affordable-custom-closets

How to Stay Organized Year-Round With Custom Closet Systems

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 17:59:05 GMT

I’ve worked with enough closets to know that opening one can either set the tone for your day or completely throw it off. With custom closet systems , you can create a space that supports your routine and keeps everything easy to find throughout the year. You’ll start to notice how much easier it is to stay organized when everything has a place, no matter the season.

Even with a few organizing habits in place, it’s easy for things to slip when your space isn’t set up to support them. A well-planned closet system gives you a foundation that keeps everything consistent as your wardrobe shifts from season to season. Once your space is designed with intention, staying organized starts to feel more natural and less like something you have to keep up with.

Here are the key ways to stay organized year-round with custom closet systems:

Design your closet around your daily routine
Maximize vertical space for seasonal flexibility
Create dedicated zones for every category
Use built-in storage features to reduce clutter
Rotate your wardrobe seasonally without the mess
Maintain organization with a weekly reset
Declutter regularly to keep your system efficient
Optimize small details with accessories and add-ons
Adjust your system as your needs change

Keep reading and you’ll see how each of these strategies can make your closet easier to manage every single day.

Design Your Closet Around Your Daily Routine

The way your closet is arranged should reflect how you actually move through your day. The items you reach for first should be the easiest to access, especially during busy mornings. When everything is within reach, you spend less time searching and more time getting ready. This simple shift can make your routine feel smoother and more predictable.

You can organize your clothing based on frequency of use instead of just category. Everyday pieces should sit at eye level or within arm’s reach, while less-used items can go higher or farther back. This keeps your most important items front and center where you can easily see them. It also helps prevent overcrowding in your most-used areas.

When your closet aligns with your routine, it becomes easier to maintain without thinking about it. You’re naturally putting things back where they belong because the layout makes sense. There’s less friction in keeping things organized since the system supports your habits. That kind of setup helps you stay organized consistently throughout the year.

Maximize Vertical Space for Seasonal Flexibility

Making the most of your vertical space can completely change how your closet functions throughout the year. Instead of relying on a single rod or shelf, you can use the full height of your closet to create more storage without adding clutter. This gives you room to separate items in a way that feels intentional and easy to manage. It also helps keep everything visible instead of packed too tightly together.

You can place off-season items in higher or less accessible areas while keeping current pieces within easy reach. Adjustable shelves and double hanging rods make it easier to shift things around as your wardrobe changes. This setup allows your closet to adapt without requiring a full reorganization each time the seasons change. It keeps your space flexible without adding extra effort.

Instead of trying to store everything in the same space all the time, you can shift items based on what you actually need for the season. This keeps your closet from feeling overcrowded and helps maintain a sense of order. With more room to work with, it’s easier to see what you have and put things back where they belong. Seasonal transitions also feel simpler when your space is already set up to handle them.

Create Dedicated Zones for Every Category

A well-organized closet works best when every item has a clear place to go. Instead of grouping everything loosely, you can divide your space into specific zones. This kind of structure helps prevent items from ending up wherever there’s room. It also makes your closet feel more intentional and easier to navigate.

You can create dedicated sections for the following:

Clothing: Group items by type or use, such as workwear, casual pieces, or activewear. This makes it easier to find what you need quickly and keeps similar items from getting mixed together.
Shoes: Store frequently worn pairs at eye level or near the floor for easy access. Less-used shoes can go on higher shelves to free up your main space.
Accessories: Keep smaller items like belts, scarves, and jewelry in drawers or trays. This prevents them from getting tangled or lost in larger sections.
Bags: Use shelves or cubbies to keep bags upright and visible. This helps maintain their shape and makes it easier to grab the one you need.

When each category has its own designated area, putting things away becomes much more straightforward. You’re not second-guessing where something belongs or leaving it out for later. That consistency plays a big role in keeping your closet organized day after day, and it helps your system hold up throughout the year.

Use Built-In Storage Features to Reduce Clutter

Built-in storage features can make a big difference in how your closet looks and functions. Instead of relying on separate bins or organizers, everything is already integrated into your system. This keeps the space looking clean while making it easier to find what you need. It also helps reduce visual clutter, which can make your closet feel more manageable.

I often recommend including the following features:

D rawers: Keep smaller items neatly contained and out of sight. They help prevent clutter from building up on open surfaces.
Pull-Out Baskets: Make it easier to access items without digging through stacks. They’re especially useful for casual wear or bulkier pieces.
Shoe Racks: Keep pairs visible and organized so you’re not searching for matches. This also helps protect your shoes and extend their lifespan.

With these features built into your closet, maintaining order becomes much more straightforward. You’re not constantly adding or rearranging organizers to make things fit. The system already works with your routine in a way that feels seamless and easy to keep up with.

Rotate Your Wardrobe Seasonally Without the Mess

Seasonal changes don’t have to mean pulling everything out and starting over. With the right closet setup, you can shift items within your existing space instead of creating extra work for yourself. This keeps your closet functional without disrupting your routine. It also helps you stay organized as your wardrobe changes throughout the year.

You can keep current-season clothing front and center while moving off-season items to less accessible areas. Shelves, upper sections, or secondary rods work well for this kind of rotation. When everything already has a designated place, switching things out feels much more manageable. It turns what could be a big task into something simple and quick.

Keeping your closet aligned with the current season also makes it easier to see what you actually wear. You’re not sorting through items that don’t apply to your day-to-day needs. This helps reduce decision fatigue and keeps your space feeling lighter. It also supports a more consistent level of organization throughout the year.

Maintain Organization With a Weekly Reset

A well-organized closet doesn’t need constant overhauls to stay in shape. A quick weekly reset can help you stay on track without taking up too much time. Setting aside a few minutes each week allows you to catch small messes before they build up. This keeps your space feeling manageable and under control.

You can start by returning items to their proper zones and straightening anything that’s out of place. Refolding clothes, aligning hangers, and clearing surfaces can make a noticeable difference right away. These simple actions help restore order without requiring a deep clean. They also reinforce the system you’ve already put in place.

Over time, this habit becomes part of your routine rather than something you have to think about. Your closet stays organized because you’re maintaining it consistently. Small, regular resets are often more effective than occasional large cleanups. This approach helps you stay organized throughout the year without feeling overwhelmed.

Declutter Regularly to Keep Your System Efficient

Even the most well-designed closet can start to feel crowded if items continue to build up over time. Regular decluttering helps keep your space aligned with what you actually wear and use. It also makes it easier to maintain the organization you’ve already put in place. With fewer items to manage, everything becomes more visible and accessible.

You can go through your closet every few months and sort items into simple categories like keep, donate, or discard. This process doesn’t have to take long, especially when your system already supports organization. Letting go of pieces you no longer use creates space for the ones you reach for regularly. It also helps prevent your closet from becoming overcrowded again.

A streamlined wardrobe allows your closet system to function the way it was intended. You’re not forcing everything into limited space or working around items you don’t need. This makes daily use feel easier and more efficient. Staying consistent with decluttering supports a more organized closet throughout the year.

Optimize Small Details With Accessories and Add-Ons

Small details can have a big impact on how your closet functions day to day. Accessories and add-ons help you make better use of spaces that might otherwise go unused. They also give smaller items a proper place, which helps prevent clutter from building up. With the right additions, your closet can feel more complete and easier to maintain.

You can incorporate features like the following:

Hooks: Provide a quick place to hang frequently used items like bags or jackets. They help keep these pieces off shelves and within easy reach.
Valet Rods: Give you a temporary spot to plan outfits or set aside clothing. This makes your routine more efficient, especially during busy mornings.
Jewelry Trays: K eep smaller accessories organized and easy to see. This prevents tangling and makes it easier to choose what you need.

Adding these smaller elements helps your closet work more efficiently without requiring major changes. You’re making better use of every inch while keeping everything accessible. I’ve found that these small upgrades often make the biggest difference in how easy a closet is to use every day. They support your overall system and help you stay organized throughout the year

Adjust Your System as Your Needs Change

Your closet should be able to grow and shift along with your lifestyle. What works for you now might need a few adjustments as your routine, wardrobe, or priorities change. A flexible setup makes it easier to stay organized without having to start over. It also helps your closet remain useful throughout the year.

Adjustable shelves and rods allow you to reconfigure your space without much effort. You can create more room for certain items or reorganize sections based on how your needs evolve. This keeps your closet aligned with how you actually use it day to day. Small changes can make a noticeable difference in how functional your space feels.

Closet systems that aren’t fixed in place tend to be easier to maintain over time. When your space can adapt, you’re not forced to work around limitations. It becomes easier to stay organized because the layout continues to support your routine. That flexibility helps you stay organized year-round without unnecessary frustration.

Conclusion

Staying organized year-round doesn’t have to feel like something you need to constantly work at. A well-designed custom closet system gives you a setup that makes everyday use easier and more intuitive. Small changes in how your space is arranged can make a noticeable difference in how everything functions day to day. As your routine shifts and your wardrobe changes, your closet can keep up without adding extra stress.

8 Ways a Home Office Can Be Organized Around Daily Work Routines

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 18:12:02 GMT

A home office can look tidy and still feel frustrating to work in. I’ve walked into plenty of beautifully styled spaces that didn’t actually support the way someone moves through their day. Often, the issue comes down to how the space is organized rather than how much storage it has. When your setup reflects the routines you repeat daily, it becomes easier to stay focused and keep things under control.

When I organize a workspace, I start by noticing patterns rather than chasing perfection. What do you reach for first, where does paper collect, and which tasks slow you down the most? Those clues tell me what needs to live within reach, what can be stored away, and what needs its own zone. A routine-based setup makes your home office feel lighter because everything has a purpose.

Here are eight routine-based ways I organize a home office so it works with you, not against you:

Design your layout around your most frequent tasks
Create zones for different work routines
Keep daily-use items within arm’s reach
Sort paperwork by how often you use it
Set up technology to support your workflow
Build a simple end-of-day reset system
Use visual tools to stay on track
Adjust systems as routines change

These tips aren’t about making your space look “Pinterest perfect,” but about reducing daily friction in small, practical ways that truly add up. Keep reading to find the one change that can make the biggest difference in how you work this week.

Design Your Layout Around Your Most Frequent Tasks

Start by identifying the tasks you do most often in your home office, because those should guide how your space is arranged. When the layout reflects your real work patterns, it becomes easier to stay focused and move through your day efficiently. Instead of working around your space, your space begins to work around you, which reduces small frustrations that add up over time.

Computer-Focused Work: This includes tasks like typing, research, and data entry that require long periods at your desk. Your desk, chair, monitor, and lighting should be optimized for comfort and sustained focus.
Phone or Video Calls: If calls are a regular part of your day, you’ll want a spot that feels comfortable and distraction-free. Keeping notes, a headset, and charging cords nearby helps calls feel more seamless and less disruptive.
Paper-Based Tasks: Reviewing mail, invoices, or printed documents often requires spreading out. Having a nearby surface or clear workspace prevents papers from taking over your main desk area.
Creative or Brainstorming Work: Creative tasks benefit from flexibility and visual space. This might mean keeping a notebook, whiteboard, or inspiration tools within reach but not permanently on your desk.

I like to arrange the room so these high-frequency tasks happen in the most convenient, comfortable spots. Even small layout changes, like repositioning a printer or adjusting chair placement, can significantly reduce daily friction. Once you map the space to your daily tasks, the rest of your organizing decisions become much easier.

Create Zones for Different Work Routine

Zoning allows your home office to support multiple routines without everything competing for the same surface. Clear zones help your brain shift between tasks while keeping clutter contained. Even in a small space, zoning can be as simple as assigning one corner, shelf, or drawer to a specific routine.

Focused-Work Zone: This zone supports deep, uninterrupted work such as computer-based tasks. It should be kept as clear and minimal as possible to reduce visual distractions.
Administrative Zone: This area is designed for paperwork, filing, and routine admin tasks. Storing trays, folders, and office supplies here keeps paper from spreading across your main workspace.
Meeting or Call Zone: A designated call zone helps you quickly transition into virtual meetings without rearranging your setup. Good lighting, a neutral background, and easy access to tech make this zone especially effective.

These zones don’t need to be large or perfectly separated to work well. When each routine has an intentional place, items are more likely to return where they belong, making the home office easier to maintain. Over time, zoning becomes a habit-builder because it gives you a built-in structure for where things go.

Keep Daily-Use Items Within Arm’s Reach

One of the easiest ways to improve daily efficiency in a home office is to store frequently used items within arm’s reach. If you reach for something multiple times a day, it shouldn’t require standing up or digging through storage. I usually recommend reserving the most accessible drawers or desktop organizers for true daily essentials. This simple adjustment reduces interruptions and makes staying organized feel more natural.

At the same time, I try not to crowd the desktop with everything I might possibly need. It’s easy to keep “just in case” items out where they slowly become visual clutter. A helpful rule is to choose a small, limited space for daily supplies and commit to keeping only what earns its spot. When the essentials are easy to access and everything else is put away, your home office feels calmer instantly.

Sort Paperwork by How Often You Use It

Paper clutter often builds up when there’s no clear system that matches how often documents are needed. In a home office, organizing paperwork by frequency, whether daily, weekly, or occasional, creates an easier flow. This approach prevents important papers from getting buried while keeping rarely used documents out of the way. When paper has a clear next step, it’s far less likely to pile up.

I like to set up simple trays for active paper, such as “To Do,” “To File,” and “To Review.” Those labels make it obvious what happens next, which is what most paper systems are missing. For longer-term documents, broad categories work best because filing needs to be quick, not complicated. If a folder name makes you pause and think too long, it’s usually a sign the system needs to be simpler.

Set Up Technology to Support Your Workflow

Technology should support your work, but in many home offices, it becomes a hidden source of frustration. Missing chargers, tangled cords, or awkward device placement can interrupt even simple routines. I like to think through how technology is used throughout the day and assign consistent homes for each item. When your tech setup aligns with your workflow, everything feels smoother and more reliable.

A charging station can be as simple as a designated outlet, a small basket, or a drawer with a power strip. If you print often, store paper and ink nearby so that task stays contained and doesn’t pull you away from your main workspace. For frequent video calls, it helps to set your lighting and camera angle once and keep that area ready to go. When your tech is organized around your routine, your home office becomes a place you can rely on rather than troubleshoot.

Build a Simple End-of-Day Reset System

A consistent end-of-day reset helps keep a home office from slowly slipping into chaos. Instead of saving organization for the weekend, a short daily routine keeps clutter from compounding. I usually suggest a reset that takes no more than five minutes and includes only a few clear steps. When the system is simple, it’s much easier to stick with, even on busy days.

My go-to reset is clearing the main work surface, putting loose papers into the correct tray, and returning daily tools to their home. This simple routine helps create a smoother start to the next workday and reduces the chance of clutter building up overnight. If your filing system feels too slow at the end of the day, create a temporary “catch-all” for papers and sort it once or twice a week. A small daily reset keeps your home office consistently usable without requiring a big cleanup later.

Use Visual Tools to Stay on Track

Visual organization tools can significantly reduce mental clutter in a home office. When reminders and priorities are visible, your brain doesn’t have to work as hard to keep track of everything. I encourage choosing one primary visual tool rather than several competing systems. The right tool, placed where you naturally look, can quietly guide your day without adding stress.

A wall calendar, a simple weekly planner, or a whiteboard can work well depending on your routine. The key is to place it where you’ll actually use it: near your desk, next to your monitor, or wherever you start your workday. I also like to keep the visual tool clean and current, because outdated notes quickly become background noise. When your home office helps you see what matters at a glance, it’s easier to stay grounded and productive.

Adjust Systems as Routines Change

Even the most organized home office needs adjustments as routines evolve. Changes in workload, schedule, or responsibilities often mean your space needs to shift too. I like to check in with systems periodically to see what’s still working and what feels inconvenient. Making small updates along the way helps your organization stay supportive instead of restrictive.

If something repeatedly ends up in the wrong place, I treat it as feedback from the routine. Maybe the storage is too far away, the container is awkward, or the category doesn’t match how you think. Instead of blaming yourself for being “messy,” try adjusting the system so it’s easier to follow. A flexible home office is the one that stays organized long-term, because it can change right along with you.

Conclusion

A home office that feels good to work in is one that supports your daily routines and how you naturally get things done. When your space follows your daily routines, it becomes easier to focus, easier to reset, and easier to maintain without constant effort. If you’re not sure where to start, pick the one tip that would remove your biggest daily annoyance and try it for a week. Small changes add up quickly, and you deserve a workspace that makes your day feel just a little lighter.

Must-Have Garage Storage Systems for Year-Round Organization

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 20:32:06 GMT

For many homeowners, the garage becomes a catch-all for everything that doesn’t fit inside the house. Boxes stack in corners, tools pile up on workbenches, and before long, parking the car feels impossible. Garage storage systems bring order to that chaos. They help transform the space from a dumping ground into a dependable part of the home that works year-round.

Instead of battling piles of equipment every season, storage solutions give every item a place to belong. Cabinets protect valuables from dust and moisture, shelving keeps bulky gear off the floor, and wall organizers turn unused vertical space into valuable storage. I’ve watched these small adjustments completely change how people use their garages, making them both practical and pleasant to be in.

The systems that make the biggest difference are the ones that match how you actually live. In this guide, we’ll explore six essential types of garage storage systems designed to keep your space organized, accessible, and adaptable through every season.

Cabinet systems for enclosed storage
Wall-mounted slatwall and pegboard systems
Overhead and ceiling-mounted racks
Wall-mounted shelving units
Integrated workbenches and tool storage

Keep reading to learn how each of these garage storage systems can turn a crowded space into an organized, efficient part of your home.

Cabinet Systems for Enclosed Storage

Cabinets are one of the most versatile parts of any garage storage system. They hide clutter, protect valuables, and give the space a polished, organized appearance. Closed-door storage also shields tools and supplies from dust, moisture, and temperature shifts, which is especially useful for year-round use.

When planning cabinet placement, think about accessibility and safety. Store frequently used items such as hand tools, cleaning products, or car care essentials at eye level. Keep heavier gear lower to prevent strain when lifting. I recommend choosing durable materials like steel or laminated wood that can handle daily wear without warping or fading.

A reliable cabinet setup creates structure for the rest of the garage. I’ve found that once cabinets are in place, homeowners find it easier to maintain order and design around them with shelves, wall panels, or workbenches. Enclosed storage sets the tone for an efficient, clutter-free space that stays that way through every season.

Wall-Mounted Slatwall and Pegboard Systems

Walls hold endless opportunity for organization. Instead of leaving them bare, slatwall and pegboard systems turn that vertical space into valuable real estate. These panels make it possible to hang, sort, and display items that would otherwise pile up on the floor. Every hook, shelf, and basket has a role, keeping tools visible and within reach.

What makes these systems stand out is their flexibility. Slatwall panels can handle heavier tools and even sports gear, while pegboards are ideal for smaller essentials like screwdrivers, cords, or brushes. I often recommend using both in combination, especially above a workbench or along an open wall. The mix allows you to adjust storage as your needs change.

Installation is simple, and the result is instant efficiency. Once tools have their place, clutter becomes easier to control and the space feels more open. I’ve found that homeowners appreciate this system most because it adapts without needing constant reorganization. Slatwall and pegboard systems are proof that practical design can transform even the most crowded garage into an organized workspace.

Overhead and Ceiling-Mounted Racks

Ceiling space is often ignored, yet it’s one of the most valuable areas in a garage. Overhead racks make use of that open air, giving you room to store bulky or seasonal items that don’t belong on the floor. Boxes of decorations, camping equipment, and off-season gear fit perfectly above, freeing the lower storage for tools and everyday use.

Choosing the right rack system depends on what you plan to store. Heavy-duty steel frames can hold significant weight, while adjustable models allow you to raise or lower shelves as needed. I recommend installing racks with safety lips or enclosed edges to prevent items from sliding out of place. The goal is to keep things both accessible and secure.

I’ve seen how adding overhead storage transforms a cluttered garage into a balanced space. It creates a clear separation between long-term storage and daily-use zones. When used with cabinets and wall systems, ceiling racks complete the layout and give every item a designated home.

Wall-Mounted Shelving Units

Every garage benefits from open storage that feels accessible but still contained. Wall-mounted shelving offers that balance. It turns empty wall space into structured storage without closing it off, keeping the garage bright and easy to move through. Sturdy shelves hold the bins, tools, and supplies that need to stay visible yet out of the way.

The best setups combine strength with adaptability. Adjustable brackets and reinforced supports allow shelves to handle everything from sports gear to power tools. I often suggest leaving space between shelves for bulky containers instead of stacking items tightly. This simple spacing choice makes storage more efficient and prevents the cluttered look that shelving can sometimes create.

I like shelving systems because they adapt easily to different needs. They work as stand-alone storage or as part of a larger system alongside cabinets and wall panels. When used correctly, wall-mounted shelving creates the perfect middle ground between display and storage: open, durable, and functional all year.

Integrated Workbenches and Tool Storage

A garage workbench should function as a command center, not a clutter zone. Integrated systems combine durable surfaces with built-in drawers, cabinets, and wall panels that keep every tool in reach. These designs turn a simple workspace into an organized hub for projects, repairs, and creative work.

The layout matters just as much as the materials. Heavy tools belong in lower drawers, while smaller pieces fit neatly in shallow compartments up top. Pegboards or slatwalls mounted above the bench make it easy to hang frequently used items where they’re visible. This setup creates a natural workflow that keeps the surface clear and the focus on the task.

Integrated workbenches change how a garage functions. When tools have a consistent place, the space stays efficient, tidy, and ready for use. These systems bring together storage and productivity in one compact, durable setup that supports work year-round.

Conclusion

An organized garage doesn’t happen by accident. It takes the right mix of structure, planning, and a system that fits the way you live. Garage storage systems bring everything together, giving tools, gear, and seasonal items a clear place to belong. What starts as an effort to declutter often ends with a space that feels easier to use, easier to maintain, and far more connected to the rest of the home.

Finding Overhead Storage Racks That Make the Most of Your Garage

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 19:14:29 GMT

If your garage is cluttered with bikes, bins, old sports gear, seasonal decorations, or tools you haven’t seen in months, you’re not alone. I’ve worked with plenty of homeowners who want to use their garage but can’t even find the floor. In most cases, they’ve never considered just how much overhead storage racks can help. The problem usually isn’t lack of space. It’s how that space is being used.

I’ve also discovered that the right overhead storage racks will make a homeowner’s garage incredibly efficient, while the wrong one could be more trouble than it’s worth. It’s a very personal choice, but I’ve seen some common ways to make sure the overhead storage racks you choose will truly improve your daily life.

Here’s how I guide clients toward the right choice of overhead storage racks for their space and lifestyle:

Know your layout first
Look for materials that hold up to real use
Make installation decisions carefully
Make it easy to access what you store
Put safety first
Get more from your system with smart add-ons

If you want to make your garage more organized and safer, keep reading. By the end, you’ll know what to look for in overhead racks that function perfectly long-term.

Know Your Layout First

Before you start shopping, it’s important to know what you’re working with. I always tell people that planning upfront saves headaches later. Here’s what I suggest looking at first:

Ceiling Height and Clearance: This is the first and foremost consideration. Make sure you measure from the floor to the lowest point on your ceiling. You need enough headroom for a rack and the items stored on it, especially above garage doors.
Consider What’s Being Stored: What will the new racks hold? Holiday bins? Tents? Old baby gear? Knowing what you’ll store helps determine weight limits, dimensions, and accessibility needs.

Remember, not everything can and should go overhead. Items you use every week should stay within reach. Save the ceiling space for long-term or seasonal items.

Look for Materials That Hold Up to Real Use

Overhead racks may all look the same online, but I’ve seen a lot of them sag, bend, crack, or even collapse when they’re not up to the job. Here’s what I tell homeowners:

Steel is the standard for a reason. Racks with welded steel frames and powder-coated finishes resist rust and can handle real loads. Your bins won’t bow the frame after a few months.

Pay attention to the weight rating. Some systems advertise “up to 600 lbs” capacity, but that’s only when installed correctly into solid joists. If your garage structure is different, your weight capacity may drop significantly. There’s a lot to consider, which is why working with a pro installer is recommended.

Typically, light-duty racks are fine for light-duty stuff only. If you’re planning to store heavy gear or multiple bins, you shouldn’t try to save a few bucks on a cheaper build. It’s not worth the risk.

Make Installation Decisions Carefully

This is one of those areas where doing it right makes all the difference. I’ve installed more ceiling racks than I can count, and every garage is a little different. Generally, most ceiling racks are designed to mount into wooden joists. If your garage ceiling is drywall or finished with sheetrock, you’ll need to locate those joists precisely. Otherwise, the rack could fail under too much weight.

For concrete ceilings or block walls, you’ll need specialized anchors. That’s where many homeowners run into trouble during DIY installs. Anchoring into the wrong surface with the wrong hardware is a recipe for frustration (or worse, a safety issue).

You don’t have to hire a pro, but if you’re at all unsure, it’s a smart move. A correctly installed rack is worth it. The size and specs don’t matter if it isn’t mounted securely.

Make It Easy to Access What You Store

Storage only works if you can actually use it. That sounds obvious, but it’s something I’ve seen a lot of people overlook when installing overhead systems.

Racks with adjustable height are great because they let you adapt to your ceiling space. Some even lower down slightly so you don’t need a full ladder every time you need to grab something.

Also, pulley systems or mechanical lifts can be lifesavers for heavy items. You’ll pay more up front, but being able to raise and lower the platform makes your space usable instead of frustrating.

I also tell my clients to think about what goes where. Store holiday decorations or summer gear up high, but don’t stash the snowblower where it takes an hour to retrieve. Generally, I recommend designing with frequency of use in mind.

Put Safety First

A few key safety features can mean the difference between a great setup and a dangerous one. Always check for these when selecting a system:

Integrated Guardrails Keep Things From Sliding Off: Without them, bins can shift over time and fall when the door slams or a breeze comes through.
Heavy-Duty Fasteners and Brackets Are a Must: Skip anything that comes with cheap hardware. Trust me, you’ll regret it.
Anti-Shake Designs Keep the Entire Structure Sturdy: If a rack wobbles when you tug on it, it’s not safe enough for overhead use.
Weight Limit Labels and Warnings Should Be Clear: A reputable manufacturer doesn’t leave you guessing. You should know exactly how much your rack can hold.

Get More From Your System With Smart Add-Ons

Overhead storage doesn’t have to be one-dimensional. With a few simple additions, your ceiling rack can do a lot more than just hold bins.

Hooks: I recommend placing these below the racks to hang bikes, ladders, or folding chairs. This lets you take advantage of vertical space without cluttering the floor.
Hanging Bars: Generally, use these for off-season clothing or sports gear. I’ve seen families hang everything from camping gear to holiday wreaths this way.
Slide-in Bins or Tote Holders: Want to make it easy to remove and replace containers? Use these and win the fight against gravity.
Motion-Sensing Lights: Installed around the rack area, some carefully positioned lighting helps you avoid fumbling in the dark when retrieving something late at night.

Many homeowners also combine overhead racks with a wall system. It’s a great strategy for keeping the “big stuff” out of the way while still storing tools and everyday items within arm’s reach.

Conclusion

When chosen and installed thoughtfully, high-quality overhead storage racks make your garage safer and easier to use. That’s the most important thing, right? As someone who lives and breathes garage optimization, I’ll say this: With the right overhead storage system, your garage can stay organized, safe, and fully usable all year long. You don’t need a massive overhaul to get results, just the right rack in the right spot can change the whole feel of your garage.

Garage Cabinets: Comparing the Best Materials for Durability & Style

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 18:56:31 GMT

The garage is far more than just a parking spot or catch-all storage area. For many of my clients (and myself), it’s a workspace, a hobby zone, a home gym, and sometimes, the only place in the house where things actually stay organized. The right garage cabinets don’t just tidy up clutter; they transform how you use and enjoy your garage. But with so many materials on the market, what really holds up to the daily grind? As a professional garage storage designer and installer, I’ve seen first-hand how different cabinet materials perform over time, especially in real-world garages with heat, moisture, and constant wear.

Here's my expert breakdown of the top garage cabinet options, what to look out for, and the guidance I offer homeowners seeking long-lasting, stylish, and practical solutions.

Wood: Timeless appeal with critical caveats
Metal: Industrial strength and longevity
Laminate and Melamine: Style meets smart spending
Plastic and Resin: Lightweight, affordable, and hassle-Free
Why garage cabinet material matters more than you think
What to ask before choosing your garage cabinets

If you’re looking for the best investment for your own garage, keep reading—these insights will help you make the smartest choice for years to come.

Wood: Timeless Appeal With Critical Caveats

There’s no denying that wood offers a classic, furniture-grade warmth and timeless beauty. My clients often request custom plywood or solid wood cabinetry for its upscale look and versatility.

Pros:

Customizable and repairable, as wood can be refinished or repainted for a refresh
Superior load capacity when built properly
Warm, inviting appearance that upgrades any garage aesthetic

Cons:

Vulnerable to moisture, warping, and expansion unless meticulously sealed
Higher maintenance, requiring periodic checks for peeling, cracks, or swelling
MDF and particleboard options are especially sensitive to water damage

My professional advice: If you’re considering wood, always opt for high-quality plywood or marine-grade finishes. Make sure every edge is sealed, and elevate the cabinets off the ground using legs or a moisture barrier. Without these precautions, even the best wood will show its age quickly, especially in humid regions.

Metal: Industrial Strength and Longevity

Steel and aluminum are the go-to materials for serious, heavy-duty garage storage. I recommend these for homeowners with power tools, large sporting equipment, or those who want a garage that feels as tough as a professional shop.

Pros:

Excellent resistance to impacts, heat, and humidity
Powder-coated finishes protect against scratches and rust
Higher-end brands feature soft-close hinges and locking systems for security

Cons:

Heavier and sometimes difficult to install without professional help
Higher initial cost, though the investment pays off in longevity
Low-gauge (thicker) steel is worth the extra investment to avoid dents and dings

Aluminum offers rust resistance with a lighter weight, but always check the thickness. I only recommend reputable brands, since cheaper metal cabinets can flex or rattle.

