dividers

Shelf dividers work perfectly in place of sliding baskets. If you don’t want to have to pull out a basket to access its contents, you can place shelf dividers throughout the pantry to keep everything separated. The great thing about shelf dividers is that you can adjust the size of space on each side of them.

Spice Racks

Spice racks come in all shapes and sizes, but there’s no denying the frustration of not having one. If you own a lot of spice jars and bottles, then you know how hard it can be to find exactly what you’re looking for. By getting a spice rack, you can spin it around until you locate the right spice, then slide it back into your pantry.

K Cup Organizers

Finally, K cup organizers are a worthwhile investment if you drink from coffee pods. Although not everyone drinks their coffee this way, it’s invaluable for those who do. Separate the pods by flavor, brand, caffeine content, and more. Some of them come in the form of drawers, while others spin like a spice rack.

Routine Pantry Maintenance Suggestions

Pantries can get congested overnight sometimes. Whether you have a bunch of kids running around or you can’t seem to keep it together by yourself, the accessories above will undoubtedly help.

That being said, we can all use a helping hand every once in a while. By setting a routine schedule ( like this one from Housewife How-To’s ), you’ll be able to prevent your kitchen pantry from getting messy ever again.

Try these five suggestions to keep your pantry in top shape:

Set a day and time every week to wipe down the shelves. You can even pick one shelf per day, and it would only take less than a minute. Dust, debris, and food particles can settle in a pantry, so don’t let it accumulate for too long. Even your organizers need a bit of attention as well!
Make sure everything is always organized. You can put breaded foods down below and canned foods up top, or switch it around however you like. The reason that organization is so important for cleanliness is that you might forget small items tucked in the back. They could expire or leak after months of neglect.
Speaking of which, always read labels. Never let expired food sit for too long in your kitchen pantry. Aside from the health concerns that they present, expired food is just a waste of space. Who knows what you could do with all the freed up room inside of your newly organized pantry?
Never store anything other than food and food-related items in the pantry. We’ve all made the mistake of leaving brooms, buckets, and other non-food items in the pantry. It’s important to remember that it’s not a spare closet. The particles from tools and other items can spread around and cause dirtiness and congestion.
Set the rules for the kitchen pantry. If you live with roommates or your family, write down a list of organization rules on a whiteboard, so everyone’s on the same page. When you’re all working together, the pantry will stay clean.

How to Get More Out of Your Kitchen Pantry

Pantries are excellent if you want to store food and drinks, but sometimes they’re far too small. There are quite a few methods that you could try out to expand the usage of your pantry, including only storing a specific type of item inside.

Unfortunately, some of us get stuck with a tiny pantry that doesn’t have enough room for anything other than a few bottles of wine and some spices. You could combat this issue by getting a cabinet door organizer.

Some of these organizers are only designed for spice racks, while others have room for wine bottles or canned food. Get your hands on a few of these, and you can line your kitchen with several pantries.

If you do have a big pantry, then you can expand or reduce the space by placing and removing shelves. Some pantries have far too many shelves, while others only have one or two. Only you know how much space you need, so why not take the time to customize it?

Another suggestion is to remove everything from your pantry, even the shelves, and start anew. When you have a blank slate in front of you, you’ll be able to examine the dimensions and decide how you want your new pantry to look. This is also a good time to add permanent fixtures and organizers to the walls and shelves.

Note: If you don’t know how to DIY installation on a pantry, hire a professional or ask for help. The last thing you want to happen is to demolish your pantry and not be able to use it at all.

Conclusion

Kitchen pantries can be a blessing or a curse. If you know how to organize them, you’ll be able to get all sorts of organized space for your food and drinks. On the other hand, madness can ensue if you forget to clean it regularly.

Here’s a quick recap of the post:

Sliding baskets, wine racks, shelf dividers, spice racks, and K cup organizers are the best accessories to organize your pantry.
Creating a routine maintenance schedule will prevent your kitchen pantry from getting disorganized and cluttered.
You can purchase new shelves or cabinet organizers to get more usage out of your pantry.

Source

https://housewifehowtos.com/clean/cleaning-routine-the-pantry/

Six Ways to Maximize Space in Your Garage With a Slatwall Storage System

Sat, 11 Jun 2022 19:34:48 GMT

Are you tired of your garage looking like a haphazard storage unit? It’s tough finding room for all of your garage clutter without a plan in place. Get creative and maximize your new Slatwall storage system so it does most of the legwork for you.

Manage your garage storage with a Slatwall system by following these six tips:

Keep a flexible collection of various hooks on hand
Protect your sporting equipment in activity organizers
Secure bicycles above ground on bike hooks
Put small hardware pieces away in tilt-out storage bins
Mix and match baskets to store cleaning supplies within reach
Establish and label themed zones for your outdoor activities and hobbies

In this article, you’ll grasp six strategies to maximize your garage space with a new Slatwall system.

Keep a Flexible Collection of Hooks

Take advantage of Slatwall’s versatility and invest in different types of hooks. Memphis Garage & Closets recommends grouping similar tools and accessories together beforehand. Doing so will help determine how much space you’ll use when arranging your equipment.

Use Activity Organizers for Sporting Equipment

After a long day of physical activity, it’s easy to dump your golf bag or sports duffel on the garage floor. Slatwall lets you install activity organizers that put everything away for you.

Activity organizers come with assorted hooks and baskets to hold your equipment. You can find activity organizers for golf, fishing, tennis, and skiing.

Pro-Tip: Research "[sport/activity] + Slatwall" to find specific accessories for your interests.

Secure Your Bicycles with Bike Hooks

If you have a few extra wheels in your garage, bike hooks should be next to grab on your list of Slatwall accessories. Storing your bike above the ground keeps your vehicles free from potential damage.

Vertical or horizontal hooks change how much Slatwall space a bike will use. Look into which one will work for your garage.

Stow Small Hardware in Tilt-Out Storage Bins

Do you start home improvement projects in your garage? Despite how careful you are, it’s not uncommon to spot a nail or screw hanging out on your garage floor. Hang tilt-out storage bins on your Slatwall for displaceable nuts, bolts, and fasteners.

Mix and Match Baskets

You can find Slatwall baskets in different sizes and materials including wire and mesh. Choose the size and material based on your garage layout. Use these baskets to hold hazardous cleaning tools or disinfectants you want to keep out of reach.

Establish Themed Areas for Outdoor Activities

Busy families typically have a few hobbies on the weekly schedule. Stashing everyone’s gear in one place can get confusing, so plan your Slatwall system out in advance.

Label themed areas for pastimes like sports, lawn care maintenance, and gardening. You may want to set up themed areas for other activities where you need to keep track of equipment. Use clear label tape for mess-free removal if, later on, you decide to shift items around.

Conclusion

A Slatwall storage system can free your garage of clutter overnight. No matter what size system you install, your garage will adapt to your lifestyle for years to come.

Have at least three different types of hooks on hand for quick additions to your Slatwall. Use activity organizers to tidy up hefty (and expensive) athletic gear. Secure equipment, like mountain bikes, above ground with specially-designed hooks.

Devote specific locations to your cleaning supplies and small hardware. Keep nuts and bolts packed away in tilt-out storage bins near your power tools. Paper towels, disinfectants, and mild surface cleaners can live in Slatwall baskets.

Remember to set up themed spaces for your recreational hobbies. You’ll never again question where you last stored your son’s soccer cleats!

Sources

https://www.garageandclosets.com/10-ideas-to-reorganize-custom-garage

Nine Accessories to Makeover Your Custom Closets

Sat, 11 Jun 2022 19:34:33 GMT

Your closets can be pretty lackluster. Not only can it be difficult to find your smaller items, such as shoes and jewelry, but it can also be difficult to keep your closets organized on a daily basis. Whether you have a cavernous custom walk-in closet or a tiny reach-in closet, there are many ways to organize those specific spaces.

Best of all, there are many accessories that can enhance your custom closet’s functionality, including:

Shoe Racks
Tie Racks
Belt Racks
Jewelry Drawers
Built-In Hampers
Fold-Out Ironing Boards
Storage Boxes
Drawers for Accessories
Sliding Baskets and Bins

Let’s take a closer look at each of these nine custom closet accessories to see which ones are right for you.

1. Shoe Racks

You may have a lot of shoes and nowhere to put them. From loafers or heels for work to sneakers for the gym, all of those shoes can take up a lot of space in your closet.

A shoe rack can effortlessly hold all of your shoes and keep them off the ground. Not only does a shoe rack protect your shoes, but it also allows you to easily find them when you’re getting ready in the morning.

Custom Closets of Houston goes into further detail regarding the difference between walk-in closets and reach-in closets and the different items and accessories that can be stored in each type of system in Walk-In Closets Vs. Reach-In Closets:The Benefits & Drawbacks of Both .

2. Tie Racks

Are you guilty of keeping your neckties balled up in a drawer? This can lead to major wrinkles and even damage. By installing a tie rack in your closet, you can avoid wrinkled ties and have them easily accessible to quickly get ready for your workday or special event.

3. Belt Racks

Similar to ties, belts can slip onto the floor or get lost in dresser drawers. Avoid the hassle and headache of trying to find them by keeping them corralled with a custom belt rack.

4. Jewelry Drawers

Everything should have its own home in your custom closet, including your beloved jewelry. Whether it’s your wedding ring, an antique family necklace, or diamond earrings, you want to ensure that all of your jewelry is protected for safekeeping.

A jewelry organizer can protect your precious jewelry from moisture and rust, as well as keep it dust- and tangle-free.

5. Built-In Hampers

Washing and folding dirty laundry can be tedious enough. But throw in trying to collect all of your soiled clothing and linens from the floors or corners of your closet can be downright dreadful. A built-in hamper gives you a place to store all of your dirty laundry until it’s ready to be washed. You’ll never have to worry about stepping on dirty shirts strewn across your closet floors ever again.

6. Fold-Out Ironing Boards

Whether you’re ironing sheets or want to get all of the wrinkles out of your favorite shirt or dress, a fold-out ironing board is essential for any custom closet. It’s located right near your clothing and can be easily folded up and into the wall when not in use.

7. Storage Boxes

Storage boxes make a handy accessory for any custom closet system. They will keep your items safe and sound while not in use and introduce an ideal place to store your smaller items.

8. Drawers for Accessories

Do you have piles of sunglasses, handbags, and other accessories crammed into a corner of your closet? Reduce the risk of damaging your items when you give them each a safe space to be stored. Drawers for accessories give you instant access to all of your fashion items while freeing up much-needed space in your closets.

9. Sliding Baskets and Bins

Whatever you choose to use them for, sliding baskets and bins are the ideal way to clear bulk from your closet floors. They seamlessly slide out of their cubbies for easy access and look great too. They also assist in further organizing your closets. Affordable Custom Closets & Garages explains further how to organizing your custom closets in just four easy steps.

Conclusion

These nine accessories for your custom closets can greatly optimize it for organization and functionality. You’ll always know exactly where everything is and keep your apparel, shoes, and accessories out of harm’s way.

Sources

Modular Vs. Epoxy: Which Type of Garage Flooring is Easier to Maintain?

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 19:34:19 GMT

Choosing the right type of garage flooring is a huge investment of money and time and as such, it should not be done in a hurry. There are a lot of options available when it comes to garage floors and while making a choice may come naturally for some, it may be a daunting task for others. The two main types of garage flooring are modular and epoxy.

So which type of flooring is easier to maintain? Modular garage floors are easier to maintain, are more durable, in addition to being easier to clean. They are also easy to wash and maintain, using a hose or pressure washer. Modular floors are also slip-resistant and there’s no buildup of dust, especially if you choose tiles that are darker in color. Swisstrax Rubber Tile Garage flooring is easy to install, comes in a variety of custom designs, and also contains anti-slip properties. Epoxy floors, on the other hand, are also stylish, durable, but do require significantly more maintenance.

In this article, you will learn more about the differences between modular and epoxy garage flooring and which type is easier to maintain.

Modular Flooring

Modular garage flooring is made of small tiles that are pieced together. Modular flooring comes in a variety of shapes, colors, and designs to suit your tastes and preferences. Here are some of the advantages of modular flooring:

Simple Maintenance 
Simple Installation

What's more, modular garage flooring is versatile in terms of what you can do with it. You can customize the look and feel of your garage thanks to a wide variety of materials and patterns to choose from. The main advantage of modular over epoxy garage flooring is that modular floors are easier to maintain. For instance, if one of your tiles breaks or needs replacing, all you have to do is pull out the broken tile and replace it with a new one.

Swisstrax rubber tile garage flooring is easy to install and does not require specialized training. The inter-lockable which provides the much-needed strength to the tiles. They don't require regular maintenance and they are also easy to clean.

