One of the most cluttered areas of our lives can be our closets. Closets serve as a catch-all because you can toss things in when you’re in a hurry and just close the door on the mess. But even a hidden mess is still a source of stress. And when you can’t lay your hands on the jacket you want or that second shoe, it becomes even more aggravating.

The first steps to getting your closet under control are sorting what you have so that you can see all “like with like”, clearing clutter (anything you don’t wear, need, doesn’t fit you well, no longer love, wouldn’t buy if you saw it in the store today, etc.) and then thinking about how best to organize your clothes (like with like, current season and most worn stored in the easiest to access spaces, sorted by color, type, etc..).

Once you know what you have and understand your storage needs, look at your current closet space to assess if your current set-up will support your organizational goals.

When builders construct homes, condominiums and apartments, often they build closets with just a single bar for hanging clothes, maybe a wire shelf, but not a lot of customization. If the standard closet that is currently in your space isn’t enough for your storage needs, and you’re finding it difficult to find what you need when you need it, you may consider a closet upgrade.

Installing a closet system can be one of the best ways to conquer the chaos and Simply Placed can help you choose and implement an organizational regimen for one closet or all your closets. Read on and then give us a call for a consultation.

Which is the best system for you?

Closet systems range from simple shelves and bins in the $20-$30 range or luxe custom installations for thousands of dollars. For most people, a basic system offers excellent organizational capabilities without draining your wallet.

Below is a list of budget and moderate systems. If you’re a renter, you may want to consider a free-standing system so you can take it with you when you move and you don’t have to drill into your landlord’s walls. If you want a custom, high end system, contact us and we can make a recommendation.

Budget Options:

Rubbermaid’s HomeFree – Buy at Target, WalMart or Amazon. Basic closet systems start at about $100 with add-on components ranging from $10-$20.

ClosetMaid – Buy at Home Depot or Lowe’s. Basic track systems range from $120 with add-on components starting at $6-$10.

IKEA Algot – Exclusively at IKEA, these systems come in many full closet configurations starting at $45 for smaller closets.

Moderate Options:

Elfa – Sold exclusively at The Container Store. These systems run from $800 up to several thousand dollars with a few hundred dollars more for installation.

California Closets – Available through franchise locations, smaller closets run around $800 with most averaging around $5,000. Price depends on materials chosen.

Organized Spaces – Local Seattle firm serving the greater Puget Sound area. Custom closets – price depends on size of closet and materials chosen. Great products priced less th an California Closets.

Why Hardware Is Not Enough

Buying a closet system and installing it is not enough. You need to change your mindset when it comes to your closet to truly get it organized and keep it organized. Instead of using your closets as dumping grounds, try to think of them as curated spaces where you keep things that have value to you. The Professional Organizers at Simply Placed can help you get your hall and bedroom closets organized and help you develop habits to keep organized.

Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Closet System

#1 When you clear out your stuff to install the closet system, don’t put everything back in unless you use everything you own. Cull and keep only what you use or know you will use in the near future (or if it’s a keepsake or something you need to hang on to for another important reason). Donate or toss out what you can.

#2 Put the most commonly used items within easy sight and arm’s reach. Rarely used or seasonal items can be stored up high until the season comes in or they’re needed, but clearly label what’s boxed so you can find it when you need it.

#3 Store smaller items in bins and don’t stack folded items higher than a foot high. Leave several inches between a stack and the shelf above for easy access. Hanging clothes should be stored by category.

#4 Make sure your closet spaces, whether hall, bedroom or your pantry are well lit so you can easily see what you want. This lets you save time when storing and retrieving items.

#5 Finishing touches that can help your new closet organization stick are labels so you and other family members know where things should go. If the closet doors are swing style versus sliding or folding, consider using the back of door space for hooks or hanging organizers to make the most of your available space and storage capabilities.

Simply Placed Professional Organizers can help you get your home in order, simplify your life and reduce your everyday stress. Click here for more information on getting your home organized, sign up for our free 15 minute phone consultation, and grab our free guide on records retention. Or simply call (206)579-5743 for a free consultation today.