Laminate and Melamine: Style Meets Smart Spending

For those who want a modern, coordinated look without breaking the bank, high-quality laminate and melamine are top contenders. Advances in manufacturing have made these materials far more durable than their reputation suggests.

Pros:

Wide range of colors, textures, and finishes, perfect for matching your home’s style
Resistant to most stains, spills, and moderate scratches
Easier to clean and maintain than wood

Cons:

Edges and corners are vulnerable, so insist on edge-banded or thermo-fused finishes
Subpar construction, such as thin laminate over low-density particleboard, can fail under heavy loads
Once chipped, repairs are rarely invisible

As an expert in garage storage, I always check the cabinet’s core material and assembly quality, not just the surface. Look for panels at least three-quarters of an inch thick and metal reinforcements. Don’t be fooled by glossy finishes over weak frames.

Plastic and Resin: Lightweight, Affordable, and Hassle-Free

For budget-conscious clients or those seeking extra storage for light gear, plastic and resin cabinets are a practical choice. I often recommend these for quick installations, rental homes, or areas prone to flooding.

Pros:

Rust-proof, waterproof, and immune to mold and mildew
Incredibly easy to assemble and move as needed
No painting, sealing, or ongoing maintenance required

Cons:

Limited weight capacity, so avoid for heavy tools or bulky hardware
Less sophisticated look and feel compared to wood or metal
May fade, crack, or warp with prolonged sun exposure or extreme cold

We suggest using plastic cabinets for overflow storage, such as cleaning supplies, car care kits, or seasonal items, rather than as your primary, everyday solution.

Why Garage Cabinet Material Matters More Than You Think

Most people underestimate how challenging the garage environment can be. In the average garage, you’ll face wide temperature swings, frequent humidity, abrasive dust, and a steady parade of bikes, tools, sports gear, and muddy boots. Inferior materials don’t just look tired; they’ll sag, warp, chip, or even grow mold within a few seasons. The right cabinet material not only protects your investment but also saves you money, time, and hassle in the long run.

What to Ask Before Choosing Your Garage Cabinets

Here’s the framework I use with every homeowner before making a recommendation:

What are you storing? Map out your heaviest, bulkiest, and most frequently accessed items. Don’t forget future needs as your hobbies or family grows.
How’s your garage climate? If you live somewhere humid, prioritize water resistance and rust-proof hardware.
Do you want to DIY, or have it professionally installed? Some materials and brands make installation far easier (and safer) than others.
What’s your style, and will you want to update it in a few years?
What’s your budget? Factor in not just upfront costs, but long-term durability, repairs, and potential upgrades.

Also, do not overlook hardware and accessories. Soft-close hinges, full-extension drawer slides, and built-in lighting all elevate the user experience and longevity.

Conclusion

There’s no single answer that works for every garage. This is exactly why consulting with an experienced garage designer pays off. Most of our best installations use a combination of materials: metal cabinets for tools and heavy equipment, laminate for easy-access storage, and plastic for flexible, overflow needs. Prioritize durability for high-traffic zones, and never skimp on installation quality. Sturdy mounting and proper sealing make a world of difference.

Your garage is an extension of your home. With the right cabinets, it can be just as organized, beautiful, and functional. Invest in materials that match your lifestyle, and you’ll enjoy the benefits for years to come.

Level Up Your Home Organization With Overhead Garage Organizers

Tue, 13 May 2025 15:30:27 GMT

You know that feeling when you walk into your garage and everything is where it should be? No tripping over bikes. No digging through dusty bins to find the holiday lights. No dodging a toppled-over rake just to get to the toolbox. That’s my garage now—and trust me, it didn’t start out that way. So, what was the biggest game-changer? Without a doubt, it was top-quality overhead garage organizers .

Once I realized how much wasted space was hanging right over my head, it was like flipping a switch: overhead storage solutions didn’t simply help me declutter—they gave me back my garage. I’ve now got room to work, tinker, and even park my car. If you're tired of stepping over stuff or wasting weekends on reorganizing the same mess, overhead garage storage might just be the solution you didn't know you needed. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Reclaim floor space instantly
Maximize storage capacity
Streamline accessibility & organization
Enhance safety & reduce clutter hazards
Protect belongings from damage

These systems are better than smart—they’re sanity-saving. Keep reading if your garage could use a little breathing room.

Reclaim Floor Space Instantly

When I first installed my overhead racks, it felt like magic. All those bins, crates, awkward camping gear, and seasonal stuff that used to pile up in corners? Up they went. And suddenly, I could see the floor again.

I cleared space for a proper workbench and finally parked both cars inside before a snowstorm. That alone was worth it. The best part? I didn’t get rid of anything—I just lifted the clutter off the ground. If you’ve got snow shovels, beach chairs, or those “once-a-year” items taking over your garage, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Maximize Storage Capacity

Most garages have one thing in common—wasted ceiling space. I used to look up and think, “I wish I could use that area.” Turns out, you can. Overhead garage organizers come in all shapes and sizes. I use a few heavy-duty racks bolted into the ceiling joists, which can also hold stacked bins. That’s an entire wall’s worth of storage, and it’s in the air.

A friend of mine even added a ceiling lift system that raises and lowers a storage platform. It’s genius for stacking seasonal gear without hauling a ladder every time. If your walls are maxed out, look up—your ceiling might just be your storage solution.

Streamline Accessibility & Organization

Here’s one thing I’ve learned the hard way: if it’s hard to reach, you won’t use it—or you’ll dread doing it. That’s why I keep my overhead storage clear and labeled. I invested in matching bins, added big labels on the front, and created simple categories—“Holiday,” “Sports,” “Tools,” “Camping.” I know exactly what’s in each bin, and I don’t have to play the garage version of Jenga just to grab a pair of snow boots.

Some systems even come with pulleys or crank lifts so you can lower bins safely. One of my favorite tricks? Group things by season. Fall decorations don’t need to be in arm’s reach in May, but they better be easy to find in October.

Enhance Safety & Reduce Clutter Hazards

Once I got things off the floor, it was like I suddenly had a clear runway. No tripping. No ducking. And no more stacked boxes threatening to fall every time I shut the garage door. The key is installing the racks properly. If you're doing this yourself, find those ceiling joists, use the right hardware, and triple-check weight limits. Seriously—overhead means gravity is not your friend if you cut corners.

One of my big rules is to never overload. If a bin feels too heavy to lift safely, it probably doesn’t belong overhead. I also strap everything down with bungee cords just to be safe.

Protect Belongings From Damage

I didn’t realize how much stuff I’d ruined just by storing it on the garage floor. Damage from all those rain puddles, salt residue, and random bugs really adds up. Since moving my gear overhead, I haven’t had to toss a single moldy sleeping bag or soggy box of keepsakes. I use weatherproof bins for anything fabric-based and breathable mesh baskets for gear that might hold moisture—like sports equipment or hoses.

And—seriously—it’s just nicer to pull down a clean, dry container when you’re prepping for a trip or decorating for the holidays. I don’t have to deal with spider webs or mystery stains anymore.

Conclusion

Getting organized in the garage isn’t easy. But for me, overhead garage organizers were the missing piece. They’ve helped me reclaim space, improve safety, and finally make the garage a place I want to be. Whether you're storing ski gear or summer floats—or even tools or old photo albums—that ceiling space is too valuable to waste. And once it’s organized, you’ll wonder how you ever lived with the chaos in the first place!

Double Your Garage Space With Smart Garage Storage Systems

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 17:39:14 GMT

My clients often struggle with garage disorganization. Garages are the largest storage spaces in most homes, and they become catch-all spaces for everything from tools and sports gear to holiday decorations and half-finished DIY projects. The problem is, once the clutter takes over, your garage quickly turns into a space where finding anything is a hassle. The good news is that with the right garage storage systems , you can drastically increase your storage space.

A well-organized garage makes life easier, giving you room to move, work, and actually find what you need. Today, I’m going to talk to you about how you can achieve the garage of your dreams. We’ll cover the following:

Assessing your garage space needs
Types of garage storage systems that maximize space
Design tips for maximizing space
How to choose the ideal solution for you

Whether you are looking to free up space for your car, create a workspace, or just get rid of the chaos, this guide will show you how. Keep reading!

Assessing Your Garage Space Needs

Before you start buying shelves and storage bins, take a little time to determine what you’re working with. A little planning will go a long way in helping you get the most out of your space. Start by asking yourself these questions:

What am I storing? Make a quick list of everything in your garage. You might be surprised at how much stuff is crammed in there, some of which you might not even need anymore.
How often do I use these items? Separate the everyday essentials (like tools or sports equipment) from seasonal or rarely used items. Things you use all the time should be easy to grab, while holiday decorations or camping gear can go in harder-to-reach areas.
Am I wasting valuable space? Take a good look at your walls, ceiling, and corners. If they are empty, you are missing out on prime storage real estate.
Do I need to keep anything locked up? If you have kids or pets, you may want closed storage for hazardous materials, sharp tools, or valuable equipment. Keeping certain items behind closed doors can also help protect them from dust and moisture.
What is my biggest garage frustration? Maybe it is tripping over bikes, never being able to find a screwdriver, or having no room to park. Identifying what is driving you crazy will help you focus on the right solutions.

Once you have answered these questions, sort everything into categories, such as tools, sports gear, seasonal decorations, car maintenance supplies, and so on. This will make it easier to figure out what needs to be stored and where.

Types of Garage Storage Systems That Maximize Space

With so many options for your garage storage, you might feel overwhelmed. Here is a basic breakdown of the most common types of organizers to consider.

Wall-Mounted Systems

A slatwall system allows you to store everything off the floor while keeping it all visible and easy to grab. If you are constantly digging through drawers to find the right wrench, wall storage could be a game-changer. Wall-mounted shelves are also a great way to store bins, paint cans, and other essentials while keeping the garage floor clear.

Overhead Storage

Overhead racks and pulley systems are perfect for keeping bulky or seasonal items out of the way but still accessible when you need them. Think camping gear, extra storage bins, or even spare tires. Just make sure to check the weight limits for safety and stability.

Cabinet Systems

Want to hide the clutter and give your garage a cleaner look? Cabinets are the way to go. Whether you choose modular cabinets or a custom-built system, closed storage is great for keeping chemicals, power tools, and miscellaneous odds and ends out of sight. If security is a concern, you can also get lockable cabinets to keep hazardous materials safely stored away.

Freestanding Shelving Units

Not ready to commit to wall-mounted storage? Freestanding shelves offer flexibility and are easy to rearrange if your needs change. Heavy-duty shelving units can hold everything from plastic bins to power tools. If you have a growing collection of garage gear, adjustable shelving is a great option.

Specialty Organizers

If you find yourself tripping over bikes, balls, or fishing rods, specialty storage solutions can save your sanity. Wall-mounted bike racks free up valuable floor space, while labeled bins and sports racks keep things like soccer balls, helmets, and skates in one easy-to-find place. Specialty organizers make it easier to grab what you need without digging through piles of stuff.

Design Tips for Maximizing Space

You might not realize how much space your garage has when it’s filled with stored items. Here are some tips on taking advantage of the space you do have.

Go vertical. Install tall shelves, hanging racks, and wall-mounted storage to make use of every inch. Your walls and ceiling are valuable storage real estate, so don’t let them go to waste.
Create zones. Keep similar items together so you always know where to find what you need. A well-organized garage should have specific areas for tools, car maintenance supplies, sports gear, and seasonal decorations.
Keep high-traffic items within reach. Everyday essentials should be easy to grab, while seasonal or rarely used items can go on higher shelves or overhead racks.
Use clear bins and labels. If you have ever wasted time opening bins to find the Christmas lights, you know why this is important. Clear storage bins let you see what’s inside, and labels make it even easier to stay organized.
Keep the floor clear. The more you store off the ground, the more space you will have for parking, walking, and working on projects. A clutter-free floor also makes the garage look bigger and more organized.

How to Choose the Ideal Solution for You

Everyone’s situation is different, so it makes sense to do a little work ahead of time to be sure you’re getting the right garage storage system for your home and family. Here are some tips:

Set a budget. Custom cabinets and heavy-duty storage systems can get pricey, so know what you are willing to spend before making a plan. If you are on a budget, simple wall-mounted racks and shelving units are affordable and effective.
Work with your garage layout. Not every storage system works for every garage. Take measurements and consider your available space before installing shelves or racks.
Prioritize safety. If you have kids or pets, think about where you store chemicals, sharp tools, or heavy equipment. Lockable cabinets and high-mounted storage can keep dangerous items out of reach.
Plan for the future. Your storage needs might change over time, so consider adjustable or expandable systems. Modular cabinets and adjustable shelving can adapt as your garage evolves.

Conclusion

A well-organized garage looks great, and it also makes your life easier. With the right storage systems, you can stretch your space, reduce stress, and actually enjoy using your garage. Whether you go for wall-mounted racks, overhead storage, or freestanding shelves, finding the right solutions for your needs will transform your garage into a clean, functional space. So roll up your sleeves, start decluttering, and take back control of your garage today!

Customizing Your Garage Workbench for Maximum Style and Functionality

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 15:21:57 GMT

A customized garage workbench is a worthwhile investment for homeowners who wish to enhance their garage’s functionality and aesthetics alike. You can harness the ideal style for your garage while creating an additional working surface, making this product a win-win.

What do you need to know about workbenches as you get underway? Here's critical information about garage workbenches:

defining what the workbench should accomplish
Selecting the right materials for workbench surface and structure
Maximizing storage and organization
Incorporating ergonomics and comfort for enhanced productivity
Adding personalization and style
Ensuring long-term durability and maintenance
Personalizing the garage workspace

Your dream garage is closer than you think, and it all begins with a smart workbench selection. Ahead, explore even more important information to guide your decision-making.

Defining What the Workbench Should Accomplish

First, let’s explore the specific needs that will help you determine which functions your workbench must serve.

For instance, you only have so much space to go around in your garage. The available space will dictate the required dimensions of your workbench. From there, you can determine whether a freestanding or wall-mounted bench will help you save space and optimize what room you have.

Next, consider the primary tasks the workbench will achieve. Do you plan on using this space for automotive repairs? Perhaps it will be dedicated to metalworking or woodworking. However you answer that question matters. For instance, you will need a larger surface area for automotive work, while built-in tool storage is helpful for tasks like woodworking.

Speaking of storage, that’s another major consideration. Think about whether your workbench would be more beneficial if it has cabinets, shelves, and/or drawers integrated into its design.

Selecting the Right Materials for Workbench Surface and Structure

Once you know how you want to use your garage workbench, it’s time to begin putting the pieces together. That means planning the ideal material.

Here are some options you may consider, including their pros and cons:

Wood (Hardwood or Plywood): You can’t go wrong with wood; it’s a traditional, durable selection. While it’s great for general use around the garage, it requires maintenance and is susceptible to water and moisture damage.
Steel or Metal Surfaces: Metal is highly durable and stain-resistant. Light damage can’t put a dent in your workbench, either. However, that does not apply to most heavy impacts.
MDF or Laminate: Available in an extensive variety of finishes, laminate or MDF is also budget-friendly. That said, these options lack the durability of metal or wood.

Next, it’s time to nail down the right frame choice for your needs. Garage workbench frames are available in these materials:

Steel Frames: Steel is one of the most stable, dependable materials you can ask for. It’s suitable for heavy-duty use, which will be appealing to some garage owners. That said, steel is heavy.
Wood Frames: Next, there’s wood. This option is always aesthetically appealing, plus you can customize it. However, wood is not as durable in the long-term.
Aluminum Frames: If you want the robustness of metal but without the weight, try aluminum. These frames are rust-resistant and easily movable – thanks to their lightweight profile. That said, they lack the stability to the same level as steel.

Consider maintenance needs and durability as you make your choice in materials for the workbench itself and its frame.

Maximizing Storage and Organization

Incorporating storage solutions will complement your garage workbench’s functionality. As an added bonus, all your favorite tools and materials will be within easy reach for faster, more efficient project completion.

Drawers and Cabinets: Cabinets and drawers are an excellent addition to your workbench, as they can store small parts and tools. We like full-extension drawers especially, as they provide easier access to all the items stored inside.
Shelving and Pegboards: You also can’t go wrong with pegboards and shelving. Overhead shelving is great for keeping larger items from taking up valuable floor space in your garage, especially adjustable shelving for flexibility. Pegboards can keep your most-used tools close by.
Tool Racks and Trays: Consider installing bins, trays, or racks for your tool collection. You can mount these storage solutions directly onto the workbench, allowing for easy access to the tools you use the most regularly.
Magnetic Strips and Organizers: Maximize the functionality of your garage with the power of magnets. Magnetic strips can go just about anywhere and can keep metal tools like pliers or screwdrivers secure. We also recommend specialized organizers like a bin for nails and screws.
Custom Compartments: Incorporating custom components into your garage workbench will create space for storing materials and specialized tools specific to your ongoing projects, hobbies, or interests.

Incorporating Ergonomics and Comfort for Enhanced Productivity

If you plan to use your garage workbench regularly, you have to keep comfort and ergonomics at the forefront. Here are some considerations to plan for:

Work Surface Height: Consider the type of work you plan to do and your own height, then select a work surface height that’s complementary. Adjustable height options will let you flexibly change the workbench height if you want to sit or stand or allow someone else to use it.
Knee and Leg Room: You must have enough room under the bench to move comfortably without your legs and knees banging into the surface or nearby items. This way, you can work for long hours.
Lighting Considerations: Although lighting is not a direct feature of a garage workbench, it’s still an important consideration. Task lighting directly over the work area will provide a brightly lit surface that improves visibility and reduces eye strain. Mayo Clinic recommends an alternate placement of the light source directly in front of you if it’s shaded.
Seating and Stool Options: Where will you sit when you work? Ergonomic chairs and stools allow you to work longer without back pain or numb legs. Again, seek adjustable options for functionality and comfort.

Adding Personalization and Style

It’s your workbench, so it should reflect your aesthetic tastes while still remaining functional. Here are some ways to make this garage feature truly yours:

Color and Finish Options: With so many stain or paint options, your workbench can be nearly any color you desire. However, you should consider your home or garage’s overall style. Adding a protective finish, like powder coating for metal frames or polyurethane for wood, is always a good call.
Decorative Elements: Decorate your workbench to your heart’s content with options, like matching accessories, engraved logos, and custom drawer handles that drive up the appearance and appeal.
Incorporating Other Materials: Who says your workbench must only be one material? Try combining several styles, such as reclaimed wood with metal, for an industrial yet rustic look.
Branding or Personalization: Whether adding family names to a workbench or your company moniker and logo, you have many ways to personalize, customize, and brand these benches for a more unique workspace.

Ensuring Long-Term Durability and Maintenance

Keeping your garage workbench looking as fresh as the day it was installed requires some upkeep on your end. For instance, regular cleaning is key to longevity, especially if you regularly engage in messy projects.

If you choose a wood-based bench, you’ll have to periodically seal the wood surfaces. Even metal needs treatment, including application of a rust-resistant coating to protect against damage and wear.

You should also inspect the hardware and storage semi-regularly, like hooks, drawers, and shelves. The purpose of this is to ensure that everything is secure and functional. Apply any required top-ups like finish or paint to minimize damage like wear or scratches.

Final Thoughts: Personalizing the Garage Workspace

Designing and customizing a workbench is an excellent way to increase the functionality of your garage. More so, you can make it a more enjoyable area to work in. Use our ideas as a guide to creating the ultimate workbench that works for you, tailoring your ideas to your style, needs, and budget.

Conclusion

A tailored garage workbench should incorporate elements like organization and storage, ergonomics, aesthetics, and functionality. Enhance your garage experience today by planning your custom workbench design.

Source

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eyestrain/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372403#:~:text=When%20reading%20printed%20materials%20or,shining%20directly%20into%20your%20eyes.

Custom Closet Cleanup for a Fresh and Organized Holiday Season

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 14:32:46 GMT

The holidays are here, and with the arrival of this festive, cherished season is plenty of excitement and hustle and bustle. That means there’s no better time to prioritize an organized, clutter-free custom closet . Taking the time to cross this task off your to-do list now will set the tone for a more enjoyable and stress-free holiday experience.

So, which tasks should go straight to the top of your list? Here’s what we’ll talk about, so you’ll know – “so you’ll know how to” clean your custom closet in time for the holidays:

The importance of a clean closet for the holidays
Assessing your current closet situation
Decluttering before the holidays
Organizing your closet for holiday needs
Maximizing closet space
Maintaining a tidy closet throughout the holidays
Enlisting help: family and professionals

These steps will guide you toward a home filled with cleaner closets, so you can access that perfect outfit for your holiday party or retrieve the gift you had wrapped months ago. Stay tuned for more information.

The Importance of a Clean Closet for the Holidays

It should go without saying that a clean, organized closet is the hallmark of a neat home. There’s something so calming about a clutter-free existence, and many of us need as much of that calm as we can get during the holidays.

As mentioned, you can easily find the outfits and accessories you’re looking for when you have an organized closet. Strategically placing your items will allow you to quickly grab Grandma’s gift or that string of tinsel you always add to the tree.

Best of all, keeping your closet neat benefits your mental health. You’ll lower your stress, which is so important at hectic times of the year like these.

Assessing Your Current Closet Situation

So, let’s get started cleaning! First, you have to scope out your current closet setup. We suggest a thorough inventory of your entire closet, from the decorations to the clothes, accessories, shoes, and everything in between.

For these purposes, you can sort items into two main categories: seasonal and non-seasonal. Prioritize all the items you’ll rely on most throughout the season. As you go through your closet, don’t only focus on what’s inside but the custom space itself. Look for areas you’re underutilizing, such as vertical storage.

It’s also helpful to set specific goals for what you hope to achieve with this closet cleanup. That will keep you on-task and motivated.

Decluttering Before the Holidays

The days seem to go by that much faster around the holidays. It all attributes to that old saying that time flies when you’re having fun. That’s why you should make decluttering the first step of the cleanup process, and the sooner you can schedule it, the better.

First, remove everything in your closet. Deciding what to donate isn’t always easy, but if you haven’t worn or used the item in six months or so, that’s usually a pretty good indicator that it’s safe to donate it.

You should only donate items that are still in usable condition. If they’re worn, torn, or otherwise beat-up, just throw them away. Otherwise, plenty of organizations will be happy to take your donations. Vogue recommends Goodwill and the Salvation Army.

You might feel inclined to hold onto items “just in case,” like just in case you lose 10 pounds or just in case a specific style comes back into fashion. However, you have to be realistic, considering your closet needs now.

Organizing Your Closet for Holiday Needs

Your custom closet is looking much better, but there’s still more work to be done. Next, you need to carve out that holiday-centric closet nook you’ll use for outfits, decorations, and accessories.

Once you’ve spotted it, make sure to use labeled boxes and bins, so you can easily access your holiday goodies when you need them. If it’s clothes we’re talking about, rely on hooks and hanging organizers. These storage solutions are also great for accessories and can streamline your daily routine.

Maximizing Closet Space

We all wish we had bigger closets, but the way to get there isn’t to get an add-on to your home. Instead, it’s all about maximizing what’s already there. Custom closets are especially great for this, as you can take full advantage of vertical space using hooks and shelves.

Organizers, including bins and drawer dividers, can help you sort the smaller items that can get lost in the flurry of holiday magic, keeping your stress levels contained.

Here’s another helpful tip: use seasonal rotation this holiday season for your clothing. Push the off-season items deeper into the closet and keep your glitzy, colorful holiday attire nearer the front, so it’s always within arm’s reach.

Maintaining a Tidy Closet Throughout the Holidays

The risk of sorting your closet early enough into the holiday season is that as this jolly period proceeds, the closet can fall into disarray again. You’ll have to be proactive to prevent this outcome, regularly committing to quick (but efficient) tidy-ups each time you remove or add items to the closet.

It’s really important to place items back in their designated spots, even if this is sometimes time-consuming. The few minutes you take to do this now can save you a lot of time later, as you won’t have to frantically search for what you need.

Of course, your closet needs will change as the holidays end and a new year approaches. At that point, you should reassess your closet organization, resetting it, so it’s ready for a fresh start and a chilly winter.

Enlisting Help: Family and Professionals

Never feel like you have to achieve your custom closet organization aspirations alone. Getting family and friends involved is like their gift to you for the holidays. You can sort through items much faster, and in the case of a household, appreciate the collective neatened space you created.

Of course, if you simply don’t have the time to commit to closet maintenance this holiday season, you can always hire professional organizers. Their expertise and helpful hands will get through the task of organizing your closet quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of a fresh, organized custom closet. The time you take now before the holiday hubbub begins will set a positive tone for the festivities to come. Follow these tips, and prioritize your closet throughout the holidays. You’ll be glad you did.

Source

https://www.vogue.com/article/best-places-to-donate-clothes

Give Your Walk-in Closet a Weekend Refresh

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 15:01:34 GMT

A messy walk-in closet isn't just an eyesore; it's a daily frustration that can throw your whole routine off kilter. But don't despair! You don't need a month-long overhaul to reclaim your space. In just one weekend, you can transform your closet chaos into a haven of organization and style.

Ready to roll up your sleeves? Here's what we'll cover in this closet makeover guide:

Declutter like a pro: Sort your stuff with ruthless efficiency
Prep your canvas: Give your closet a deep clean
Strategic organization: Maximize every inch of space
Make it yours: Add personal flair to your freshly organized oasis
Keep the magic alive: Tips to maintain your closet's new lease on life

Thinking about bringing in the pros? We're here to help craft a walk-in closet that's as unique as you are. But first, let's dive into how you can give your closet a weekend warrior makeover!

Declutter Like a Pro: Sort Your Stuff with Ruthless Efficiency

The first step in any successful closet refresh is decluttering. It might seem daunting at first, but I promise it’s a liberating process. Start by taking everything out of your closet. Yes, everything. This might feel overwhelming, but it’s essential to begin with a clean slate.

Once your closet is empty, it’s time to sort through your items. I recommend creating three categories – keep, donate, and discard. As you go through each item, ask yourself when you last wore it and whether it’s still useful. If it doesn’t fit or hasn’t been worn in the past year, it might be time to let it go. Keeping only the items that you love and wear regularly will make organizing much easier.

To stay organized during this process, use boxes or bags to separate your categories. This way, you won’t end up with piles of clothes cluttering your bedroom. Trust me, staying organized at this stage will make the next steps much smoother.

Prep Your Canvas: Give Your Closet a Deep Clean

Now that your closet is empty, it’s the perfect opportunity to give it a good cleaning. Dust off the shelves, wipe down all surfaces, and vacuum or mop the floor. Don’t forget to clean the light fixtures; dust can accumulate there, which dims the brightness of your closet. Destination Lighting shares tips for cleaning different types of fixtures, as well as an important safety tip – make sure your lights are unplugged or the power is off before you start cleaning.

If your walk-in closet has a window, open it up to let in some fresh air. Otherwise, a light spritz of a fresh-scented spray can do wonders to rejuvenate the space. As you clean, take note of any quick fixes your closet might need. Tighten any loose screws, replace old light bulbs, and touch up any scuffed paint. These small changes can have a big impact on the overall feel of your closet

Strategic Organization: Maximize Every Inch of Space

With a clean, empty closet ready to go, it’s time to start putting things back – but with a strategic plan in mind. Reorganizing with purpose will not only make your closet more functional but also more enjoyable to use.

Start by grouping similar items. For instance, hang all your shirts in one section, pants in another, and dresses in a separate area. This will make it easier to find what you’re looking for and keep your closet visually appealing. Consider using baskets, bins, or shelf dividers to keep smaller items organized and within reach. These tools are lifesavers when it comes to maintaining order.

Creating zones within your closet can also help you stay organized. Designate areas for everyday wear, seasonal items, and special occasion pieces. By having dedicated spaces for each category, you’ll find it easier to maintain the organization in the long run.

Make it Yours: Add Personal Flair to Your Freshly Organized Oasis

Now comes the fun part – adding personal touches to your walk-in closet! Consider laying down a small rug to add warmth and texture. A decorative mirror can make the space feel larger and brighter, while framed art can add a touch of personality.

Matching hangers and stylish storage solutions can elevate the overall look of your closet – giving it a cohesive, polished feel. Lighting is another key element; if your closet could use a bit more brightness, consider installing LED strip lights under shelves or adding a chic lamp.

These small changes can make a big difference in how your closet looks and feels, which turns it into a space you love to be in.

Keep the Magic Alive: Tips to Maintain Your Closet's New Lease on Life

Once your closet is refreshed and organized, you’ll want to keep it that way. The key to maintaining a tidy walk-in closet is to stay on top of it regularly. I recommend setting aside time each month for a quick decluttering session. This way, you can catch any buildup of unnecessary items before it becomes overwhelming.

Consider establishing a routine for reorganizing and cleaning your closet, such as a seasonal overhaul. This is a great time to rotate out seasonal items and refresh your wardrobe for the coming months. And don’t forget the little habits that make a big difference – putting clothes back in their designated spots right away can go a long way in keeping your closet organized.

Conclusion

A weekend walk-in closet refresh is not only achievable but incredibly satisfying. By following these steps – decluttering, cleaning, reorganizing, adding personal touches, and maintaining the space – you can transform your closet into a functional, beautiful space that meets your needs. Imagine the ease and joy of stepping into an organized, refreshed closet each day. So why not start this weekend? Take the first step, and enjoy the transformation that awaits you.

Source

https://www.destinationlighting.com/fliptheswitch/dos-and-donts-for-cleaning-light-fixtures/

Creative Ideas for a Functional & Fashionable Custom Closet

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 15:00:21 GMT

I've seen firsthand how a well-planned custom closet can transform not just your storage space, but your entire lifestyle. Many homeowners struggle with balancing aesthetics and practicality in their closets, often sacrificing one for the other. Common challenges include maximizing limited space, organizing diverse clothing items, and creating a visually appealing environment that reflects personal style. In this post, I'll share innovative ideas to help you create a custom closet that's both highly functional and strikingly fashionable.

