Innovative Homestorage

10 Habits That Keep Garage Cabinets Functional Year After Year

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:10:32 GMT

Garage cabinets tend to look their best on day one, but what really matters is how they perform years down the line. I’ve seen garage cabinets become frustrating to use simply because everyday habits slowly worked against them. Your cabinets are meant to support daily routines, store heavy items, and handle changing seasons. With consistent care and thoughtful use, you can keep them performing well long after installation.

Through years of designing and organizing garages, one thing has become very clear to me: cabinets that stay functional over time are almost always supported by practical routines that fit naturally into daily life. If you want your cabinets to keep opening smoothly and holding up to real use, small, intentional habits make the difference. These are the kinds of routines that prevent cabinets from slowly becoming harder to use.

Here are the 10 habits that help keep garage cabinets functional year after year:

Assign specific storage zones inside garage cabinets
Avoid overloading shelves and cabinet drawers
Clean garage cabinets on a regular schedule
Store chemicals and liquids in sealed containers
Open and close cabinet doors and drawers properly
Reorganize garage cabinets seasonally
Inspect hardware and fasteners annually
Protect garage cabinets from moisture and temperature extremes
Use drawer liners and shelf mats
Store heavy or awkward items low

If you’ve ever wondered why some cabinets stay smooth and sturdy while others start sticking, sagging, or feeling messy, these habits explain a lot. Each one is manageable on its own, but together they help create cabinets that are easier to use and easier to maintain.

Assign Specific Storage Zones Inside Garage Cabinets

One of the most effective habits I recommend is assigning clear storage zones inside garage cabinets. When your tools, cleaning supplies, sports gear, and hardware each have a defined home, your cabinets are easier to maintain and less likely to become overcrowded. This approach prevents items from being stacked randomly or shoved wherever space allows. Over time, that organization reduces unnecessary wear on shelves and doors.

Storage zones also make it easier for you to spot when clutter starts to creep back in. If one cabinet is designated for tools only, you’ll notice right away when unrelated items begin piling up. That awareness makes it easier to reset things quickly instead of letting them spiral out of control. In my experience, this habit alone can significantly improve how long your garage cabinets remain functional.

Avoid Overloading Shelves and Cabinet Drawers

Garage cabinets are designed to handle weight, but every shelf and drawer still has its limits. If you overload them, cabinets are more likely to lose alignment or start to sag. I often see cabinets that look sturdy from the outside but show internal damage caused by too much weight in one area. Being mindful of capacity goes a long way in preventing those issues.

If you distribute heavier items across multiple cabinets, you reduce stress on individual components. It also helps your drawers and doors open and close more smoothly. When you take weight limits seriously, your garage cabinets tend to stay level and functional much longer. This habit protects both the cabinet structure and the hardware.

Clean Garage Cabinets on a Regular Schedule

Cleaning garage cabinets may not be top of mind, but it plays a bigger role than many people expect. Dust, dirt, and residue from chemicals can slowly wear down surfaces and finishes, especially if they build up over time. I usually suggest wiping down your cabinet exteriors and interiors a few times a year. It is a simple habit that helps preserve the materials.

Regular cleaning also gives you a chance to catch small issues early. You might notice a loose handle, a sticky drawer, or a minor spill before it becomes a bigger problem. Staying aware of cabinet condition makes maintenance easier over time. Clean cabinets tend to function better and last longer.

Store Chemicals and Liquids in Sealed Containers

Many garages store paint, oil, cleaners, and other liquids that can be tough on cabinetry. If those products leak or spill, they can cause staining, corrosion, or surface damage inside your garage cabinets. I always recommend using sealed containers and placing them in bins or trays when possible. This adds an extra layer of protection.

Even a small leak can go unnoticed for months and cause lasting damage. Proper containment makes cleanup easier and helps preserve your cabinet interiors. This habit also improves safety and keeps cabinets looking better long term. It is a simple step that prevents avoidable wear.

Open and Close Cabinet Doors and Drawers Properly

How you handle garage cabinets each day has a direct impact on their lifespan. Slamming doors or pulling drawers too forcefully puts strain on hinges and slides. Over time, that stress can lead to misalignment or hardware failure. I have seen cabinets break down simply because they were handled roughly.