Epoxy Flooring

Epoxy garage floors are made from resins applied directly onto the concrete floors. Epoxy floors are durable, attractive, and are available in a range of colors. They are however, prone to build-up of dust compared to modular flooring. As such, they require regular cleaning and wiping down to keep the surfaces sparkling clean. Should any spillages occur, all that you need to clean up your mess is a mop and a bucket of water. Keep in mind that epoxy floors are also more difficult to install and may require the help of a professional. If epoxy flooring isn't installed correctly and ends up peeling, you may need to invest more funds to have your garage floor properly replaced.

Modular vs Epoxy Flooring

Next, let’s compare the features of each type of flooring, so you can determine which type will suit your garage.

Durability

Durability is one of the most important things to consider before selecting your garage flooring. Of course, nobody wants to invest their money and watch it go down the drain in a few months. There’s no need to install a beautiful garage floor only to replace it a few months down the line.

Although both types of garage flooring are durable, modular flooring requires less maintenance. Moreover, modular flooring does a more thorough job in keeping the concrete underneath the floors protected, because the tiles are raised from the ground. This in turn, prolongs the base layer of concrete.

An additional advantage of Swisstrax rubber tile garage flooring over epoxy is how easy the rubber tiles are to replace if they break. You don't have to spend a lot of money on repairs and can actually do the repairs yourself.

The Aesthetics

Modular flooring comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and materials and as such, it's possible to customize your garage according to your taste and preference. The limit here is your imagination.

Epoxy garage flooring also looks the part. It offers a smooth and sleek look. The downside is that epoxy floors require regular polishing and cleaning, which is not the case with modular flooring.

Ease of Cleaning

One advantage of modular flooring is that you’re less likely to see the buildup of dust, especially if the tiles are darker in color. As such, all you need to do is to vacuum the floors and then you’re good to go. In case you want to do a deep cleaning, you can use a pressure washer or hose.

Epoxy flooring requires regular wiping and cleaning, because the surfaces are smooth and are more likely to experience the buildup of dust.

Slip - Resistance

Modular flooring has anti-slip properties no matter the type of material used on the tiles. What this means is that your surfaces will offer a much-needed grip even when the surfaces are wet throughout the year.

Although epoxy floors have a smooth design and most of them include anti-slip properties, there is a concern when they come wet. When they become wet, they must be dried immediately, to prevent any potential injuries from occurring.

Two Additional Types of Garage Flooring

Polished Concrete Flooring

They look the part and are quite functional. They are cheap and therefore suitable for people working under tight budgets. They are also stain-resistant and easy to clean.

Vinyl Flooring

They are suitable especially if your garage isn't subject to a lot of traffic and pressure. You can also customize the look and feel by playing around with colors and designs.

The Takeaway

Both modular and epoxy flooring have pros and cons. With that being said, modular flooring is the easier of the two to maintain on a daily basis. Epoxy on the other hand, does require more maintenance, especially to maintain its sleek, shiny appearance.

How to Maximize Wall Storage in Your Garage

Tue, 31 May 2022 19:37:33 GMT

A well-organized custom garage can serve many purposes at once - as a relaxing man cave, a safe place to store valuable tools and garden implements, or as a clean and convenient storage space for your family’s toys, outdoor equipment, and holiday decorations.

If you’re feeling especially challenged by a messy and cluttered garage, then now is the perfect time to maximize your square footage and reduce stress with these incredibly clever wall storage and organization ideas.

Treat yourself to custom cabinetry
Install helpful overhead racks
Go with the flow with adaptable wall panels
Get stuff done with a foldable workbench
Feel the attraction with magnetic storage

Whether your garage is quite spacious or on the cozier side, you can get the most out of every inch with a little elbow grease and these innovative organizational concepts. Read on for more details on how to transform this area of your abode from awful to awesome.

The Floor is No Place to Store

A garage floor that’s cluttered with boxes, toys, and garden tools is both annoying and a safety hazard, especially if you have children who like to play in that area. Other dangerous items, such as paint, bug spray, propane, and harmful chemicals, are also frequently stored out there.

Keep your family safe and retain peace of mind by investing in wall-mounted cabinetry. These attractive storage units are available in a nearly endless variety of sizes and shades and can easily be secured to deter kids and thieves.

You can create the setup that works the best for your specific needs, and you’ll appreciate having everything you need right at your fingertips. Plus, cabinets will free up loads of floor space so you can add a gaming table, a place to watch the big game, and be able to safely park your car.

It’s All Over Your Head

Homeowners often overlook the potential of overhead storage. It can be a bit awkward to reach those items, but that space is perfect for winter gear, holiday decorations, and more. Ceiling racks are durable and affordable and can be configured in many different ways.

Ceiling-mounted bike storage is also great for freeing up floor space. Keep ladders from becoming a trip hazard, store kayaks, and camping equipment up high until you need them.

The experts at Better Homes and Gardens suggest that you can free up additional space by keeping bulkier items in clear plastic storage bins with airtight lids. Be sure to label these clearly so you can find what you need when you need it.

To get the most out of your new overhead storage racks, be sure to keep a study step-stool handy and use caution or get assistance when bringing down heavier items.

Let Your Wall Flower

Another overlooked area is the wall space itself. From the ceiling to the baseboard, you can multiply your available storage space with the simple addition of a couple of Slatwall racks.

These inventive and stylish vertical storage solutions can be configured in a multitude of ways so you can maximize your wall space and keep your garage looking tidy. With the addition of hooks, shelves, and storage bins, this is a superb solution for conquering garage clutter.

The back of the garage door is an ideal place to store small but long items, like fishing poles. If you’re an enthusiastic angler, you can utilize this vertical space for storing your expensive rods where you can still admire their functional, fish-catching beauty.

Get the most out of your Slatwall system by storing heavier items toward the floor. Use the upper reaches to store smaller tools, garden supplies, and whatever you need close at hand.

Create a Craft Oasis

Love to do woodworking, carpentry, or fine arts? Restoring a vintage auto from the ground up? Consider a comfortable workspace that can be put away when it's time to use your garage to watch the big game or host a card party.

The best way to accomplish this is to install a fold-away workbench mounted to your garage wall. Adding a custom folding workstation will give you plenty of room to do your thing, then have extra space available when you need it.

These convertible hobby tables can be customized to your specific storage challenges and are created from durable, long-lasting materials to match your particular style.

Magnetize and Maximize

Magnetic strips and panels come in an array of sizes, and you can use them to store a plethora of small items. Chefs love them in the kitchen for safe yet convenient knife storage, and they can also revolutionize the way you store your valuable tools.

The popular home improvement blog One Crazy House has tons of ideas on how to take advantage of the laws of physics to boost your storage potential. Stick-on magnets are inexpensive and can be attached to small plastic bins or repurposed glass jars to hold items that try to get away, like nuts, bolts, drill bits, glue sticks, and more.

You can also recycle clean soup cans to make the perfect holder for pencils, brushes, and other paint supplies. Wire mesh bins are another way to use magnetic storage and are strong enough to hold just about anything.

Conclusion

Organizing your garage might be a chore you’d love to avoid, but it’s actually easy once you make a plan of attack. Just use these handy tips to clear out clutter and maximize your wall storage so you can enjoy more free time in your stylish and neatly organized garage.

Sources:

The Top 5 Ways to Organize Your Garage With Garage Cabinets

Sun, 22 May 2022 19:32:13 GMT

If your garage is cluttered and chaotic, you might dream of a well-organized garage that has plenty of room for all of your stored belongings as well as room to park your car. You are not alone; Klutter Killerz works with Tennessee homeowners who are struggling with garage disorganization. One of our most popular products is garage cabinets. Our high-quality cabinets for the garage provide a lot of storage room, sturdy shelving, and an attractive appearance. But if you aren’t sure how to keep your garage organized with these storage powerhouses, you’re in luck: Read on for the top 5 ideas for organizing your garage with the help of garage cabinets.

#1 Keep Sports Equipment Corralled

Do you or the members of your household play hockey, football, soccer, or some other sport? Particularly during the warmer months, the equipment for these sports can get a bit too pungent to store in your indoor closets. Also, they take up valuable room all year long. Why not store them in the garage? Tall garage cabinets can be fitted with hanging rods to allow you to hang uniforms, while accessories like gloves and padding can fit neatly on shelves.

If you tend to have sporting equipment like nets, racquets, sticks, and balls, your garage cabinets can fit those, too. Try a deep cabinet with netting to hold onto balls without allowing them to roll or bounce all over the garage. Hockey sticks and tennis racquets can hang from hooks placed inside the cabinets, and nets can be neatly folded on a shelf. One or two large garage cabinets can fit all of the sporting equipment in your home from season to season, keeping the indoor closets clean and uncluttered.

#2 Make Sure Your Tools Are Stored Safely

Your tools are a financial investment and they can also be hazardous to your children’s safety. If you have young kids or pets who go in the garage, it is vital that you store your tools safely. This is where a workbench with cabinets comes in very handy. You’ll have a flat, smooth area on top for working and plenty of cabinets, including locking cabinets, to keep your tools safe. The sturdy shelves in garage cabinets from Klutter Killerz can bear up to 100 lbs each, which makes them the right strength to hold most of your tools.

#3 Customize Your Garage Cabinets for Gardening Supplies

If you or your partner or spouse has a green thumb, you will want to ensure that he or she has a place to store gardening supplies, particularly during the off season. Large and small shovels and trowels will stay up out of the way if you hang them on hooks inside or outside of the cabinet. Extra seeds, bags of soil, and watering cans can be placed on garage cabinet shelves. Put small items (such as those seed packets) in bins on one shelf and larger items on the shelving below. When all of the items are contained in one place, it makes planning for and putting in your garden easy when springtime rolls around!

#4 Create Storage Space for Each Person in Your Household

Particularly if you use your garage as an entry point to your home, it is likely that some members of the family drop their belongings either in the garage itself or as soon as they walk in the door. If you don’t have space for a dedicated mudroom, consider allocating some space in the garage cabinets to each family member. They can place backpacks, jackets, boots, and other items directly into their own cabinet, leaving the rest of the garage and the inside of the home less cluttered.

If this is not an issue in your home, individual cabinets assigned to family members are a great way to keep special outdoor toys from getting mixed up. For example, if you have children who argue over scooters or badminton racquets, letting them keep their own in their personal spaces keeps the items out of your home and also prevents arguments. It can also teach them responsibility as they learn to put their items away; you can tell at a glance who has left an item out because it will be missing from their cabinet.

#5 Make Use of Cluttered Corners

Corner cabinets can add storage space to awkward corners of the garage that tend to accumulate clutter. At Klutter Killerz, we have a wide variety of sizes and shapes, so we will be able to find a garage cabinet that works in the space you have for it. We can install your cabinets up high or down near the floor (all are wall-mounted for stability and ease of cleaning underneath), so we can really help you maximize that space.

Klutter Killerz has everything you need to customize your garage for the ultimate in organization. From overhead storage racks to SwissTrax flooring and everything in between, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to schedule your free in-home consultation. One of our professional garage designers will come to your Tennessee home to create a custom garage storage system that will help you and your family conquer garage clutter once and for all.

4 Ways to Maximize Space in Your Small Closets

Sat, 21 May 2022 19:33:52 GMT

Everybody wants a home that has not only enough space for the people who want to live in the home, but also enough storage space for all the clothes and other things that they own and will accumulate along the way. But sometimes compromises must be made. If you find a house that’s your dream home in every other way, you might be willing to work around small closets , for example. But don’t worry. Small closets can be an obstacle, but there are ways to work with them and maximize the space that you have available. Take a look at some strategies that can help you maximize the space available in your small closets.

Make Sure That You’re Using All of Your Space

It’s easy to overlook some space that could be useful to you. For example, could you hang a shoe organizer over the back of the closet door? Or install shelves on empty wall space? Don’t just look at what’s there in your closet for storage, look at what isn’t there and find a way to make use of that empty space. Really look creatively and try to think out of the box. For example, could pull-down storage overhead be an option? Your custom closet designer can help you maximize every inch of space.

Weed Out the Clutter

When you have too much stuff and not enough space, the simplest solution is often to get rid of some of the stuff. When was the last time that you went through your clothes to get rid of things that don’t fit or that you just don’t wear anymore?

Sometimes, clothes accumulate and you don’t really realize that you’ve stopped wearing some of them over time – maybe because your style changed over time, or maybe because your clothing needs have changed. If you’ve moved up professionally over the years, for example, you may have purchased more formal business clothes to accommodate your new position, and have less need for the more casual clothes you wore earlier in your career. Alternatively, some people find that their workplaces have become more casual as the years have gone by, and they have less need for the more formal clothes that they wore regularly a few years previously. Either way, the result is the same – you have clothes that you no longer need. Maybe it’s time for a garage sale, or to donate some items to charity.