Embrace vertical space with style
Integrate smart storage solutions
Incorporate multifunctional elements
Play with lighting for ambiance and functionality
Personalize with color and texture
Incorporate tech for ultimate convenience

Embrace Vertical Space With Style

One of the most underutilized areas in many closets is vertical space. Here's how to make the most of it:

Floor-to-Ceiling Shelving: Install sleek, adjustable shelving units that reach from floor to ceiling. This not only maximizes storage but creates a visually striking look, especially when you alternate between open shelves and closed cabinets.
Hanging Rod Tiers: Use double or even triple hanging rods to multiply your hanging space. For a touch of luxury, opt for brass or matte black rods instead of standard chrome.
Over-the-Door Organizers: Choose stylish over-the-door options like leather pouches or minimalist metal racks for storing accessories or shoes.

Integrate Smart Storage Solutions

Clever storage solutions can dramatically increase your closet's functionality without compromising on style:

Hidden Drawers: Incorporate pull-out drawers beneath hanging clothes for items like socks, underwear, or workout gear. Choose drawer fronts that match your closet's overall aesthetic.
Valet Rods: Install retractable valet rods for outfit planning or temporary hanging. Opt for ones with a luxe finish to add a touch of elegance.
Customized Jewelry Storage: Design a dedicated jewelry section with velvet-lined drawers, hooks for necklaces, and compartments for rings and earrings. This not only organizes your accessories but creates a boutique-like display.
Shoe Walls: Create a stunning focal point with a floor-to-ceiling shoe wall. Use adjustable shelving to accommodate different shoe heights and styles.

Incorporate Multifunctional Elements

Make your closet work harder by incorporating elements that serve multiple purposes:

Island With Seating: If space allows, add a central island with built-in seating. The island can house drawers for additional storage, while the cushioned top provides a place to sit while putting on shoes.
Fold-Down Ironing Board: Install a fold-down ironing board that disappears into the wall when not in use. Choose a cover fabric that compliments your closet's color scheme.
Hidden Laundry Hamper: Integrate a pull-out laundry hamper into your closet design. Disguise it behind a cabinet door that matches the rest of your closet for a seamless look.
Mirror With Hidden Storage: Install a full-length mirror that swings open to reveal hidden storage for jewelry or accessories.

Play With Lighting for Ambiance and Functionality

Lighting can transform your closet from a mere storage space to a luxurious dressing room:

LED Strip Lighting: Install LED strips along shelves and hanging rods to illuminate your clothes and create a high-end boutique feel.
Backlit Shoe Shelves: Use backlit acrylic shelves for your shoe collection to create a museum-like display.
Chandelier or Statement Pendant: If ceiling height allows, hang a small chandelier or statement pendant light to add a touch of glamor.
Motion-Sensor Lighting: Incorporate motion-sensor lights in drawers and dark corners for added convenience and energy efficiency.

Personalize With Color and Texture

Don't be afraid to infuse your personality into your closet design:

Accent Wall: Create a focal point with a bold wallpapered accent wall or a rich, saturated paint color.
Textured Drawer Fronts: Choose drawer fronts with interesting textures like grasscloth, leather, or carved wood patterns.
Plush Flooring: Install a luxurious carpet or lay down a stylish area rug to add warmth and comfort underfoot.
Glass-Front Cabinets: Use glass-front cabinets for displaying favorite accessories or designer pieces. Install interior lighting to make them really pop.
Wallpaper – Spoak explains that small spaces like a closet are a great place to take design risks, so choose an exciting wallpaper pattern and make your closet into a space that fulfills your wildest decorating fantasies.

Personalize With Color and Texture

Bring your closet into the 21st century with these tech-savvy additions:

Automated Clothing Carousel: For extensive wardrobes, consider an automated clothing carousel that brings your clothes to you at the touch of a button.
Smart Mirror: Install a smart mirror that can display weather information, your calendar, or even virtual outfit try-ons.
Climate Control System: Protect delicate fabrics and leather goods with a built-in climate control system that regulates temperature and humidity.
Charging Station: Create a hidden charging station for your devices, keeping cords out of sight but easily accessible.

Conclusion

Creating a custom closet that seamlessly blends functionality and fashion is an achievable goal with the right approach. By maximizing vertical space, integrating smart storage solutions, incorporating multifunctional elements, and playing with lighting, color, and texture, you can transform your closet into a space that meets your storage needs and shows off your style and fashion sense. Don't forget to personalize your space and consider incorporating modern technology for added convenience. With these creative ideas, your custom closet will become more than just a storage area – it will be a luxurious, efficient, and stylish extension of your living space.

No-Cost Design Meetings with Storage Experts

Imagine waking up to a perfectly organized closet every day. Make it happen by scheduling your free design meeting with Affordable Custom Closets.

Source

https://www.spoak.com/spoakenword/wallpaper-closet

Smart Strategies to Expand Your Small Closet Space

Thu, 02 May 2024 18:14:39 GMT

Imagine your closet's a fierce battleground: Shoes skirmish on the floor, sweaters launch themselves from shelves, and that one missing sock taunts you from the shadows. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone! I'm a small-closet warrior, too, and over the years, I've discovered some seriously clever tactics to turn chaos into order. Let's get ready to win the war on clutter and make that small closet feel like a spacious sanctuary.

Start with a clean slate
Go vertical
Invest in custom organizers
Use the back of the closet door
Invest in double-duty furniture
Embrace uniformity
Add lighting
Use clear containers
Schedule regular clean-outs

Keep reading to discover some of my favorite strategies to make the most of your small closet space.

Start With a Clean Slate

My first step is always a thorough decluttering. It might seem challenging, but I promise, the results are worth it. Instead of going through everything and asking myself, “Have I used this in the last year?,” I have a secret weapon called the “Hanger Flip” trick.

After wearing something, turn the hanger the opposite way in your closet. At the end of a designated period (a month, a season), anything still facing the original way hasn't been worn and is a prime candidate for decluttering. It’s a pain-free and time-saving way to conquer clutter in your small closet.

Go Vertical

In small closets, vertical space is your best friend. I use stackable storage bins and shelves that reach up high to make the most of every inch. This approach allows me to store out-of-season items up top while keeping everyday essentials within easy reach.

Invest in Custom Organizers

As someone who’s tried every storage solution in the book, nothing compares to custom organizers. Custom closet organizers are designed to fit your unique space and needs. Consider these space-saving organizers to breathe new life into your storage:

Slide-Out Hampers: Tuck a hamper neatly away, keeping dirty clothes collected and out of sight. These space-savers often come on wheels for easy access when it's laundry day.
Shoe Fences: These stackable units create vertical shoe storage, freeing up valuable floor space. Look for adjustable options so you can accommodate boots and taller footwear.
Adjustable Hanging Rods: Double your hanging capacity by installing a second rod that you can easily adjust. This is perfect for separating shorter items like shirts and blouses from longer garments.
Shelf Dividers: Make neat stacks on existing shelves to prevent sweaters and linens from toppling over. Choose wire or acrylic dividers for a clean, organized look.

Use the Back of the Closet Door

The back of your closet door is prime real estate. I hang a large organizer there for everything from shoes to scarves and small accessories. It’s an easy and affordable way to add storage without taking up floor space.

HGTV suggests another great idea that I’ll have to try out—hanging an over-the-door organizer to hold shoes and jewelry. It’s a great way to make the very most of limited closet space.

Invest in Double-Duty Furniture

In my home, I love using furniture that works harder so I don’t have to. A storage ottoman or a bed with built-in drawers can double as a spot for linens or out-of-season clothing, freeing up precious closet real estate.

Embrace Uniformity

One trick I've found incredibly helpful is using the same type of hangers throughout my closet. It creates a streamlined look and prevents clothes from becoming tangled or overlooked. Plus, slim, non-slip hangers maximize hanging space and keep everything neatly in place.

Add Lighting

Adding lighting inside your closet isn’t just practical; it makes the space feel bigger and more inviting. I installed a simple, battery-operated LED light strip along the inner closet rod. It makes finding what I need a breeze and really elevates the overall feel of the closet.

Use Clear Containers

I use clear bins for storing smaller items like scarves, belts, and even jewelry. This way, I can quickly see what’s inside without having to rummage through multiple boxes. Plus, it keeps everything dust-free and organized.

Schedule Regular Clean-outs

Finally, to keep my closet functional and clutter-free, I schedule regular clean-outs every season. This routine helps me reassess what I have, donate items I no longer use, and reorganize based on my current needs.

Conclusion

Conquering your closet isn't about having more room—it's about smart, strategic organization that makes your life easier. Don't just dream of a functional closet—create it! Invest in custom storage solutions, and don't be afraid to get creative. Imagine waking up each morning to a closet that greets you with possibility, not panic. You deserve that organized oasis, and it's totally within reach.

Source

https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/space-saving-organization-ideas-for-small-closets-pictures#:~:text=Deck%20Out%20the%20Back%20of,organizer%20for%20shoes%20or%20jewelry.

Streamline Your Wardrobe With Efficient Closet Organizers & Accessories

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 20:18:46 GMT

Are you tired of battling through a cluttered closet every morning? Trust me, I've been there. But don’t worry, because I've got some insider tips and must-have closet organizers that will revolutionize your wardrobe space. Here’s how you can transform your custom closet into a space of order and efficiency:

Start with a plan
Create a shoe haven
Keep jewelry tangle-free
Keep ties, scarves, and belts organized
Look for multi-purpose organization solutions
Embrace seasonal rotation without the stress
Keep dirty laundry out of sight
Go vertical
Light it up
Involve the family

Keep reading to learn all about my top tips for streamlining your wardrobe with the right closet organizers and accessories.

Start With a Plan

The first step in achieving closet nirvana is to plan. Measure your space, jot down what you’d like to store where, and think about your daily routine. Are you an iron-every-day sort of person, or do you prefer to hang things immediately from the dryer?

A well-thought-out blueprint paves the way for a streamlined, efficient space that works with your habits, not against them. If you’re not sure where to begin, a professional organizer or closet design service can offer invaluable advice.

Create a Shoe Haven

I'm sure you've seen those fabulous custom closet photos with rows of perfectly aligned shoes. You can have that, too. It starts with a quality shoe rack or fence, keeping your diverse collection tidy and aired while avoiding the pitfalls of the pile-up. Consider over-the-door shoe organizers for flats and sandals, and clear stackable boxes to protect your prized pairs.

Keep Jewelry Tangle-Free

I guarantee you've got things you haven't worn in months simply because you forgot they were there. A velvet-lined jewelry drawer insert or hanging organizer provides a luxurious home for your pieces, making them accessible and visible.

Keep Ties, Scarves, and Belts Organized

I used to stuff my scarves into a drawer, but those days are behind me. A tie, scarf, or belt rack can hold numerous accessories without the tangles, and they're often wall-mounted, saving precious drawer space. Some even rotate for easy selection, leaving you ‘knot’ nonplussed when it comes to accessorizing.

Look for Multi-Purpose Organization Solutions

Look for organizers that pull double-duty. An ottoman in the middle of the closet can store out-of-season clothing or extra linens. Hanging canvas shelves can store sweaters and leave room for shoe racks below. The more roles your organizers can fulfill, the more streamlined your space will be.

Embrace Seasonal Rotation Without the Stress

If you're short on closet space, storing off-season clothing elsewhere is almost a necessity. Large plastic bins or vacuum-sealed bags protect against dust and pests, and clear bins make it easy to see what's inside. Don’t forget to label them—they're no good if you can't remember what's in ‘holiday gear’ when December comes.

Keep Dirty Laundry Out of Sight

Laundry day is a fact of life, but it doesn't have to be a mess. A slide-out laundry organizer slots into your closet system, keeping hampers tucked away and out of sight. Or, indulge in the luxury of a laundry valet—a simple hook can transform a pile of dirty clothes into an outfit-prep area that even the most discerning dry cleaner would admire.

Go Vertical

Don't just think about floor space—look up. High shelves can store those items you need rarely, like suitcases or special-occasion wear. A sturdy step-stool ensures they're just as reachable as items at eye level, making use of every inch of your closet.

Light it Up

Proper lighting transforms your closet from a poorly-lit space to a well-lit one you’ll love to spend time in. Lighting up a closet with high ceilings? The Spruce suggests installing a handy motion sensor light or even a battery-powered stick-on light that can go on a wall. With the right lighting, you can finally distinguish navy from black with ease. Plus, they're a cinch to install, even in the darkest corners.

Involve the Family

If your custom closet serves more than just you, make sure to get the input of everyone who will be using it. This is especially crucial for kids—low rods and accessible shelves help them learn to organize from a young age. Plus, who can say no to a space where everything has its place, even toys?

Conclusion

So, there you have it—my comprehensive guide to streamlining your wardrobe with efficient closet organizers and accessories. By implementing these tips, you'll transform your closet into a well-ordered haven that makes getting dressed a breeze.

Whether you're a shoe aficionado, jewelry lover, or just someone looking to tame their closet chaos, investing in the right organizers can make all the difference. Here's to a clutter-free closet and a stress-free morning routine!

Source

https://www.thespruce.com/best-closet-lighting-4781339#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20if%20your%20closet,can%20go%20on%20a%20wall.

5 Golden Rules for Decluttering Your Walk-in Closet

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 18:38:55 GMT

If you're like me, your walk-in closet has turned into a black hole that you shove things into and quickly close the door before it explodes. I used to avoid even walking into my closet because it was so crammed full of clothes, shoes, and who knows what else that I had accumulated over the years.

But no more! I finally tackled my overflowing closet and whipped it into shape using these five golden rules for decluttering. Now that I can actually see everything I own, I get dressed effortlessly, and my closet no longer stresses me out. Read on for my best tips that you can use daily to declutter your walk-in closet.

Rule #1: Toss the clutter
Rule #2: Categorize by type
Rule #3: Use clear containers
Rule #4: Design a landing strip
Rule #5: Give everything a home

Rule #1: Toss the Clutter

The first rule when decluttering your closet is to be ruthless and get rid of anything you don't absolutely love or need. This means parsing through every item and asking yourself: Did I wear this in the past year? Does it fit properly? Is it damaged or stained? Would I rebuy this today? If your answer to these questions is no, then into the donation pile it goes.

I know it's tempting to keep things "just in case", but trust me, holding onto clothing you never actually wear doesn't serve you. Take an hour or two to try on everything in your closet and purge what doesn't fit your current lifestyle. Don't forget to check pockets and remove random receipts, tissues, and other accumulated detritus. Getting rid of the clutter is the crucial first step.

Daily Tip: You can make this a daily habit by keeping an empty box or basket in the closet and when you come across items you know you don’t want to keep, toss them in. Just remove the container when it’s full, donate or throw out the clothes, and replace the empty container. This saves you from long purging sessions and ensures your closet stays decluttered.

Rule #2: Categorize by Type

Now for the fun part: organizing your pared-down closet items into categories. This step instantly creates order from chaos. Designate different areas for pants, shirts, dresses, sweaters, etc. I like to organize my closet from light to heavy weight and end with shoes and accessories.

Pay attention to how you use your closet and what makes the most sense for your daily routine. Maybe you need quicker access to business clothes during the week. Or your workout gear should be near the door. Grouping similar garments not only looks tidy but also makes getting ready a breeze.

Daily Tip: When you do laundry, make sure you put clothes back into their proper categories. Take a few minutes a day to check and make sure nothing’s out of place. You can try taking a picture of your closet at its most orderly so you can check to make sure it looks the way it’s supposed to. That way, you won’t have to restore a jumbled mess in a month or two.

Rule #3: Use Clear Containers

Take your categorization up a notch with clear bins and storage containers. I'm obsessed with clear containers because you can instantly see what's inside. Label them with categories like "pajamas", "yoga pants" or "summer dresses".

For small items like underwear, socks, and pantyhose, use dividers or sub-bins inside a large clear container so everything has its designated spot. The see-through bins keep your closet looking neat and make locating exactly what you need a cinch.

Daily Tip: Make sure you can find what you need in your storage containers by making sure the clothes in them are stored properly. Whether you should fold or roll clothes for packing and storage is debatable, but it depends largely on the type of clothing you’re storing. Travel Fashion Girl explains that it’s often better to fold clothes that are very light, very heavy, or very easily wrinkled while rolling medium-weight fabrics. Make sure to follow your folding or rolling pattern whenever you have something new to store.

Rule #4: Design a Landing Strip

Take advantage of prime real estate by creating a landing strip for daily essentials you need quick access to. This is the first spot you see when opening your closet door. Mine has space for my standard work purse, the shoes I wear most frequently, and my gym bag pre-packed and ready to grab.

Having a dedicated place for the items you use constantly avoids morning scramble sessions. Make sure your landing strip has enough room for all of your daily go-tos. You’re essentially creating a mini-mudroom inside your closet. Hooks for bags, shelves for folded clothing, trays for small accessories—customize it to suit your needs.

Daily Tip: Position a mirror near your landing strip. If this is the place you’ll be putting on your shoes and grabbing your bag before you leave, it’s also a good place to give yourself a once-over before you leave the house.

Rule #5: Give Everything a Home

This final rule cements your organized closet: every item must have a designated home. Take time to examine your newly decluttered space and ensure you have a place for each belonging. Think about your morning and bedtime routines. Are your pajamas in the perfect spot for sleep prep? Can you easily put away worn clothes?

Get creative with hanging racks, adjustable shelving, bins, and baskets so everything has a home. Use vertical space to free up the floor. Any item tossed on the floor or a random shelf is an organization failure. When everything has a consistent home, maintaining order becomes natural.

Daily Tip: Small items can be hard to find a home for inside of a closet. An over-the-door organizer with pockets can be a great place to store lots of things that could get lost in the overall space – socks, sandals, buttons, extra pens, a small sewing kit for emergency repairs, or anything else you might need. Make sure anything you use is returned to its home by the end of the day.

Conclusion

There you have it—my five golden rules for conquering the clutter and creating a serene closet space. But an organized closet doesn't happen overnight. By spending just a few minutes a day using these tips, you can whip your walk-in into shape.

Start with quick daily decluttering sessions such as trying on a few garments and filling the donation bin. Do a little extra on weekends like categorizing or installing storage. In no time, you'll have the closet of your dreams. Now you can confidently get ready and feel peaceful in this special space.

Source

https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/folding-vs-rolling-clothes-for-packing/

Make the Most of Limited Space With Garage Storage Systems

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 21:01:12 GMT

Do you feel like your garage has become more of a cluttered storage room rather than a place to park your vehicles? Limited garage space is a common problem many homeowners face. Between tools, sports equipment, boxes of holiday decorations, and other household items, garages tend to accumulate lots of clutter over time. But don’t despair!

With some clever garage storage systems and a little organization know-how, you can transform your crowded garage into a functional multipurpose space.

Where to start
Overhead storage racks
Wall systems
Cabinet systems
Modular drawers
Rotating storage
Ceiling lifts
Custom workbenches
Increased organization

Where to Start

Start by taking an inventory of everything stored in your garage. Purge any items you no longer need or use to free up space. Next, look at the existing layout and footprint. Can you rearrange your storage plan for your garage to make storage more efficient? Spacewise recommends implementing zones in your garage that will allow you to store items by category and quickly access anything you need.

Are there wasted areas like the space above doors, the corners, or between wall studs? Consider storage solutions that help you better use the space.

Here are some of the top garage storage systems to consider:

Overhead Storage Racks

Installing overhead racks gives you tons of extra storage space while keeping items up and out of the way. Overhead racks are perfect for lightweight seasonal items, decorations, camping gear, sports equipment, and other items accessed occasionally. For safety, use heavy-duty racks rated to hold significant weight. Opt for enclosed racks to keep stored items free of dust and dirt. Racks mounted high on the ceiling provide walking clearance underneath.

Wall Systems

Vertical wall space offers prime real estate for storage. Wall-mounted panels with hooks, shelves, cabinets, and sliding tool trays save floor space. Slatwall racks create instant organization for tools while providing easy access. Floor-to-ceiling shelving units make efficient use of height. Slim wall cabinets provide enclosed storage for paints, chemicals, and automotive fluids. Mounting storage solutions directly on the studs ensures adequate weight support.

Cabinet Systems

If you prefer a sleek and organized look for your garage, consider installing cabinet systems. These offer both closed storage for items you'd like to keep out of sight and open shelving for easy access to frequently used tools and supplies. You can choose from a variety of cabinet designs, from modular units to custom-built options.

When designing your cabinet system, think about what items you use most often and which ones you want to keep hidden. This way, you can create a storage solution that suits your specific needs and complements your garage's layout.

Modular Drawers

Drawer storage provides enclosed, dust-free storage and keeps items organized. Look for stackable drawer sets that maximize vertical space. Mounted on wheels, they can roll under workbenches or vehicles when space is needed. Some have shallow drawers for small parts and tools, while deeper drawers store bulkier items. Labels help identify drawer contents at a glance.

Rotating Storage

Items stored on rotating racks, hangers, and platforms can deliver efficiency. Rotating tire racks hold up to 4-5 tires but only one tire's width protrudes. Similarly, rotating trays and drawers only require access to space for the front item. Rotating hangers double hanging storage capacity. Spinning parts racks keep components organized. Rotating solutions minimize the garage footprint of stored items.

Ceiling Lifts

Make use of wasted overhead space by installing pulley systems for lifting and storing objects high above the floor. Ceiling lifts assist with storing long or bulky items like kayaks, ladders, and lumber. A ceiling-mounted steel track system allows you to effortlessly lift gear overhead, leaving valuable floor space clear. Useful for infrequently used items.

Custom Workbenches

Having a dedicated workbench in the garage can greatly improve organization and maximize unused space. A sturdy, well-built workbench provides a central location to store frequently used tools, supplies, and materials. Drawers and cabinets underneath the workbench offer concealed storage for larger items or things that you don't need regular access to. A workbench also gives you a solid, flat surface for completing projects and repairs, allowing you to keep the garage floor clear.

Installing a workbench along one wall of the garage is an efficient use of space. It will serve as a hub for organization and project work while keeping the rest of the garage free for vehicle parking and circulation. Frequently used tools can be stored right where you need them, rather than being scattered around the garage. Keeping everything organized on and around the workbench minimizes the risk of losing or misplacing important items.

Increased Organization

By incorporating organization solutions that suit your needs, you can make the most of the square footage. A few storage tips:

Label storage bins and shelves so items stay organized.
Frequently purge unneeded items to avoid clutter from accumulating.
Position frequently used items at convenient heights.
Maximize underutilized areas like corners, garage door tracks, or half walls. Even small shelves in awkward spaces help.
Keep high-traffic areas free of obstructions for entering vehicles.
Ensure racks and shelves are securely fastened into studs for safety and stability.

Conclusion

No matter the size of your garage, these storage systems can help you overcome limited space. Use shelves and racks to take advantage of vertical rooms from floor to ceiling. Store seasonal, sports, and infrequently used items overhead or high on walls. Reserve easily accessible areas for everyday tools and equipment. Add drawer units or cabinets for concealed storage of smaller items prone to getting dusty or damaged.

With creative storage solutions and a strategic layout, your garage can become clean, clutter-free, and fully functional. You’ll gain multipurpose space for parking vehicles, working on projects, and accessing gear. Use these garage storage ideas to maximize every inch!

Source

https://www.extraspace.com/blog/home-organization/room-organization/organize-garage-tips-decluttering-storage/

Space-Saving Secrets to Maximize Custom Closet Efficiency

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 17:57:03 GMT

Closets, those often-neglected nooks in our homes, can hold a treasure trove of space-saving potential. Whether you're blessed with a spacious walk-in closet or working with limited space, these little-known but must-try tips and tricks will help you elevate organization and make the most of your custom closet .

Embrace vertical space
Install pull-out accessories
Utilize overhead space
Consider alternative shoe storage options
Use hooks and pegs
Incorporate a pull-out ironing board
Add pull-down closet rods
Don't forget the back of the door
Invest in drawer dividers
Regularly edit your wardrobe

Embrace Vertical Space

Large walk-in closets are great when you can get them, but not all of the closets in your home are going to be as large as you want them to be. When one or more of your closets are on the smaller side, every inch of space counts.

One often overlooked area is the vertical space in your closet. Invest in a custom closet system that utilizes adjustable shelving and hanging rods to make the most of this valuable space. Consider double-hanging rods for shorter items like shirts and skirts and use high shelves for storing items you don't need to access daily.

Install Pull-Out Accessories

For those living in the south, summers can be sweltering, and you'll want easy access to your summer essentials like sandals, hats, and sunglasses.

Install pull-out accessory racks or drawers in your closet system to keep these items organized and within reach. This way, you won't waste time searching for your favorite pair of sunglasses when you're in a hurry.

Utilize Overhead Space

The top shelf of the closet is prime real estate, especially if you don’t have a lot of other storage space in the house and will need to store off-season items in the closet year-round.

Make the most of this space by using clear storage bins to keep off-season clothes and accessories neatly stowed away. Label the bins for easy identification, and suddenly that high shelf becomes an organized storage solution.

Consider Alternative Shoe Storage Options

A jumble of shoes on the closet floor is a quick way to make the closet feel cluttered and inaccessible, but there are alternatives to stacking your shoes on the floor or using bulky organizers that eat up your floor space. For example, slide-out shoe racks that can be tucked away when not in use. These racks maximize space and keep your shoe collection well-organized and accessible.

Better Homes and Gardens also suggests some great workarounds for storing shoes neatly, such as hanging shoe organizers, storage benches that provide seating in addition to shoe storage space, and even decorative baskets to stash shoes neatly on shelves.

Use Hooks and Pegs

Bookbags, purses, and various types of outdoor gear need to be accessible. Hang hooks or pegs in your closet for items like hats, bags, or even sporting equipment. This keeps these items off the floor and prevents clutter while making them easily accessible for your next adventure.

Incorporate a Pull-Out Ironing Board

A pull-out ironing board in your closet system is a space-saving gem. It allows you to keep your clothes crisp and fresh without the need for a bulky, standalone ironing board. This is especially useful for people living in hot, humid areas of the country. When not in use, it tucks away neatly, leaving more space for your clothes and accessories.

Add Pull-Down Closet Rods

Maximize vertical space even further by incorporating pull-down closet rods. These nifty additions allow you to store clothes you don't use daily, such as formalwear or seasonal items, up high, but still easily accessible with a pull. It's like having a second closet, minus the need for extra square footage.

Don't Forget the Back of the Door

The back of your closet door is an often-overlooked space that can be put to excellent use. Install hooks or over-the-door organizers to store items like belts, scarves, and even jewelry. This creative use of space not only declutters your closet but also keeps your accessories within arm's reach.

Invest in Drawer Dividers

Drawers in your custom closet system can become black holes of disorganization if not managed correctly. To make the most of this space, invest in drawer dividers. These handy tools help you compartmentalize your drawers, ensuring that everything has its designated place, from socks and underwear to accessories and small clothing items.

Regularly Edit Your Wardrobe

Last but certainly not least, a key space-saving secret is to regularly edit your wardrobe. Make it a habit to declutter your closet seasonally, donating or storing items you won't need for several months. This practice not only maximizes space but also keeps your wardrobe fresh and organized.

Conclusion

In conclusion, achieving closet efficiency and organization is all about making the most of the space you have while ensuring easy access to your essentials. With these space-saving secrets and a well-designed custom closet system, you can stay organized and stylish. Say goodbye to clutter and hello to a closet that works for you, not against you.

Source

https://www.bhg.com/shoe-organization-ideas-7501241

Take Over the Clutter with this 7-Day Linen Custom Closet Organization Challenge

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 12:39:39 GMT

Are you tired of rummaging through a chaotic mess of linens in your custom closet ? It's time to regain control and transform your cluttered space into a perfectly organized haven. Best of all, you can do it in just one week!

Here are some tips on how to conquer the chaos and create an effortlessly neat and accessible custom linen closet:

Evaluate the clutter
Separate your linens
Create zones in the closet
Take advantage of vertical space
Fold items strategically
Organize with labels
Add maintenance to your routine

You can do most of the following tasks in 15 minutes per day, so let’s get started.

Day 1: Evaluate the Clutter

Begin by taking a good look at the contents of your linen custom closet. Empty it completely and sort through each item. Discard or donate any worn-out or unused linens, as well as mismatched sets. By getting everything you aren’t using out, you’ll open up space and make it simpler to keep your remaining items tidy.

Day 2: Separate Your Linens

Take the time to categorize your items into groups such as sheets, towels, blankets, and washcloths. This simple step will make finding specific items a breeze. For now, just put these in piles in whatever space you’re using as your work area. Don’t put anything back quite yet.

Day 3: Create Zones in the Closet

Designate specific areas or zones within the closet for different types of linens. For example, dedicate one shelf to sheets, another to towels, and so on. Having a place for each category will make it super simple to put things away after laundering, and you’ll also know where to find each item.

Day 4: Take Advantage of Vertical Space

Make the most of the vertical space in your linen custom closet. Install additional shelving or incorporate stackable bins. To prevent linens from toppling over and causing disorder, consider using shelf dividers to separate different types of linens on each shelf. Everything will look neater and it will be easier to grab what you need without disturbing the rest.

Day 5: Fold Items Strategically

Invest time in folding your linens neatly before returning them to the closet. Try folding techniques that create uniform sizes and allow for easy stacking, such as the Marie Kondo method as described by Good Housekeeping . Store folded linens vertically to maximize visibility. You might also consider folding sheets together in sets; place them in a pillowcase that goes with that set.

Day 6: Organize with Labels

Add an extra touch of organization and visual appeal to your linen custom closet by labeling bins, baskets, or shelves. Clear labels describing the contents of each storage area are unobtrusive. You could also make your own labels using calligraphy or a color-coded system. This is particularly good for bins of toiletries, makeup, and other small items.

