There's more space in a closet than you think. Hang all short items on one end, and use the space to add a chest of drawers, bookshelf or even a second clothes rack.
Organizing expert Pam Hix points out useful ways to make the most of closet space.
First rethink what should and should not be stored in a closet. Should the tennis racket really be kept on the floor of a clothes closet? What about that box fan? Scrutinizing the contents of the closets should free up space by moving items to more appropriate storage areas.
Move empty hangers to one end of the closet to free up space in the middle.
In the good old days, only clothes appropriate to the season were kept in the closet. Off-season clothes were stored. Now people have far more clothes than in times past, and many urban apartment dwellers have little closet space and even less storage space. It's best to store seasonal clothes, even when closets are efficiently organized.
If there's some room in a child's closet, use the free space to store some adult clothes.
Start a reorganization by removing all the items out of a closet. Dust and vacuum the closet to create a clean environment.
Don't keep clothes that need mending or cleaning hanging around in the closet. Specify a place to store them until they can be taken to the cleaners, make a list of what has been sent out and check them off when they come back. This also means that all the clothes hanging in the closet are clean and ready to wear.
Do not store clothing in plastic bags. Plastic keeps the clothes from breathing and can cause discoloration. Plastic bags are also a safety hazard in homes with small children. Cotton garment bags are available at department stores for about $10. Try to use dark-colored garment bags that do not allow light to reach the clothes.
Avoid hanging on to clothes that are not longer in style with the hope that they'll eventually be hip again. Even if the style does return, the trend is not likely to be quite the same, plus the clothes may no longer fit. If it's out of style, get rid of it.
Organize jeans in drawers, along with accessories such as belts and scarves.
Take the mystery out of searching for shoes. Store shoes in labeled boxes or keep them in clear containers, on shoe racks or shelves.
Guests Pam Hix
Organization Consultant, Everything's Together Organizing Services
13012 June Terrace
Minnetonka, MN 55305-2740
Phone: 952-939-8080
E-mail: pjhix@aol.com Also in this Episode
