Choosing the Right Closet Organizers for Your Storage Needs

Assessing Your Storage Needs

Why It's Important to Assess Your Closet Space

Before you dive into buying closet organizers, let’s take a step back and really look at what you need. Understanding your closet's layout and what you need to store will save you from buying items that might not actually help. Plus, it’ll make sure everything has its place, and your closet stays neat and tidy.

Steps

• Clear it Out: Start by taking everything out of your closet. Yes, everything! It might seem like a lot of work, but it will help you see what you’re working with. This is something I suggest to all of my clients when it comes time to put their items away after having a custom closet system installed.
• Sort Your Stuff: Group your items into categories, like clothes, shoes, accessories, and anything else you keep in there. This way, you’ll get a clear picture of what you need to store.
• Spot the Trouble Areas: Look at what’s causing clutter. Are your shoes always in a messy pile? Do your scarves get lost in the mix? Knowing these problem spots will help you pick the right organizers to fix them.

Think About the Future and Seasonal Changes

Your storage needs can change, especially with the seasons or shifts in your lifestyle. Here are some things to consider:

• Seasonal Swaps: Think about how your wardrobe changes throughout the year. You’ll need more space for winter coats and sweaters in the cold months and might need a different setup for lighter summer clothes, like shorts or sundresses.
• Future Purchases: If you’re planning to add more to your wardrobe, make sure you leave some extra space. This way, you won’t end up with a cluttered closet down the line. The Spruce offers some guidance on implementing a “one in one out” rule to help you manage new purchases.
• Life Changes: Do you have a new job coming up? Are you expecting a new baby? Have you begun any new hobbies? These changes can affect your storage needs, so think ahead about how your closet might need to adapt.

By taking a good look at what you have now and thinking about what you’ll need in the future, you can pick closet organizers that will keep everything in its place and make your life a little easier.

Understanding Different Types of Closet Organizers

Exploring Common Closet Organizers

When it comes to organizing your closet, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the most popular ones and what they’re great for:

• Shelves: These are perfect for stacking folded clothes, bags, or bins. They help you maximize vertical space and keep everything neat and accessible.
• Hanging Rods: Hanging rods are ideal for hanging dresses, shirts, and jackets. They keep your clothes wrinkle-free and make it easy to see what you have.
• Drawers: Drawers are great for socks, underwear, and accessories. They keep smaller items tidy and out of sight – giving your closet a clean look.
• Bins and Baskets: Large bins and baskets are perfect for storing bulky items, like sweaters or blankets. Smaller ones are also handy for grouping smaller items together, like scarves or belts.
• Shoe Racks: Keep your shoe collection in order and off the floor with a shoe rack. They come in all shapes and sizes – from simple racks to fancy organizers that slide out for easy access.

Benefits and Best Uses

• Shelves: They’re versatile and can hold a lot without taking up a ton of space. Use them for anything from sweaters to handbags. 
• Hanging Rods: Keep your clothes looking their best, and make it easy to grab what you need in a hurry. Hanging clothing helps keep the items wrinkle-free and at your fingertips.
• Drawers: Perfect for keeping things, like socks and undergarments, organized and out of sight. You can also use deep drawers for items, like sweaters and jeans to keep them dust-free in between wearings.
• Bins and Baskets: If you need to store things you don’t use every day or group smaller items together, using bins or baskets makes it simple. These are also great for kids’ closets, as children can just toss items into the correct bin.
• Shoe Racks: Keep your shoes in line, and make getting dressed easier. A shoe rack will prevent you from stepping on or tripping over your shoes – keeping them (and you) safer.

Matching Closet Organizers to Your Storage Needs

Tips for Choosing the Right Organizers

When it comes to picking closet organizers, think about what you have and how you use it. Here are some tips to help you match the right organizers to your belongings:

• More Hanging Rods: Do you have lots of shirts, dresses, or jackets? Adding extra hanging rods will keep your clothes looking neat and easy to find. You can also add one above the other to effectively double your hanging space.
• Lots of Shelves: If you prefer to fold clothes or have stacks of sweaters, shelves are your best bet. They maximize space and keep everything in order. These are also great for items, like hats, purses, and items you’d like to display.
• Drawers for Small Stuff: Need a place for socks, underwear, or accessories? Drawers are perfect for keeping those little things organized and out of sight. Adding drawer dividers can make the space even more versatile.

Combinations for Different Closet Types

• Reach-In Closets: Reach-in closets are more compact, so use space wisely. Try a mix of shelves, hanging rods, and maybe a few baskets to make the most of your space. My team can also install drawers in between the hanging rods or shelves.
• Walk-In Closets: With more room to work with, you can consider a combination of shelves, drawers, and plenty of hanging space. You can even add a comfy chair or mirror for a touch of luxury.
• Kids’ Closets: Children do well with closet organizers that are easy for them to use. Hooks, low shelves, bins and baskets, and even hanging over-the-door organizers are good ideas to try.