Day 7: Add Maintenance to Your Routine

Finally, commit to maintaining the order you have established in your linen custom closet. Have a conversation with family members, encouraging them to follow the organization system and return linens to their designated areas. Be aware that this might take more than one conversation, and remain patient when people forget; after all, practice makes perfect!

Conclusion

You can say goodbye to teetering towers of towels, sheets, and other linens by taking 15 minutes each day over the course of a week to straighten up your bathroom closet. Custom closets make it simple to keep things tidy, but you do need a good system first. Follow the tips above to create that system and knock out linen closet clutter for good.

Source

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/a34059831/marie-kondo-fitted-sheet-tutorial/

Renovate Your Teen’s Custom Closet System With These Tips

Wed, 17 May 2023 15:55:09 GMT

Does your teen’s closet need an update to better meet their storage needs? Kids tend to have a lot of belongings, and they sometimes need some help keeping everything neatly stored. Help them to keep their room and closet tidy by renovating their closet and making it truly functional and stylish with a custom closet system .

Here are some great tips to get you started on your closet makeover.

Paint the inside of the closet
Create a simple laundry system
Hang hooks and a wall-mounted belt rack
Choose the right custom closet system
Improve the lighting
Hang an over-the-door shoe organizer
Use storage bins

Paint the Inside of the Closet

This is always a great way to freshen up any room or closet in your home. Paint the inside of the closet before you begin your closet renovation. Choose a light color that will add dimension to your teen’s closet, rather than a dark color, which can make it look smaller.

If your child prefers brighter, livelier colors, then let them choose whatever fun shade they want. Vibrant yellows, oranges, and even greens can make a closet look fresh and new. Just keep in mind that darker colors will make the closet look smaller unless contrasted with some white or light-colored shelving and drawers.

Create a Simple Laundry System

This is a great time to implement some life lessons with this lovely new custom closet system. Create a simple laundry system that will help your teen keep their clothes organized and off the floor. When choosing how to set up your custom closet system, make sure you plan a spot for a dirty clothes hamper.

Whether it is a pull-out hamper or a basket in the closet, make sure it is easily accessible and within easy reach. Then, set up a day of the week when your teen is responsible for getting their laundry cleaned and put away. Having an organized laundry system in their closet can help them get these jobs done with more efficiency.

Hang Hooks and a Wall-Mounted Belt Rack

Maximize the vertical space in the closet by using hooks and a wall-mounted belt rack. The interior remodeling pros at HGTV recommend hanging several large hooks on the walls of the closet for those everyday items that need a spot, like their jacket, purse, or backpack.

A wall-mounted belt rack is great for storing belts, scarves, and accessories. It makes these smaller items easier to find, and it keeps them all in one place, instead of in a tangled mess on the closet floor.

Choose the Right Custom Closet System

Before purchasing your custom closet system, you want to do some planning. This is what is going to set the stage for your teenager’s organized closet. You want to select the closet system that best suits their needs. Maybe your teen has a lot of clothing that needs to be hung on hangers, or perhaps they need a lot of big shelves to store their favorite bulky sweatshirts.

Whatever their storage needs are, you will want to select a closet system that will accommodate that. The experts at South Bay Custom Closets suggest asking your closet designer how the custom closet system will make the closet truly functional. Make sure it matches your storage needs.

Improve the Lighting

One way to easily freshen up a closet is to add some new lighting inside. The brighter the closet, the bigger and more spacious it appears. LED lights are great for providing bright light, and you can choose between cool and warm hues, depending on your personal preference.

Track lighting is great in closets, as it allows you to shine each individual bulb on spots that require a little extra light. If you are looking to add some style and pizzazz to the closet, try a small hanging chandelier for a truly luxurious look.

Hang an Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer

Does your teen have more shoes than you can count? If so, you will want to consider that when planning your closet renovation. Hanging an over-the-door shoe organizer is a great way to tidy up all those pairs.

Most shoe organizers can store upwards of 20 or more pairs of shoes, depending on the kind you purchase. If your teen has a lot of shoes, consider getting a second organizer to hang over the bedroom door as well.

Use Storage Bins

Storage bins are a teen’s best friend because they can hide away a variety of smaller items that otherwise would be left in disarray. Use storage bins on the closet shelves to keep items organized. Depending on your teen’s style preference, you could use clear bins so they can identify what is inside, or use colored bins to coordinate with the closet theme.

To ensure that the bins don’t just become a dumping ground for stuff they don’t want to put away, make sure you label the bins and encourage your teen to go through them regularly and toss anything that isn’t needed. Teaching organizational skills early on can help your teen to develop good lifelong habits.

Conclusion

Renovating your teen’s closet with a custom closet system is a great way to help them make the most of their closet’s storage space and keep their belongings neat and tidy. It also adds a nice personalization to their bedroom, as you can add some unique touches to make their new closet their own. Give some of these simple tips a try when planning your teen’s closet renovation.

Sources

5 Tips for Cleaning Out Your Custom Closets for Better Home Organization

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 14:17:54 GMT

If you’re like many other homeowners out there, just the thought of getting your custom closets organized and keeping them that way is enough to stress you out. As busy as you are, it can be hard to find the time to organize and find a system that works for you.

If you’re looking to clean out your custom closets for better home organization, you should:

Create a regular schedule.
Start with a clean slate.
Clean out the entire area.
Make keep and toss piles.
Curate and get creative.

Now that you know what to do to get your custom closets organized and keep them that way, let’s get into the details and put this to use in your home.

Create a Regular Schedule

Often the hardest part of getting and keeping your closet organized is making the time for it and then sticking to a regular upkeep schedule. But by sticking to regular (ideally weekly) cleanings, it’ll be easy for you to keep things organized and avoid having to make large overhauls.

If forming the habit is tricky for you, you might set a phone alarm to start with, and choose a day of the week when you know you’ll have thirty minutes to spare. After a few weeks of this, you’ll likely not even need the alarm anymore.

Start With a Clean Slate

It might seem easier to just work within the framework you already have and organize it that way, but this will just add more time to the process overall. Instead, you should clear everything out of your closet and start fresh.

That way, you’ll be able to visualize new organizational methods and make bigger changes than you would have had you just kept most of your things where they were. It also makes the next step on our list far easier.

Clean Out the Entire Area

Once you’ve gotten all of your clothes and items cleared out of the closet, you might as well take the opportunity to fully clean it out from top to bottom. You can wipe down all of your shelves and vacuum out the floor.

While you’re doing that, you might also take measurements of your closet. This will especially make fitting in new organizing systems in place easier if you choose to go that route.

Make Keep and Toss Piles

As the pros at Martha Stewart say, it’s always easier to downsize first before attempting to fully organize a space. By far the easiest way to do this is by making keep and toss piles. You might also add a donate pile if you plan on making a drop-off at a local thrift store.

You’d be surprised by just how much room you free up in your custom closet once you’ve cleared out the garments that you haven’t worn in months.

Curate and Get Creative

Now that you’ve gotten the heavy lifting out of the way, it’s time to have fun with your custom closet. Maybe you’ll decide you want to implement a capsule closet and put in a second hanging rod to accommodate it. Or maybe you want to put in some wall-hanging solutions.

Whatever you end up choosing, you can flex your creative muscles here and use things like color and placement to differentiate your custom closet from the rest. Whether you want to embrace your DIY side or add in a few ready-made organizational tools (or a little bit of both), this is your chance to try something new.

Conclusion

Getting your custom closets clean and organized and then keeping them that way can often feel like an effort in futility, but it doesn’t have to be that way. By following these five super simple tips and personalizing to suit your unique tastes and needs, you can have a custom closet you’ll be proud of!

Sources

https://www.marthastewart.com/8003350/how-to-clean-and-organize-everything-in-your-closet

Is It Possible to Share a Reach-in Custom Closet?

brandoncustomclosets@gmail.com (Brandon Galloway) — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 15:35:31 GMT

It can be difficult enough to share a walk-in closet with a partner, and single people sometimes feel like a reach-in closet isn’t enough for just them alone. So can a small custom closet reasonably be shared with a partner? It can, but it probably won’t be a breeze immediately. Both people will need to commit to compromising and sharing both space and closet duties.

Not every place comes with huge closets and closets aren’t the only things to consider when renting or buying a home, so it’s important to consider how to share a reach-in closet with your partner.

Purge, Purge, and Purge Some More
Know What to Hang and What to Fold
Get the Most Out of Closet Accessories
Give Each Person Their Own Zone

Take a look at some important tips for creating a shared reach-in custom closet.

Purge, Purge, and Purge Some More

Especially if the two of you are downsizing to a reach-in closet from a walk-in or combining your clothes for the first time, you’re both going to have to compromise. Customization can create more usable space in your closet, but having a smaller wardrobe can only help. Both of you need to be ready to make some sacrifices.

Start by taking everything out of your closets so you can divide it into items you’re keeping, items you’re donating or handing down, and items you’re throwing away. Simple Lionheart Life suggests some tips for decluttering your closet ruthlessly, such as limiting yourself to only a certain number of hangers – more clothes than those hangers can hold means something has to go. You can also try a capsule wardrobe, in which you have a smaller amount of clothes that all go together, so you can create different looks by mixing and matching.

A “maybe box” is also a great idea. If you have things you’re not sure about, throw them in the maybe box. Schedule a reminder for yourself to check on it in one to three months. If that much time has gone by without you thinking about those clothes or hunting them down yourself, you probably don’t need them.

Know What to Hang and What to Fold

Not everything goes on hangers, and your closet will be easier to organize for two people if you’re using folding and hanging space correctly. Blouses, dress shirts, linen items, and anything likely to wrinkle need to be hung. Shorts and athletic wear should be folded. So should heavy sweaters, and if you have more than a few of those, they’re better off stacked on shelves than in drawers where they can monopolize space that you need for other things.

If one person is trying to hang more things than they should on their side of the hanging rod, that can limit the space that the other person has available to use. Therefore, both people need an understanding of what goes where so that when they return their newly purged wardrobes to the closet, they’re not taking up more space than they need to.

Get the Most Out of Closet Accessories

This is where closet accessories can really come in handy. Instead of draping belts on hangers that they’re likely to slide off of or letting them take up space on shelves or the top of a dresser, get a belt rack so they’re stored neatly and don’t take up unnecessary space. The same goes for scarves.

Hats and robes can go on wall hooks, keeping them out of the way but still visible and accessible. Baskets are handy accessories for all kinds of accessories, from hair clips and ponytail holders to tie tacks and cufflinks. Don’t forget your shoes. Shoe organizers or boxes can sit on the floor of the closet and keep shoes for both people paired and neat. An over-the-door organizer could be used for flats, sandals, and flip-flops.

Give Each Person Their Own Zone

Each person should have their own space within the closet. Combining two people’s clothes just makes it harder for both to find what they need. A reach-in closet could be divided down the middle for things like hanging rods and shelf space, but when it comes to dresser drawers it makes more sense to assign each person their own drawers.

Each person’s accessories should go in their own zone. For example, the tie rack goes on his side, but a jewelry organizer goes on hers, and so on. You may be able to share some accessories – for example, if there’s room for a mirror in the closet or on the back of the closet door, that should be for the both of you; there’s no need to add another.

Conclusion

For a shared reach-in closet to work, each person needs their own space. Couples should start by minimizing their wardrobes as much as possible so they’re easier to organize and understand when to fold and when to hang clothes. Then they can work on adding closet organizers and creating zones to make the sharing process easier.

Source

https://simplelionheartlife.com/decluttering-your-wardrobe/

How Custom Closets Can Help You Save Time

brandoncustomclosets@gmail.com (Brandon Galloway) — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 16:07:42 GMT

You might know that a custom closet can give you plenty of room to store all your clothes - sometimes doubling the available space you had in your original closet. But can a custom closet help you save time throughout the day as well? The simple answer is yes.

With time-saving tools like valet rods, wall hooks and shelves, a dedicated shoe rack, and even a door organizer, you can easily put minutes back in your day by installing a custom closet. That’s not to mention how having a better organization system can make it that much easier to find your things in a hurry.

Here are just a few of the most significant ways that a custom closet can help save you time:

Valet rods give you time back in the morning.
Wall hooks and shelves are built for convenience.
A shoe rack will save you from scrambling.
A door organizer will keep everything at arm’s reach.
A custom closet puts your things in easy-to-find spots.

Now that we have a basic understanding of how a custom closet can help save you time, let’s dive into the specifics and see how you can put minutes back into your day.

Valet Rods Give You Time Back in the Morning

How many times have you gotten to your closet in the morning, running late and frantic, and you just can’t seem to find an outfit for the day ahead? With a valet rod, that problem immediately becomes obsolete.

Simply pick out your outfit the night before and hang it up on the valet rod. Having one less thing to worry about during your morning routine will save you both time and stress.

Wall Hooks and Shelves Are Built for Convenience

As Better Homes & Gardens shows, wall-mounted storage solutions can dramatically open up the available space that you have in your closet. Wall hooks give you a place for all your ties, scarves, or belts, and wall-mounted shelves can make finding your things far less of a hassle, freeing up time for you in the process.

A Shoe Rack Will Save You From Scrambling

Not having a shoe rack won’t just lead to your shoes getting cluttered and disorganized - it will also make it far harder for you to keep your closet floor tidy. When you can’t get around in your closet, you’ll spend a sizable chunk of the time just trying to navigate clutter without tripping.

A shoe rack allows you to stack all of your shoes in one convenient spot, using verticality to its advantage and giving you a clean closet floor again.

A Door Organizer Will Keep Everything at Arm’s Reach

One of the most overlooked but effective organization systems for any custom closet is a door organizer. This can be a true game changer for many, as it effectively gives you shelves’ worth of easy-to-access storage space, right on the back of your door.

With transparent pockets and the ability to section off each area for a specific purpose, you’ll be breezing through a morning routine that might otherwise take forever.

A Custom Closet Puts Your Things in Easy-To-Find Spots

Beyond designated storage solutions like wall hooks and shelves, shoe racks, door organizers, and more, simply having a custom closet can make getting ready much easier (and quicker) for you. Taken together, each of these individual tools will give you back a space that might before have been a source of stress for you.

For example, having optimized shelving and cabinets will give you much more room to store all your folding clothes, making it less likely for things to be cramped and hard to find. A double hanging rod can effectively double your hanging space, alleviating the same problem for your hanging clothes.

Conclusion

We all wish we could shave off a few minutes during our morning routine and spend that time doing the things we love. And with a custom closet, you can finally do just that. With optimized organization options and dedicated solutions to solve your problems, a custom closet can put minutes back in your day.

Sources

https://www.bhg.com/decorating/closets/diy-closet-organizer-ideas/

Using Closet Organizers to Store Your Accessories

brandoncustomclosets@gmail.com (Brandon Galloway) — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 20:18:13 GMT

It’s easy to find storage solutions for clothes, but many homeowners have trouble finding the closet organizers that can help them keep all of their accessories in order. Luckily, there is a wide variety of solutions out there that can help.

If you’re drawing a blank on how to get your closet in order, we’ve got some ideas that should help you get your closet in order in no time.

Here are just a few of the ways that closet organizers can help you store your accessories:

Shoe racks can optimize and free up floor space.
Specialized organizers will make finding things easier.
Hooks can give you wall space to work with.
A rolling cart gives you options.
Door organizers make use of often-neglected real estate.

Now that we know the basics behind how closet organizers can help you, let’s dive into the specifics of how you can put them to use in your home.

Shoe Racks Can Optimize and Free up Floor Space

Many times when homeowners struggle to find ways to optimize their closets, their floor space is the primary culprit. It’s all too easy for shoes to clutter up the space and for dirty clothes to pile up, removing valuable real estate for you to work with.

By putting in a shoe rack at floor level, you’ll be able to stack your shoes and free up some much-needed room for things like additional shelving, cubbies, stackable bins, and much more. Plus, having that extra room to move will help make getting ready in the morning much easier.

Specialized Organizers Will Make Finding Things Easier

Specialization is key to any organization strategy, and that remains the case when it comes to closet organization. Knowing where everything is becomes much easier when you’ve sectioned off your space by category.

Just as you might separate your outfits by season or by how often you wear them, you can set up shelving or cubbies with specific categories in mind. Designate one area for jewelry, another for belts, yet another for scarves, and so on. This will not only keep your closet tidy, but it’ll also make it easier to get ready in the morning.

Hooks Can Give You Wall Space to Work With

One of the most commonly neglected areas of any closet, walls provide you with opportunities for a wide variety of accessory storage solutions. For example, you can use wall hooks to keep ties, belts, and jewelry at arms’ reach at all times.

If you want to get even fancier, you can also opt for wall-mounted shelving units. These will give you even more space to store things like perfume and cologne, purses, sunglasses, and just about anything else that you can think of.

A Rolling Cart Gives You Options

If you find that your needs change with the seasons or you just don’t want your closet to stagnate, rolling carts can go a long way toward keeping your look fresh while also helping everything remain in its place.

You can take advantage of the verticality in your closet by making use of a rolling cart’s stacking system. This kind of modularity means you get exactly what you need from this closet organizer at all times.

Door Organizers Make Use of Often-Neglected Real Estate

As Martha Stewart points out, the closet door is an untapped resource when it comes to the organization of most closets. Instead of blank space, you can make use of a cheap and efficient door organizer to instantly add the equivalent of another shelving unit to your organization arsenal.

Most door organizers hook right over the top of the door and remain completely unobtrusive, allowing you to open and close the door as you normally would. With transparent pockets that keep everything visible and easy to access, this works as a great catch-all solution.

Conclusion

There’s no shortage of solutions and suggestions available when it comes to clothing storage in the closet, but not as much knowledge about accessory storage. By following these simple tips, you should be able to optimize your closet and find space for all of the accessories you own.

Sources

https://www.marthastewart.com/1537738/how-organize-deep-closet

Top Strategies for Maximizing Space in a Small Closet

brandoncustomclosets@gmail.com (Brandon Galloway) — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 20:20:00 GMT

If you’d like to get more storage out of a small custom closet , there are steps you can take that can make a world of difference. Try these six simple tips for maximizing your closet space.

Clean and purge
Think strategically
Consider unique storage solutions
Look for vertical storage options
Don’t forget the door
Keep it up

1. Clear out Your Closet

You can’t make progress with an inefficient closet. A closet that’s smartly organized will result in more room, and you can also make space by getting rid of some of the things you don’t need. Before making any big changes to your custom closet, remove all of your stuff and give your closet a deep clean.

As you pull things out, ask yourself if you truly need each item. If there’s an old sweater you haven’t worn in years, throw it away or (if it’s in good condition) donate it to charity. Your sweater won’t mind. With your closet totally empty and freshly dusted, you’ll have the freedom to start organizing your new, efficient custom closet from scratch.

2. Evaluate Your Needs

No two closets provide the same function, so why are so many organized in exactly the same way? How you intend to use the closet is going to determine your strategy going forward. Is this a shared closet among many family members? Is this a children's closet, or the closet of a socially active teenager?

Choose accessories that fit the needs of the user(s). Options like custom cabinets, valet rods, and jewelry organizers can add versatility to your closet while providing more space. You can have components taken out as well. If you have no use for things like shelves or hanging rods, remove them until you have a closet that works for your family.

3. Look for Storage Solutions

Traditional closet setups have their place, but many more options are available than a rod topped by a shelf. Today’s small custom closets can be outfitted with a wide array of organizers that can increase a closet’s space while making it more manageable.

Pull-out drawers and shelves let you store foldable items where they can be easily accessed. Tie racks protect your ties while keeping them safely out of the way in a place where they can be quickly be located when needed. The professionals at The Spruce are particularly enamored with creative storage solutions like hanging cubbies with built-in shelves.

4. Think North and South for More Storage

Most items in closets are stored at waist or eye level. This is convenient for the kinds of items you use every day, but if you’re not taking advantage of the areas at the top and bottom of your closet, you’re missing out on a lot of unused potential.

If you don’t have a shoe rack, the floor is the next best thing. That doesn’t mean you should just toss all your shoes and boots on the ground, however. A low-level cubby with shelves will keep them properly cared for and easy to locate. Reserve the shelf above your hangers for seasonal items like Halloween and Christmas decorations. Use see-through plastic containers and label them so you won’t have to rummage through a bunch of mystery boxes every time a holiday comes around.

5. Door Storage

Depending on your setup, you might be able to use your door for additional storage. Shoe holders are an excellent option for doors, but there are several other possibilities as well. Simple over-the-door organizers can be used for storing wallets, handbags, hats, scarves, and pretty much anything else you can imagine.

Change your door storage as the seasons change. When it’s summer, use it for tank tops and floppy hats. When cold weather arrives, place those items somewhere out of the way, and replace them with scarves, gloves, and mufflers.

6. Clean on a Regular Basis

If you don’t take the time to periodically clean your small custom closet, it will eventually revert to its natural messy state. Vacuum the floors and dust the shelves just like you do the rest of the house and swap out any mothballs and air fresheners every few months.

When you purchase new clothing and accessories, you should get in the habit of discarding older items you no longer use. This will prevent your closet from ever becoming overcrowded in the future.

Conclusion

If you’ve got a small custom closet, don’t let its size get you down! Once you’ve determined what you most want out of your closet, it’s just a matter of finding the right storage solutions to meet your requirements. Once the process is complete, you’ll be amazed at how much your new custom closet can hold!

Sources

https://www.thespruce.com/maximizing-small-closet-storage-space-2648423

How Custom Kids' Closets Can Help With Back-to-School Stress

brandoncustomclosets@gmail.com (Brandon Galloway) — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 20:47:02 GMT

Going back to school means the excitement of new school supplies, catching up with friends, and lots of learning for your little one. It also means getting up earlier, doing homework, starting projects, and managing due dates.

A messy kids' closet might be a problem during the summer, but it can be a disaster during the school year. Installing a new custom closet can help with managing stress, both for you and your child.

Here are just a few ways that a custom kids’ closet can help with back-to-school stress:

A tidy closet will lead to a tidy room.
It will help them get to school on time.
They’ll be less likely to lose homework.
A revamped closet will give them a fresh start.
Accessibility can put time back in their day.
Organization becomes a habit.

Let’s dive into the specifics and see exactly how a new custom closet can help you and your little one ahead of the new school year.

A Tidy Closet Will Lead to a Tidy Room

Not only can a custom closet revamp the look and style in your child’s room, but it can also add much more storage space - in some cases even doubling the amount of room you have available. With that extra space, it’ll be much easier for your little one to keep their room clean and even set up a designated spot for working on homework.

It Will Help Them Get to School on Time

Having a disorganized environment can take minutes from your child’s schedule and make them far more likely to miss the bus and be late for school. Not only that, but physical clutter can often amplify mental clutter. A custom closet helps alleviate this stress and keeps your child focused on the task at hand.

They’ll Be Less Likely to Lose Homework

How many times have you helped your child sift through their things looking for something, only to find it tucked away in the corner of their closet? With a custom closet, it’s easy to designate certain areas for specific purposes. You can even set up a cubby that’s meant for homework only, with color-coded folders to keep their subjects separate.

That organization can extend to the rest of the closet as well. You can label toy bins using text labels, pictures, or both to make it easier to stick to the new closet layout.

A Revamped Closet Will Give Them a Fresh Start

While you’re putting in a whole new closet for your child, you can also use it as an opportunity to update their wardrobe and clear out anything they don’t need ahead of the next school year. Double hanging rods can give them even more storage space for their clothes, and having everything within reach will make it that much easier for them to start their day.

Accessibility Can Put Time Back in Their Day

A few extra minutes spent digging through a messy closet or room might not be much in the moment, but added together over the course of a month or a year, those minutes can easily become hours. Think about what your child could do with a few extra hours each month. That could be time spent studying, getting homework done, or even hanging out with you.

Organization Becomes a Habit

As Better Homes & Gardens points out , getting your child started on the path of organization can lead to them appreciating the value of staying organized, starting a positive ripple effect in their life. Once they start seeing the benefits of keeping things tidy, it will be that much easier to work with them on keeping a regular cleaning schedule.

You can even make a new bonding activity out of organizing their new closet together. This will be even easier to stick to in the beginning if you treat them to something they enjoy once they finish cleaning.

Conclusion

Starting a new school year is an exciting time for your little one, but it can also be a time of great stress and anxiety. By installing a custom closet and setting up a new organization and cleaning method, your child will be well on their way to making this their best school year yet!

Sources

https://www.bhg.com/rooms/kids-rooms/storage/kid-friendly-closet-ideas/

How to Arrange Specialty Clothing in a Custom Closet

brandoncustomclosets@gmail.com (Brandon Galloway) — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 14:36:28 GMT

Custom closets can solve many of your storage problems, but you might still run into a dead end when trying to figure out how to properly store formal wear and other specialty clothing. Luckily, there are more than a few simple hacks to keep your closet orderly and your clothing wrinkle-free.

When you’re ready to arrange your specialty items, you should follow these 7 simple steps.

To keep your custom closet properly organized, you need to:

Separate foldables from non-foldables.
Invest in the proper hangers.
Prevent deformation of coats.
Dry clean when appropriate.
Install racks and cabinets as needed.
Give hanging clothes plenty of room.
Always use garment bags.

Now it’s time to expand on each of these steps and get you on your way to keeping everything in its proper place.

Separate Foldables from Non-foldables

One of the biggest problems when trying to store your formal wear is just how quickly you’ll run out of hanging space. While many specialty clothing items do need to be hung up, other items don’t. Most polo shirts and designer tees can be folded, especially if they’re made of cotton. Even certain pants can be folded without creating creases.

Invest in the Proper Hangers

Hanging formal wear will help prevent creases and wrinkles, but just as important as the method of storage is the type of hanger itself. Wooden hangers are ideal for dress shirts, as they allow for proper air circulation and prevent unsightly marks on the shirt shoulder that many wire hangers commonly cause.

Wooden hangers also serve the dual purpose of keeping moisture out of your custom closet, preventing mildew and musty odors from taking hold.

Prevent Deformation of Coats

A continuation of the last point, coats and suit jackets require very specific types of hangers to prevent deformation. Wooden hangers with thick shoulder sections help keep coats from crumpling, especially if you’re not going to wear that particular item for a while.

Dry Clean When Appropriate

Not only can proper dry cleaning keep your garments free from stains and overall discoloration, but it can also keep certain items safer during long-term storage. While mothballs used to be the go-to solution for keeping wool clothing safe, a safer solution is to dry clean your wool garments and then store them with either lavender or cedar.

Install Racks and Cabinets as Needed

As Better Homes & Gardens points out , there isn’t a one-size-fits-all storage solution that works for everyone. For that reason, it’s best to install the racks and cabinets that you need.

If you have a lot of ties or scarves, for instance, a rack will work best for keeping everything in its place. You can even invest in a rolling rack if you like to move or rearrange your garments often.

Give Hanging Clothes Plenty of Room

One of the best aspects of having a custom closet is that you can completely overhaul the space to suit your tastes and needs. Dresses in particular tend to need quite a bit of vertical hanging space, as do some suits and coats.

A good rule of thumb is to designate upper portions of your closet for hanging rods and lower areas for cabinets and drawers, with the lowest areas (and the floor itself) saved for racks and shoe storage.

Always Use Garment Bags

No matter how you store your formal wear and specialty clothing items, you will greatly benefit from investing in some high-quality garment bags. Aside from keeping your items fresh and wrinkle-free, garment bags can also keep out moths and prevent musty odors from taking root in your closet.

Along with that, properly storing your items in garment bags will help in consolidating space. While you might typically need to keep some space between suits or dresses in your closet, you can feel free to line items in garment bags right up next to each other.

Conclusion

If you’ve been having trouble properly storing specialty clothing in your custom closet, you’re not alone. It’s important to remember, though, that you have options. By following these seven super simple steps, you’ll be able to keep all of your formal wear clean, fresh, wrinkle-free, and well organized!

Sources

https://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/organization-basics/how-to-organize-clothes/

Why Custom Closets Work in Challenging Spaces

brandoncustomclosets@gmail.com (Brandon Galloway) — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 20:20:43 GMT

If you've got a small or misshapen closet, you might not realize what a difference a custom closet system can make. Square footage isn't just square footage when you have the right organizers; they add vertical storage space and can be built or installed around challenging architectural features.

Here are ways that custom closets work even in the most difficult of locations:

They maximize your overall space.
You’ll have extra storage options.
Custom closets optimize for low ceilings.
They make categorizing simple.
Sloping walls are no problem.
They allow you to split up your closet space.
You can work around crawl spaces and attics.

Now let’s take a closer look at how custom closets help with challenging spaces in your home.

Custom Closets Maximize Your Overall Space

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to struggle against minimal closet space, especially if their home is on the older side. Older homes tend to have smaller, more awkward closets.

By building a custom closet, you can increase your overall storage space and maximize what’s already there. You can get creative by taking advantage of your verticality, using open shelving to give you more options. Infrequently used items can go higher in the closet, while everyday articles of clothing can be within arm’s reach.

You’ll Have Extra Storage Options

Open shelving works especially well for those sizeable purse or shoe collections that would otherwise take up too much room. You can even incorporate a variety of racks, from hanger racks to belt racks to rotating hooks that fold away when not in use. All of these will maximize storage along your walls, freeing up space that you wouldn’t have otherwise.

Custom Closets Optimize for Low Ceilings

It’s easy to get hung up on low or slanted ceilings, but there are ways to work around these deficits in your closet. One of the best ways to optimize your overhead space is to install custom drawers. These allow you to fold articles of clothing instead of hanging them from your main rod.

Even in cases where your closet ceiling is quite low, we can accommodate by installing short drawers wide enough for several stacks of clothing to fit inside.

They Make Categorizing Simple

Another way custom closets help in difficult spaces is by giving you options for categorizing. Instead of having one hanging rod, for instance, we can install two rods to maximize your verticality and allow you to categorize.

Separate drawers can be used for different needs. You can have dedicated purse and shoe drawers, a hanging rod for tops, and another for bottoms. As Better Homes & Gardens notes, the best way to optimize any closet is to use various storage types and solutions.