Clothes aren’t the only clutter that can build up in a closet. You might be surprised by how much space things like dry cleaning covers can take up. Getting rid of them can make your closet a lot easier to navigate. Big, bulky hangers also take up unnecessary space – some heavy items might need bigger hangers, but for most of your clothing, investing in slimmer hangers might cut down on overcrowding. Look through your linen closet, storage closets, and utility closets for items that you don’t use anymore or that need to be thrown away. You may be able to buy yourself a lot of space just by trimming down the number of things that you’re storing.

Improve the Lighting in Your Closets

A brightly lit space is always going to look more spacious than a dim, dark space, so installing new lighting in your closet could be a helpful way to make your closet seem bigger. But there’s more going on here than an optical illusion – new lighting can also make the space more accessible and allow you to see better in order to organize, so you may actually have more space – or at least be better able to use the space you have to its fullest extent – after installing new lighting. Does your closet have a dark corner where things tend to pile up? Cleaning that up and shining a light on it might reveal some floor space that could be used for a small cabinet or shoe rack. Maybe you never noticed how much space you had above the curtain rods – space where shelves, hooks, or baskets could be installed to provide more storage space. New lighting can allow you to notice these things.

It’s not that difficult to install new lighting in a closet. You can buy LED lights that are designed to stick on the walls, so you can place them wherever you need them – wherever your current closet lighting doesn’t reach. This way, your closet space will look bigger and you’ll be better able to see how to enhance it further.

Consider a Custom Closet Organization System

Maybe you’re out of ideas. Or maybe you just don’t have the time and energy to look for all the possible ways to optimize your closet space and implement those ideas. You can look into working with a custom closet organizer who will help you discover the closet design solutions that will allow you to get the most out of the space that you have available, and then install that custom closet solution, freeing you up to focus on the other matters that need your attention.

A custom closet organization system is unique to you. Your Klutter Killerz custom closet designer takes your needs and preferences into account, along with the size, shape, and features of the closet space that you’re working with and the items that you need to store. We use all of that information to create a custom closet organization system that allows you to get the most out of your space and see and access all of your items easily. Custom closet organization is useful for any size closet, so even if your closets are shallow or contain features like crawl space access doors, one of our custom closet designers can work with it. You can customize all of your closets, or start with the ones that you use the most, like your master bedroom closet. To learn about store more in your own bedroom’s closet, check out this article by Closet Decor & More, titled How to Increase Storage Space in Your Master Bedroom Closet.

You may have more room in your closet than you think you do. Using strategies that maximize your closet space helps you get the most out of the space you have, no matter what the actual measurements of your closets are. Contact Klutter Killerz for a free in-home consultation.

Eight Ways to Prevent Pests in Your Kitchen Pantry

Sun, 15 May 2022 19:35:45 GMT

What could be worse than opening up your kitchen pantry and finding that it has been overrun with bugs? The nightmare of finding ants, cigarette beetles, flour beetles, Indian meal moths, rice weevils, or saw-toothed grain beetles infesting your food supply is not something you want to have to deal with.

Thankfully, there is something you can do to prevent them:

Clean Up Crumbs Immediately
Use Airtight Containers
Honor Expiration Dates
Deep Clean Your Pantry Regularly
Purchase in Smaller Quantities
Inspect Your Packages at the Store
Leave a Cinnamon Trail
Place Bay Leaves

Read on to learn how you can prevent these creepy crawlers from making a home in your kitchen pantry!

Clean Up Crumbs Immediately

This suggestion should go without saying, however, many houses with children perhaps need to hear it. Little pieces of potato chips or cookie crumbs may not seem like a big deal to you, but to a bug, they might be a feast. Think about that little drip of pancake syrup that has made it past the top of the bottle and down to your pantry shelf. An ant has just found its favorite dessert. Prevent this situation from happening by wiping up any crumbs or spills as soon as they occur.

Use Airtight Containers

The cardboard boxes or paper bags that contain your dried goods are simply not durable enough to keep pantry pests from getting inside of them. It just makes sense to seal foods such as cereals, flour, sugar, nuts, and more in airtight containers.

Not only will this keep bugs from being able to get in, but your food will also stay much fresher this way. Clear glass or plastic containers are ideal so that you are able to plainly see the contents of each one.

It should also be mentioned that you should never leave open food in your pantry. A package of crackers or cookies that are not closed properly is an open invitation for pests to come in and have a taste.

Honor Expiration Dates

Manufacturers stamp expiration dates on their products for a reason. When perishable foods begin to spoil, they emit an odor that bugs can pick up on. Although this is particularly true of foods like fruit, it applies to other foods as well. Don’t give bugs a chance to make a home in your expired food and spread throughout your pantry. Check the expiration dates on your food and throw out anything that has passed its date.

Deep Clean Your Pantry Regularly

Speaking of cleaning up, your pantry needs a good deep cleaning every few months. Begin by removing and inspecting each item. Logically, throw out anything that looks to have been visited by a pest or two. Wipe down your pantry shelves with a vinegar and water solution and a clean, dry towel. Vacuum out or sweep the floors and finish by neatly replacing and organizing all of your pantry’s contents.

Purchase in Smaller Quantities

Many people buy their food staples in bulk in order to take advantage of reduced pricing and to make sure that they never run out of the basics. However, this is not the best approach to keeping pantry pests at bay, according to Food Network.com. This is because the more time that a food item is in your pantry, the greater possibility there is that bugs are going to find it.

Ideally, you should only purchase quantities that you know you are going to use within a few months. Be sure to use up your goods that you purchased first, before opening anything new.

Inspect Your Packages at the Store

Before you purchase anything that is going to be placed inside of your pantry, it is wise to thoroughly check the packaging for any tears, dents, or holes. This is important because you may unknowingly be bringing bugs into your home from foods that are contained in damaged boxes.

Leave a Cinnamon Trail

According to Grit.com, the smell of cinnamon is a natural repellant to pantry pests. For this reason, they recommend sprinkling a trail of cinnamon throughout your pantry to discourage bugs from getting near your food. You can also “dab” a bit of cinnamon oil within your kitchen pantry, or as a less messy alternative, you can scatter cinnamon sticks throughout.

Place Bay Leaves

Another natural way to repel pantry bugs is found with the help of dried bay leaves. Hunker.com says that the pungent smell of bay leaves, along with their natural essential oil content, is what drives away bugs. Simply place a few bay leaves in various places around your pantry. You can also place a bay leaf in each of your airtight canisters to give each of them a little extra insurance.

Conclusion

Preventing bugs from invading your kitchen pantry involves proactive cleanliness and attention to detail. Placing bay leaves or sprinkling cinnamon will also help discourage them without having to worry about using harsh tactics or harmful chemicals.

Sources

Tips for Organizing Your Master Bedroom

Sat, 14 May 2022 19:33:38 GMT

Do you keep your master bedroom as neat and tidy as the more public areas in your home? For many homeowners, the answer is no. It isn’t that we strive to have messy bedrooms, of course. The problem is that in many homes, the master bedroom becomes the catch-all for all types of storage, including items that really shouldn’t be stored in this area. Unfolded laundry gets dumped on the bed, children’s outgrown clothing might be boxed up and placed in the walk-in closet , spare linens might get stuffed into the master bathroom linen closet, and so on. And don’t forget about hurriedly shoving homeless items into the master bedroom when last-minute visitors are on their way over!

Getting your master bedroom organized doesn’t have to be an enormous chore. There are small steps you can take to keep random items out of this room and also make it into the haven you (and your spouse or partner, if applicable) deserve. Read on for our best tips and tricks.

Understand the Benefits of an Organized Master Bedroom

As with so many things, it’s hard to have success in this area without determining your “why.” Why do you want to have a more organized master bedroom? Some obvious reasons might be that you want to be able to find things more easily or you want to be able to keep the door open when company comes to visit.

You might not know this, but many people sleep more soundly in a neat and tidy room. When the last thing you see at night and the first thing you see in the morning is a mess, this can cause stress. Having a calm, clean place to retreat to at the end of the day or when you are feeling overwhelmed can make you feel more relaxed.

Another reason for having a better organized master bedroom is that it’s hard to keep clutter dust-free. If you have allergies, dust and animal dander might be making it hard for you to breathe easily in your bedroom. Keeping the room clean and removing the dust can help, and that begins with getting the clutter out of there.

Find Homes for Items in the Rest of the House

If you are struggling with disorganization in other areas of the home, it’s no wonder that you’ll also have clutter in your master bedroom. Items from other rooms tend to migrate into this area. One example is the previously mentioned laundry: If you don’t have a good system in your laundry room for folding clothes, it’s likely that baskets of clean laundry are making their way into your bedroom. Children might have items that they don’t know what to do with; those can also end up in your room. Most people also have various random items without homes that might get stashed on top of a dresser or in a closet. It’s very easy for the master bedroom to become a dumping ground for these types of items.

Establishing some storage systems in other areas of the house can help. For example, put a table in the laundry room so you have a place to fold clothes as soon as they are out of the dryer. Your custom closet professional can install a table that folds down from the wall or even build you a complete custom laundry room.

Finding other places for these “homeless” items in other areas of the house will help. Consider that if you don’t have a home for something and you don’t use it regularly, it might be time to let it go. Try boxing up some of these belongings and see if you really miss them. If a few months pass and you don’t need them, donate them without guilt.

Consider Eliminating Dressers in the Main Part of the Bedroom

Dressers can take up a lot of space in the master bedroom. Consider whether you really need them in yours. Do you have a lot of clothes that you need to fold, or can you hang much of what you have in your drawers? You might be able to have drawers installed in your walk-in closet, eliminating the need for one or both dressers. Having an extra hanging rod installed can open up more room for hanging clothes. Think about the options available and talk to your custom closet professional about what makes sense for your bedroom.

Once you get your dresser or dressers out of your bedroom, more space will open up, which could be used for just about anything. One of our suggestions is to create a sitting area in this area.

Creating a Sitting Area

Now, you know yourself. Would you be likely to keep a sitting area free for sitting, or would you tend to pile items on a loveseat or a pair of chairs? If you lean toward the former, then consider putting a sitting area in your master bedroom.

Having this type of relaxation space in your bedroom will be even more inspiration to keep it clean and clutter-free. You won’t want to sit and relax with a glass of wine or a cup of tea if the room is unkempt and disorganized. Instead, you’ll begin to see it as your place to go when you need some quiet time. If you don’t prefer to have a television in the bedroom, consider setting up a bookcase or even just a basket of books, a reading lamp, and a place to put down your cup or mug.

Get Professional Help With Your Closet

If you’re having trouble getting your master bedroom under control, a professionally designed and installed custom closet can help. This will increase the space available for storage, allowing you to move items out of the main part of the bedroom and behind closed doors.

Klutter Killerz is your one-stop resource for all things organization in Tennessee. Give us a call to schedule a free in-home consultation and we will create a design that will work for your walk-in closet, laundry room, kitchen pantry, children’s closets, or any other area of your home.

How to Properly Arrange the Clothes in Your Closet

Mon, 09 May 2022 19:37:46 GMT

Why is it that closets and clutter seem to go hand in hand? Even a carefully crafted custom closet can take a turn for the worse if you’re not careful. The key to curbing chaos is to keep your closets organized. You can start with a Marie Kondo-style purging session, but it is best to follow up with some strategized storage solutions in order to keep your closets organized for weeks, months, and even years to come.

How you choose to arrange your closets is a personal choice. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available. When thinking about how to properly arrange the clothes in your closets, be sure to consider:

Prime Real Estate
Zone Coverage
Rainbow Connection
Knowing When to Hold ‘Em and When to Fold ‘Em
Hang Time
Sole Solutions

Keep reading for practical solutions on how to arrange your closets so that you are never faced with the dreaded, “I have nothing to wear” syndrome.

Prime Real Estate

Have you ever found yourself searching your closet for your favorite pair of jeans but just couldn't find them? Of course you have – don’t deny it. Everyone knows that it is impossible to find what you're looking for when everything is crammed in willy-nilly. So, you will want to start by organizing your closet.

Whether you have a walk-in or a reach-in closet, dedicate prime real estate to the clothes you wear most often. If you wear business attire to work each day, then store your professional clothes in the front and center of your closet. This will make it easier to see what you need when you need it.

On the flip side, you don't need immediate access to your out-of-season items or formalwear. Pieces you rarely put on, like that ugly Christmas sweater you wear only to your neighbor’s annual holiday party, can be tucked away in the back corners and hidden recesses of your closet.

Zone Coverage

Another option is to divide your closet into zones rather than by what you wear the most and least. This type of arrangement is ideal for someone who needs to dress for many different occasions.

Arranging your closet into zones also offers additional flexibility. You could sort your clothes by occasion (e.g. work, casual, formal), garment type (e.g. T-shirts, blouses, pants, skirts, dresses), or even season.

