Advanced Closet Techniques

Everyone has different needs, so closet organization should be a personalized process. Organizing the closet yourself can be especially effective, because only you know your habits. You will need to analyze how you use your closet, what works, what doesn't, and how you can make it your own. Choosing closet solutions that fit your personal needs will help you to get the closet organized in a way that is most useful to you. We've compiled some tips to help you make the right decisions the first time around, saving you time, space and money.

1) Most people love using baskets to organize smaller items. We prefer shallow baskets to drawers because they are open at the top and you don't have to dig deep to find what you need. It is much easier to reach in and see what you need. It is also easier when you're putting your laundry away, to simply place things into baskets as opposed to cramming them into already full drawers. There are many styles of baskets out there, so you're sure to find ones that will match your style and décor. You can use bins or baskets of any type. Some people prefer clear containers so that they can see what is inside, some like canvas containers, and some like traditional wicker baskets. They are easy to carry with you if you need, and they use a determined amount of space, making it easy to keep your closet organized.

2) The closet can be used to organize things that don't normally go into the closet. You can install small shelves in a corner of the closet that isn't often used. Shelving can go up one wall and can be used for things like board games, extra vacuum cleaner bags, duffel bags, books, or whatever you need to store. Creating little places to store things in your closet will help you to keep down the clutter outside of the closet.

3) Installing shelves for your clothing is also a good idea. Everything does not need to be hung. In fact, you may find it easier to put laundry away if you have stacks of folded t-shirts instead of thirty t-shirts on hangers. You can easily see what you have in a stack. Shirts can be pulled out when needed and you don't have to unfold anything else to get to them. If you find yourself living out of a clean laundry basket because you don't want to hang things up, then a flat stack or folded stack of shirts might be easier for you to keep up with.

4) Storing things up higher than usual can open up a lot of space below. Look at the top of your closet and see how much square footage of potential storage space is going to waste. You may decide to move your top shelf up, or add another storage shelf up high. These high shelves are great for long-term storage of items like suitcases and out of season clothes.

5) Choose wisely when you select hangers for your hanging clothes. Clothes hangers are not all created equal. In fact, they are each designed with specific purposes in mind. Some clothing hangers save space, some shape your clothing the correct way, some are made to prevent slippage, and others are made for specific garments. Wooden hangers are great for hanging coats, while slim or coordinate hangers are great for getting clothing ready to wear.

Getting your closet organized is easy when you use the techniques that work for you.