Sloping Walls Are No Problem

One of the most obvious areas where custom closets shine is awkward spaces. While your original closet might not be optimized to work around a sloping wall, custom accessories and furniture can dramatically increase your total storage capabilities.

For example, we could build shelves around the slope of your wall, then save the highest part of the wall for hanging rods.

They Allow You to Split Up Your Closet Space

If the shape of your closet is especially awkward, you can even split it up into two separate closets. This will help with categorization, too, as you can dedicate one section to drawer items and another to hanging articles, or whatever else you might like.

As with all the other items on this list, you have complete autonomy over the layout and categorization. No two closets will look alike, even as they take advantage of similar storage solutions.

You Can Work Around Crawl Spaces and Attics

One of the most frustrating things for a homeowner to work around is a closet intersected by an attic door or crawl space opening. Even if you won’t be using these spaces often, you still want to be sure you can access them in a pinch, but at the same time, you don’t want to sacrifice usable closet space.

With custom cabinets and drawers built around your attic or crawl space entrance, you can essentially have your cake and eat it too. These will give you plenty of room to store your clothes while keeping all openings clear.

Conclusion

While the closet your home came with might not be ideal for your needs, building out a custom closet will give you the customization options and storage solutions you always hoped to have. Whether you’re dealing with low ceilings, sloped walls, cramped space, or all of the above, custom closets give you the chance to work around your closet’s limitations.

Sources

https://www.bhg.com/decorating/closets/walk-in/small-walk-in-closet-design-ideas/

Small Kitchen Pantry Organization Tips

brandoncustomclosets@gmail.com (Brandon Galloway) — Fri, 27 May 2022 15:43:55 GMT

A small kitchen pantry can become cluttered easily, but you can take several steps to keep yours under control. Some ideas to make meal prep less of a hassle include:

Make sure items are easy to see
Use accessories like lazy Susans and spice racks
Empty packages into stackable containers

Even for someone who enjoys working in the kitchen, cluttered and cramped conditions make the work less fun. If you’ve decided that you just have to resign yourself to it because your kitchen pantry is small, think again. There are things you can do to maximize your space and reduce the clutter, making your pantry more manageable.

Make Sure Pantry Items Are Easy to See

When you’re working with a small space that has to hold a variety of different items, you’ll need to make sure the ingredients are easy to see and identify. You can use clear bins or wire or mesh baskets to store groups of items that belong together in one space.

So, for example, you might put all of the cans of tuna in one bin because they’re the same thing, or store white sugar, brown sugar, honey, and Splenda in one basket because they’re all sweeteners and belong together. Then, when you look into the pantry, you’ll be able to easily identify the tuna or the basket containing sweeteners and can just select the container that has what you want and put that back when you’re finished.

Use Lazy Susans and Spice Racks

Spice is essential to making good food, but they're notorious for messing up a pantry. It’s easy to see why, too. The bottles and jars containing things like basil leaves, parsley, and red pepper flakes are typically pretty small -- they take up a lot less space than your 5-pound or 10-pound sacks of flour and sugar, or your heavy canned goods and jarred foods. So it’s pretty easy to just set a spice container on whatever shelf happens to be handy when you’re finished with it. You can squeeze in that skinny bottle of Tabasco or tiny shaker of allspice pretty much anywhere, right?

But that’s the problem – do this enough times, and suddenly all of your spices are spread all over the cabinet. If you’re more creative with flavorings for your food, this can actually add up to a lot of space. And when you’re just setting those small containers anywhere, they’re hard to find the next time you want them. By then, they’ve been shoved behind a jar or under a bag of flour, or are just behind a bunch of other spices.

Grouping your spices together is a good start, but it’s still easy to knock over the ones in the front by reaching for the ones in the back. You can solve this problem with spice racks – if there isn’t room for vertical spice racks, try pull-out wire racks instead. Or place a lazy Susan on the shelf and put your spices on that. This way, you can simply turn the turntable to reach the one that you’re looking for.

Empty Packages Into Stackable Containers

A lot of the food items you might store in a pantry come in bulky, hard-to-store containers. Think oversized boxes of cereal, bags of chips that are half-full of air, and those heavy sacks of flour and sugar. Not only does the packaging take up more space than the actual food item inside of it, but these often tend to slide or move when stored together, pushing other items around and wasting space.

The Foods Guy explains that removing chips from their original packaging and storing them in a sealed container is best for maintaining freshness, and that applies to foods like cereal and crackers too. And you definitely don't want to start a pest infestation in your pantry. Open food may draw them, but the University of Minnesota Extension explains that once they're there, they can get into paper, plastic, or cardboard-enclosed food packages that are still sealed! Best to reduce the chances of being infested at all.

Get plastic or glass containers that fit in your pantry and are easy to stack or line up with each other, open the bulky packages, and empty the food into the containers. You’ll be able to fit them into the pantry more easily, and as a bonus, your items will stay good longer and your pantry will be less likely to end up infested because of open food packages. Just make sure your storage containers have air-tight lids.

Conclusion

You can’t always redesign your kitchen on a whim – sometimes you have to just live with a smaller pantry. But that doesn’t mean you have to live with disorganization and clutter. With a little creativity and some organizational tools , you can have an uncluttered, accessible kitchen storage space.

Sources:

Arrangement Ideas for a Two-Person Home Office

brandoncustomclosets@gmail.com (Brandon Galloway) — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 20:48:29 GMT

With more people than ever working from home, many are struggling with accommodating more than one person in the same space. A shared home office design can be workable if you have enough space and access to the equipment needed to work comfortably.

Start creating your two-person home office by making sure that each of you has a reasonable workspace. You’ll also both need access to outlets and certain shared items, and be extra mindful of preventing clutter buildup. The more clutter, the more your space will feel cramped.

Ready to get started? Keep reading to learn more!

Desks: Separate or Together?

When you’re creating an office for two, you need to think about not just one desk, but two. The big question is, do you get two separate desks or a desk that the two of you can share?

The answer to this question depends on several factors:

Room size
How distractible each person is
Each worker’s schedule
Whether you collaborate
Whether clients will visit your home office
Privacy concerns

Consider a shared desk if the room is fairly small , and when you and your partner work differing hours and won’t spend much time in the office together. Another consideration is whether both of you work in the same field and collaborate together at least sometimes.

Opt for separate desks when you, your partner, or both are easily distracted, and when one or both of you will have clients who may want to speak privately visit. Also, if your work involves security concerns about private or proprietary materials, it's best to have a desk separate from your work buddy.

If you decide on a shared desk, choose something specifically designed to provide two workspaces. Look into something like a conference table – this is large enough to give both of you plenty of working room but could be cleared to double as a meeting room or serve a different function.

If you prefer separate desks, look for ones that can provide two functions in one. Desks that also include bookshelves or cabinets are often designed for those working with very minimal space. Shopping for these types will often benefit you in terms of storage space and a compact design that’s more practical for a room accommodating two work areas.

If you decide on separate desks, try to place them as far apart from each other as possible. Most of the reasons for using two desks also suggest that each worker needs their own space, so keep the workspaces in different parts of the room.

Access to Outlets

In modern offices, including home offices, access to electrical outlets is a must. Each desk should have its own outlets within easy reach, no matter how the desks are positioned.

If the room you’re using for a home office does not have enough outlet space, there may be some things you can do before calling in an electrician. The tech experts at CNET explain several ways to safely expand your access to electrical outlets, including how an outlet tap can help and when and where to use power strips and extension cords.

Another option is to install more outlets. According to Forbes , outlet installation ranges from a low of $100 to a high of $500, with the average falling around $175. If you’re planning on shared office space for the long-term, adding more outlets that are more convenient could be a wise investment.

Shared Office Equipment

One of the benefits of sharing a home office is that you don’t each need to buy all the equipment twice. Some office equipment can be easily shared. A printer is the most obvious shared piece of equipment.

You can choose an all-in-one printer that prints, scans, copies, and faxes and place it in the office for both people to use. If one person is likely to use it more than the other, position it closer to their desk. Otherwise, look for a spot near the middle.

Other shared office accessories include things like a paper shredder, trash bin, or coffee maker. You may also want to set up a communal spot for supplies that you’ll both use, like paper, writing utensils, and stamps.

Clutter Management

Keeping the clutter to a minimum is important in a home office even if it’s just you. Two people create even more clutter. Make sure that at the end of the workday you each clean off your desk spaces, check to be sure the trash is removed, and pick up anything left on the floor to prevent clutter from building up. It also allows the space to feel less cramped and more peaceful and relaxed .

Conclusion

A shared home office home office can be achieved with a few simple tools. With adequate workstations, access to outlets and materials, and mutual respect for each other and the shared space, both of you will thrive working from home.

Sources

Wall Storage Ideas for Your Garage

brandoncustomclosets@gmail.com (Brandon Galloway) — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 18:33:18 GMT

For the majority of homeowners, garages slowly transition from places where you park your cars to overflowing storage depots of miscellaneous “I don’t know where else to put this” items. With a little help from dedicated garage wall storage units and accessories meant to maximize vertical space, you can stop the clutter creep and take back your space.

Check out these five storage ideas to make the most of your garage’s wall space potential:

Slatwall Racks
Wall-Mounted Cabinets
Adjustable Floating Wall Racks
Heavy-Duty Hooks
Wall/Track Rails

Salvage your garage from catch-all disarray and free up some space by utilizing the area along the walls. Read on to learn more and further level up your organizational game plan.

Slatwall Storage Racks

Slatwall racks are made of a structural material used to create wall coverings and are most commonly installed in retail stores, garages, and workshops. Their featured horizontal grooves or slats are capable of storing & displaying bins, magnetic bars, and hooks.

Slatwall racks also provide your garage with a more finished look while protecting the walls at the same time. They can be configured in a whole host of ways to organize tools , cleaning supplies, sporting equipment, nearly anything can be fitted to be placed on Slatwall.

Wall Mounted Cabinets

Sometimes, your garage can feel like an endless game of whack-a-mole. You organize one area only to move things to another area “temporarily” until you are able to spend time organizing it again. Time gets away and the organizing becomes overwhelming as everywhere you look, there's more clutter needing a home.

Don’t waste valuable vertical square footage. Instead, invest in a few (or many) wall-mounted cabinets. Wall cabinets come in a variety of sizes and a range of component combinations so you can find one that fits your garage’s exact storage needs.

Industrial style cabinet systems are built strong with high-quality materials to withstand the rough and tumble of steady garage use. Cabinets are great for locking up and storing dangerous liquids, cleaning products, and other items that could tip over and leak. Be sure to take note of the number of items you need to store and carefully measure the space where you want them to go.

Adjustable Floating Wall Racks

Floating wall racks are huge space savers, especially if you have limited wall space in your garage. Get yard and gardening equipment, handheld and power tools, toys, paint, and cleaning products off the floor and neatly put away but still within arm’s reach.

You can stack them in a column or stagger them if you have ample room. They come in assorted lengths and heights. String a few together to create a visually appealing row. This HGTV article showcases 55 ways to get creative with wall racks and other garage-related storage ideas.

Heavy-Duty Hooks

Double hooks, utility hooks, scoop hooks, J hooks, S hooks, L hooks…these hooks are meant to do some heavy lifting. There are so many random things that end up living in your garage and heavy-duty hooks are up for the task of holding it all!

Hang the kids' bikes, golf bags, ladders, helmets, tools, sports and camping gear, shovels, hoses, rakes, brooms, extension cords, a wheelbarrow, leaf blower…the list is endless. Most heavy-duty hooks are made of high-density steel, with a non-slip coating that can handle weighty items.

They're easy to install and secure to your garage walls with a handful of screws. If you are more of a DIY person, then you might be interested in reading this piece by Home & Kind that shares a tutorial on installing garage hooks.

Kid-Proofing Your Garage

Speaking of children, garages are not the safest places for kiddos so be aware of how and where you store items that could be hazardous to them. Take some time to research some best practices for childproofing your garage.

Wall/Track Rails

Wall/Track Rails are all-in-one, horizontal, multi-purpose hanging systems that mount securely to the studs on your garage walls. They work with an assortment of hooks, brackets, and loops which can be positioned at any location along the track.

Most track/rail systems come with anchors and fasteners that can safely suspend your items on the walls. When shopping for a garage wall/track rail system, be sure to keep top of mind its capacity. Many things in a garage are heavy either by themselves or cumulatively and require a stable unit that can support heavyweights. Check installation proper protocols and the manufacturer guidelines when making a decision based on what you may need to resolve your garage storage dilemmas.

No matter what kinds of garage wall storage units you choose to use in your own space if you are not having them professionally installed, be sure that you properly assemble and install them using the manual provided. A lot of people are tempted to forgo reading the step-by-step booklets; however, a safety-first approach provides peace of mind so nothing comes tumbling down.

Final Thoughts

Garages can become a chaotic tangle of too many things. With some organizational know-how, you can turn your garage from an obstacle course into a tidy gem of a space. Taking advantage of wall storage options is a surefire way to realize its full potential.

Sources

Useful Home Organization & Storage Ideas

brandoncustomclosets@gmail.com (Brandon Galloway) — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 20:07:54 GMT

Having an organized home can help you conquer clutter, breathe easier, and maximize your square footage. While a whole-house overhaul might seem daunting, every journey begins with a single step.

If you divide your abode into more manageable zones, you can get your possessions under control and have more room to relax. Here are the areas you should focus on:

Kitchen and pantry
Closets
Home office
Garage
Bedrooms
Living or family room

Keep reading for clever organizational tips and storage ideas for your entire household.

Organize Your Kitchen Kingdom

They say the kitchen is the heart of any home, but it's also a room where many messes are made - and a repository for mail, paperwork, school books, and many other miscellaneous, out-of-place items. Thankfully, there are plenty of modern, on-trend storage solutions for one of the busiest areas of your house. You'll want to get started by performing a deep cleaning, then throw away anything that's expired, damaged, or otherwise unusable.

Whether you're an experienced cook or just beginning to get the hang of it all, a properly organized kitchen will help you master the culinary arts. Make sure you have several necessities and invest in a few handy organizational accessories . Not sure where to start? The experts at HGTV have oodles of suggestions for functional storage containers, magnetic caddies for spices, slim rolling racks, hooks, and finding the perfect spots for your unwieldy kitchen appliances.

Captivating Closets

Your closets are expected to hold clothes, shoes, sports equipment, seasonal decorations, towels, linen, first aid kits, cleaning supplies, and who knows what else. They're also dark places with limited airflow, which can attract pests and cause yucky smells to hang around. The experts at Closet Solutions & Organizers dive deeper into the topic of closet odors in How to Keep Clothes Smelling Fresh in Your Custom Closets .

From small hallway reach-ins to chaotic kids' closets and master bedroom walk-ins, you can get the most out of these versatile storage spaces quite easily. Good Housekeeping has some words of wisdom for homeowners on the verge of closet greatness:

Over-the-door racks can be used for shoes, accessories, socks, shirts, and most anything that folds .
Cubbies provide open, breathable storage for clothing as well as books and toys.
Put the things you don't always use up towards the ceiling and everyday basics at eye level.
Built-in laundry hampers help keep things neat.
Utilize vertical space with hooks for bags, jewelry, scarves, and more.
Keep your shoes off the floor with a shoe rack - this will make it easier to find the perfect pair.
Closets can always use extra lighting - adding some illumination makes finding your favorite things a breeze.

A Home Office for Success

If you're embracing the many benefits of working from home, it's important to keep your office area well-organized and running smoothly for maximum productivity. Sitting at the dining room table or hunched over on the couch isn't conducive to doing your best work.

Empower your home office space with a few elegant touches that will put everything in its place, such as:

Drawer organizers
Caddies for your pens and other office supplies
A tech-optimized desk
Magnetic or push-pin boards
Power cord management
Wall-mounted storage for books and art
Custom cabinetry and credenzas can add valuable storage space for whatever you need to succeed.
Incorporate a low-maintenance plant or two if you're going for a more zen-like vibe .

Garage Makeover

Much like your closets, the garage can become a catch-all area for whatever doesn't fit in the house. Tools , exercise equipment, sports gear, and craft supplies are all competing for valuable square footage. Organizing your garage is a great way to increase your storage space and give yourself more room to do stuff like park your car, make a man cave or build a workstation for your hobbies. These tips for getting your garage ready to rock will guide you through the process.

It all starts with some spring cleaning (appropriate any time of the year). This is the ideal time to get rid of things you don't need, like broken tools, old clothes, outgrown toys, and more. Bring in more light, a seating area, and additional storage like cabinets, bookcases, and drawers.

Don't forget the overhead space. This heavenly real estate is a fabulous place for storing winter clothes, heavy bedding, or seasonal decorations in sturdy, water-tight, clear plastic bins. Showcase your personality and present a happy face to the neighbors with color, clever storage, and decor that really reflects your style.

Bedroom Oasis

Your bedroom should be a restful place where you can unwind from a busy day and get the sleep you need. A messy bedroom will only cause you additional stress. It's easy to get your bedroom in order and foster a relaxing atmosphere. The Spruce has several suggestions for a functional yet beautiful bedroom, including:

Under-the-bed storage is a smart way to keeps items safe and out of sight.
Hang up art that speaks to you and inspires you.
Separate your room into zones.
Get racks and baskets for your linen and bedding.
Tidy up and declutter your nightstand.
Wrangle your laundry with a built-in hamper.

Fabulous Family Room

Whether you call it a living room, media room, den, or rumpus room, the area where your family spends quality time is a crucial part of your home - but it's all too easy for it to become a minefield of shoes, games, and cords, all of which create tripping hazard.

Get your living area in tip-top shape and welcome surprise guests with confidence by starting off with decluttering, dusting, and vacuuming. Once everything has been refreshed, you can add flair to the space with art and other treasures. Display the things you love on built-in bookcases, and enjoy media together with your family in a cord-free zone.

Coffee tables and ottomans with hidden storage are a smart way to keep things you need close at hand while keeping them out of sight. Cabinets and armoires are also helpful with storing gaming consoles and other forms of media.

Final Thoughts

Organizing your entire home may seem like an overwhelming task, but don't psyche yourself out. Taking the one step at a time approach ensures that each room receives the attention it needs when it's convenient for you .

Highly-trafficked areas like the main living room, the kitchen, and your garage will benefit greatly from this upgrade. You'll be amazed at how much space you have - and how much it brightens up your whole house. Get that satisfying feeling of accomplishment with these incredibly useful home organization ideas.

Sources

Small Home Office Makeover Ideas

brandoncustomclosets@gmail.com (Brandon Galloway) — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 14:18:51 GMT

More people are working from home these days, and that means having to get creative with designing a home office with very little space. From carving out a corner of the living room to using a spare closet, your workspace could use a little refreshing.

When it comes to small home office makeover ideas, you can count on these simple, effective tips to keep you on task and organized:

Change Up The Layout
Upgrade Your Workstation
Put Your Storage to Use
Utilize The Right Furniture
Get Colorful

Your home office, no matter its size, must meet your productivity needs, help you stay focused, and provide you with the right space for being video-call ready. With these easy small home office makeover ideas, you can turn your workspace into a work oasis in no time.

Change Up The Office Layout

The layout of your home office plays a major role in how much or how little work you can get done. Distractions make it hard to focus and if you can’t focus, then you can guess what happens to tasks you need to complete. When you think of the layout of your space, remember the ancient art of Feng Shui .

According to Better Homes & Gardens , practicing the art of Feng Shui when creating your workspace will help you keep the chi or energy in your office calm and positive for better focus. Here are some ideas to try:

Get rid of clutter – Don’t leave old files, papers, notepads, or other distracting items on your desk. Either file them away neatly or toss them in the trash.
Keep the drawers clean – Clutter inside drawers is a big no-no, too. Use drawer organizers, file cabinets, and labels to keep your workspace tidy.
Think about where your desk faces – You want to be able to "see the door" without blocking it or the flow of positive energy.
Bring in some nature – Green, pet, and kid-safe houseplants, photos or images of nature, and a view of the outdoors are all ways you can bring the calming effects of nature into your office.
Remember the Feng Shui elements – The main elements of Feng Shui are earth, metal, wood, and water. Bring in water and metal elements as they represent abundance, calm, and precision.

Upgrade Your Workstation

A bulky desk is the workstation of the past so upgrade your desk to fit your new space. Small home offices often require workstations that can be converted into a different space after work hours. A great way to accommodate this is by investing in a standing desk, smaller corner desk, or a built-in wall desk.

Standing desks are great because they can be used while sitting and lifted while standing. Like many people, you might be trying to increase your fitness by standing more often. Standing desks allow you to work while you stand, which can enhance blood flow and keep you feeling sharp all day.

Smaller desks and corner desks are excellent workstation choices that meet your needs but don’t take up a lot of space. Many of these desks come in a variety of colors, materials, and styles so you don’t have to sacrifice look for function.

Another option for work from home professionals is dedicating an entire wall for a built-in desk, as it doesn't take up much floor space but still offers plenty of room for working. Built-in desks can also accommodate multiple users at once, and you can use vertical space above the desk for stylish storage cabinets.

Instead of using an overhead light, opt for softer light from desk or floor lamps. You can even create a small break area in your home office with a comfortable chair, a small fountain, and some indoor plants. Decorate the walls with photos, artwork, or examples of work you are proud of for added motivation. The break area can be as small as a yoga mat next to your desk or as large as a section dedicated to coffee breaks.

Put Your Storage to Use

The key to any home office layout is using your storage effectively. Consider what kinds of items you need to store by asking yourself:

Do I need to keep certain files or documents stored in a locked cabinet?
Does my closet space have room for extra work storage?
What options for storage do I need?

Depending on the type of job you have, you may be required by law to keep certain documents stored securely in a locked drawer or cabinet. Since some of these cabinets can be bulky, you might be wondering how you can store them securely without having to sacrifice the chi in your space.

One idea is to clear out some space in the closet. Add drawers or cabinets that are out of sight and don’t take up an excessive amount of space. Also consider installing custom cabinets or drawers. Safely store your work documents while showing off your personal style in the process. Plus, these kinds of organizers can enhance the resale value of your home should you ever decide to sell it.

DIY a storage solution for your small home office space by sprucing up an old bookcase. Add bins and baskets for storage, keep books or manuals at arm’s length and even showcase some of your favorite decorations.

Utilize the Right Furniture

According to The Spruce , too much furniture or the wrong type can make your space feel even smaller than it is. Using furniture that fits the space and your style can help keep you focused on work instead of thinking about bulky distractions. When choosing the right furniture for your home office, think about:

Your personal style – Do you love retro, chic and elegant, modern, or homey cottage best?
The space you have – Is there a lot of natural light? Do you need your space to double as another room during after-work hours?
Your storage needs – Are you maximizing the storage options within your space?
Privacy requirements – Do you need to keep your home office secure from children, pets, spouses, or other distractions due to the privacy requirements of your job?

Depending on your needs, look for furniture and office accessories to meet your requirements, stay on task, and remain productive.

Get Colorful

A boring space does not lead to staying on task. You want to find a happy medium between peaceful and energizing. Once you know what your office needs are and your personal style, start thinking about how to use color. While you are welcome to paint your walls, you can get more colorful without buying paint. Here’s how:

Hang beautiful artwork on the walls.
Frame family photos for your desk or to showcase inside open cabinets.
Decorate your space for the season.
Let in natural light and use cool floor or desk lamps.
Hang up your kids’ artwork.
Make the space look larger with a mirror.
Reduce noise and enhance your space with area rugs.
Go retro by hanging pretty market lights.

Use your senses of touch and smell. Choose materials that please your eyes and your sense of touch. If you love a certain scent, consider an essential oil diffuser.

Conclusion

Small work areas are blank canvases for your creativity to shine. You don’t have to spend a lot of money or time to quickly enhance and makeover this area of your home. With these simple, fun ideas, your small home office will be organized and calm to keep your productive energy flowing.

Sources

7 Necessities for Your Kitchen Pantry

brandoncustomclosets@gmail.com (Brandon Galloway) — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 16:55:12 GMT

Whether you're inviting guests over for a cocktail party or planning a nice meal at home, there's nothing quite like knowing how to stock the kitchen pantry . In order to avoid those panicky, last-second trips to the store, here are some essential ingredients to always have ready at a moment's notice!

Kitchen pantry necessities:

Herbs and spices
Goods in cans and jars
Grains and pasta
Oils and vinegar
Baking supplies
Condiments
Cereals and mixes

Learn more about why the above essentials will save the day when preparing meals for your family.

1. Spice Things Up

What would life be without spices? Pretty dull, right? The same goes for your pantry. If you're going to whip up something delicious at a moment's notice, you'll need to have all the essentials. Some of the best herb and spice staples include:

Basil
Cinnamon
Oregano
Dill
Onion Powder
Garlic Powder
Cumin Powder
Parsley
Paprika
Sage
Rosemary
A variety of salt

Ground herbs and spices typically don't last much longer than a year. If it's been a while since you stocked up on an herb, ground a bit in the palm of your hand. If it's no longer emitting a strong scent, toss it and buy fresh.

2. Canning Isn't Just for Settlers

Who doesn't enjoy fresh produce? Not only can you savor organically grown ingredients, but it's also a good idea to have some jarred and canned items for long-term storage. This will provide backup whenever you can't find something at the local farmer's market, and some canned items do just as well as fresh in a variety of dishes.

Your personal taste and cooking style will determine what you should keep in your pantry, but there are some canned ingredients every pantry should have. This includes canned tuna and chicken, soups (including broths), tomatoes, fruits, vegetables, peanut butter, and pickles.

3. Embrace The Carbs

Rice and pasta are must-have carbs for any self-respecting pantry. Easy to prepare and always popular, some additional basics include white and brown rice, spaghetti, fettuccini, angel hair, and elbow macaroni.

Have you noticed how many items are necessary for a properly stocked pantry? Don't be alarmed! You won't feel overwhelmed if you make the effort to organize your pantry as you stock it. Simple steps like storing similar items together and perfecting the ancient art of first-in-first-out will keep your pantry neat and manageable.

4. Oil and Vinegar

You can't have Italian food (or most anything else) without oil and vinegar. You can make a variety of marinades and salad dressings by storing olive, vegetable, and canola oils, as well as red, white, and balsamic vinegar. Don't forget about non-stick cooking spray! It counts as an oil, so put it on your list.

5. Fresh Baked Pie

Tired of friends and coworkers showing off their fancy cakes and cookies while you're buying pre-made from the grocery store? Now's your chance to create a pantry worthy of a master chef! A list of baking ingredients can be quite extensive, so here are a few of the essentials to get you started:

White Sugar
Brown Sugar
Confectioner's Sugar
Baking Soda
Baking Powder
Corn Meal
Corn Syrup
Cornstarch
Yeast
Flour
Vanilla Extract or Almond Extract
Oatmeal

At the back of your mind, remember that your pantry is the prime target for greedy pests . Items that arrive in cans and jars will be impervious to these little stinkers, but bigger bags of things like flour and sugar are vulnerable. Darcy at The Purposeful Pantry recommends moving at-risk food into airtight plastic containers and mason jars.

6. Ketchup and More!

In this topsy-turvy world, condiments could mean any number of things. Generally, these are the items you’ll need for adding extra flavor after you’ve prepared a meal. This will include items that populate tables at restaurants like ketchup, mustard, mayo, and soy sauce. Other condiments you shouldn't do without include marinades, spaghetti sauce, Alfredo sauce, barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, honey, and salad dressings.

7. Cereals and Other Goodies

For all the time and effort filling your pantry with premium cooking and baking ingredients, perhaps the most popular items are still going to be cereals and snacks. Why fight it? Keep family and friends happy with cereal, chips, microwave popcorn, cereal bars, granola bars, and crackers.

You’ll also want to take advantage of various baking mixes, so don’t forget cake and brownie mix, as well as treats like macaroni and cheese, and muffin mix.

Conclusion

The pantry isn't merely a catch-all solution for homeless foodstuffs. It’s a valuable resource for cooking, baking, snacking, and entertaining. Putting together a list of staple items to stock your kitchen pantry in advance – and coming up with strategies to store them properly – will turn this vital part of your home from useless to can't do without!

Sources

https://www.thepurposefulpantry.com/basic-pantry-staples-checklist/

How To Prevent Pests in Your Kitchen Pantry

brandoncustomclosets@gmail.com (Brandon Galloway) — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 18:40:32 GMT

Remember, it's better to prevent pests in the kitchen pantry than it is to battle an infestation. The only thing worse than seeing bugs in your food at a restaurant is seeing them in your own home. Knowing how to avoid seeing critters in your kitchen is important.

First, you need to familiarize yourself with the following:

Commonly Found Pantry Pests
Preventative Measures

Read on for more helpful tips that will discourage pests of all kinds from visiting your kitchen pantry.

Commonly Found Pests in the Kitchen Pantry

In many instances, pests venture into homes and pantry areas by way of expired food. While weather, cracks in your home’s foundation, or infestations from other items could also be to blame, most times the bugs in your pantry were in your food before you ever ventured to the grocery store.

Before you figure out how to get rid of these pests, it’s important to understand the types you may be dealing with.

Ants

It’s next to impossible to find a home that hasn’t had its share of ant problems. Ant infestations can get bad quickly so it’s important to know how to stop them in their tracks. A “Queen Ant” typically sends her colony’s “scout ants” out to find food and bring it back to her. Once a scout ant has found food and reported back to the queen, all the other scouts will follow suit.

If ants keep showing up repeatedly in droves, look to make sure a colony isn’t being built right outside your kitchen window or wall. Ants are also typically attracted to sweet foods, so make sure that any bottles of honey, packets of sugar, cookies, & syrup are tightly sealed!

Fruit Flies

More annoying than anything else are fruit flies. Fruit flies are small in size and attracted to fermented and raw fruits and vegetables. They can enter through any tiny little crevice or directly from the produce section of the grocery store.