Rainbow Connection

Color coordination is another option when organizing the clothes in your closet. By arranging items by hue, you can easily see what works together to quickly assemble outfits.

While many prefer sorting items according to the colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet), Readers Digest reports that one way to do so is by arranging your clothes from lightest to darkest. Hang darker and heavier pieces on one side and lighter, airier pieces on the other.

Knowing When to Hold ‘Em and When to Fold ‘Em

Kenny Rogers touted the virtues of knowing when to hold and when to fold in his song, "The Gambler", but those decisions are equally important when it comes to arranging the clothes in your closet.

You should always hang your work and dress clothes, including button-down shirts, blouses, pants, and skirts, and your formalwear. Hanging these investment pieces helps them last longer. It also reduces wrinkles and the time you need to spend ironing.

Just like there are some clothing items that you always want to hang, there are also some that should be folded and placed on shelves, in drawers, or in bins and baskets. It’s best to fold sweaters and knitwear because hanging them can stretch the material and leave hanger marks on the shoulders.

Jeans should also be folded because they are heavy and bulky to hang. Consider stacking them sorted by wash, from lightest to darkest. Fold workout clothes and place them in drawers; hanging can stretch out the spandex.

Hang Time

The type of hanger you use is important, especially if you are trying to maximize the space in your closet. Professional organizers seem to universally support the use of slender velvet hangers, which also offer the benefit of being non-slip. However, there are a few instances when you will want to use specialty hangers.

Bobvila.com notes that sturdy wooden hangers are ideal for heavy winter coats, men’s suits, and other bulky items. On the other hand, lingerie and other delicate items should be hung from padded silk hangers. To avoid creases on skirts and dress pants, use hangers with clips.

How you hang your clothing is also important. Be sure to button the top button so your shirts don’t fall off the hangers, and zip up zippers before hanging pants to keep them crisp and neat. Make sure you face all items in the same direction for a streamlined look.

When arranging the clothes in your closet, consider length. For example, hang sleeveless shirts in their own group next to short-sleeved shirts, which should also be separated from long-sleeved shirts. Blouses, tops, and skirts can hang from a double bar or above a set of drawers to maximize space. But longer items, like dresses and pants, should be hung with nothing beneath them to keep the bottoms from bunching and wrinkling.

Sole Solutions

Custom closets offer many options for organizing accessories, with shoe racks being one of the most popular as noted by Closet Solutions & Organizers. In their article What Accessories Are Available for My Custom Closets, they further explain how one pair of shoes can really bring a classy outfit together.

Just like you organized your clothes, you should arrange your shoes by purpose, separating work shoes, casual shoes, and athletic shoes. If you do not dress up a lot, consider storing your formal shoes in their boxes on the top or bottom of the closet, where they are out of the way.

Shoes can make a statement even when you’re not wearing them. For instance, think about all of the celebrity closets you’ve seen with women’s high heels – and fancy pocketbooks – posed on a shelf acting as works of art. You can create the same look in your closet by putting your most fabulous shoes and handbags on display.

Flip-flops and sandals can be hard to store because of their small size. If you have a flair for arts and crafts, you can create really cool flip-flop holders using wire hangers and ribbon. Just follow these simple how-to instructions from Epbot and store your slides and sandals in style.

Conclusion

You’ll never be at a loss for what to wear if you follow the suggestions outlined in this article. By properly arranging the clothes in your closet, not only will you be able to easily find and put together outfits, but your clothes will stay wrinkle-free and last much longer.

Sources

How to Help Kids Keep Their Closets Organized

Mon, 09 May 2022 19:33:24 GMT

You might already spend a lot of time arguing with your kids about the condition of their rooms. When you open up one of your kids’ closets , it might remind you of a disaster area. You might think that it will be impossible to ever get your kids’ closets under control, and you might wonder if they will ever learn how to keep their closets organized. Luckily, all hope is not lost. By following these tips, you can help your kids get -- and keep -- their closets organized. This can make mornings and clean-up a whole lot easier for the whole family, and it can help your kids establish good, tidy habits that will hopefully stick with them into adulthood.

Get Rid of Old Clothing and Toys

If your kids still have toys that they haven’t played with in years or if their closets are crammed with clothing items that they outgrew long ago, it’s time to spend some time decluttering. It’s tough for kids to find clothing that fits when their closets are packed with items that don’t. Plus, many kids’ closets are on the small side, and getting rid of unwanted items is a good way to maximize limited storage space.

Clothing items that your kids have outgrown can be passed down to a younger sibling or other family member or friend. Donating used kids’ clothing that is still in good condition is a good way to help those in need, and you can potentially get a tax deduction. There is also a big market out there for used children’s clothing and toys, so you could sell them for cash.

If there are old, worn-out toys and clothing items that just aren’t useful anymore, consider repurposing them or throwing them out. In no time, you and your kids will have a lot more room to work with, and their closets will probably look better almost instantly!

Install Additional Hanging Rods

Although most closets only have one hanging rod, adding one or more additional hanging rods is an excellent way to increase storage space. This works particularly well with children’s closets. After all, since children’s clothing is typically smaller and shorter, there should be room to hang everything up, even if there are additional rods below.

Upper rods can be used for hanging up items that your kids won’t need to grab every day. Hang clothing items that your kids wear regularly on lower rods so that your kids can reach them with ease. To encourage your kids to get dressed and ready independently -- and to make your own mornings a whole lot easier and less stressful -- try putting together outfits and hanging them on the lower rods. Then, your kids can easily grab an outfit for school without your help.

Utilize Overhead Storage

Since your kids might not be able to reach the higher shelves in their closets, they might not really use this extra space. However, if you want to make the most of limited closet space, utilizing overhead storage is ideal.

Consider packing up out-of-season clothing in boxes or bins and stashing them on the top shelf. It won’t be a big deal that your kids can’t reach them, since they won’t be using these items anytime soon. When the seasons change, you can pull these items down.

Overhead storage is also good for toys or books that your kids don’t read regularly but that they don’t want to get rid of. They’ll be there when your kids need them, but they’ll be out of the way the rest of the time. Try using labeled bins for a neat and tidy aesthetic and to make items easier to find.

Add Easily Accessible Bins, Drawers and Shelves

Everything should have a place in your kids’ closets. Drawers, shelves and bins make it much easier to store more stuff and to keep each closet neat and tidy.

Pull-out shelves make it easy for little ones to grab items that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to reach. Shelves are perfect for storing clothing, books, shoes and more.

Drawers make it easy to add additional storage space to your kids’ closets. You can leave your kids with more space in their bedrooms by eliminating extra bedroom furniture if you install drawers in their closets, or you can simply add additional storage space for items that don’t fit in their dressers. Drawers can be used for storing socks, T-shirts, undergarments and all sorts of other items.

To keep shelves neat and tidy or to add additional storage space on the floor, consider adding colorful bins. It’s easy for kids to drop items in their bins when they’re cleaning up and to retrieve items when they’re looking for favorite toys or getting dressed in the morning.

Make Sure Their Closet Can Grow With Them

As your kids get older, their storage needs and organization habits will change. Make sure that their closet components are adjustable, and reassess their needs from time to time. You may need to adjust the shelves or rods as your kids get older, for example. If you work with the right custom closet team, you can ensure that all of the components that you add to your kids’ closets can easily grow with them.

Encourage Good Habits

By having organizational components installed and helping your children get their closets in order, you can help set them up for success. Obviously, though, you and your kids will have to keep up with putting clothing and other items in their proper place if you want to prevent the closets from becoming messy again.

It’s important to encourage your kids to establish good habits in regards to closet organization. Lead by example by keeping your own closets neat and tidy, and remind your kids to put items away in the right spot. If you design your kids’ closets to suit their needs, they might actually be excited about keeping their closets neat and organized.

It’s not impossible to get your kids’ closets under control. Give us a call at Klutter Killerz to schedule a consultation. We can help with installing the right closet components so that you tackle your kids’ messy and disorganized closets

How to Prevent Foul Smells in Your Closets

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 19:35:58 GMT

Nobody wants a funky aroma ruining the atmosphere of their beautiful custom closets . Stop bad odors before they get comfortable in your stylish wardrobe. Then use some simple preventative measures to ensure that your perfectly organized closets forever smell fresh and clean.

With these top tips, you’ll triumph over that musty funk like a true champion!

Find the source of the smell
Schedule a deep clean
Eradicate mold and mildew
Cut moisture
Use good closet practices
Install unbeatable scent relief

You deserve to enjoy your enviable custom closets to the max, so don’t let odious odors ruin your day - just follow these simple steps to beat bad smells for good!

What’s Causing a Stink?

Generally, a musty closet smell is created because closets don’t typically get a lot of airflow. The first step for eternally fresh closets is to take all of your stuff out and carefully examine the interior. Is there an overflowing basket of dirty gym laundry making a smelly fuss? Do you see any brown patches on the ceiling that could indicate a water leak? Have your shoes tracked in something quite objectionable? Wet towels can also be a source of some extreme funk.

Examine all aspects of your space to make sure that you’re ready to win the war against odor - know your enemy. Remove the offending materials, keep the doors open, and bring in a fan to get the air moving.

Fresh and Clean

You’ve already taken everything out, so the next logical step is giving your closets a good, hard scrubbing. Be sure to use a high-quality yet gentle cleansing agent.

The well-known cleaning blog How to Clean Stuff suggests pouring half a cup of white vinegar in a large bucket of hot water and using this mixture to wipe down the walls, cabinet doors, drawers, and baseboards. If you're worried about your entire closet smelling of vinegar, never fear. The bitter aroma will disappear quickly and take the stuffiness and odors with it!

Sweep the floors thoroughly, or sprinkle some baking soda down before you vacuum if your closet is carpeted. An energetic cleaning will freshen up your closets immensely.

Mold Must Go

If you’ve found a little bit of mold or mildew, don’t freak out - it’s easy to beat now and prevent it from happening in the future. Installing a small fan in your closet will help keep air moving so the spores have a hard time settling on clothes or surfaces.

Spray any mildewy spots with a mixture of bleach and hot water, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, then wipe away your troubles. Make sure that all items stored in your closets are clean and dry before putting them away. Check all surfaces to make sure they are free of moisture - even the backs of drawers, closet rails, shoe racks, anywhere it could be hiding. Bleach is your friend and will terminate any chance of mildew making a comeback here.

High and Dry

Even a small amount of moisture trapped in a closet with warm, stagnant air can be a culprit in creating a big stink. Prevent foul smells by dehumidifying and keeping things nice and dry. Keeping the air moving as recommended above will go a long way towards eradicating moisture, but sometimes you need a little extra oomph. Dehumidifiers are an efficient weapon in the war against foul odors. To seal the deal, only store clean and dry shoes, garments, and linens in your closets.

More Closet Best Practices

What else can you do to prevent pungent perfumes from invading your beloved closets? Here are a few tried-and-true tricks:

Remove sweaty gym gear and damp towels immediately!
Don’t throw or put anything on the floor where germs can hide.
Store clean and dry clothes only in breathable storage like wicker or fabric bins.
Use high-quality hangers to keep moisture away and clothes wrinkle-free.
Keep adequate space between items on hangers for proper airflow.

Home organization guru Bob Vila notes that the proper hangers make all the difference- good, sturdy non-slip velvet hangers are an excellent option and won’t let your garments fall forgotten to the floor, where they could trap dirt and odors. Wooden hangers last forever and are perfect for organizing suits as well as dresses, skirts, and scarves.

Smells Like Victory

Create heavenly-scented closets by using natural items and ensure that your clothes smell nothing but clean. Storing a small open container of baking soda up and away in your closet space will help prepare the air for your preferred scent. Utilize a proven old-fashioned method of hanging sachets of dried herbs like relaxing lavender or small chunks of aromatic cedarwood to create a signature fragrance.

News and style magazine Bustle suggests using small bags of bamboo or activated charcoal, two natural powerhouse air purifiers, placed around your closets for maximum freshness. Anoint these bundles or make a spray with your favorite essential oils, like earthy frankincense, rejuvenating rosemary, or cheerful sweet orange.

Conclusion

Sometimes funky closet smells just happen but you’ve totally got this. Start by giving everything a deep cleaning and honest evaluation. Get rid of moisture, keep the air moving, and don’t let dirty laundry or linens overpower your space. Finally, incorporate a few tried and true household items to keep your closets smelling fresh!

Sources

Are Custom Closets Really Worth It?

Sat, 09 Apr 2022 19:33:10 GMT

As a Tennessee homeowner, you undoubtedly have a mental or written list of projects improvements that you would like to have done to your home. It might include things like painting, cleaning out the garage, working on the landscaping, replacing a broken tile in the bathroom, and the list goes on and on. For each type of home improvement you take on, you probably evaluate whether it will make enough of a difference in your lifestyle or your home itself to make it worthwhile.

