Sherri's Helpful Hints

Disguised storage spaces

There are all kinds of ways that you can disguise storage spaces. For example, think about putting a floor length table cloth over a small table. Not only will this create a trendy skirted table that is attractive to look at, and functional, you can also use underneath the table as storage space. The same applies to ottomans, blanket boxes and benches with hinged seats, these are all attractive and functional and each makes a great storage space.

Choosing functional spaces

When you are buying new furniture, always think about its function as well as how it will look when you get it home. How it will work for you practically is often more important. For example, when you buy bookcases or other types of furnishing with shelves; make sure these items have five or six shelves. Two or three shelves per item are just wasted space. And don’t forget to reach upwards. You have all that space between the floor and ceiling. Why waste it with a couple of long horizontal shelves when you can fill it with a taller row of shelves and use your space more economically.

Hidden furniture

Murphy beds, chairs, tables, cots - anything that folds up and can be stored away, hung on a hook or slid under a bed saves space. From a low-tech drop-leaf table to a high-end, built-in, pop-up countertop that conceals small appliances in a kitchen island; your imagination and budget are the only limits to creating double-duty furnishings. But do remember that if you choose fold out furnishings like a Murphy bed that you will need to keep the floor space empty for when it is in use.

New house space

After choosing both your home plan and builder, carefully review your home plan with your builder. Keep an eye out for hidden space that can be utilized. Some of the most common places you’ll find hidden space are under staircases, among unusual curves or angled walls, and inside walls that hold recessed fireplaces or cabinetry. If you can’t find enough hidden space to create a shallow closet, there might be just enough space for a niche to display a favourite collectible, artwork or mirror.

Ceiling space

Two important lessons can be learned from pot, pan and wine racks. First of all, things can be stored right out in the open, and secondly, items can be hung from ceilings. Incorporating the same basic methodology; make use of decorative hanging racks; you’ll work down from the top of the ceiling, cleverly disguising storage as display space.

Roof space

Don’t forget attic space is great for storing things. But do remember with all the insulation up there, to take into account the year round temperature and how this will effect whatever you are storing.

Tackling a Cluttered Closet

The first step in tackling a cluttered closet is simply to remove everything, and I do mean everything, from your closet, and then have as good cleaning out. You’re likely to uncover all kinds of dated outfits and clothes that are no longer your size, so be ruthless and throw these away or donate them to a charity. This should help you reduce the pile slightly, leaving you with clothes that you will actually wear again. Sort the remaining pile into some kind of order. For example, group all your dresses in one pile, shirts in another, trousers in another etc. You could go even further and group things according to season, color or occasion – whatever works best for you.

This decluttering process enables you to make a fresh start and to see exactly what you need to find a home for in your closet. At this stage it can be helpful to get a pencil and paper and draw out a sketch of your closet, taking accurate measurements of the space available. Look at your sorted piles and work out how much of each type of storage space you’ll need. For instance, if you have lots of long slacks, dresses or overcoats, you’ll require plenty of long hanging space. However, if a large proportion of your clothes are shorter things like shirts, blouses, skirts or folded pants, you could maximize the space in your closet by installing double hanging rods, one above the other.

For organizing smaller items such as socks and underwear, decide whether you’d like to install some drawers or shelving, or a combination of both. And of course, don’t forget to include a section in your closet organizer system for all those shoes! Most bedroom closet organizers include shoe cubbies or a shoe rack.

Once you’ve drawn out your plan and can visualize exactly how you want your organized closet to look, it’s time to go shopping and browse a selection of closet organizers to find a design that meets all your needs. Here you can focus on looks as well as function, as closet organizers come in a variety of colors and finishes. Select something that will look good and coordinate with the style of your closet, as well as meeting your storage needs.

Once you’ve made your decision and purchased your new closet organizer, it’s time to install it. Most closet organizers come with adjustable features, such as shelving, so you can adapt your organizer system to your needs. Once fitted, the organizing really begins, and you can carefully organize all your belongings into neat sections, so you should always be able to find what you’re looking for in an instant. There should be no excuse for a messy closet after this!