The biggest issue with fruit flies is that they reproduce quickly, with their life cycle at just eight days. The other issue is that they don't necessarily need fruits or vegetables to continue to live. Thus, even when you think you figured out the source, you could still be dealing with them for some time.

Indian Meal Moths

Another common pest you might find in your pantry is an Indian Meal Moth. According to Planet Natural Resource Center , these moths can enter your home through grains, cereals, or nut-based foods; or simply by flying in through a window or door. One other quick tidbit to note is that they are also attracted to light.

Flour Beetles

Flour beetles usually get inside packages at grocery stores & warehouses and can then be brought back into your home. Flour beetles are attracted to flour, grain, cereal, and pasta. These insects can also contribute to the growth of mold in food, and if they manage to grow to adult size, can even make their way into sealed packages.

Preventative Measures for Pests

While the thought of finding bugs in your pantry is a little unsettling, there are many preventative measures that can be taken to make pesky pests turn away.

Clean Regularly

It’s totally normal to have a pantry that isn't spotless all of the time - food crumbs fall from boxes, honey drips onto the shelf, it happens! However, it’s important to make sure your pantry is cleaned & organized regularly to avoid crumbs and drips from attracting pests.

While you’re cleaning out your pantry, be sure to also check the expiration dates of items. Besides the fact that you don’t want expired products taking up space, such items can act as a breeding ground for pests.

If you spot any sort of bugs, it’s always a smart idea to empty your entire pantry, do a deep clean, and check those expiration dates. When you do this, you may find that there isn’t just one source attracting bugs, but many sources - in many forms.

Get Rid of Regular Packaging

Another simple way to prevent pantry pests is by switching from boxes and bags to airtight storage. No matter how well you think you closed the cereal box or clipped the bag of chips, there’s always a little tiny spot for bugs to make their way in. Airtight storage containers not only keep your food fresh and your pantry organized, but they are way more difficult for bugs to infiltrate.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are a more natural way of preventing pests. There are a number of oils that deter bugs. Peppermint, lemongrass, rosemary, tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and citronella are among the top natural bug repellents.

To utilize this method within your home, put a few drops of your selected oil on cotton balls and keep them in the corners of your pantry. You can also choose to mix the oil with water & create a spray. Periodically, spray the shelves to further discourage pests.

Exterminators

If you have a serious infestation that is beyond your control, seek out help. Then, decide the best way to rid your pantry and home of these unwanted guests.

Conclusion

Unless pantry pests are going to start paying rent, they do not belong in your home. For the times they try to mooch off of you anyway, be sure to figure out the main attraction and how to end their vacation. It could be as simple as cleaning or transferring your food supply into airtight containers. Taking a few steps to prevent pests in the kitchen pantry will pay off in the long run!

Sources

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/household-pests/indian-meal-moth-control/

9 Ideas for Organizing Your Small Laundry Room

brandoncustomclosets@gmail.com (Brandon Galloway) — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 16:28:24 GMT

Having a small laundry room doesn’t mean that you can’t have a useful and efficient space. It is all about getting the most out of every square inch that you have.

Maximize the space you have in your small laundry room with these nine simple tips:

Get Creative with Hang Drying
Use Bins, Baskets, and Canisters
Consider Enclosing Your Machines
Install Pedestal Drawers
Use The Space on The Back of Doors
Buy a Magnetic Organizing Rack
Install a Mounted Storage Unit
Hang Wall Hooks
Buy a Portable Ironing Blanket
Downsize Your Belongings

Keep reading to learn how to maximize the space in your small laundry room. You might learn a thing or two!

Get Creative with Hang Drying in a Small Laundry Room

Your small laundry room doesn't have the space to have a flimsy drying rack sitting in the middle of the walkway. Thankfully, there are better options for hang-drying your clothes. Try installing a simple hanging rod high across one or more of your laundry room walls. Or look upward and use your ceiling to hang-dry your clothes.

House Beautiful recommends suspending a hanging drying rack from your laundry room ceiling that you can drape your clothing over to dry. Not keen on it? There are also wall-mounted drying-rack options that you can pull down when you are ready to use them. Then just tuck them neatly away when you are done.

Use Bins, Baskets, and Canisters

Okay, so you may be thinking, my laundry room is very small. Where am I going to place these lovely bins, baskets, and canisters that are filled with my laundry supplies? If you are short on counter space, you can use your wall space by hanging a few well-placed floating cabinets. Your laundry room will be functional and look elegant at the same time.

Consider Enclosing Your Machines

Does your laundry room exist within a room that serves another purpose? If so, your washer and dryer likely look out of place and may make that area noisy. Consider investing in custom cabinets to inconspicuously enclose your machines. If that isn’t in your budget, you could use a curtain to hide them away from the rest of the room.

Install Pedestal Drawers

HGTV.com suggests purchasing pedestal drawers that fit neatly underneath newer washers and dryers. These drawers are relatively deep and are able to fit a wide range of household items within them. If you use one underneath your washer and one underneath your dryer, that ends up giving you a lot of extra space.

Use The Space on The Back of Doors

When it comes to using every little bit of space, don’t forget to take advantage of the area on the back of doors. This space can be used to house practically anything. You can hang a vertical row of baskets to keep your laundry soaps, bleaches, paper towels, cleaning supplies, or an ironing board.

Buy a Magnetic Organizing Rack

Why not use the space on the side of your washer and dryer for storing items? All you need is a magnetized organizing rack. Use it to store items like dryer sheets, a lint brush, clothespins, and any other small items you might need to have on hand. Good Housekeeping recommends looking for a magnetized basket that has a flat back on it. You can also put magnets on the back of a small bin & use it to collect leftover dryer lint.

Install a Mounted Storage Unit

If you already have cabinets mounted in your laundry room, that's the logical place to store and organize your laundry supplies. However, many tiny laundry rooms don’t have this luxury. One solution is to mount a small bathroom vanity-style cabinet to keep your laundry necessities in. There are many different cute styles for you to choose from, so you can make it a visually appealing addition to your space.

Hang Wall Hooks

One of the simplest ways you can maximize the space in your small laundry room is to hang a few wall hooks. These are a great temporary catch-all for hanging items such as clothing coming back from the dry cleaners. In addition, many people have their laundry rooms double as mudrooms as well. If that's the case, you will need extra wall hooks to hang up coats, backpacks, and the like.

Buy a Portable Ironing Blanket

Wouldn’t it be nice to ditch your ironing board altogether? You might be tempted to do just that when you buy a portable ironing blanket. Wherever you have a flat surface in your laundry room, you just unroll the ironing blanket and get the job done right then and there. You don’t have to worry about your counters getting scorched as the blanket is heat-resistant. Just roll it up and put it away neatly when you are finished. Voila!

Downsize Your Belongings

If you really want to have a neat and organized space, there is something you need do before you even begin thinking about where everything will go. Don’t be afraid to let go of items you no longer need or use anymore. The fewer items you have to store, the better and less cluttered your laundry room is going to feel. Don’t be afraid to take a minimalistic approach, particularly when it comes to organizing and decorating your small laundry room.

Conclusion

There's no reason to be discouraged if you don't have a huge laundry area. Even the smallest space can be well organized. Follow the tips above to keep your small laundry room in tip-top shape!

Sources

How to Organize Your Home with Little Space

brandoncustomclosets@gmail.com (Brandon Galloway) — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 21:34:11 GMT

You don’t have to have a huge home to be organized. Maybe it's on the smaller side. The key to home organization isn’t how much space you have, but how you use that space. The big question then becomes, what's the best way to maximize it, specifically in a small home?

Here are some key ideas & tools to get you started:

Built-ins
Go vertical
Hidden surfaces
Nesting furniture
Use the doors
Under stairs storage
Hidden hallway hacks
Banish closet clutter
To hang or to fold
Unconventional sleeping spaces

Read on to discover how each clever idea will make your small home appear twice as big!

Built-Ins

If you are limited on space, the first thing you want to look for is furniture that can double as storage. If you have a window seat or space for one, Houzz suggests custom seating with storage under the bench area. Pull out drawers or cabinets below, or a lift-up lid under the seat can store extra pillows, blankets, seasonal clothing, and more.

Go Vertical

If your space is limited, look up! In a small kitchen, hanging pots and pans can free up cabinet space for bulkier, less frequently used items. Use a pot rack or hooks to hang cast iron pans or stainless steel pots and save the cabinets for large roasting pans, crockpots, and bakeware.

Justagirlandherblog.com offers up several creative options, including:

Stackable containers
Racks
Rails
Pegboards
Rolling carts
Trash cans

Hidden Surfaces

Pull-out and fold-down surfaces are perfect for maximizing the use of space in your home. Need a table just for writing, or a laptop workstation? Options include:

Pull-out surfaces
Foldaway tables
Hidden secretary

A pull-out work surface is awesome because it can double as a cutting board in the kitchen, according to the pros at Houzz . It can also be used as a hidden “secretary,” and do double duty as a mini-storage space for office supplies tucked in wall cubbies.

Nesting Furniture

Look for furniture you can pull out when needed then tuck away. Nesting tables & benches can provide seating and surface area when you need it and stored easily when you require more room. A coffee table can nest under bench seating in your living room, and be stored away when not in use.

Use The Doors

The back of doors is an often overlooked option that can easily be converted into storage space. In addition to hooks and over-the-door racks in your bathroom to hang towels and robes, other over the door organizers can be used to store:

Toiletries
Shoes
Pantry items
Scarves
Jewelry
Winter hats, mittens, gloves

Under Stairs Storage

If your home has stairs, you likely have space underneath that you're not using. Under stairs spaces can be converted into a wide range of uses. For example, does your home contain stairs that are open on one side? Look at investing in “smart stairs,” with pull-out drawers and hinged cabinet doors.

That empty under stairs space need not be limited to storage cubbies, either. Get creative with a built-in laundry “room” and pet cubby for your favorite furry friend! Home pro Bob Villa has some ultra-creative tips on how to turn that normally wasted under-stair space into mini “rooms,” each with their own ambiance.

Reading nook
Kids mini playroom
Home office
Indoor dog house
Bar area

Hidden Hallway Hacks

Your hallway doesn’t have to be wasted space. Even in the narrowest areas, you still have the ability to store, hang, & display items. Sure, you can use hooks to create a wall-mounted coat rack in an entryway, but there are plenty of other more creative options for making the most of that particular space, such as:

Narrow dressers
Slim bookcases
A vertical hat rack
Picture rails to display art
Floating cabinets
Wall-mounted shoe racks

Banish Closet Clutter

Closets are notorious for wasted space and clutter. How can that be? It’s because they're hidden away and are quite easy to overlook. The best way to banish closet clutter is to get things off the floor and make use of wasted space under your clothes, in addition to:

Slide in a small dresser
Get shoes off the floor
Use baskets and bins

To Hang or to Fold?

When arranging your wardrobe, first determine which garments are best stored on hangers versus being folded . A good rule to remember is that anything that can stretch should be folded and anything that can wrinkle should be hung.

Clothes that should be hung, include:

Dresses
Blouses
Dress shirts
Jackets
Ties and scarves

Clothing that should be folded, includes:

Sweaters
Jeans
Socks
Workout gear

Unconventional Sleeping Spaces

From full-size mattresses to furniture that doubles as a bed, check out these space-saving ideas for unconventional sleeping arrangements:

Slide-away beds
Loft beds
Sofa beds
Ottoman beds

Conclusion

Living in a small home doesn’t mean you have to live with clutter. As so many people are realizing, there are many ways to have an organized home with little space. Take advantage of vertical space, bring in multi-purpose furniture, and for goodness sake, clean out your closets!

Sources

Closet Organization Ideas for Kids

brandoncustomclosets@gmail.com (Brandon Galloway) — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 21:49:22 GMT

Without organization, a child's closet can quickly become an overwhelming nightmare. A jumbled pile of shoes, toys, and clothes makes it nearly impossible to find what you need. How can you achieve an organized, functional kid's closet?

Besides a custom closet solution, the three main ways to maximize the organization in your kids' closets are hanging items, storing items, and creative labeling.

Ready to finally take the chaos out of your kids' closets? Don't stop here! Read on to learn even more!

Basic Organization Tips

No matter the size or shape of your child's closet, there are a few standard tips to keep things organized.

Purge or Store Outgrown Clothes

Every parent can relate to throwing outgrown clothes somewhere in their child's closet to store later. Unfortunately, that pile can take up valuable space. Instead, place any outgrown clothes in a basket or hamper and store them out of sight. Each seasonal change, remove the clothes and purge, store, or donate outgrown pieces.

Keep It Simple and Accessible

Your child should be set up to succeed at accessing and maintaining the tidiness of their own closet. This means keeping everything super accessible and at an appropriate height. When things are easy to reach and put away, your child will feel empowered to dress themself and keep things tidy.

Get The Kids Involved

Your child is more likely to enjoy and keep their new closet tidy if they were part of the process. Let them help pick--or give the choice between three options--the shoe organizer, the storage bins, or hamper. Pick out some fun stickers to put on the walls. Get their opinion on accessibility.

Hanging Organization Ideas

When most people think of a closet, they picture hanging clothes. While this can be the main function of a closet, there are so many options to maximize the use of your hanging space!

Hanging Clothes

First things first: organize your child's hanging clothes. This can be done with dividers or different colored hangers. Have a section for pants, shirts, dresses, jackets, arrange clothes by days of the week, or use whatever categories your child needs.

Hanging Organizers

Hanging organizers come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. You can organize just about anything in a hanging organizer, but many people use them to organize shoes, clothing sets for each day of the week, and undergarments.

Extra Tension Rod

MSN.com notes that doubling your child's closet space can be done by adding an extra tension rod below the main closet rod. Even better, this makes clothes very accessible for your child!

Storage Organization Ideas

One of the biggest challenges in organizing a closet is the storage system. This varies for every closet--and every child! What works well in one situation may not work in another. Here are some popular ideas for storage:

Storage Bins

Storage bins are a wonderful way to keep everything organized and accessible, but a quick internet search will reveal thousands of options. Only you (and perhaps with your child's help!) can determine which storage bins work best. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Different colored storage bins - Pick various colors and organize clothes by type (shirts, pants, etc.), by day (so your child can quickly grab their clothes), or by season.
Difference sizes - Don't be afraid of using different-sized bins. Your child may need more space for some items & less for others.
Stackable bins - Using storage bins with lids allows you to stack them and maximize space. While this might not be practical for a young child, stackable bins can be used on the top shelf or for items that are infrequently used.
Hamper - Use a hamper to keep dirty clothes contained and out of the way. Hampers can also be used for shoes and are a good option for pairs that are worn infrequently like hiking boots or water shoes.

Shoe Storage

Shoes can quickly take over the floor. Use a shoe organizer to keep things tidy and maximize space. Over-the-door pocket organizers are an excellent way to keep shoes paired and accessible.

Dividers

If once-organized items are prone to merge together, consider using shelf or drawer dividers. These define the shelf and drawer space so everything stays neat and tidy.

Wire Baskets

Another great way to maximize dead space is with under-shelf wire baskets. These can be used for hard-to-fold items like socks and underwear, or for ball caps, swimsuits, or winter gear.

Labels

Once you've determined your storage system, it's time to label! A newly-organized closet can be confusing to your child as they learn to put things in the proper places. Here are a few creative label ideas:

Colors - Especially easy for toddlers and young children, a color-coded system organizes their items for quick identification, such as a blue sticker for shirts, green for pants, and yellow for pajamas.
Days of the week - Particularly helpful for school-aged children, labeling storage bins with each day of the week saves you from the fuss of finding each day's outfit.
Clothing type - Label storage bins with each clothing type.
Character labels - Use various stickers of your child's favorite movie characters for storage bins, such as Lightning McQueen for shirts or Olaf for pants. This is another system that's great for young children.

Conclusion

Organizing your child's closet can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Take inventory of their wardrobe, the dead spaces that you can transform into storage space, and your child's preferences. Working together, you can create a fun and functional closet everyone can use!

Sources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/11-creative-ways-to-organize-your-home-with-tension-rods/ar-BB1eXDpd

Home Organization Checklist for Winter

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 15:01:46 GMT

That first cold snap has come through and you went to pull out that big cozy sweater and realized you still have all your summer clothes in your closet! Oh no! Just take a deep breath and don't panic! This holiday season, get a head start on organizing so your focus can be on enjoying time with family and friends.

Below is the ultimate home organization checklist that will get you fully prepared for the chilly seasons ahead!

Snow Zone Preparedness
Deal with Those Drafts
Plan Your Holiday Decorations
Organize Cabinets & Shelves
Sort Your Summer Clothes
Clean that Closet Out!
Organize Your Winter Gear

Envisioning what your house will look like this year decorated in twinkly lights and holiday cheer? Grab a cup of hot chocolate and see how a little organization will help keep your sanity this holiday season!

Snow Zone Preparedness

Do you live in an area that gets a lot of snow during the winter? What about ice? If you’re new to your area, check with friends or the local police station to find out what type of winter weather you should expect. This is also a great way to get advice on what you need to be prepared for. The best way to be prepared and organized is to stock up on rock salt or anything else that might be handy to remove ice. This includes a snow shovel or a snowblower.

Deal with Those Drafts

One of the most common places for the outside weather to come in is the space that runs between the bottom of an outside door and floor. During the winter, this can mean letting in cold air and making it harder for your heater to keep your home warm. The solution? Make sure that any and all cracks and repairs are made so your home stays nice and toasty!

Plan Your Holiday Decorations

It’s that time to start pulling out festive holiday decorations. Eliminate the clutter and wow your guests at your next party! You can store your everyday throw pillows in a multipurpose bin or ottoman & bring out the festive decor. This will allow you to save space and avoid buying even more containers! Break out those cute hand towels, soap dispensers and cheesy mugs.

Organize Your Cabinets

You might not think that organizing your shelves is a way to prepare for winter. However, do you have glass front cabinets? Do you have open shelving (cabinet) space? These are perfect areas to display all kinds of fun holiday decorations. It's also time to get them decluttered, organized, & looking as festive as possible!

Looking for some inspiration? Check out this gallery from Real Simple . They have some great tips on organizing your shelves and while it might not be holiday-themed, it’s applicable to every season!

Sort Your Summer Clothes

The cold weather is moving in, and you keep sorting through your short-sleeved shirts and impressive collection of shorts to find that super comfy wool sweater you want to wear when you’re curled up drinking your favorite cup of hot chocolate. Don’t stay frustrated! Get ahead of the cooler weather that will be moving in and sort through your summer clothes.

Are there things that you have worn out? Are there things you haven’t worn in years? Go through your summer attire and donate items that you don’t wear anymore but are gently used. Be brave and throw away things you have worn so much they are starting to look threadbare. Think of it as an excuse to shop for a brand new wardrobe next summer!

If no room is available in your closet, store your summer pieces in either breathable baskets, bins, or in a spare closet. If there is additional space available, move your summer clothes to the back of your closet or store them in drawers. 21 Oak has some additional tips and suggestions for storing summer clothes.

Organize that Closet

Now that you've made space, pull out all of your winter clothes. If they are stored in a separate location, bring everything into your bedroom and start organizing ! The same principles apply. Check to make sure you'll still wear the majority of items. Donate or throw away pieces as needed.

Depending on where your winter clothes were stored, it might not be a bad idea to wash your pieces before placing them back inside your closet. Use a tie hanger to store heavy scarves so they're quick and easy to access on those really cold winter mornings.

Sort through Your Winter Gear

The neighborhood snowball fight has just started, and you cannot find your left glove, again. No worries! Organize your winter gear into smaller and easier-to-manage containers or drawers. Keep your gloves – preferably in pairs – in a small basket within reach of the front door. Clutter is eliminated and you'll always be prepared for that next snowball fight!

Don’t stop with just your gloves though. Winter boots? Maybe you don’t want them in the house? Organize a space outside the garage door that will allow you to keep them within easy access, but out of the house. Use hooks to hang your heavier outside jackets and scarves to be readily accessible as you enter and exit the house. Got a bunch of those cute knit ponytail hats? Grab a second basket and keep those stored near the gloves.

Don’t stop with clothes! Do you snowboard, ski, or snowshoe? Now’s the time to inspect your gear and make sure that it's stored in an easily accessible location.

Final Thoughts

Whatever your favorite winter activities are, now is the time to get organized so that you spend less time searching for that second snowshoe and more time out enjoying your family and friends. Think through what you like to do during the winter season. Maybe it’s reading in your favorite chair? Grab a stack of books from your local library or bookstore to keep on hand. Above all, make sure to tackle the necessary tasks so your home is well-prepared for the frosty weather ahead!

Sources:

How to Create a Peaceful & Serene Home Office Space

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 14:28:50 GMT

More than likely, you’ve experienced working from home more than ever this last year. Do you have trouble focusing long enough to cross a task off your to-do list? Perfecting a serene home office is key to creating an atmosphere of productivity.

Here are some steps you can implement today to create a space that boosts your work from home efficiency and adds a touch of Zen:

Minimize clutter
Bring in a few plants
Enjoy your work with a view
De-stress with calming scents
Soothing music
Moments of meditation

Transform your home office into a serene space simply by incorporating some, or all, of the following suggestions.

Get Rid of The Clutter

Disorganization is a big contender when it comes to causing procrastination and adding stress to your environment. Keeping your home office organized will create serenity and ease, making it an enjoyable place to work.

Clear off your desk space each day. Keeping your desk free of clutter will, in turn, help keep your mind focused and organized. Use mason jars, pretty baskets, or drawer inserts that add a dash of charm to your space.

Another fun way to organize your office needs and maximize your space – utilize vertical options. Incorporate a floating wall shelf or a hanging basket for the more urgent to-dos of each day in an easy-to-grab spot.

Bring The Greenery Indoors

Maybe you didn’t have a plant at your desk back in the office, but Better Homes & Gardens recommends having one in your home office. Plants "can help alleviate stress," so why not bring one or two into your home workspace?

Pro Tip: if you aren’t the best at watering, faux plants will still do the trick.

A Great View

HGTV encourages you to place your desk in a space with a lovely view. Whether that’s a window to look out at nature for a bit or even a beautiful picture, give your eyes a place to wander when you need a mental break.

Having a view nearby also encourages you to get up from your desk to walk and stretch a bit. Forbes recommends frequent movement to help keep those creative juices flowing, so avoid sitting at your desk mindlessly for hours on end.

Breathe In, Breathe Out

Adding an essential oil diffuser or candle in your favorite scent can help create a calming presence in your home office. Take a moment between tasks or meetings for a deep breath and to enjoy a calming scent such as rosemary, eucalyptus, or even your favorite fall candle.

Let The Melody Soothe You

Music has a way of impacting the vibe of a room. For your serene home office, adding background music that is calming such as classical, ambient or even nature sounds can help add the serene soundtrack you didn’t know was needed.

Moments of Meditation

Taking a few minutes at the start of each day to gather your thoughts will set a more positive tone for your at-home workflow. Breathe in deeply and breathe back out, reminding yourself what you are grateful for and the intentions for your day.

A few moments of meditation can bring your thoughts back down to the tasks at hand and keep you from over-stressing. While this is best done at the start of your day, you can always meditate periodically depending on your mood & preferences.

Conclusion

When your home office encourages a serene mindset, sitting down to work each morning will feel like a treat. Adding in these simple touches will keep your office from feeling like a dungeon and instead, a space surrounded by Zen and serenity. The best part? Less mess, less stress!

Sources

12 Tips for Organizing Tools in Your Garage

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 18:40:03 GMT

Remember that time you attempted to work on a DIY project in the garage but you couldn't find the hammer or screwdriver? You are not alone, as most homeowners have been faced with the exact same dilemma. A cluttered garage can make finding tools next to impossible. Luckily, there is a solution!

Here are 12 tips for organizing tools in your custom garage :

Take inventory of your tools on hand
Organize your tools into zones
Buy or build a workbench
Utilize Slatwall racks
Don't forget about overhead storage
Make use of vertical organizers
Magnetic tool holders are awesome
Store nuts and bolts in clear jars
Organize nails and screws by size
Create a battery recharge station
Repurpose a pull-out tie rack for wrenches
Hang clamps on the sides of racks

Whether you're a regular Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor or an occasional home renovator, following the tips below will help you keep your tools organized and ready to use.

Take Inventory of Your Tools on Hand

Start by going through your inventory of tools and make three separate piles: keep, trash, & sell/donate. The trash pile is pretty easy. If your tool no longer functions, such as a broken hammer, then toss it out. No need to keep what doesn't work. For all other tools you no longer wish to keep but still work fine, consider either selling them at a garage sale or donating them to those in need.

Organize Your Tools into Zones

Now that you've whittled down your tool inventory, it's time to separate them into different zones or categories. For instance, group together all of your power tools, hand tools, nuts and bolts, and so on. Once you have your zones sorted, keep the categories together when you place them in your garage.

You'll most likely want to store your hand tools nearby and your power tools near an electrical outlet so they are always fully charged. Keeping your tools in zones will make finding them a breeze!

Buy or Build a Workbench

If you have a workbench, great! If not, you have two options, either buy one or build one from scratch. The former option is easier, although it can be expensive. The latter is more time consuming, but usually more affordable. Plus, building your own workbench means you get to put your tools to use! The Spruce offers 16 different DIY workbench plans that range from simple to more complex.

Utilize Slatwall Racks

Slatwall racks are similar to pegboards in that they allow you to hang baskets and hooks in any arrangement you like. Simply install a Slatwall system on an empty wall space and attach hooks and hanging baskets to it. The real beauty of such a system is that the open concept storage design makes is much easier to find the tools you need. Additionally, they look much better than most pegboard backings.

Don't Forget About Overhead Storage

Your garage ceiling is an excellent place to store flat items, such as ladders and extra 2x4's. If you wish to utilize this option, just make sure your overhead storage system is sturdy enough to accommodate the weight of items you plan on storing. Additionally, you'll also want to ensure that it doesn't interfere with the garage door's operation and you have enough clearance to avoid scratching the roof of your car.

Make Use of Vertical Organizers

Employing vertical organizers, either in the form of racks or stackable storage bins, is a great way to keep tools organized and your garage clutter-free . If you opt for stackable bins, just make sure to keep tools you use often on top for easier access. Also consider labeling the bins to make finding the right tools even simpler.

Magnetic Tool Holders Are Awesome

These holders are simple to install and hold many handheld tools, including screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches. Simply install the magnetic holder next to your workstation.

Store Nuts and Bolts in Clear Jars

Readers Digest offers five different uses for old mason jars, one of them being for garage storage. Clear glass jars are perfect for keeping nuts, bolts, screws, and nails together. Consider even building an open rack above your workbench to create a DIY mason jar storage system. Since the jars are easy to see through, you won't need to label which jar holds what item.

Organize Nails and Screws by Size

If you have a ton of different nails and screws, it wouldn't be a bad idea to keep them organized by size. Accomplish this by utilizing a bin shelving rack and labeling each bin with the size number. For even more convenience, attach a screw or nail to the front of the bins with Velcro to easily compare the size of screw or nail you're putting away.

Having trouble identifying the size? Hang a sizing gauge by your bin rack to accurately measure any nail or screw you come across.

Create a Battery Recharging Station

Build a wall-mounted docking station out of plywood to conveniently store your cordless drills and batteries. Even better, add a power strip on the top to provide outlets for all of your battery recharging needs. You can also add an optional drawer to keep your drill bits all in one easy to find place.

Repurpose a Pull-Out Tie Rack for Wrenches

Have an unused pull-out tie rack? Repurpose it in your garage to hang narrow tools like wrenches. Since these racks pull out, they are great for compact storage spaces. If you don't have one at home, don't worry. Just look online or drive over to your local home decor store & pick one up.

Hang Clamps on The Sides of Racks

Clamps are super useful for all kinds of DIY projects. However, they are often bulky and awkward to store. Make use of unused spaces by hanging the clamps on the edges of storage racks and workbenches. Simply clamp them down on the edge to keep them sturdy. If you don't have any edges, consider screwing wood blocks on the wall to hang the clamps instead.

Conclusion

To keep your tools organized in your garage, first take inventory of everything you have, and then organize those tools into zones. Don't forget to invest in a workbench, as well as utilizing Slatwall racks and overhead storage. You can also get a little creative by repurposing items such as mason jars and tie racks for additional tool storage.

Sources

Is It Better to Fold or Hang Your Clothes?

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 15:45:05 GMT

If you are looking in your closet and see clothes spread out everywhere, you might be wondering how to best organize it to reduce the chaos. Whether or not you have a custom closet already installed, you can get your closets in tip-top shape in no time at all!

The key? Understanding which clothes to fold and which clothes to hang. And once you start cleaning everything out, you might ask yourself:

Is it better to hang or fold your clothes?
How do you know when to fold and when to hang clothes?
Does climate or weather affect clothes?
Is there a proper way to fold clothes?
What kinds of hangers are best?

Don’t let that messy closet get the best of you. With these simple tips, you can figure out which clothes to fold, which clothes to hang, how to keep your clothes looking new longer, and more!

When to Fold and When to Hang Clothes

If Shakespeare had pantaloons getting stretched out from hanging wrong, he would ask, “When to fold or when not to fold, that is the question.” Depending on the type of clothing and the fabric, certain items need to be hung while others should be folded and tucked away in drawers.

But, how do you know when to fold and when to hang clothes? MarthaStewart.com offers several suggestions, including:

When to Fold Clothes

Clothing that can stretch out on hangers, such as sweaters, knit items, certain t-shirts, and sweatpants, or activewear.
Items that don’t crease much when folded including, denim jeans and some types of khaki pants.
Small items that lay flat or fold easily, such as socks, legwear, and gloves.

When to Hang Clothes

Fabrics that wrinkle easily, such as suits, dresses, blouses, dress shirts, slacks, sport coats, work jackets, and linen items.
Certain pieces benefit from being hung up, including ties & scarves.
Clothing that you need to iron before wearing to make it look its best.