When it comes to custom closets, there are a lot of both tangible and intangible benefits that you might currently be missing out on. If you’re considering having customized storage systems installed in the various areas of your home, it’s important to gauge whether or not the expenditure is really “worth it.” Closets are, by their very nature, kept behind closed doors, so putting in a custom closet system is less visible than, say, replacing your kitchen counters or installing new carpet.

We’ve put together some factors that you might want to consider regarding the tangible, intangible, and financial benefits that go along with custom closets. Read through and see if they will apply to your situation, then contact Klutter Killerz to learn more and to schedule an in-home consultation for more information and a free design.

Tangible Benefits of Having Custom Closets Installed

When Klutter Killerz comes into your home to talk to you about having custom closets installed, the closet designer will create a storage system that is right for the types of items you want or need to store in any given area. The benefits don’t stop at simply having a place to put items away, however! Here are some more advantages that you will actually be able to see and experience.

Your clothes will last longer. Instead of being squished up against other items, each piece of clothing in your new walk-in closet will have enough room to breathe. Pants won’t become worn simply from rubbing against other pants. Your blouses and button-down shirts won’t have their buttons popping off after getting snagged on nearby items. Even your shoes will stop being stepped on and crushed. All of this can lengthen the life of these items.
You will stop running out of and throwing away cooking ingredients. If you are having a custom pantry installed, you will notice that you’ll be much more organized in the kitchen. You’ll find that you’re able to use up pantry items before they expire and that you know whether you have dried basil, brown sugar, or a can of black beans before you begin cooking. You will be able to see what you have and will have a system for storing it.
Your children’s wardrobes will suddenly grow. If you have a child who wears the same three outfits over and over again, having a children’s closet installed in his or her bedroom can change all of that. Once a child can see all of the outfits that they have, they’re more likely to want to wear different items. This can reduce the wear and tear they put on their favorite items while introducing some more variety into their day-to-day wardrobes.

Intangible Benefits of Having Custom Closets Installed

There are a lot of benefits that you will see when you have custom closets put into the various rooms of your home. What about those intangible changes that you can only really feel? Don’t forget about these important benefits:

Your mornings will feel calmer. When everyone has the items that they need, there is less squabbling and complaining. Your children will be able to participate more in getting themselves ready for the day, depending on their ages. You won’t be scrambling to find your shoe or to try to remove a stain that you hadn’t noticed until just now. Your days will start off on a better note than they currently are.
You’ll be able to relax more in the evenings. Most homeowners find that after a busy day of working and shuttling children around to their activities, they still have a lot of tidying up to do at the end of the day. Some, of course, choose not to do the tidying, but then they find it hard to relax when they are surrounded by clutter. Either way, having a place for every item makes it less likely that clutter will build up in the first place, making your evenings more restful.
Guests will feel more welcome. If you like to entertain, you know how hard it is to do so when your home is disorganized. You might feel embarrassed and your guests might feel uncomfortable. Custom closets minimize clutter and disorganization while allowing you to spend more time interacting with your visitors rather than picking up and scrambling around. A Murphy bed adds storage while also providing guests with a comfortable place to sleep.

Financial Benefits of Custom Closets

Finally, you might not realize it, but there are financial benefits to having custom closets installed in your home. The first is that you will be replacing items due to loss and damage less often. These expenditures can really add up over time, particularly when you have several closets in disarray.

Another way that custom closets can provide a financial benefit will come if and when you put your home on the market. This type of home renovation can lead to a quicker sale and might even get you top dollar. There are a few reasons for this. The first is that buyers often like to see extra storage space, and, put simply, custom closets fit the bill. The second is that buyers like to see that maintenance has been done. While storage systems are not routine maintenance, the assumption is generally that if a homeowner has put in improvements, they probably also kept up with less glamorous maintenance as part of the pride of homeownership. Finally, custom closets will give you a place to store boxes and personal belongings when you pack, keeping these items out of the more public areas of the home and making a better impression.

If you are ready to begin exploring whether custom closets are worth it for you, contact Klutter Killerz for your free design and consultation appointment in Tennessee. There is no risk, and the only thing you can lose is your clutter, so contact us today.

How to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Closets

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 19:36:18 GMT

Just hearing the word mold probably makes you cringe, but discovering it in your custom closets is an even worse feeling. Dark, humid and poorly ventilated spaces are ideal environments for mold to thrive.

For mold to form, spores must come into contact with damp surfaces. Fungus grows on almost any surface, including fabric, paper, wood, glass, and plastic. You can often find mold on clothing, carpets, walls, pipes and ceilings. The best way to hinder mold growth is to prevent moisture build-up by ventilating and reducing the humidity levels in your closets.

This article will offer a number of easy tips for avoiding this fungus from becoming a recurring problem in your home and closets.

1. Reduce Humidity Levels

Humidity causes moisture to accumulate, which is an open invitation for mold. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) advises keeping humidity levels below 50%, especially during the summer months. If the humidity level is over the normal range, run a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in the air. If necessary, invest in a hygrometer to measure the exact moisture count.

2. Improve Air Flow With a Fan

Place a fan in the back corner to push the warm air out and allow fresh air to enter your closet.

3. Regularly Inspect for Water Damage

Water spots on the floors, ceilings or walls of your custom closets may indicate a plumbing leak. Periodically check your pipes and air ducts to determine if either is the source of the leak. Once you find the source, repair it as quickly as possible.

4. Clean Up Spills Quickly

If you spill water or experience a flood or water leak in your closet, move quickly to dry the area. According to Moldpedia, mold forms within “24-48 hours” of the spores landing on a moist spot.

5. Store Dry Clothes Only

Do not store wet or damp clothing, linens, or towels in your closets. The moisture will promote mold growth.

6. Keep Dirty Clothing Away

Mold feeds on dirt, so ensure that your clothes are clean before putting them back.

Also, keep your laundry hamper out of your closet.

7. Sniff Out Mold

Don’t ignore musty odors emanating from your closets. As noted in How to Prevent Foul Smells in Your Closets, an odious scent can indicate mold. When you get a whiff of a pungent odor, start a search for the offender. Check all surfaces for moisture, including drawers and cabinets. If you find mold, remove it as quickly as possible or call in for reinforcements!

8. Allow Air to Circulate

Stagnant air accelerates fungus growth. Do not pack clothing too tightly together in your closets. When clothes rub against each other, there is no room for air to get through. By spacing out your wardrobe, you allow air to further circulate.

9. Light Up

Mold needs a dark environment to grow. To solve that problem, install a low-wattage bulb in your closet, leaving it on for several hours a day. Keep clothing and other flammable materials away from the light.

10. Avoid Using Airtight Plastic Storage Containers

Do not store items in sealed plastic tubs or bins. Airflow is essential for keeping mold at bay. Instead, use bins made of cotton, linen, wicker, or another breathable material. Vacuum-sealed storage bags, which are resistant to mold and moisture, are also a good option.

11. Throw Away Plastic Dry Cleaning Bags

When you bring clothes home from the dry cleaner, remove them from the plastic bags before hanging them up. Moisture can get trapped inside the plastic.

12. Clean & Air Out Closets

Remove everything and clean all surfaces with a wet cloth, including drawers and cabinets. Let your closet dry before you start putting items back in. Also, take the opportunity to declutter and discard any things you no longer want or need.

Regularly cleaning and airing out your closets helps prevent mold from growing.

13. Spray Vinegar

White vinegar kills mold spores and prevents mold growth. When you clean out your closets, pour about a cup of vinegar into a spray bottle and spray all surfaces including walls, floors, ceilings, and baseboards. Do not dilute the vinegar with water as it will lessen the effectiveness. Ensure all surfaces are dry before returning your items.

14. Purify the Air

If you find traces of mold in your closets or have high humidity, use an air purifier to clean the air and remove mold spores.

15. Open the Doors

To ventilate your closets and allow air to circulate, keep the doors open.

16. Stay Off the Floor

Avoid storing boxes or anything else on the floor. Moisture can get trapped underneath.

17. Avoid Carpets

If your closet has carpeting, consider removing it. Carpeting retains moisture and takes a long time to dry. An area rug is a better idea for a wardrobe as you can remove it and let it dry outside if it gets wet.

Conclusion

Mold is a severe problem, and the best way to stop it from growing in your custom closets is to prevent moisture from building up. Use the tips in this article to ultimately prevent this problem from occurring.

Sources

11 Design Ideas for a Zen Home Office

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 19:35:18 GMT

Is your home office getting the job done? Working from home has many perks, but it also comes with challenges. Distractions drain your energy, focus, and productivity.

To be successful working from home, you want to avoid interruptions and chaos. Your home office needs to be comfortable and welcoming to spend your time and do your work efficiently.

Many people find creating a home office using Zen design principles helps create a calm and peaceful environment. Zen is a Buddhist philosophy that refers to meditation and mindfulness. Zen design encourages relaxation, minimalism, and peace.

The design ideas below will help you create your Zen space, no matter how big or small.

1. Designate a Dedicated Workspace

Having an established space for your home office helps separate your work and home life. Even if you don’t have an extra room available for your workspace, you can use an area in your bedroom or living room or convert an unused closet, corner, or long hallway.

2. Make Room to Stretch

Carve out a small area in your home office or near your desk so you can occasionally stand up, stretch your legs and move around. According to the DIY blog Advicefromtwentysomething.com, stretching helps improve your concentration by helping blood flow to your brain.

3. Ensure Adequate Lighting

Good lighting is essential for your home office. The amount of light you get affects your mood and your productivity. Ensure that your workspace has adequate lighting spread evenly throughout the room. Position your workspace under a window to maximize natural light. If natural light isn’t an option, use light bulbs with a soft light. Avoid fluorescent and other harsh lights.

4. Place Your Desk in Center of the Room

The instinct is to put your desk against the wall, but that can give you a claustrophobic, closed-in feeling. Instead, open up the room by placing your desk in the middle of your home office.

5. Pick Calming Colors

Avoid bright colors in your home office. Instead, choose softer colors to make you feel calm and peaceful. Real Simple designer Camille Styles recommends picking colors to inspire and motivate you, such as soft white and pale blue.

6. Clear Off Your Desk

When your desk is a mess, it’s impossible to focus on your work. Clear your desk of clutter, whether it’s dirty coffee mugs, piles of paper, or extra office supplies. Only keep the items you need to perform your current tasks.

7. Organize and Declutter

Declutter your home office and only keep the things you need. To help with organization, add storage to hold your necessary items and papers. Consider adding a file cabinet, drawers, storage baskets, or a bookcase. Make sure anything you add is simple and fits with your simple decor. When you organize, ensure every item in your home office has a place and return the items to their assigned areas after use.

8. Add Plants to Your Space

The color green is said to spark creativity, and plants are known to brighten your mood, improve health, and purify the air. Incorporate a few live plants into your workspace.

9. Completely Clear Off Your Walls

As noted by Lifehack.com, eliminating as many distractions as possible in your space is key, and this includes removing any loud artwork. To avoid having bare walls, you can add a couple of minimalist pieces. Anything with too many colors or designs will be distracting.

10. Include Some Personal Touches

Add a few personal items to your home office for inspiration. It can be a plant, candle, artwork, or something with sentimental meaning.

11. Use Natural Materials

To create a Zen atmosphere, use wood with a natural finish for your office furniture and cotton, linen, or wool for upholstery.

Conclusion

Your home office is the place you do the work you enjoy. Use the tips in this article to help you create a place where you can feel relaxed, calm, and inspired.

Sources

7 Ideas for Organizing Your Small Laundry Room

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 20:30:43 GMT

Laundry room organization is always a challenge, especially if you have minimal space. No matter what your schedule is like, you're probably going to have to run another load of laundry in the near future. Luckily, there are several methods for effectively organizing a small laundry room.

All you need do is the following:

1. Add hanging bars

2. Make space to organize dirty laundry

3. Double-up a work table with storage space

4. Keep a stain chart

5. Utilize contrasting colors

6. Fill in the spaces on walls and elsewhere

7. Fold-down ironing boards

Institute a few of these suggestions, and who knows? You might learn to love doing laundry!

1. Creative Hanging Solutions

Some items are too delicate for the dryer and need to be hung up. Fortunately, hanging bars take very little space, so they can fit into even the tiniest laundry room. Something as simple as a bath towel holder mounted beneath a shelf can dry several shirts at once. Drying bars are also helpful when you’re ironing. Hang each item after it’s been ironed and it’ll retain its neat appearance while giving you more room to operate.

2. Pre-Organize Your To-Do Laundry List

Digging through a pile of laundry to separate darks from lights is a pain in the neck, both figuratively and literally if you’re coping with a cramped laundry room. You can better organize your room — and protect your lumbar region — by filling a nearby shelving unit with pull-out drawers.

