A closet that is a masterpiece of creative storage will start your day on a positive and time saving note—clothes come out of the closet ready to wear. No ironing or steaming required and you will be able locate any item quickly.

Location, Location, Location

If you have out grown your existing closet, you may have to relocate. My husband and I both enjoy clothes and our closet was crowded. To preserve matrimonial harmony and to give myself more storage space I relocated my closet into a spare room.
If you have the space:

• Move your closet into an unused spare bedroom.
• Convert the entire spare room into a closet.
• Use the existing spare room closet for shoes and boots.
• Line the bedroom walls with shelves and closet rods.

If you are unable to relocate your closet, you may be able to simply relocate seasonal clothing and rotate the clothes as seasons come and go in order to maximize storage space.

Getting Started

Where do you start? Start off with three easy steps:

• Begin by removing everything from the closet–it’s the only way to go.
• Sort clothing and accessories into ‘like’ piles.
• Once all your clothing is sorted into piles, shoes, boots, belts, pants, and so on, re-sort each pile into a keep it pile, needs repair pile, will never wear it again pile-this pile goes to the charity or donation box.

If you need a little inspiration or a push in the right direction consider finding a professional organizer for some personalized advice.

Closet Prep

Before putting any clothing back into the closet, take the time to look at the closet itself.
Do the walls need a fresh coat of paint? If so, stick to a neutral palette in the beige or off white range. You can personal your space with a wallpaper border along the baseboard or at ceiling height in the closet to add a little colour.  Look for a ‘closet suitable’ pattern or design such as vintage shoes, purses or cowboy boots.

Optimize the Space

Use every available space for storage:

• Install shelving that goes to the ceiling and hooks behind the door.
• If you have the floor space, a centre island is a wonderful use of space.
  If you’re on a budget then an old dresser may be substituted for a new island.
• On any available wall space hang ‘plastic pouch or shoe pocket hangers’. These plastic pouches originally designed for shoe storage are perfect for storing hairpieces, bathing suites, tights and hosiery, or belts.
• Try storing socks in baskets on the floor.
• Check your local yellow pages for stores that offer second hand store fixtures for sale. One of the best additions to my closet was a used clothing rack that now hangs clothing I need to put away as well as items from the dry cleaners and tomorrow's outfit.
• Hang a bulletin board in your closet for inspiration and shopping lists. When you see, a great looking outfit in your favourite fashion magazine simply cut out the photo and post it on your bulletin board. When you need a little inspiration, recreate it from your own wardrobe.

Consider adding more lighting after all the changes have been completed. You want to be able to see your new closet!

Hang in There

When clothing goes back into the closet, invest in hangers. Clothes look and hang best when they are all hung on the same type/style of hanger. Thick plastic hangers are best for clothing and are inexpensive.

Be sure to hang all your pants in one section, long sleeve shirts in another, skirts another and so on. Arrange clothing from light to dark.

Some Fun Ideas

• Convert a mannequin into a lamp.
• Use colourful store bags to store out of season or seldom worn hats and gloves.
• Faux animal fur hatboxes add a touch of style and inspiration to shelves.
• Do not forget about fragrance. Keep clothing smelling fresh with potpourris and cedar closet blocks.

Getting your closet organized may take a bit of time upfront but once completed you'll have functional and extremely efficient space with personal touches and a true sense of style!

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