Climate and Your Clothes

Yes, climate can affect your clothes. Think about how stretched-out and misshapen clothes look after they get rained on. No matter what climate you live in, you want to make sure your clothes stay looking new and fresh.

Humidity can cause clothing to stretch out, and closets typically do not have the best airflow. To decrease the likelihood of that problem occurring, place moisture-absorbent products, like DampRid, within those specific spaces.

You could also consider investing in a dehumidifier for your bedroom and leaving the closet door cracked. Reducing humidity also reduces the chances for unpleasant smells to occur from mildew or mold .

How to Fold Your Clothes

Are you guilty of sometimes tossing your clothes in drawers because you are too overwhelmed by the sight of what’s inside? You don’t have to let unsightly drawers or closets cause you any more embarrassment. Simply folding your clothes properly and having a place to store them will give you more space in your closet, help you find what you want faster, and make it easier to keep everything organized.

Justagirlandherblog.com notes the success of folding, Marie Kondo style! It’s a simple, easy way of folding clothing, and it allows you to see exactly what you have. Here’s how it works in 3 simple steps:

Step 1: Fold the ends of each piece of clothing towards the center. This will form a rectangle.
Step 2: Fold the rectangle in half or in thirds, depending on the length of the clothing, until it feels like it can stand up like a little tent on its own.
Step 3: Place items in drawers standing next to each other or stack items inside of your closet, so they are easy to see and access.

Following this method of folding will help keep your clothes looking new longer. You will be able to easily find exactly what you want to wear and have a tidy closet.

What Kinds of Hangers Are The Best?

First things first, no wire hangers! They will make the shoulders of your favorite items have strange creases and marks. There are a wide variety of hangers available, such as padded hangers, wooden hangers, plastic hangers, suit hangers, and clip hangers.

Padded hangers are great for delicate items that tend to get snagged on other things easily, such as silk. Choose plastic hangers for t-shirts, dresses, and cotton items but try wooden hangers for heavier pieces like pants. Suit hangers are perfect for keeping suits together in one place. When you have pants or skirts to hang, your best bet is clip hangers to keep them looking sharp!

According to Forbes.com , it’s a good idea to look for clothing that has hanging loops built in. These loops are sewn into certain dress shirts, blouses, and dresses in order to help keep them looking their best. Plus, they put less pressure on the fabric.

Conclusion

You've invested a lot of time & funds to have a sumptuous wardrobe, but you may not be sure how to maintain it. No more getting hung up on closet stress! Folding and hanging your clothes properly will remove the mess from your closets, make it easier to find what you want to wear, and keep your clothes looking great.

Sources

Home Office Makeover Ideas

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 20:09:10 GMT

With a large percentage of the workforce working from home, having a functional and appealing home office has never been so important. This area of the home can easily become a dumping ground for items that you might want out of the more public rooms. It can also be difficult to keep all of your work-related documents and supplies in good order. Finally, if the room is unappealing, you will not want to spend time in it, and that would be detrimental to anyone's productivity.

Here are some ways you can give your home office a much-needed makeover:

Update Your Equipment
Declutter Your Desk
Use Your Vertical Space
Appeal to All of Your Senses

Put these tips into practice and you'll be thrilled with the end results. Time to get started!

Update Your Equipment

No matter how beautiful and appealing your home office space is, if you are struggling with your basic work equipment, frustration is bound to set in. While you might not be able to overhaul your entire system at once, take a look at your computer, monitor, webcam, microphone, desk, and chair.

If your computer is running slowly or loses internet connection easily, a session with a troubleshooter in your area can help and will be more affordable than upgrading your computer. Similarly, if your webcam makes you look blurry or grainy, upgrading to a better one is generally not a large expenditure.

If you can, avoid working exclusively on a laptop or notebook. They're often uncomfortable to type on and look at for long periods of time. Plus, the keyboards are small and the screens are low.

Your desk and chair should be ergonomically correct to avoid muscle aches and pains. The National Health Service in the U.K. recommends making sure your back is supported, keeping your "feet on the floor," and having your desktop at "eye level."

Declutter Your Desk

Take a look at your desk. Is it mostly clear except for whatever you are currently working on and your daily planner? It's important not only to get your desk decluttered, but also to keep it that way long-term.

Use a variety of desk accessories to maintain some semblance of order. Have a dedicated space for pens, printer paper, and any tools that you use regularly. Each person's list of items that they must have at their fingertips will vary depending on the nature of their job, so think about your own personal needs.

Clear as much paper from your desk as possible. If you prefer an analog planner, that's fine, but try to minimize clutter such as post-it notes and to-do lists written on random scraps of paper. If you can, scan files and toss the paper originals; if that's not possible, then invest in file cabinets or drawers to keep papers in order and off of your desk surface.

Go through the decluttering process daily, preferably at the end of each day so you can begin each morning with a well-organized office.

Use Your Vertical Space

It's easy to forget about all of the wall space available in your home office. Neglecting this premium square footage can lead to items being stacked up on flat surfaces, and further fosters disorganization. Instead, think about ways to use your walls as opposed to valuable surface space.

A whiteboard or bulletin board (or a combination of the two) will give you a place to make notes if you work better with an analog system. You can hang your calendar on the wall rather than keeping it on your desk. Cubbies, shelves, or even a cut-out space like a closet with the door removed can all serve as storage spaces that keep what you need at hand without making your desk feel cramped.

Appeal to All of Your Senses

The home office is not meant to be all work and no play; at least, it shouldn't be that way! If you dread entering your office because it's dull, uncomfortable, or unappealing in some way, you won't be productive. Worse, you might begin to dislike your work and notice the signs of burnout.

HelpGuide lists these signs as including exhaustion, "frequent headaches," and a "decreased sense of accomplishment." While a makeover can't cure all cases of burnout, a poorly designed office can certainly contribute to it.

Think about all of your senses as you plan your home office makeover:

Paint the walls, hang up artwork, and overall, make sure that your surroundings appeal to your sense of style. Place plants, a mirror, photographs of your family, and other appealing objects where you can see them throughout the workday.
Stimulate your tactile senses with a comfortable office chair and desk with pleasing textures. Also, ensure that the room is at a comfortable temperature. Setting a timer to remind you to get up and move around for a few minutes each hour will keep your muscles more comfortable to prevent tightness later in the evening.
Make your home office smell good. Burn a scented candle, use potpourri, keep your favorite scented lotion nearby, or simply open the window to let in the clean outdoor air. Regular cleaning and dusting will also go a long way toward keeping your home office smelling fresh.
Play soft, instrumental music or get a white noise machine if either silence or background noise is distracting. Keep the door closed if noisy children or pets are making you feel tense.
Have easy-to-eat, non-messy snacks on hand, as well as a big glass of water (maybe with fruit chunks added) nearby. Proper nutrition and hydration will keep your energy up during that mid-afternoon slump, and you won't be tempted to ignore these needs if you have food and drink within easy reach.

Conclusion

If you are working from home full-time, you're spending 40 hours per week in your home office; even part-timers are in that room for a large chunk of time. It makes sense to update that space periodically so it continues to meet your needs and desires.

If you don't have a large budget, several of the tips above can be accomplished for free or at very little cost; if you have a bit more or if your employer is covering some upgrades, then think about where your investment would make the most sense.

Sources

Five Awesome Ideas for Organizing Your Kitchen Pantry

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 20:49:41 GMT

You take pride in your kitchen. It’s the heart of your home, the gathering place for your family and friends. You’ve taken the time to keep it clean and make it comfortable for you and your loved ones. But there’s a forgotten corner that needs your attention, the kitchen pantry .

Pantries often become catch-alls for anything and everything you want to be kept out of sight. On top of that, it has the duty of keeping your valuable food items available whenever you need them. A disorganized pantry means forgetting about certain items until they go bad, collecting things you don’t need, and a more stressful time in your kitchen.

Are you ready to get this space organized once and for all? Check out the ideas below!

Clean First

Before you start organizing your kitchen pantry, clear out the space and clean it first. Then, throw away the things you don’t need or that have gone bad. A quick and easy way to do this is to group items into two categories: stuff to throw out and stuff you haven’t used in over six months.

Throw out anything that's expired, damaged, or stale. These food items aren’t good anymore, so they won’t be as satisfying, not to mention they aren’t safe to feed your family. So, why keep them?

As for the other group, if you haven’t used something in the last six months, chances are you won’t need it anytime soon. However, if it’s still safe to consume - a sealed product not past the expiration date - you should consider donating it rather than throwing it out, according to HGTV .

With your pantry cleaned out, you’ll have a clean palette to organize.

Group Items That Go Together

If you want to add some order to the chaos, a great way to do that is to group the things that go together. For example, The Spruce recommends designating zones for different types of items in your pantry. Doing so will help you find things more easily. For example, if your kids love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches every day after school, keep those items close to each other for the easiest snack time ever.

To keep this organizational system working, it’s essential to get your entire family on the same page. If you’re the only one who knows the system, it’ll fall apart quickly. But if everyone in the house knows how to group things, you’ll be able to relax a little without things devolving into chaos.

Learn the Art of FIFO

FIFO stands for "First In, First Out." It's a pretty neat system based on your grocery and shopping habits. The newer things from your most recent grocery shopping trip go in the back, which pushes older items to the front, making them ready to use.

The beauty of FIFO is that you’ll find yourself wasting less food (and money) because it’s less likely something old will be pushed to a back corner and forgotten until past the expiration date. To go the extra mile, hang a whiteboard nearby to remind you of what needs to be purchased. Keeping track of your inventory will make grocery shopping and storage far easier.

Make It Inviting

For most homeowners, the kitchen pantry is a dark closet that gets little thought about decor. But what if your kitchen pantry was a beautifully decorated and inviting space?

One way to add a little something extra to your pantry is with wallpaper. It's cute, simple, inexpensive, and easy to install! In addition, using removable wallpaper offers more flexibility, and today, there are tons of options to choose from.

Another possibility is painting a portion of your space. Consider painting a wall or the inside of the door with chalkboard paint. It’s as fun as it is practical. Keep everything you need handy for a smoother running household.

Get Creative

Above all, get creative with your kitchen pantry, especially when it comes to storage. There are many options for door storage, and this is an easy DIY project you can do on the weekend. You might also consider adding a Lazy Susan, so it’s easier to find those little things that go missing.

Adding a pegboard will take your pantry organization to a whole new level. Many pegboards have attachable accessories where you can store spices and minor ingredients. It’s a great way to take advantage of empty vertical space in your pantry.

Something else to consider adding is a storage cart to keep items that you use often. For example, those ingredients you seem to reach daily are the ones to keep more accessible, and a rolling storage cart means you can transport them effortlessly while keeping your space tidy.

Conclusion

Your pantry doesn't have to be your home's catch-all. Instead, you can make it a hub of organization for your entire family. With these simple organizational tricks, a little creativity, and a touch of style, your pantry will no longer be a source of stress & confusion.

Sources

10 Items to Avoid Storing in Your Garage

Mon, 17 May 2021 14:01:47 GMT

In many Raleigh, NC homes , including yours, a custom garage becomes a place for storage rather than parking. It’s a large, open space, making it ideal for tossing junk you don’t use regularly. While it makes a good storage room, it is not the best choice for storing some items.

You should never store something in your garage that could attract pests or be affected by fluctuating temperatures and humidity. This includes:

Food
Clothing
Art
Mattresses
Propane
Books
Paint
Wood Furniture
Important Documents
Wine

Ready to learn why these 10 items shouldn’t be stored in your garage? Stay tuned!

Food

It’s a good idea to buy a month’s worth of non-perishable items at once to save on trips to the store and money at the end of the month. However, having food in your garage is like laying out the welcome mat for rodents and insects. The extreme temperatures and high humidity can also cause your food to spoil. This rule applies not only to boxed goods but also canned and pet food as well.

Clothing

It’s always a good idea to rotate your wardrobe to free up more space in your closet. However, storing articles of clothing in your garage is definitely not advisable. According to HGTV.com , pests are attracted to a ton of different fabrics. Plus, clothes make the perfect nests for mice. The humidity and temperature changes can also cause mold and mildew to grow. Instead, store your clothes in a sealed container and in a temperature-regulated area.

Art

When storing your paintings, you don’t want to leave them in the garage. Temperature and humidity can damage the paint by making it flake, crack, and discolor. Another problem is the canvas expanding and contracting. Wood frames supporting the canvas will warp. Instead, choose a place in your home away from heat and direct sunlight.

Mattresses

Like clothing, you shouldn’t store mattresses in the garage. These items are highly porous and susceptible to moisture build-up. Also, the fabric on your mattress can attract pests and you could inadvertently cause an infestation.

Propane

Generally, propane tanks are safe to store outside of a home, but not in your garage. However, there are dangers involved. If the tank is not maintained correctly, you could have a gas leak hazard on your hands. Propane takes the place of oxygen when inhaled in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.

Not only is it a hazard to inhale, but even the slightest spark can also cause the gas to ignite. The spark could come from anything, including starting your car. It is best to keep them outside in an area out of direct sunlight. Never store your tank on its side and always ensure the valve is in the off position.

Books

Saving your favorite children’s books for your future kids or grandkids is a great idea. If stored in the garage, the extreme temperatures and humidity levels can warp the pages and the spine, making them difficult to read later on. If the pages become damp, you might be forced to toss them out.

Not only that, but damp spots can turn into a breeding ground for insects. Silverfish are one example of an insect that thrives in damp, dark areas such as garages. They like to feed on the starchy glue used for binding books together.

Paint

Paint is not something you want to keep in your garage unless it’s climate-controlled. According to Bobvila.co m, inconsistent temperature changes can affect paint, even in sealed cans. Ultimately, the ups and downs in temperature can change the paint’s formula.

If you need to store a gallon of paint in your garage, don’t worry. However, keeping it for more than a night or two in there is not recommended. Keep it inside a closet with the lid secure and away from small children and pets.

Wood Furniture

The majority of garages are not temperature controlled. The humidity and temperature can go from one extreme to the other. With these constant fluctuations, your furniture could become damaged.

The damage can vary depending on how long the furniture has been stored and the extremes in temperature. Minor damages include veneer delamination. More significant damage may involve the wood becoming warped.

If you want to save your antiques for a family member, store them inside your home or in a climate-controlled storage unit.

Important Documents

Important documents should never be stored in your garage. Passports, medical records, birth and marriage certificates, and mortgage documentation should be kept safely inside your home.

The moisture in humid air is enough to cause damage to these papers. Mice, roaches, and other insects may also find them the perfect thing to munch on and destroy.

Wine

Wine needs a cool, dark area for storage, such as a cellar or basement. What is not a great idea is putting your wine cabinet in the garage. There isn’t a consistent temperature to keep the wine from changing during the years. Temperature fluctuations can cause the wine to expand and contract, leading to flavor-changing oxidation.

Conclusion

Garages are great places to store some items as well as park your bikes and cars. However, you want to find a different location for your food, wine, and wood furnishings, as the temperature fluctuations can ruin them. Clothing, papers, books, and mattresses can also invite pests into your home. Do your best to maximize the space in your home and look to your garage as an additional storage option.

Sources

Seven Tips for Organizing Your Garage

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 20:55:36 GMT

A well-organized custom garage can add value to your home and dramatically increase your usable square footage. But instead, that area of your house is usually a haphazard catch-all for tools, equipment, and things that just don’t fit anywhere else. Is there even room for your car in there?

Turn your garage into the most organized space in the house by doing the following:

Get Rid of Stuff You Don’t Need
Plan Your Zones
Use Overhead Space
Creative Vertical Storage
Hang Bikes & Sports Equipment
Reuse and Repurpose
Invest in Cabinetry

Conquer your clutter and establish the safe, clean custom garage paradise that you’ve always desired. Read on to learn more!

Go Through Everything

Start off on the right foot by giving your garage a thorough once-over, and dispose of any obvious trash or dangerous items immediately. DIY Network suggests that you have plenty of trash bags and boxes for items to be donated. Make sure no winged or furry creatures have taken up residence, and open the doors and any windows to create some air circulation and let in lots of light.

The next step in getting your garage organized is to go through all the cardboard boxes and bags that may have even been lurking there since you moved in. Out on the driveway, create three piles - one for things that you need and will keep, one for things to sell or give away, and one pile that is definitely getting trashed. Be honest: if you haven’t used it in over a year, it’s probably not worth keeping.

The always knowledgeable folks at This Old House offer a reminder that certain things should not be stored in your garage at all. Extreme temperatures ruin paint, so find another place to put those cans. Paper products will deteriorate quickly and attract bugs and pests. Pet food bags and containers are a temptation for raccoons, possums, and other critters. Move any propane tanks outside and at least ten feet from your house, and make sure that you always have a charged and certified fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location.

Make a Plan

Once you’ve gone through everything, grouped like items together, such as sports equipment, lawn maintenance, and car care items - then develop a plan on how you would like your dream garage laid out. Creating “zones” will help you quickly figure out the best arrangement for your needs and allow you to determine what kind of storage options will work best. If you want to use an area for crafting or do-it-yourself projects, make sure you give yourself room for a nice big work table and plenty of light.

The experts at Unclutter.com mention placing items that you use a lot close to the door, such as keys and pet harnesses. Don’t plan to store anything on the floor permanently as those items might get run over, and will certainly make your garage look instantly cluttered again.

Things Are Looking Up

Your garage will usually have higher ceilings than the rest of your abode, so don’t be afraid to utilize that valuable space up high. Ceiling racks are affordable and easy to install, and they are ideal for storing clear plastic bins of items that aren’t often used. Perfect for tucking away holiday decorations and seasonal items that take up a lot of space but you can’t bear to part with.

It may seem easier to just keep things in cardboard boxes, but don’t fall into that trap. Those items will be forgotten about if they are not visible, and boxes can get squished or degrade over time, exposing your belongings to dampness or insects. Investing in sturdy, see-through bins to ensure that everything stays safe and dry will keep your garage in top form.

Never Overlook Vertical Storage

In addition to ceiling-mounted racks, you can definitely increase your available storage by using all of the vertical space on the walls, from floor to ceiling. Here are a few unique ways to take advantage of that valuable real estate:

Sturdy Racks for clear and labeled plastic bins
Magnetic Strips are a fabulous way to mount metal tools so they’re easy to reach
Slatwall Storage Systems are versatile, strong, and long-lasting
Hooks to hang items like shovels or garden rakes

These wall storage options can be configured in an endless number of ways to accommodate all of the accoutrements for you and your family’s current hobbies.

Grab It & Go

Another marvelous way to utilize the vertical storage concept is to hang your bicycles up and out of the way. This frees up floor space, keeps your bikes safe, and cuts down the chance that you’ll trip over them when you are trying to reach for something else. Iconic HGTV has several ideas for the best ways to safely store your ride in your newly upgraded garage.

If your family is more into hockey, skateboarding, or surfing, you can still install ceiling hooks or wall racks that will keep your expensive sporting equipment high and dry. Remember - put the items you use frequently closest to the door, and things you only need seasonally can be stored in plastic bins.

Upcycle

When you are making your “keep and ditch” piles, be on the lookout for items that can be repurposed - sturdy plastic containers or wooden boxes can serve many purposes. Unwanted furniture in another room like a desk or bookcase might be a perfect new craft table. Clean glass jars from the kitchen are ideal for keeping small things like nails, bolts, or screws in order. Reusable fabric shopping bags are strong and durable and can hold automotive supplies and small tools, like gardening implements. Old laundry baskets are great for storing baseballs, soccer balls, and other outdoor toys.

Cabinets Are Key

A major way to take control of your garage organization project is to bring in cabinetry. If you have sharp tools or chemicals in your garage, a locking cabinet will keep hazardous items from getting into the wrong hands.

Made from a variety of materials, they can be mounted on the ceiling, on the wall, or be freestanding. The top of a wheeled cabinet can double as a mobile workspace as well as storage and can be moved out of the way when not in use. Metal-faced ones will give you the added benefit of using magnets to hang smaller items on the outside. Add a pop of color by painting a few cabinet doors in a bright shade to add an eye-catching design element to your new garage.

Conclusion

Organizing your garage might seem like a Herculean task, but you can face this challenge with style by utilizing the above tips. Invite friends and loved ones to help, put on some high-energy music, and don’t be afraid to dance a little - your dream garage is within reach!

Sources

What Are the Best Materials for Assembling Custom Closets?

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 13:22:25 GMT

You want your Durham, NC home to look beautiful and be functional. You can achieve this by simply upgrading a few areas of your home. If you are considering adding in custom closets , then you’re probably also thinking about what material custom closets are made of and which one you should choose.

Choices, choices, choices. You want your closets to be as unique and stylized as you, complete with beautiful fixtures and finishes. The two best materials for assembling custom closets are melamine and wood for their durability, versatility, and beauty.

Find out below what makes melamine and wood the top material choices for custom closets.

Melamine Vs. Wood

You are probably wondering, what in the world is melamine? According to woodworkingtrade.com , melamine items, like cabinets and closets, are made from a manufactured-wood substrate. These include medium density fiberboard (MDF) or plywood that have been covered in melamine laminate resin. Essentially, melamine is a laminate. It is the melamine resin that makes these materials durable, strong, and gives them an attractive look.

Wood, on the other hand, is a timeless and classic material. In fact, architectmagazine.com explains that wood has been used in homes dating back to “over 10,000 years ago.” The soft, rounded edges of solid wood along with the warm color tones in the wood grains make wood the classic material that it is. In addition to its natural beauty, wood is naturally strong and can withstand heavy loads and long-term use well.

Benefits of Melamine for Custom Closets

Thespruce.com explains that melamine won’t warp, is heat resistant, and is less likely to stain. At the same time, because the melamine resin goes all the way through the material and makes it nearly impossible for water to seep inside, moisture build-up is less of an issue. This makes melamine great for closets and kitchens alike. It’s also not heavy, making it easy to assemble into your new custom closets.

Depending on your personal style, melamine comes in a variety of finishes and color options. You don’t have to settle for anything less than the exact style you want for your custom closets. Because it’s lightweight, you can change things up whenever you want by moving drawers and shelves around more easily. Melamine is a very affordable material to buy, and it’s easy to customize.

You might be wondering if there is a drawback to choosing melamine. While melamine is tough, beautiful, and water-resistant, it can still become damaged if it stays wet for long periods of time.

Benefits of Wood for Custom Closets

Do you already have wood floors or wooden built-ins? Or maybe you love the classic style wood gives a space? No matter the reason, there are many benefits to choosing wood for your custom closets.

It’s much easier to match wood materials to already present wood items in your home. Wood is also strong and durable, especially solid wood. Wooden bars are sturdy and can handle heavy loads well.

Certain types of wood are excellent at preventing pests , such as moths, crickets, cockroaches, and more. The best wood choice to prevent these pesky bugs is cedar, which is a solid wood. While the cedar wood aroma smells nice to humans, it has a spicy smell bugs can’t stand.

You know it’s coming--the drawbacks. Although wood is beautiful, it does tend to be more expensive than melamine.

Conclusion

Choosing the best material is one of the first steps to creating the organized, functional closets you’ve always wanted. Melamine and wood both have many benefits and a couple of drawbacks. However, you really can’t go wrong with either. Whichever custom closet material you choose will look great and be long-lasting.

Sources

Reorganize Your Custom Closets Using These 30 Versatile Accessories

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 15:29:18 GMT

By definition, a custom closet is one that is designed specifically to meet the needs of its user. Using a combination of drawers, shelves, hanging racks, and cabinets, each closet design is as individual as its owner.

But, to truly create a custom closet space, you want to include a selection of accessories chosen specifically to help keep your closet clean and organized. With dozens of different accessory options available, reorganizing your custom closets can be both easy and fun.

When it comes to reorganizing your closets, it’s important to start with a clean slate. The tips laid out in Four Steps for Organizing Your Custom Closets provide a great step-by-step guide. Once everything in your closet has been sorted and cleaned, you can evaluate your belongings and choose which accessories would be best for your needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing from 30 versatile accessories to organize your custom closets:

Sort It Out
Step Up
Accent Your Accessories
Safe Keeping
Clean-Up Time
Dress To Impress

Keep reading to learn which accessories would work best in your custom closets.

Sort It Out

Your closet already features a selection of custom-designed drawers and shelves, but there are a variety of accessories that can make your space even more user-friendly. Divided drawers or shelf dividers are a great way to separate similar clothing items. They keep folded clothes organized and easy to see.

You can keep your unmentionables organized by adding a lingerie drawer . Storage boxes and woven baskets are ideal for items you don’t use very often such as seasonal clothing. You can store your winter wardrobe – think heavy sweaters, scarves, and hats – away during warm weather months, and then swap out your shorts, t-shirts, and bathing suits when the temperatures start to take a dip.

Here’s a helpful hint – don’t use plastic bins because you want to allow for airflow to ensure your clothes don’t get musty smelling .

A custom closet can also benefit from a few carefully placed hanging rods . Blouses, dress shirts, and dresses should be hung for proper storage. You might want to consider a separate hanging rod for outerwear, such as jackets and coats. A pants rack is another great accessory option. The slide-out rack makes it easy to hang or retrieve a pair of dress pants or even jeans.

Step Up

Shoes can create havoc in even the best-designed closets. Keeping pairs together can sometimes be as difficult as herding cats. That’s why you need to take advantage of special accessories designed specifically for shoes. A shoe organizer is a pull-out rack with posts designed to hold each shoe, so pairs can stay together. It’s the perfect solution for athletic or casual shoes, or even men’s dress shoes.

A shoe fence might be better suited for women’s high heels and wedges, men’s dress shoes that require a shoe tree, or strappy sandals. It’s basically a slanted shelf with a guard rail at the front to keep your shoes from slipping off of it. Of course, you could always place shoes directly on a shelf or use a hanging shoe rack (by the way, this is a great way to store flip flops and slippers).

Accent Your Accessories

Just as scarves, hats, and belts can pull an outfit together, they can also add a little pizzazz to your custom closets. A few carefully placed hooks will keep hats and handbags within easy reach. Belts can be organized using either a belt rack (slide-out system with hooks to hold belts) or belt hooks (a wall-mounted storage solution).

Similar accessories can be utilized for men's ties. Depending upon how many ties you own, or how often you wear them, you can choose between a tie rack or tie hooks . A scarf rack allows women to keep their accessories at the ready, and the pops of color add interest to your custom closets.

Safe Keeping

Jewelry is another accessory that often requires a little TLC to keep organized. Custom closets can be designed to include a slide-out jewelry drawer , which features individual compartments to house your earrings, rings, bracelets, brooches, and necklaces.

Another popular option is a velvet jewelry insert , which can be placed inside of a drawer. Many men choose this option to store their wristwatches and cufflinks. It’s also ideal for storing sunglasses. Of course, you can always place store-bought jewelry boxes or hanging trees on a closet shelf. Another easy and low-priced option is to install a corkboard on your wall and hang necklaces and bracelets from push pins.

You may want to consider installing a drawer with a stealth drawer lock to store valuable pieces of jewelry as well as important documents such as passports. Similar to a safe, it ensures you are the only one able to access these important items. But, the bonus is that it looks like an ordinary drawer so as not to draw attention and the possibility of theft.

Clean-Up Time

It’s not polite to air your dirty laundry in public, so why not keep it private in your closets as well? Custom closets offer a variety of laundry accessories. For dirty laundry, you can choose between a traditional hamper (fabric bins) or a wire basket hamper . A sliding basket , composed of a wire basket with a fabric insert, is another great alternative.

You can equip your custom closets with special accessories for clean clothes as well. A folding station offers a slide-out shelf on which to fold your shirts and sweaters. You can also add an ironing board, making it easy to ensure everything you wear is wrinkle-free. This will keep you looking your best at all times.

Dress To Impress

Last but not least, you can make sure your Outfit of the Day (#OOTD) is always Instagram worthy with the addition of a few special accessories. It’s easy to dress to impress when you can plan out your outfit.

By using a valet rod or laundry valet, you can quickly and easily coordinate an entire outfit. Simply pick out your top, bottoms, and accessories and hang them up together. You can plan by the day or for the entire week. This takes the stress out of figuring out what to wear. Who knows, you might even be able to sleep a few minutes longer now that your outfits are pre-planned.

The final accessory to any closet should be a mirror. A slide-out mirror makes an awesome addition, but you can also find a mirror (either full-length or decorative) at a big box store. It’s always nice to take one last peek at yourself before walking out the door to make sure you’re looking your best.

Conclusion

Just as accessories help complete an outfit, carefully chosen accessories can help complete your custom closets. From practical items such as hanging rods and hampers to storage solutions such as shoe fences and jewelry drawers, there are a variety of versatile accessories available to make sure your custom closests are fully functional and as unique as you are.

How to Get Rid of Pests in Your Closets

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 16:08:57 GMT

It seems like a magic trick gone wrong: you open your closet doors one morning and whoosh! Out flies a moth. That’s profoundly disturbing enough, but moths aren’t the only insects you’ve found in your closet. How do you make these pests go away?

Follow these tips to get rid of pests in your custom closets :

Clean your closets inside and out, vacuuming the carpets and going through drawers and shelves
Don’t put clothes in the closet unless they’re clean
Give bugs fewer places to hide by organizing your closets
Reduce moisture in your closets
Try a natural bug deterrent like cedar or lavender

In this article, you’ll learn what kinds of bugs are lured into closets and why. There will also be plenty more actionable tips for removing pests in your closets, so make sure you keep reading!

What Attracts Moths and Other Pests to Your Closets?

Once you get over the shock of having found living bugs in your closet, a few questions will immediately spring to mind. Where did those insects come from? How do you get rid of them?

The latter question will be addressed in the next section, but for now, here’s what pests like so much about your closets.

Dirt

Are you of the mindset that jeans don’t have to be washed every time you wear them? Perhaps you think that if you only wore a piece of clothing for a few hours that it’s not really dirty, especially if you layered it, like a blazer over a t-shirt or a hoodie with a shirt underneath.

Sure, it’s convenient to not have to wash your clothes all the time, but even if your outfits don’t seem dirty to you, bugs would beg to differ.