Dedicate each drawer to various categories such as “lights”, “darks”, and “sheets” so they’ll be easier to wash when laundry day arrives. Mesh drawers are ideal as they allow dirty laundry to air out a little bit before washing.

3. Make Efficient Use of a Work Table

When dealing with a tight space, try to find multiple uses for every piece of furniture. A work table, for instance, can be instrumental in preparing dirty laundry, washing out stains, and folding clean laundry.

Even better, you can utilize the space below the work table to fulfill other needs, such as storage. The good people at HGTV went above and beyond with perhaps the most adorable solution ever: a workstation that doubles as a dog crate! Laundry day is a lot more fun when accompanied by a furry friend!

4. Display a Stain Chart

Ever make the mistake of wearing a white linen shirt to an Italian meatball dinner? Of course, you have! It’s crises like these that put your stain-removal skills to the test. Thankfully, you won’t have to go at it alone.

Martha Stewart (Who else?) put together this handy stain chart to provide you with needed assistance in the event of a marinara or lava cake catastrophe. Display this prominently in your laundry room, and you’ll know just what to do to combat stains from red wine, soy sauce, grass, or practically anything else you can imagine.

5. Colorful Storage Solutions

Laundry rooms are often decorated in a fashion that’s as utilitarian as the room itself. This usually means white walls, white laundry baskets, a white washer/dryer, and a room that can feel institutional and even claustrophobic.

To avoid going down this route, look for woven baskets to store supplies, and consider painting your cabinets a dark hue like navy blue or forest green to offset the lightly colored walls and appliances. Houseplants are also welcome additions that bring life and vitality into any space, even your small laundry room.

6. Fill Up Unused Areas

In a tiny laundry room, you need to take advantage of every inch of space available. If you lack shelf and table options, simply install a wall-mounted metal rack, better known as a Slatwall rack. These will provide ample room for baskets to store detergent, stain removers, and cleaning agents.

7. Add an Ironing Station

Ironing boards take up a lot of room if you’re still using the stand-up variety, so why not install a fold-down board instead? This style of ironing board takes up practically no square footage in a tiny laundry room, so you’ll be operating at peak efficiency.

You don’t have to stop there. By hanging a basket from a nearby rack, all of your ironing supplies can be within arm’s reach while you work, creating a genuine workstation!

Conclusion

Just because you have a small laundry room doesn’t mean it has to feel cramped and dull. Making a few of these simple changes can turn any laundry room into a place that’s so attractive and pleasant, you won’t even dread the most mundane of chores.

Sources

8 Tips for Organizing Tools in Your Garage

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 20:38:14 GMT

Isn’t it frustrating when you go to look for a specific tool in your garage and you just can’t find it? That is one reason why it only makes sense to have your tools in proper order, just like the rest of your house!

Follow the tips below and your space will be looking like an organized custom garage in no time.

Begin With The Right Wall Mounting System
Keep it Simple with Hooks
Use Attachable Baskets and Bins
Attach Tool Bars and Racks
Mount a Compartment Organizer
Store Yard Tools on a Vertical Rack
Utilize Corner Space
Invest in a Tool Chest

Read on to learn how to organize your collection of tools like a pro!

1. Begin With The Right Wall Mounting System

Logically, a well-organized garage doesn’t just have tools laying around. The best way to utilize space in your garage is to affix your tools to the walls. In order to accomplish this, you have to start with the right wall surface.

In the past, many people used pegboards to hang their tools. However, as This Old House.com points out, pegboard is simply not sturdy enough to hang heavier items upon. Thankfully in the modern garages of today, there are far better options to choose from.

The first and perhaps the best option is PVC Slatwall. This sleek and sturdy material features horizontal grooves, to which a variety of different accessories can be attached to. It can be found in a variety of colors that are both attractive & modern. You'll never have to worry about the pieces falling apart as Slatwall offers superior durability.

2. Keep It Simple With Hooks

Now that you have your chosen wall components, one of the easiest things you can do is attach some simple hooks to them. These hooks can be used to hang all sorts of things, shovels, rakes, brooms, and weed whackers just to name a few. Don’t forget garden hoses and ladders! You'll be surprised how much floor space magically appears with a little careful planning. At the same time, cleaning your garage floor will be quite a bit easier as well.

3. Use Attachable Baskets and Bins

Next, you can attach baskets and bins to your walls. Baskets can hold items such as car cleaning supplies, sporting goods, and toys, to name a few. The Spruce.com recommends using transparent plastic bins so that you can easily see what items each one contains.

4. Attach Tool Bars and Racks

Do you have specific hand tools that you use more than others? Then perhaps it would be wise to keep them visible and handy, rather than having them neatly tucked away. One way to accomplish this is to attach toolbars and racks to your walls. You may choose to hang several toolbars, or just a few. That's the beauty of hanging them on Slatwall racks. No matter how much you hang, everything looks neat and organized.

5. Mount a Compartment Organizer

Next, you need something to organize all of those little bits and pieces. Perhaps you have lots of nails, screws, nuts, and bolts that need a good home. A multi-drawer compartment organizer is perfect for accomplishing this task. If you have counter space in your garage, you can place it there, or if you prefer, you can also mount it on the wall. You are sure to appreciate having a catch-all for all of your tiny items that would otherwise become lost or spilled elsewhere.

6. Store Yard Tools on a Vertical Rack

When organizing the tools in your garage, think outside the box so to speak. For example, instead of hanging your yard tools side-by-side and taking up most of a wall, why not stack them vertically? One of the best ways you can save space is to think about how you can organize upwards. Hang a rack that will allow you to stack your yard tools horizontally, on top of one another.

7. Utilize Corner Space

When it comes to organizing any space in a home, corners are one of the most underutilized areas. Why not maximize the space in your garage by using one or more of the corners? One way to do this is to use a corner tool rack. If you don’t have an overabundance of tools or your garage is small, keeping them on a corner rack might do the trick!

8. Invest in a Tool Chest

Perhaps you're someone who is required to use an overabundance of tools on a daily basis. In this situation, it would only make sense to invest in a lockable chest. Additionally, should there be a break-in in your home, your tools will be well protected.

Final Thoughts

No matter how nicely you organize your tools, if you have too much ‘stuff’ taking over the rest of your garage, it's not going to look as good as it could be. Take the time to donate what you no longer need and then focus on your game plan. Utilize some Slatwall racks, a tool chest, and a couple of hooks and voila, you'll have a garage workshop that will make Tim The Toolman Taylor jealous!

Sources

6 Practical Tips for Organizing Your Home for The Holidays

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 19:38:29 GMT

No matter how you choose to spend your holidays—traveling or hosting get-togethers, proper home organization is the best way to get the season off on the right snow boot and set you up for success. But where do you start?

Here are some tips to help you get started:

Start before Thanksgiving: It’s never too early to start your holiday organizing.
Prioritize locations: The kitchen, living room, and closets should be first on your hit list.
Get the decorations up now: Don’t piecemeal decking the halls. Get it all finished at once!
Designate areas of the fridge: Split the area between everyday items and your holiday meals.
Make a gift wrapping station: Choose one area that can handle all of your wrapping and storage needs.
Replace the batteries on literally everything: You don’t want to find yourself without a remote control on Christmas.

Start checking tasks off of your to-do list before the madness of the holidays commences! Continue reading to learn more.

Start Before Thanksgiving

However busy you think you’re going to be for the yuletide season, double it. It’s always best to think you’re going to have less time than you do. That way, you’re already ahead from the get-go. Start your holiday planning before December 1. Waiting for the ever-elusive “after Thanksgiving sometime” will leave you making the mad holiday dash for some semblance of sanity when it’s already too late.

Prioritize Locations

If you’re thinking about organizing the attic or garage, stop and reorient. Where are the holidays likely to wreak the most havoc? Where is it essential that you make more room? If you’re in charge of hosting the family dinner, the kitchen, dining room, and anywhere else people will gather are your top priorities. Are your guests staying the night?

Then add the guest bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets to your list. Make sure that any superfluous items are removed and there’s a clear place for things like guest coats, luggage, even leftovers in the fridge. Have extra toiletries, towels, linens, and things your overnight guests might need readily available.

Here are some ideas:

Do you collect hotel shampoos and soaps? Make a holiday bathroom basket in your guest room or bathroom. Everything your guests need will be right there.
Not sure what to clear out of the kitchen? Everything but the appliances you plan to use for the holiday meals. You’ll want as much counter space as possible.
Empty the hallway closet. Avoid coat piles by clearing a designated space for your guests. Can’t clear an entire closet? Learn how to make your closets work for you.
Hang extra hangers in all the closets.

Get The Decorations Up Now

Don’t spend one moment more than you have to living among decoration boxes. It might seem more productive to spend an hour or two after work hanging lights and pinning stockings in this room or that one, but it’s not. Really, you’re only making it harder to get yourself organized. Get all your decorating done in one hit so you can check that off your list and get onto more important tasks.

Designate Areas of The Fridge

No matter what, everyone ends up with the post-holiday meal blues for two reasons: Either you still have enough food for a small army, or the family vultures took everything but the table salt and left no yummy leftovers for you! Your fridge is the culprit behind it all!

Square off a specific section for holiday meals and the leftover food alike. This way, you won’t run the risk of accidentally using something you’ll need for dinner before the big day, and you’ll have an up-for-grabs space where your relatives can freely graze (because you’ll have already boxed up the leftovers you want for yourself and put them in the “host’s food” section.

Additional holiday kitchen organization ideas include:

Use wire rack dividers to separate areas in your fridge.
Don’t neglect your pantry.
Consider potlucks for holiday dinners. Ask each guest to make one item of the meal and bring it with them.
Mark specific areas of the kitchen for popular items. For example, a coffee and tea station, a bar with all your alcohol, & a dessert table.

Seasonal Health Reminder: Flu and food poisoning run rampant during the holidays. Do yourself and your guests a favor by stopping the spread of infectious germs. Our Happy Hive recommends physically cleaning and sanitizing your fridge with a cleaning solution of dish soap, baking soda, and hot water.

Make a Gift Wrapping Station

No more hunting for the scissors only to have to buy another pair. Put all of your wrapping supplies into a box or bag next to your wrapping area. Try to also find a place in this area to store wrapped presents before placing them under the tree or giving them to your recipient.

With these steps, you’ll be able to solve three separate holiday problem areas at once:

1. Place your bag of wrapping supplies under or near your wrapping surface. Whatever is in the bag—be it tape or the ever-elusive scissors—stays in the bag unless you’re wrapping.

2. Wrap presents as you buy them, labels and all. This will help you to avoid the big slapdash wrapping race the night before Christmas.

3. Organize wrapped presents by the recipient and who will receive theirs first.

Replace The Batteries

The last thing you want is an annoying smoke detector beeping during dinner—or worse—for the unit to not catch the signs of a house fire until it’s too late. Kitchen fires during the holidays are one of the most common accident insurance claims each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Ensure all the safety measures in your home, from smoke detectors to fire extinguishers, are up to par. It’s also not a bad idea to check the TV remote control batteries, flashlights, and emergency gear and to have a few extras on hand, just in case.

Conclusion

The point of the holidays is to see what’s really important. That applies to your holiday home organization as well. Using these tips, you can hone in on the chronic problem areas, common disorganization pitfalls, and holiday headaches before they start.

Sources

Closet Jewelry Organizer Ideas

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 19:38:00 GMT

While organizing your home and, more specifically, your custom closets , it's important to take on small projects like getting your jewelry collection into shape. Whether you have valuable jewels or mostly costume jewelry, having your pieces in order contributes to the overall neatness of your closet as a whole.

There are many different ways to organize and store your jewelry. Some of these include:

Drawers
Knick-Knacks
Framed Art Pieces
Mirror Organizers
Dishes
Hangers
Alternative Storage

If you’re ready to regain control of your jewelry drawers, put down the polish and read on!

Drawers

Just like your clothes, having your jewelry spread out on a tabletop or surface can make the space look cluttered. You don’t need that stress or frustration. Instead, dedicate a drawer or two to store your precious jewelry, keeping it out of sight but not out of mind.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should throw everything into a drawer and then shut it. You need some type of system to keep everything from getting tangled or lost.

Use long sections to layout necklaces and bracelets so they don’t become a tangled mess. An added bonus is that the dividers can be used to separate your clothing pieces as well. To learn more, check out 6 Steps for Organizing Your Custom Closets.

Knick-Knacks

If you’re like many people, you probably have tchotchkes on your dresser or vanity. Not only are they lovely decorations that bring a smile to your face, but you can also use them to display your jewelry.

Use your figurines to hold necklaces and bracelets. This not only adds some decoration to your favorite pieces but also makes it easier to find your jewelry. If your figurines have holes or are soft enough, you can also store your earrings there too.