Tailored Solutions for Unique Challenges

Small Closets: Use tall shelves or stackable bins to make the most of limited floor space. Every inch counts in a small closet, so make the most of the vertical space.

Shared Closets: Divide and conquer! Use dividers or separate sections for each person’s belongings. Personalize your side with your own mix of organizers. If one of you has more clothes, you might not need or want a 50/50 balance, and that’s okay; talk to your closet organization expert for help.

Remember, the key is to match your organizers to how you live and what you have. That way, everything stays organized and easy to find whenever you need it.

Considerations for Custom Closet Organizers

Exploring Custom Closet Solutions

Are you thinking about going custom with your closet? Here’s what you need to know:

Benefits of Custom Closet Solutions

• Tailored Fit: Custom organizers are made to fit your space perfectly. No more wasted corners or awkward gaps—it’s all about maximizing every inch. 
• Maximized Space: With a custom design, you can squeeze in extra shelves, hanging rods, or whatever you need. We can also work around features that might seem to take up space, like sloped ceilings or attic access doors.
• Personalized Design: Want drawers just the right size for your stuff or a spot for every pair of shoes? Custom means you get to decide how your closet looks and works. We also have a ton of colors and styles to choose from, so you’ll be able to truly make the space your own.

Potential Drawbacks

• Cost: Custom closets can be pricier than off-the-shelf options. It’s an investment, so think about how much you’re willing to spend.
• Installation Time: It takes time to measure, design, and install custom organizers. If you need your closet sorted ASAP, this might not be the quickest fix.

Tips for Finding the Right Custom Closet Designer

• Ask Around: Get recommendations from friends, or check online reviews. You want someone with a track record of happy customers.
• See Their Work: Look at examples of their past projects. Do they match your style? Can they handle the kind of customization you’re looking for?
• Get a Quote: Get a few quotes to compare prices and what’s included. Make sure there are no surprises down the line. At Hartville Custom Closets, we offer a free consultation that comes with a professional design and a customized quote.

Budgeting for Closet Organizers

Understanding Costs

Closet organizers come in all shapes, sizes, and price tags. Here’s what to expect:

• DIY Options: If you’re handy with tools, DIY closet kits can be budget-friendly. Prices can range from $50 for basic shelving units to a few hundred for more elaborate systems. These require a good selection of tools and some excellent know-how if you want the system to fit your space perfectly.
• Mid-Range Solutions: Ready-to-install systems from home improvement stores typically cost several hundred dollars, depending on size and features. You’ll need some minimal tools, and you’ll probably find that they only fit standard-sized closets. If yours isn’t standard, this might not be the right choice for you.
• High-End Custom Solutions: For a completely tailored look, custom closet systems can cost several thousand dollars, depending on materials and complexity. This is the way to get a completely customized design, though, so you’re paying for expertise and excellence.

Setting Your Budget

Before you shop, think about what matters most to you. Are you looking for a quick fix or a long-term investment? Consider:

• Priorities: Decide where you want to splurge and where you can save. Maybe you’re willing to invest in quality shelves but can save on bins and baskets from a low-cost source, for example.
• Available Funds: Set a budget that fits your finances. It’s okay to start small and add more over time as your budget allows.

Cost-Saving Strategies

• Mix and Match: Combine DIY components with a few key pieces from a professional line to get the best of both worlds.
• Sales and Discounts: Keep an eye out for sales at home improvement stores or online retailers. You might snag a great deal on that dream closet system.
• Compare Quotes: If you’re considering custom options, get quotes from different designers to find the best price without compromising quality.

Maintenance Tips

Maintaining Closet Organizers

Keep your organizers in top shape with these maintenance tips:

• Regular Cleaning: Dust shelves, and wipe down surfaces regularly to keep everything looking fresh.
• Check for Wear: Periodically check shelves, rods, and hardware for signs of wear or loosening. Tighten screws if necessary.
• Adjust as Needed: As your storage needs change, rearrange shelves or adjust hanging heights to better suit your current items.

Conclusion

Choosing the right closet organizers for your storage needs can help you make quick work of transforming your closet into a place you enjoy using each day. I recommend you follow the tips above to make sure your closet meets your needs. I also highly encourage you to give my team a call. Our professional designers can show you what your new closet system will look like using 3D software, and we can handle everything from dismantling your old system to showing you how to use your new one. We look forward to working with you!

Source

https://www.thespruce.com/one-in-one-out-decluttering-rule-8610130