Remember that to an insect, your clothing is about 1,000 times bigger at least. Thus, that little fleck of dead skin you sloughed off without realizing it is far more than a fleck to an insect. That smudge of dirt is also a feast for them.

Termites are known for eating wood, but they don’t turn down easy sources of dirt like unclean clothes either. Cockroaches will do the same, as will carpet beetles. The name may imply that carpet beetles only want to munch on your rugs, but they also eat baseboards and the debris that sheds from them.

Hiding in your carpet edges and the corners of your closets, carpet beetles may be bottom feeders, but you’re giving them an endless supply of food with your dirty clothes.

Food

You know better than to stash some candy bars in the back drawer of your closet, but food can unwittingly make its way into your closets in other ways. Again, by not washing stained and dirty clothes after wearing them but instead putting them back in the closet, lots of pests will descend on your garments. That can also be true if you tried removing a stubborn food stain but it didn’t come all the way out.

If you see firebrats, silverfish, crickets, termites, and/or cockroaches, it’s likely due to a cleanliness problem within your closets.

Clothes

Should you have pests in only your bedroom closets and not your hall closets, then the insects here are likely in it for the clothes. Clothes-eating moths, like those you saw in your closet the other day, can make holes through your favorite sweaters and pants if you leave them unchecked.

They’re not the only ones! Here are some other bugs to beware of courtesy of The Spruce :

Webbing Clothes Moths: The webbing clothes moth or “Tineola bisselliella” is a teeny-tiny moth about the size of a grain of rice and roughly the same color. The larvae will hungrily munch on all sorts of clothing materials, including mohair, cashmere, and wool.
Termites: Termites like dirt more than they do eating clothes, but they will chew through your best outfits to reach the food and dirt sources.
Silverfish: Its name doesn’t sound like it, but silverfish are bugs, not fish. Centipede-like, silverfish are indeed silver in color. Their favorite clothing materials are rayon, cotton, and silk.
Firebrats: Firebrats are related to silverfish, but with a brownish hue. They like starchy clothes like silverfish do as well as rayon, linen, and cotton.
Crickets: Crickets don’t intentionally eat clothes and linens, but rather, they go to town on a stain and tend to leave holes and tears in their wake.
Cockroaches: Very undiscerning about their food sources, if your clothes are stained with food, bodily fluids, or dirt, cockroaches will eat and eat.
Case-Bearing Clothes Moths: The case-bearing clothes moth is a very small bug, about half an inch maybe, that enjoys hair, wool, flannel, and fur.
Carpet Beetles: Up to three species of carpet beetles will ingest your wardrobe as breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They include the black carpet beetle, variegated carpet beetle, and the common carpet beetle.

Moisture

How warm and damp is it in your closets? Silverfish prefer temperatures of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and firebrats up to 90 degrees, says The Spruce . Termites quite like moisture, as do crickets.

Darkness

Hopefully, you have at least one light source in each of your closets. If not, then the chances of the spaces drawing in pests increases. Carpet beetles choose dark locations even though they prefer living among fabric; imagine if they found a place with both, such as your closet! Webbing clothes moths and silverfish are also likely to propagate in places with dim or no light.

Five Tips for Removing Pests From Your Closets Once and For All

Knowing what you do now about which closet settings and habits are most likely to invite pests, you can begin tackling your insect problem one tip at a time!

Clean Your Closets Thoroughly and Keep Them Clean

The act of folding your clothes or sliding them onto a hanger can rustle the dirt, skin flakes, and loose food debris that remains on your dirty clothing. This debris then falls to the floor where bottom-feeding bugs finally get a chance to strike.

You can’t only worry about keeping your clothes clean then, but the rest of your closet as well. If you have carpets, vacuum them, even those tight little corners that are hard to get to. Try a portable vacuum or use the suction hose on your regular vacuum for those tough spots. This will drive out carpet beetles.

Go through every shelf and drawer in your closet, remove what’s in there, and dust off the closet fixtures. If any of your drawers are lined with fabric, vacuum or wash those fabrics, as pests can certainly fit inside your drawers.

Cleaning your closets this thoroughly cannot be a one-and-done occurrence. About every month, maybe even more often, you need to go through and tidy up your closets again. It’s one of your best defenses against pests!

Only Put Clean Clothes in Your Closets

The information provided thus far in this article should have shown you the value of always washing your clothes after you wear them. Yes, that’s even if you only wore the clothes for a couple of hours. If you sweat even a little, or if you spill even a drop of juice and then your clothes go back in the closet, it’s game over. Bugs will be able to easily find the clothes and begin feasting.

Depending on how long this goes on, you might pull out your favorite sweater only to discover it has a huge hole right in the center. Start washing your clothes more often and this won’t happen. If you’re worried about maintaining the integrity of your clothes when you wash them frequently, turn them inside out, use garment bags, or wash them on a gentle cycle.

Organize Your Closets So Bugs Have Nowhere to Hide

To you, your closets are a little messy. To critters and pests, it’s a literal jungle for them to traverse, and they will be happy to do so. The cleaner and more organized your closets are, the less incentive bugs have to make their home in there.

If pests ever do decide to invade your space again, you’ll also spot the bugs the moment they fly or scurry across your closets. It’s then easier to locate them and use some more humane bug removal methods that will be discussed shortly.

Reduce Closet Moisture

You don’t want your closet to be a moist place for the sake of everything in there. Moisture can cause the wood to contract and expand depending on how humid your closet is. Even worse is that when the relative humidity is more than 90 percent, wood can “rot”, says moisture meter experts Wagner Meters . Before it gets that bad, the wood can be a hotbed for mold and mildew.

It’s not a better story for the expensive shoes and clothing in your closets. They too can get moldy. It’s one thing for wood to be riddled with mold, but your clothes? You’ll probably have to throw the garments away.

Silica and other desiccants can absorb the extra moisture so your closets are drier.

Use a Natural Bug Deterrent Like Cedar or Lavender

You can also be proactive in pest removal, but in a humane way. Cedar chips are one such option; cedar blocks work just as well. Put the cedar in your closet, ideally away from clothing or any other items in your closet that are stainable. The oils that release from cedar over time can wreck your wardrobe if you’re not careful!

Cedar is beneficial for your closets in several ways. It may be able to ward off the development of mold and mildew, sparing the contents of your closet. On top of that, cedar also deodorizes your closets so they always smell fresh.

Dried lavender will keep away flies, beetles, fleas, and moths, so for that, it’s worth using. Whether you pluck some lavender from your garden, use a store-bought lavender spray (just make sure there’s actual lavender in it), add some lavender essential oils to your closet, or hide a few sachets of lavender, all will keep bugs out.

Conclusion

Pests in your closets are more than just unpleasant. They are destructive and can quickly damage clothing, shoes, and storage materials. The good news is that prevention starts with smart design and consistent maintenance. Well-planned custom closets reduce clutter, limit hiding spots, and make cleaning easier. Partnering with an experienced closet company can also help you create a storage space that is both beautiful and resistant to common household pests. With the right approach, you can protect your wardrobe and enjoy a cleaner, more functional closet every day.

Sources

12 Ways to Fend Off Mold in Your Closets

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 22:05:15 GMT

You love your custom closets . You have so much space for your belongings, and you have no problem finding what you need. Unfortunately, you might also find (or smell) something you don’t need - mold. Luckily, you can take several steps to protect your closet and its contents.

Keep reading to find out the best ways to prevent mold from flourishing in the first place.

What is Mold?

Mold is a fungus that comes in various colors - purple, green, orange, white, or black. It grows both indoors and outdoors. When grown naturally outdoors, mold is relatively harmless and helps in breaking down dead trees and leaves. However, inside your home, mold is not useful. It can wreak havoc by unleashing a terrible odor and destroying your clothing and other items.

Because mold thrives in dark, damp environments with little to no air circulation, your custom closets are the ideal breeding ground. Mold grows on any substance, including wood, paper, carpets, food, fabrics, etc.

Typically mold grows in the drywall or carpeting at the back of your closet, but once it spreads, you can find mold almost anywhere, including walls, ceilings, pipes, clothing, etc. It can destroy delicate clothing items, important documents, and tools, among other things.

Causes of Mold Growth in Your Home

The presence of moisture, even a tiny amount, is all mold needs to thrive. As noted by Hunker.com , moisture in your closets can be caused by:

Humidity - Occurs in the air during the summer months or if your closet is near a bathroom or basement. Because closet doors typically remain closed, humidity gets trapped inside.
Water Damage - Leaky pipes in the walls or a leaky roof can cause water to seep into your closet.
Moldy Fabrics One of the most nutrient-rich sources of food for mold is cotton. If the cotton absorbs moisture, mold develops. The mold spores can then spread to other areas of your closet, most commonly your walls and possibly the ceiling above.
Attic Mold - Mold can quickly spread to other areas of your home, including your attic. If you can’t find any moisture in your closets, the mold may be coming from your attic via the walls or ceiling.

How to Prevent Mold in Your Custom Closets

With a lack of airflow, closets offer the ideal conditions for mold to flourish. Getting rid of all mold is difficult, but the Environmental Protection Agency says that the best way to prevent indoor mold is to “control moisture.”

Use these essential tips to prevent mold from growing in your custom closets and destroying everything inside:

1. Check for Water Damage

Periodically, check your closets for water damage, particularly on the walls and ceiling. If you locate a plumbing leak, fix it immediately. Also, make sure to clean up any moisture the leak caused to prevent mold from forming.

2. Ensure Items in Closet are Dry

When moisture evaporates from damp or wet items, it remains in the air. Before putting them back in your closet, inspect your items to make sure that they are dry. Do not hang wet or damp clothing in your closets.

3. Store Only Clean Clothes

Dirt and organic substances are “food” for mold. Because mold can destroy fabrics, make sure you put only clean clothes in your wardrobe. Also, you may not want to keep your laundry hamper in your closet.

4. Make Extra Space

Rearrange your clothing to allow air to circulate better, and consider using a closet organizer to keep items properly spaced while maximizing storage.

5. Discard Plastic Bags

After getting clothes dry cleaned, remove them from the plastic bags as soon as possible. Plastic traps humidity, further enabling mold to grow.

6. Keep Humidity Levels Low

To prevent mold from growing, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends keeping the relative humidity in your home between “30 and 50 percent.” Use a dehumidifier to lower humidity levels and remove excess moisture from your closets. Make sure you empty the drip tray from the dehumidifier regularly to avoid mold growing in the tray.

7. Stay Off the Floor

Do not store anything on your closet floors. Hang everything up or move to another location. If a water leak occurs and the items get damp, mold can grow underneath.

8. Open the Doors

Keeping your closet doors open several hours a day allows fresh air into the space to reduce the humidity. To move the air around, put a fan at the closet entrance, and point it inside. For closets next to the bathroom, keep the doors closed until the humidity subsides.

9. Regularly Clean Your Closets

Create a routine for cleaning out your closet every few months. Remove all items from your closet, including drawers and cabinets. Vacuum or sweep the closet floors to remove dirt and dust. Using soap and water, wipe down all surfaces, including drawers, cabinets, shelves, walls, and closet rods. Ensure all surfaces are dry before returning your belongings to the closet. If your closet has a carpeted floor, consider steam cleaning it.

10. Leave a Light On

Install a low-wattage, energy-efficient light bulb in your closet to burn off excess moisture and humidity. Keep the light on at all times, if possible. Make sure clothing and other flammable items are not near the light.

11. Use a Moisture-Absorbing Substance

Silica gel, baking soda, chalk, or washed charcoal all absorb moisture from the air and can be placed in your closet.

12. Stay Away From Plastic Storage Tubs

Avoid storing clothing in sealed, plastic storage containers. As an alternative, use storage baskets or other boxes with holes to increase airflow.

Conclusion

Mold can wreak havoc on your custom closets, but it will only flourish when moisture is present. To prevent mold growth, you need to address the source as soon as possible. Use the practical tips in this article to create an environment that discourages mold growth.

Sources

Six Effortless Tips for Fresh Smelling Custom Closets

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 16:50:09 GMT

You can take your closet space for granted, due to its low-profile nature. Once you organize and store your clothes and shoes, they’re out of sight and mind until you need them. But, what happens when you leave your closet alone and forget about it?

Musty and moldy odors will move right into your closet. Smells seep into your belongings, leaving behind a stubborn stench that’ll make your nose wrinkle each time you step into your closet.

Battle those pesky closet smells with six useful pointers to add to your cleaning routine:

Infuse your favorite perfume into your custom closet’s drawers.
Mix and use your own DIY fabric fresheners with vinegar or essential oils.
Hang sachet bags filled with fresh-smelling herbs and wood in your closets.
Regularly deep clean your closet shelves and fixtures.
Don’t overpack your closets and get rid of barely-worn items.
Store only clean and dry belongings.

In this article, you’ll learn three tips to respond to lingering foul smells and three more tips to prevent them from ever coming back into your custom closets .

What Causes Musty Closet Smells?

That tell-tale dark closet mildew odor stems from two main issues: humidity and air circulation. Moisture in your closet causes condensation buildup. Improperly cleaning and drying your items before storing them eventually creates humidity problems.

When you leave your closet door shut or don’t let much light into the space, you limit your closet from getting much-needed air. Without air circulating through your closet, bacteria can grow and multiply.

A Calming Home takes note of how harmful bacteria have a protective layer , allowing them to survive longer in non-ideal areas. If you live in a rainy area or near a body of water, you should keep an eye on the levels of humidity and air circulation in your home.

Infuse Perfume and Cologne Fragrance Into Drawers

Instead of spraying fragrance directly onto your clothes, you can surround your closet with your favorite smell. Lightly spritz your perfume or cologne onto cotton balls or pads. After they’ve completely dried, line your drawers with the aromatic cotton.

Put your clothes away on top. Now, each time you open a drawer to grab something, your go-to scent will waft into the air.

Use DIY Fabric Fresheners

You can mix and use your own fabric fresheners. All you need is water and vinegar or just a few drops of essential oil. Check out these DIY fabric freshening recipes:

Quick-Fix Diluted Vinegar Spray

To freshen up individual clothing items, mix equal parts vinegar and water into a spray bottle.. Spray generously, paying close attention to odor-prone areas (like underarms and around the neck). Each item should dry within a few minutes. The vinegary smell will fade when your garment dries completely. When you using this method, be sure that you are spraying the solution in an outside area, away from your closets and other clothes.

Essential Oil Spray

Add a few drops of your preferred essential oil to a glass (or oil-safe) spray bottle and fill it with water. Use your new DIY spray for stale-smelling clothes.

Hang Sachet Bags in Your Closets

Herb-filled sachet bags are a multifunctional solution for your closets. Angie’s List recommends filling small sachet bags with fresh lavender. You can use cedarwood as a neutral, fresh-scented choice.

Cedarwood will help your closets smell better and it’ll also keep closet pests away.

Deep Clean Your Closet Shelves and Fixtures

You should periodically scrub your custom closet’s shelving and fixtures. You’ll be able to discard anything you no longer need and keep your closets smelling clean and fresh.

Remove your belongings and spray a cleaning rag with an all-purpose cleaner. Wipe down surfaces, baseboards, and hardware. Then, vacuum your carpet or sweep the floor. Air out your closets before putting your clothes away.

Purge Old Items to Make Room for New Clothes

Before you return from a shopping spree with new stuff, conduct routine closet purges. Ask yourself these questions when cleaning out your closets for garage sales and donation drives:

Does this fit well?
Is this comfortable to wear?
Is it damaged or stained in a way I can’t feasibly fix?
Do I even like it?

Overpacking your closet creates dust and dirt you won’t be able to see very well. It also prevents proper air circulation and light from getting into the area. Cut out some of the overwhelm in your space and get rid of your forgotten items.

Store Only Clean and Dry Belongings in Your Closets

Beat the humidity problem at its source and only store clothes, shoes, and accessories that are dry and clean. Wash and dry new garments you introduce to your closet to clean out any remaining food or dirt residue.

Avoid storing damp items fresh out of the dryer and make sure to check the pockets of new clothes for trash and paper.

Conclusion

Getting rid of foul smells in your closets isn’t as difficult or stressful as it seems. You don’t even have to worry about spending money on a professional cleaning company. While you can create your own solutions for existent odors, the best remedy is always prevention.

Cut out the issue at its source and enjoy your fresh-smelling custom closets for years to come.

Sources

Eight Ways that Custom Closets Raise the Market Value of a Home

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 18:38:38 GMT

Custom closets keep your home organized and add needed storage space but they also have another perk - boosting your home’s resale value.

Whether you are looking to sell your home in the near future or want to have an organized space to streamline your daily routines, custom closets are a great addition to your home and can have a positive impact on your home’s market value and appraisal.

Here are some ways custom closets increase the market value of your home:

1. Home is Move-In Ready

Most buyers aren’t interested in doing major work on their new home. They just want to move in and have space for all of their things. Custom closets indicate a well-maintained home, which is very appealing to buyers. The best way to demonstrate your home’s potential is to utilize it yourself. Buyers consider an organized closet a luxury item. When they see a custom closet system, especially a walk-in closet, it shows them there is enough space for their stuff to fit in the home. They will also like the idea that an organizational system is ready for them to start using.

2. Enhances Home’s Functionality

Custom closets have a very high likelihood of selling a home. If your home doesn’t have enough storage space, upgrading the closets in the bathroom or adding a linen closet in the hallway will increase the value and functionality of your home, especially older homes with very small closets. Custom closets generally hold double the amount of items as a standard closet.

3. High Return on Investment

Custom closets sell homes. If you decide to renovate closets in one or more rooms, you are likely to get most, if not all, of your investment back. The blog Home Remodeling Costs Guide reported in its article, Top 20 Addition Ideas, that in addition to a 100% ROI, you can likely get another $2,000 on sale price whether it’s a walk-in or reach-in closet.

Homebuyers find well-designed closets to be a big benefit and they are willing to pay for it. Custom closets will also set your home apart from other similar homes for sale, If it’s a choice between a custom walk-in closet in the master bedroom or a small reach-in closet, the buyer will choose the former, even if they have to pay a little more.

Custom closets are in high demand and they help sell a home quickly. As noted in Kiplinger’s in the article 11 Home Features Buyers Want , a walk-in closet in the master bedroom is one of the most sought after attributes buyers seek. Other walk-in and reach-in closets also make a home more desirable.

4. Upgrades Your Home’s Classification

If you add a walk-in closet to a den or other room, you automatically create a new bedroom, which opens your home up to a larger audience and pushes your home into a higher pricing category. In most housing markets, the difference in price between a two-bedroom home and a three-bedroom home or a three bedroom to a four bedroom home can be significant.

5. Creates a Sense of More Space

Regardless of the size of your home, custom closets creates the illusion of more space.

Buyers don’t want to move into a home and then worry about outgrowing it in a few years. A cluttered, disorganized home looks smaller than it is. On the other hand, a clean, organized closet appears more spacious and buyers can imagine living in the home and fitting all of their items in the closet. will believe all of their items will fit.

6. Increases the Appeal of a Smaller Home

If you have a small home, you may not have considered getting a custom closet because you don’t think there is room for it. The smaller the home, the more impact a custom closet can have. In a small home, storage space is at a premium and a custom closet will maximize the home’s space and give the home a refined look buyers respond well to.

7. Keep up with Current Trends

Pay attention to the current trends in closet organization. Buyers will find custom closets more appealing if they have all the latest features and accessories including cabinets, drawers, ironing boards, pull-out bins, built-in shoe racks, etc.

8. Adds Beauty to the Home

Look and Buyers appreciate a beautiful, well-decorated home. The look and feel of a custom closet enhances the beauty and injects a sense of order in your home. You can select from a number of different hardware styles, colors, finishes and materials to complement the home’s aesthetic.

Conclusion

Whether you’re preparing to put your home on the market, or want to maximize the space in your home, adding custom closets can increase your home’s value. Consider the ideas in this article for boosting your home’s market value so when you are ready to put your home on the market, it will sell quickly and you’ll get your asking price. Use the ideas in this article to help increase the market value of your home.

Sources

Four Steps for Organizing Your Custom Closets

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 17:54:13 GMT

Closets are one of the most essential areas of any home. When a closet is cleaned and organized, not only is everything easier to find, but everything also becomes more accessible. Whether searching for your favorite pair of jeans or the warmest sweater for the outdoors, with an organized closet, everything is located in its most logical place.

There are four steps to follow when organizing any type of closet:

Empty your closets
Declutter your wardrobe
Organize clothing and accessories by category
Clean your closets

Follow these four quick and easy steps when organizing your custom closets .

Easy Steps to Follow When Organizing Your Closets

Empty Your Closets

The first step in the organizational process is to start with a clean slate by removing every piece of clothing from your closets. This includes all the shirts, pants, belts, bags, and any and all accessories.

When organizing your closets, remember that things will get messy before they get better. This step is crucial because it will help in not only assessing inventory, but it will also make your closets easier to clean. Additionally, this will also provide you with insight into which pieces of clothing you haven’t worn recently, which will prove to be useful in the upcoming steps.

Declutter Your Wardrobe

Next, to prevent clothes from piling up in your closets in the future, take this opportunity to address how many pieces of clothing were in your closets in the first place.

The rule of thumb when cleaning is to take into account how many times a piece of clothing has been worn. If it’s unclear when the last time something was worn, there’s a good possibility that it can either be kept elsewhere or donated. While it may be difficult parting with some items of clothing, this step is critical in creating more space in your closets for more essential items.

To help with this step, before putting anything back, separate clothing into three categories:

Clothes to Keep

The name of this category speaks for itself. Whether these are work clothes, casual wear, or frequently worn t-shirts, this is where the most commonly worn items will be kept.

Clothes to Store

Items such as jackets, sweatshirts, and winter coats can take up a lot of real estate in your closets. Depending on the climate, it may be more effective to keep winter clothes in a separate closet during the summer and vice versa as the seasons change.

Clothes to Donate

Getting rid of clothes is never easy, especially if it involves getting rid of clothes that once held immense personal value. However, if they haven’t been worn recently, they probably don’t need to be in your closets at all. Consider putting clothes in this pile that would be better off being donated to a local charitable organization.

Organize Clothing and Accessories by Category

Now that your clothing inventory has been reduced, it’s time to take things a step further and choose how they will be organized once they are put back into their original locations. While some prefer to organize clothes by color, others prefer to organize by brand, and some prefer to organize clothes by even more detailed categories.

When organizing clothes, consider organizing by any of the following suggestions:

Season
Color
Type
Frequency of Use

Last, but certainly not least, be sure also to organize any accessories that will be put back in your closet. When organizing accessories, consider putting them where it will be most sensible and accessible to have them. If it’s an accessory that is frequently used, it may be useful to have it located somewhere that won’t require a lot of time to find it.

For example, items such as belts, ties, and shoes should be located near the front of your closets, while other items can be tucked away in the back. For larger amounts of accessories, it may also be beneficial to invest in tie racks, belt hooks, and drawer dividers to keep this section more organized.

Additionally, the importance of hangers when organizing a closet cannot be overstated.

Instead of selecting hangers based solely on price, consider spending a little more money and purchasing high-quality, color-coded hangers. Not only will this make for a cleaner and more cohesive looking closet, but it will also make searching for clothes much more effective. Velvet hangers are great for this because they keep clothes in place while they are hanging, while not taking up as much space as other types of hangers.

Clean Your Closets

Now that all of the items have been removed, this is a prime opportunity to grab the vacuum and duster and clean your entire closet. This includes every crack and crevice, regardless of how clean it may appear. When cleaning, be sure to clean the dustiest areas of your closet, including areas that have been left unused.

You may be shocked at how dirty such a small space can become. However, once your closets have been cleaned, it may come as a surprise that more space is available for clothing than initially thought.

Conclusion

The hardest part of organizing any closet is dedicating an adequate amount of time to the project. While closets are incredibly useful, it’s relatively easy for them to accumulate clothing over time.

To address this problem and prevent your closets from becoming too overcrowded, assign one day out of every month to clean and organize your closets with the most considerable amounts of clothing in them. Not only will this make life much easier, but it will also prevent unnecessary amounts of clothing from piling up in your closets. The more frequently a closet is cleaned and organized, the less amount of time it will take in the future.

How Much Does a Custom Closet Cost?

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 20:17:05 GMT

You wake up to start another day, but you can’t find your other shoe in your closet. By the time you track it down, your kids are calling you from their bedroom to dig around for an outfit for school. With all this time wasted in the morning, you have to skip breakfast and your cup of coffee, and yet you’re still practically late for work. Something needs to change, which is why you’re thinking of getting custom closets . How much would this home addition cost?

The price for custom closets depends on the type of closet you want, such as:

Hall Closets - $450 to $750
Small Reach-In Closet With Drawers - $1,200
Walk-in Closet With a Closet Island, Drawers, Custom Backing, and Crown Molding - $500 per Linear Foot
Children’s Reach-In Closet - $100 per Linear Foot

If you’re still seriously thinking about getting custom closets installed in your home, then you’re not going to want to miss this article. Ahead, you’ll learn more about the prices that go into your custom closets as well as some budgeting tips and advice for finding the right closets for your home.

Let’s get started.

How Much Does a Walk-In Custom Closet Cost?

The granddaddy of them all in terms of custom closets is undoubtedly the walk-in closet. Such a rich style of closet punctuates any bedroom, adding posh chicness and utter luxury. No longer will your closet be a small nook overstuffed full of clothing, shoes, bags, blankets, and everything else. Instead, it will be a neat, contained space with room for all you want to store in the closet.

Given the opulence and size of a walk-in custom closet, you should expect higher prices compared to other closet types. You may pay $250 per linear foot for a walk-in that spares all the bells and whistles. This closet would likely include drawers.

If you want all of the luxury features walk-ins are known for, expect to pay for it. By adding lighting, a closet island, drawers, backing, and crown molding, now you’re paying $500 per linear foot. A linear foot, by the way, is 12 inches length-wise.

How Much Does a Kids’ Custom Closet Cost?

Once you see how much more organized your own bedroom can be with a walk-in closet, you may feel inclined to get new closets for the kids’ bedrooms as well. Now you can finally organize all of their clothes so they no longer sit in piles on the floor or under the bed. You can also contain their toys so you’re not tripping over them all the time.

If you need only a smaller reach-in closet for the children, this could cost $100 per linear foot. That makes this closet remodel project affordable enough that you can pay for all of the kids’ bedrooms to get done at once.

How Much Does a Small Custom Closet Cost?

Of course, your home has closets in more than just the bedrooms. From a living room closet to one in the entryway or hallway, these are the spaces where all of your household clutter gets buried. Toys, shoes, seasonal gear, sports stuff for the kids, and even kitchen overflow is all stuffed in these closets.

You know you could make better use of your closets if only they were more efficient. Fortunately, for a small reach-in custom closet, the price is about the same as it is for a children’s bedroom closet. If you want to add drawers so you can maximize your storage potential, then a small custom closet might cost $1,200 overall.

For a hall closet, the price is somewhat lower, between $450 and $750 each.

Budgeting for the Right Custom Closets for You

If your home is completely overflowing with messes just about everywhere you look, you might want to overhaul the whole house and get new closets everywhere. If your budget is big enough, that could be an option. Otherwise, you may have to choose which closets suit your home and budget.

Here are some tips and suggestions for doing just that.

Determine Which Household Accessories to Add to Your Custom Closets

The prices as listed above aren’t only what you may pay for your custom closets. Many people who opt to redo their closets add a variety of in-home closet accessories to make their spaces even more effective.

For instance, you can get the most out of even a small closet with accessories such as shoe fences, clothing rods, drawers, and storage cabinets. Being able to tuck your items neatly into cabinets and drawers is a great feeling, plus putting your shoes on a fence keeps them off the floor.

Other useful items to consider are lingerie drawers, slide-out hampers, storage boxes, tie racks, pants racks, ironing boards, hooks, and drawer locks.

With so many awesome options at your disposal, you may feel a touch overwhelmed when trying to make up your mind. You needn’t get every custom closet accessory for your own closets. Instead, think of which accessories you might use the most and then select those.

If your washer and dryer are located on the same floor as your bedroom, then a folding station, wire basket hampers, or a drawer ironing board may make sense for you. This way, you can fold and put away your laundry in the bedroom, which is super convenient.

If you’re often stuck with a missing shoe or you spend too much of your time looking for a tie in the morning, accessories like belt racks, shoe fences, and tie racks are options that you could consider. Pants racks will also keep your slacks crisp so you don’t have to iron them in the morning before work.

Durable closet finishes like wood veneer or high-grade melamine and closet doors with soft-close hinges could also benefit any child’s room. Now your kids can’t destroy the closet even if they bang around.

Don’t Forget Installation Costs

Another cost to keep in mind is the price of installation. Depending on your current closet, the type of custom closet you select, as well as how many accessories, how much you’ll pay for installation may vary. Do keep room in your budget for installation though.

Consider the Curb Appeal

Spending money on home renovations is never fun, although delighting in the finished product undoubtedly is. As you begin setting aside a fund for your custom closets, think about how your home will benefit from them in the long run.

All homeowners do what they can to increase the curb appeal of their properties. If you ever sell your home, the work and additions you get done–such as custom closets–can increase your home’s value.

Even if you have no plans on moving anytime soon, living in a beautiful home is still a joy that you deserve. You’ll love walking through your house and marveling at the empty hallways without clutter. When you open the doors to your closet, you’ll appreciate being able to find what you need right away.

These reasons make getting custom closets so worthwhile.

Conclusion

Depending on the style and size of custom closet you want, you may pay as little as $100 per linear foot to $1,200 overall for new closets. Adding in-home accessories may increase the cost of the project, but it also makes your custom closets more efficient while increasing curb appeal.

Thank You For Visiting!

Thu, 04 Apr 2019 18:54:36 GMT

Welcome to the Affordable Custom Closets & Garages blog! We will be featuring home organization tips, ideas and inspiration. Stay tuned for more!