Framed Art Pieces

How about turning your jewelry into usable works of art? Start by hanging a felt or corkboard on the wall. Add your favorite pieces of jewelry.

Earrings can press right into the felt; you will need tacks or hooks for necklaces and bracelets. Make sure you keep the tacks far enough apart so that longer necklaces and bracelets don’t become tangled when you hang them.

Be creative with how you hang your pieces. Adding a decorative frame around your board will make it stand out and look unique.

Mirror Organizer

If you don't want your jewelry visible to anyone who enters your room, consider purchasing a mirror organizer that opens up. These wall organizers are a handy way to store jewelry while keeping it from prying eyes.

There are different designs that might match your personal style. Hang one above your vanity so that you can put on your makeup and fix your hair while still having your jewels in easy reach. You could also invest in a full-length mirror with a built-in organizer.

Dishes

Keeping your favorite pieces close at hand makes them easy to put on every day. According to Martha Stewart, small dishes and plates are a great way to organize your jewelry into what you wear regularly and what you don’t.

You can put favorite necklaces or bracelets on the plates as well but do so carefully.

So what can you place in these dishes? Just about anything you can think of. If you have a ring or a watch that you wear daily, set them in the handy container at the end of the day.

Necklaces have a tendency to tangle, especially if you just toss them in. If possible, use a longer tray for these items so that you can lay them flat instead of curling them up to fit in the dish.

Hangers

If you'd like to hang your jewelry but haven't yet seen an idea you love, think outside the box and get creative! Have an old spool rack? Hang it on the wall and, instead of spools of thread, use the pegs to hang your necklaces, bracelets, and rings.

Or consider using a necklace tree that you can place on your vanity or dresser top. Here, you can keep your items separated, untangled, and off the wall. You can also hang a dowel on your wall or inside your closet door. Then, using s-hooks, you can hang and organize your favorite pieces.

Alternative Storage

Looking to get really inventive? Consider repurposing other containers to meet your needs. For example, a clean painting pallet may be an unconventional, yet practical solution. The small wells designed to hold paint could be the perfect place for earrings and rings.

Not into paint pallets? That’s okay. Decorative rocks or crystals can be a holding place for your rings and earrings without making your space look frumpy. Likewise, flat-topped crystals can update your dresser’s aesthetics without being too overwhelming.

You don’t have to have a tray or anything to brighten up your vanity or dresser surfaces while keeping your jewelry close. According to Architecturaldigest.com, the jewels themselves can add a layer to your décor. Don’t just toss them onto the surface. Instead, take the time to sort out your jewelry and arrange it in a way that looks pleasing to the eye.

Conclusion

Organizing your jewelry is a great way to keep it from getting damaged. You can organize it into a drawer or hang it from the wall. If you feel extra creative, go with a more non-traditional choice of storing them on a painting pallet, on a crystal, or on your favorite tchotchke. Overall, choose the best option for you and your precious jewels!

Sources

How to Protect Your Closets From Pests

Sun, 18 Jul 2021 19:36:46 GMT

No one likes the idea of bugs and rodents crawling around in their closets. There is no stronger feeling of disgust than finding a mouse among the bedding or seeing a moth hole in your favorite blouse.

If you see evidence that pests have invaded your custom closets , you need to eradicate them first. Once they are gone, you can move onto prevention. The following steps will help:

Identify Common Pests
Cut Off Food Supply
Clean Closets Thoroughly
Look for Entry Points
Use Natural Repellants

Time to make those pests realize your closets are closed to new tenants. Continue on to learn more!

Identify Common Pests

Pest problems occur nationwide. However, each region has one or two pests that pose a more significant problem than others. To plan effectively, know which vermin and bugs are most commonly found in your area, so you can combat them accordingly.

According to the Tennessee Department of Health, you may contend with:

Ants
Carpet Beetles
Clothes Moths
Cockroaches
Mice and Rats
Spiders

The basics of keeping these or any pests out of your closets are simple.

Cut Off Food Supply

Pests don't randomly invade your home. They come in because you inadvertently offer them shelter and food. So, the first step to getting rid of them is to cut off the food supply. With no food, pests will leave and won’t return.

In your bedroom and hall closets, locating the food source might not be as simple. Here you should inspect your clothes to see if they have succumbed to moths. Clothing can also be a food source for beetles. If you have old clothes you don’t regularly wear, consider storing them in vacuum-sealed bags, open weave baskets to promote airflow. The last thing you want is to worry about mold growth on top of everything else!

You should also inspect any old papers that may be located in your closets. If you're like others, you store important papers like insurance documents or mortgage information. These bits of paper, if not stored properly, can be tempting morsels for beetles.

Clean Closets Thoroughly

You’ve eliminated the food source. Now you need to clean your closets to destroy any shelter you might be providing to pests. You don’t want to be the Park Avenue high rise for mice and roaches in your neighborhood.

Sort through your clothing. If you have seasonal items that you can store, put them in alternative locations, such as those mentioned above. Remove any cardboard you may have as it can serve as both food and shelter to pests.

With all the clutter out of the way, you can take the time to clean the carpets and shelving thoroughly. Vacuum and deep clean your carpet to get rid of carpet beetles, ants, and other tiny pests that may be hidden in the fibers. Wipe off all the shelves and drawers to remove dust that might attract pests.

Look for Entry Points

With a clean closet, you can see if there are obvious places where pests may get into your home. Obvious intrusion points are holes in the baseboards and ceilings, or windows missing caulking or fail to close tightly.

Some of these are simple fixes: add a new layer of caulk around your windows, filling in holes in the baseboards, walls, or ceilings. This will block them from returning to the scene of the crime.

With some pests, such as clothes moths, the traditional entry points might not be where the garment destroyers gain access. According to Today.com, clothes moths may get into your home by hitching a ride on you.

Sometimes they hide in the lapel of your jacket or go unnoticed on your running shoes. Other times, they get into the basement or attic and feast on stored rugs or clothing there before moving up to your closets.

Natural Pest Repellents

You don’t have to turn to chemicals to help keep the creepy crawlies at bay. If you have a problem getting rid of one type, natural pest repellants may help.

To keep roaches out of your closets, vinegar is an option. Mix apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the perimeter of your closet. Vinegar is a natural repellant to ants and will keep them from reinvading your space. Don't worry about the vinegar smell. Once the spray dries, the smell will go away. Forewarning though, be sure to empty your closets beforehand!

Ready to keep out moths? According to thespruce.com, cedar is a natural deterrent. Place cedar chips or use hangers made from cedar to keep moths away. Cedar also gives your closet a nice smell and acts as a natural deodorizer. You can also use sachets filled with lavender, mint, cloves, rosemary, and thyme.

Mice and rats can be a little more complicated when it comes to deterring them. Removing their food source and shelter is a big start. However, adding peppermint oil in your closet has a strong enough scent to stop rodents in their tracks.

Conclusion

Pests don’t have to ruin your day or your closets for that matter. By identifying the most problematic invaders, you can begin to put down roadblocks. Clear out any food sources that may be attracting them. Clean your closets by getting rid of unnecessary items and changing how you store things that might make suitable homes for pests. Block their entry points and look to natural repellants to keep them from returning.

Sources

Can Custom Closets Significantly Increase the Market Value of a Home?

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 19:37:15 GMT

Ever since you moved into your home years ago, you’ve strived to do whatever you could to improve its market value. It’s not that you necessarily plan on moving right away, but if you ever do sell, you want to get the full value of what you paid on the house back and then some. Should custom closets be the next addition to your home? Can these closets really boost your home’s market value?

Absolutely, custom closets can increase a home’s market value, and quite significantly at that. Walk-in closets especially are quite covetable among homebuyers, but other custom closets throughout the house are definitely desirable too.

Keep reading to learn about specific ways that custom closets can make your property an even more appealing and attractive option for buyers!

Are Custom Closets an Attractive Feature to Homebuyers?

There are many additions a homeowner might think to have done that, in their eyes, can make their home worth more money. Yet some additions are indeed valuable and others extraneous and thus a waste of time and cash.

Which is which? To answer that, some expert opinions are needed.

Forbes , in a 2016 article, listed more than a dozen home features they deemed “surprising” that inched up a home’s value. Some of the recommendations were certainly ones you might not think of, like stainless steel appliances or exposed bricks, but what was Forbes’ stance on closets?

Custom closets, especially walk-in closets, ranked quite high. One real estate pro, interviewed for the article, stated that walk-in closets and other custom closets have gone from something that buyers were pleased to see to something that they expect will be there when they tour a home.

Failing to have spacious closets could turn away some really good potential buyers. That leaves your home on the market, where it languishes and languishes. The older your listing gets, the less attention it receives, making the whole process of selling your home take even longer.

Financial resource GOBankingRates went as far as to say that taking closets out is one of the worst things you can do if you want your home to be worth good money. Homebuyers expect closets, especially in rooms such as the bedroom. To go from a large to a smaller closet isn’t ideal but may be acceptable, yet going from having a closet to nothing will really hurt your chances of having your home sold.

How Custom Closets Make a Home Worth More

What is it about custom closets that make them such a valuable home addition? Here are some reasons these closets are a top choice among homebuyers!

Custom Closets Make Organization Easy

When potential homebuyers walk through your home, they’ll know if you can’t keep it neat. They’re going to be looking at your house up, down, and sideways, so they’ll see the clutter shoved under the couch or pushed behind the table. Even if you try to be sneaky about hiding messes, buyers will notice.

These messes will detract from what is certainly a beautiful home, and it’s distracting too. The home buyers might miss your new crown molding or living room picture windows as they focus more on the clutter.

With custom closets, keeping your home organized becomes effortless. From hall closets to even perpetually messy spaces like kids’ bedroom closets, custom closet systems create a home for everything. Innovative Home Storage cites several ways to organize your precious real estate in Six Effortless Steps to Organizing Your Custom Closets .

When homebuyers tour your property, they won’t see messes, only gorgeous home features. They’ll open your custom closets and gaze upon a space so organized that it’ll be easy for them to envision keeping their own things in there.

Having Custom Closets Shows Your Passion for the Home

The fact that you took the time to design custom closets throughout your home tells a homebuyer a lot about you. It says that you care about your home and that you want to keep it clean.

Seeing your custom closets during the house tour could be what encourages a homebuyer to put an offer in!

Storage Space is Appealing

Who doesn’t want more storage space? If you had to ask for a show of hands, almost every homebuyer would say of course they do. Some buyers might want a house because their current condo or apartment simply isn’t large enough to contain all of their stuff anymore.

Yet garages fill up, as do basements and attics. The extra storage space afforded throughout your home thanks to your custom closets is going to be a homebuyer’s saving grace. Now, in parts of the house like the hallway and the bedrooms–areas where clutter can congregate a little too easily–they’ll have all the space they need for storage and more.

Custom Closets Look Great When Staging Your Home

Everyone knows that when staging a home, you usually change some things around. You’ll remove personal effects such as framed photos. You’ll toss those never-used vanity pillows on the bed, fluff up the couch cushions, and reorganize the living room a bit so it’s more engaging to anyone passing through.

Your custom closets are made for staging. All you have to do is open the closet doors and voila, there are shelves and drawers full of organized clothes, shoes, blankets, belts, ties, and even jewelry.

Even if only one closet in your home is customized, it’s going to be the talk of the whole house tour. If you took the time and care to get several custom closets installed throughout the house, you may get so many offers you won’t be sure what to do with them all.

A Word of Caution About Decorating Your Custom Closets

If you’re still in the planning stages of ordering custom closets, then you might want to proceed with the following information in mind. GOBankingRates , in the same link from above, notes that several design touches can hurt rather than help your custom closets, possibly preventing it from being the money-maker you so want it to be.

Here are some decorative ideas to avoid.

Bold or Bright Colors

Homebuyers tend to get “ turned off ” by any colors deemed too wild or funky, probably because such hues can be intimidating if you don’t know what to do with them.

More neutral and natural colors are best for your custom closets for several reasons. For one, you never have to worry about shades of black or white or even baby blue falling out of style. These colors will always be perceived as modern, giving your custom closets a bit of newness no matter how old they are.

Second, loud colors can take away from how well you’ve organized everything, and who wants that?

Excess Carpeting

GOBankingRates , through a stat via Realtor.com, says that you can see a home value boost of up to 2.5 percent by leaving your hardwood floors bare rather than carpeting them. Your closet is such a small area of flooring that it probably doesn’t matter much if it’s carpeted, but it’s something to think about anyway.

Textured Ceilings or Walls

If you decide to take the space around or within your walk-in closet and jazz it up with textured ceilings or walls, you may regret that choice later on down the road. It’s quite difficult to remove this texturing if a homebuyer doesn’t like it. They may decide to buy another home with a little less flavor just to save them time and effort.

At the end of the day, it’s your house and your closets, so do what you want with them. These are just suggestions, but they could certainly help!

Conclusion

Custom closets increase a home’s curb appeal by providing more storage space and making it easier to keep your house organized. If you were on the fence about whether custom closets were right for your home, now you can see how valuable these closets truly are!

Sources

Home Office Decor Ideas

Sat, 05 Jun 2021 19:36:32 GMT

Working from home successfully takes dedication and creativity - and not everyone is suited for the WFH lifestyle. It requires discipline to be at your desk by 9 am sharp, even if it’s only steps away from your bed and you’re still in pajamas. Or perhaps you find yourself “working just a little longer,” and suddenly it’s after midnight. Establishing a healthy work-life balance will keep you sane and enable you to be more productive.

Building healthy work habits start with a stress-free, dedicated home office . Whether you’re a remote pro looking to update your space or a complete WFH newbie, these clever decor ideas will help you design an inspiring area where you can take care of business.

Utilize vertical space with a standing desk
Plants boost mood and air quality
Take over a window
Bring in a bold pop of color and vibrant accessories
On-trend minimalism
Wallpaper is back

Create a home office that grows along with your career. A cramped, dim workstation isn’t fun for anyone, and you might be giving yourself issues like muscle and eye strain. It’s time to upgrade your life and your job now!

Don’t Waste Vertical Space

It’s important to make the most of the space you have available. If you need a lot of storage for books, documents, or office supplies, then don’t be afraid of using your walls from floor to ceiling to add a variety of organizational options. You may also want to consider installing tall cabinets - with open areas to display art or mementos, and secure doors to keep other items safe and dust-free.

Investing in a standing desk can also help you make the best use of your home office. Adjustable-height furniture is all the rage right now and lets you be a bit more active while working. You could also mount a table against the wall at your standing work height, then pick up a comfy bar or cabaret stool as your new office chair. A higher work surface means you can install useful storage below your desk as well as above it.

Go Green

According to Psychology Today, spending time in the company of plants is amazingly good for you. The benefits include lowered blood pressure and reduced anxiety. They’re also an inexpensive yet eye-catching way to decorate your workspace. Here are some plants that are easy to take care of and will add visual appeal to your new home office:

Cacti - nearly impossible to kill, they only need water once a week max
Aloe - a gorgeous plant with healing properties
Bamboo - this lucky beauty can thrive in low lighting
Red Aglaonema - the lush, reddish-pink leaves add a burst of color
Succulents - these small waxy plants come in a huge variety
Snake Plants - featuring tall green leaves, they are incredibly hardy

You can decorate with plants in a myriad of ways, and they are all suitable for any size space. Floor stands and plant racks can display your favorite greenery at varying eye levels. You can also repurpose a bookcase to show off your garden, or utilize tall plants like snake, ficus, or mature indoor bamboo to curtain off your home workstation for additional privacy.

Window Shopping

If there’s an under-appreciated window in your house, grab it now and convert it into a unique, remote office. Even if you don’t have a lot of room to spread out, establishing a workstation with a view will definitely elevate your mood and bathe you in healthy natural light, which can be crucial for those with seasonal depression disorders.

One solution is situating your desk at right angles to the window to reduce distraction and avoid glare. Many people also prefer not to work with their back to a door, which is definitely still applicable in a home office, especially if you are also keeping an eye on children.

True Colors

The last thing you want is for your home office to be boring. It’s a place where you’ll spend a lot of time, so make sure it’s a space that also makes you happy. Neutral shades are very hip in interior design right now, but adding a bold dash of color lets your personality shine through.

A fantastic way to bring in some eye-catching hues without a lot of commitment is with colorful accessories like throw pillows, storage bins, and art. Patterned rugs are also a popular and affordable way to make your home office look more interesting. Feeling comfortable in your workspace is vital for productivity, so go ahead and showcase your favorite colors.

Minimal and Mellow

Don’t go overboard with your decor - kitschy office signs, knickknacks, books, and desk toys will attract dust and make your office look cluttered. Instead, go with a minimalist style that’s classically beautiful.

Interior designers interviewed by Forbes noted that keeping clutter to a minimum will help keep you organized and productive. They also recommend strongly curating the items you allow to take up residence on your desk - select items that are meaningful and bring you a sense of calm.

Yes, Wallpaper

It’s come a long way since the old days - wallpaper is now available in an endless variety of shades, patterns, and even textures. You can do an accent wall, the interior of a closet, the whole room, or even the ceiling. Most wallpaper these days just comes in peel and stick sheets, so they’re easy to install and easy to remove. Get your creativity flowing and put up a fun print that makes you feel happy and relaxed.

Conclusion

It can be difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance while working from home. Some people thrive and drastically increase their productivity, and some find it incredibly challenging to stay focused on work instead of watching TV or playing with the kids. But with these six simple decor ideas, you can create a dedicated and gorgeous space that truly inspires you to do your best work.

Sources

Stock Up on These Seven Home Organization Essentials This Winter

Sat, 19 Dec 2020 20:35:03 GMT

Wintertime is the perfect season to organize, de-clutter, and revamp your space. Not only are you spending a lot more time indoors due to the frigid weather, but you probably have a lot of new items taking up precious space in your home thanks to holiday gifts and winter apparel.

Not only that, but cleaning and organizing your household in the winter can boost your mood and drastically decreases the threat of germs and bacteria, such as the flu.

If you’re wondering what home organization essentials you should stock up on this winter to get your home neat and tidy, consider:

Kitchen Drawer Dividers
Clear Plastic Pantry Bins
Entryway Hooks
A Key Catchall
Garage Slatwall Storage
Vacuum-Seal Storage Bags
Over-the-Door Closet Organizers

Take a closer look at these seven home organization essentials that will make your home tidier and your life a lot easier.

1. Kitchen Drawer Dividers

One of the most important rooms in your home that should be organized is the kitchen. Think about it – from preparing dinner to doing homework with your kids at the kitchen table, a lot goes on in this room.

Kitchen drawer dividers can help you separate all of the items you keep in your kitchen drawers. From cooking tools and eating utensils to all of the items crammed in your junk drawer, you can effortlessly divide and customize these dividers to easily find exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re stuck in the house due to bad weather, you can easily conquer this home project without a problem!

2. Clear Plastic Pantry Bins

One of the areas of your kitchen that can easily become a disorganized and dysfunctional mess is the kitchen pantry. To streamline your pantry, consider using clear plastic bins to sort and store your items, including cereal, snacks, and baking products.

You can easily see the contents inside the clear bins to easily grab exactly what you need when you need it, especially while baking holiday treats.

3. Entryway Hooks

Is somebody in your family guilty of just tossing a coat or bag on the floor or couch as soon as they enter the door? Stop this habit by installing fashionable and functional hooks in your entryway for coats, bags, and keys. This simple addition will allow your family to grab their items and go without leaving a pile of possessions on the floor.

4. A Key Catchall

For folks that need more than entryway hooks to keep their daily essentials organized, consider adding a key catchall to your entryway table. This handy space can store smaller items you use every day, including your phone, keys, and wallet.

5. Garage Slatwall Storage

Let’s face it – your garage can get messy really quickly. From tools and sports equipment to seasonal clothing and holiday decorations, your garage is a home for everything you don’t want inside of your house.

Organize your garage and free up much-needed floor space by installing a Slatwall storage system to hang tools and other items.

6. Vacuum-Seal Storage Bags

One way to cut back on clutter and free up space in your closet or under your bed is to store your seasonal clothing in vacuum-seal storage bags. Not only will they not take up a large amount of space, but they will keep your clothing safe from dust, pests, and moisture.

7. Over-the-Door Closet Organizers

An over-the-door closet organizer is a great way to maximize every inch of space in either your pantry or kitchen closet. You can store shoes, spices, and more in this organization essential.

Final Thoughts

Get your home in order this winter with these seven organization essentials. From tidying your kitchen with drawer dividers and clear pantry bins to organizing your bedroom with vacuum-seal storage bags and over-the-door hangers, your home will look wonderful and you’ll feel excellent knowing that every item is in its proper place.

4 Tips for Getting Your Garage Organized for the Summer

Thu, 04 Jul 2019 19:31:36 GMT

With the recent record-breaking high temperatures in Tennessee, there’s no disputing the fact that summer is just about here in the South. Many people take on a summer project, taking advantage of the long days and the fact that the kids are out of school. This summer, why not get your garage organized? If you’ve been struggling with a cluttered, chaotic garage, getting it whipped into shape will help you enjoy your summer without having it hanging over your head. It will also allow you to develop a great system and routine many weeks before the busyness of fall starts up again. Take a look at the following tips on getting your garage organized for the summer.

#1 Make the Garage Safer for Children Who Are Home From School

First and foremost, it’s important that if your children and the neighborhood children are allowed (or physically able) to access the garage without an adult, the garage must be safe for them. The last thing you want this summer is for any child to suffer from an injury in your garage, so it makes sense to take a bit of time now to ensure that yours is tidy enough to be safe for kids who might use the garage as a way to enter the home or to rummage around for something to do. Here are a few things to check for:

Chemicals. Even if you think they’re too old to get into dangerous substances, make sure that things like spray paint, automotive fluids, and various other chemicals that are in your garage are not within reach. Put them on a high shelf, lock them in a garage cabinet, or find some other way to ensure that children can’t access them.
Clutter on the floor. As an adult, you’ve surely had situations where you’ve stubbed a toe, tripped, or otherwise got hurt due to something on the floor. In a garage, where the flooring is usually concrete, a fall can be more dangerous than it would be in, say, a carpeted living room or a linoleum kitchen. Getting clutter off of the floor of the garage can help keep kids safe as they walk or run through your garage.
Electrical cords, ladders, tools, etc. Remember that children will often find these types of items highly appealing. Unfortunately, they’re also quite dangerous! Make sure you have the right holders, racks, and other storage solutions for these items. A workbench is an excellent option for tools; it will also give you space to work on projects safely.
Concrete flooring. While it’s not strictly necessary, installing rubberized Swisstrax garage flooring will provide a softer place for children to land than a concrete floor. In addition, Swisstrax is easy to clean, fade- and stain-resistant, and available in a variety of colors and pattern configurations. Talk to your Klutter Killerz garage designer to learn more.

#2 Be Sure That Bicycles, Scooters, and Skateboards Are Accessible

During the summer, the whole family will probably want to access outdoor equipment like bikes, skateboards, scooters, rollerblades, and so on. If yours are haphazardly piled in a corner, it’s difficult to get to them. It’s also likely that something will be damaged: When someone is leaning over a bicycle to get to a skateboard that is buried beneath, it’s easy for the bike to crash to the ground... or worse, to crash into the vehicle parked nearby.

You can avoid this by having a dedicated rack for these items. Shelving with a lip on the edge will help stop smaller wheeled equipment from rolling away. A bike rack can suspend bicycles overhead or in a set area of the garage. You can even tie rollerblades together and hang them from a hook on a section of slatwall. Just make sure you and your children will be able to get to these fun toys to use outdoors during nice weather.

#3 Get Your Gardening Supplies in Order

By now, most gardeners will have their vegetables and annual flowers planted. You’ll need to be able to access your trowels, gloves, rakes, and wheelbarrow as you go through the gardening and, soon enough, the harvesting season. Smaller items need to be kept together to avoid losing them; larger items like rakes, hoes, and shovels should be corralled to prevent them from falling and injuring someone or damaging your car.

For tall items, consider hooks attached to the wall or to a slatwall system. Hang these large tools by their hooks or handles so they will stay securely against the wall. You can also hang your brooms this way. Baskets and bins attached to slatwall is one way to keep smaller gardening supplies in one location. You can even take the basket with you when you go to the garden and then bring it back in to hang up when you’re done. Easy peasy!

#4 Gear Up for Sports Seasons

Whether your family loves backyard soccer and softball games, basketball played in the driveway, ultimate Frisbee, baseball, or any other summer sports and games, you need a place to store all of the equipment that goes along with these pursuits. Garage cabinets can be one option: With sturdy shelving and doors that close securely, you will know that your sporting goods are right where you left them.

You can hang a bag of balls from the wall. You can also hang bats on special holders. If your basketball hoop is portable, find a place in the garage to keep it so it isn’t exposed to the elements. The same goes for a volleyball net and other equipment that is fine to stay outside some of the time but needs to be brought in when big storms are in the forecast.

Keep in mind that this tip won’t expire come Labor Day; an athletic family is likely to continue with the sports all year long, so whether your kids are on the football team, the lacrosse team, or the hockey team, you’ll still need a place to store the in-season sports apparel and equipment.

If getting your garage organized is on your to-do list this summer, contact Klutter Killerz for an in-home consultation in Tennessee. We’ll take a look at your space, make suggestions, and even show you what your custom garage will look like on 3D software.