Making a habit of opening and closing doors and drawers gently helps preserve moving parts. This is especially important if your cabinets have soft-close features. Treating cabinets with care does not slow things down, but it does keep everything functioning smoothly. It is an easy habit that often gets overlooked.

Reorganize Garage Cabinets Seasonally

Seasonal reorganization is one of the most effective ways to maintain functional garage cabinets. Your garage naturally collects items that are only used part of the year, which can quickly overwhelm storage. Taking time to rotate seasonal gear keeps your cabinets balanced and accessible. It also prevents overcrowding.

Reorganizing encourages you to reassess what you actually need. Items that are rarely used tend to stand out during this process. This habit helps keep your cabinets from turning into long-term storage for clutter. Over time, seasonal resets keep your cabinet system working as intended.

Inspect Hardware and Fasteners Annually

An annual inspection of cabinet hardware can make a noticeable difference in performance. Hinges, drawer slides, and handles can loosen with regular use, especially if cabinets are opened frequently. Tightening them once a year helps prevent misalignment and uneven wear. It is a quick task with lasting benefits.

Small hardware issues rarely resolve on their own. Catching them early helps your cabinets operate smoothly and avoids larger repairs later. This habit supports both functionality and appearance. Consistent inspections can help extend the life of your garage cabinets.

Protect Garage Cabinets From Moisture and Temperature Extremes

Garages are exposed to changing temperatures and moisture levels throughout the year. Over time, excess humidity or cold can affect cabinet materials and finishes, especially in spaces that hold condensation. I often recommend keeping cabinets elevated off damp floors when possible. Ventilation or a dehumidifier can also help in certain environments.

Managing moisture is especially important for long-term cabinet performance. Even well-built garage cabinets benefit from a stable environment. Small preventative steps can reduce the risk of warping, corrosion, or surface damage. This habit plays a major role in how your cabinets age.

Use Drawer Liners and Shelf Mats

Drawer liners and shelf mats are an easy way to protect cabinet interiors. They reduce scratches, absorb minor spills, and make cleaning easier when something inevitably drips or scuffs. I often suggest them as a low-effort upgrade that adds long-term value. They also help keep items from shifting during use.

These liners reduce wear on cabinet surfaces over time. You can replace them as needed without affecting the cabinet itself. Cabinets that use liners tend to maintain a cleaner, more finished look. It is a small habit that adds noticeable protection.

Store Heavy or Awkward Items Low

Where you store items inside garage cabinets matters just as much as what you store. Heavy or bulky items should always go in lower cabinets. This reduces strain on upper cabinets and improves overall safety when you are lifting or reaching. I have seen upper cabinets suffer unnecessary damage due to poor weight placement.

Lower storage keeps heavy items easier for you to access and better supported. It also reduces stress on mounting hardware and cabinet frames. When you store weight thoughtfully, cabinets stay more secure over time. This habit benefits both cabinet longevity and everyday usability.

Conclusion

Garage cabinets work best when they support your routine instead of fighting it. A few small habits can prevent the slow build-up of clutter, wear, and frustration that makes cabinets feel “old” long before they should. Even adopting one or two of these practices can make a noticeable difference over time. When your cabinets are easier to use, they naturally stay better organized and more enjoyable to live with.

The 5 Golden Rules of Organizing Kids' Closets for the Cold Weather Season

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 20:31:48 GMT

Cold weather changes what your family reaches for every day, and that often shows up first in the kids’ closet . Coats, boots, layers, and accessories need space, and without a plan, everything ends up crowded or hard to find. Organizing the closet ahead of the season makes mornings smoother and helps kids stay independent as they choose what they need.

I like approaching this process with a few simple rules that keep things practical and easy to maintain. The goal is not perfection. It is creating a setup that works with the rhythm of busy mornings, after-school routines, and constant temperature changes. With the right structure in place, the closet can support your child through the entire cold-weather season without adding extra stress.

These are the five rules that make the biggest difference when preparing a kids’ closet for colder months:

Prioritize daily essentials
Make space for layers and bulkier items
Use simple categories kids can follow
Keep accessories visible and easy to grab
Refresh the system throughout the season

Keep reading to learn how each rule helps create a closet that stays organized and kid-friendly all winter long.

Prioritize Daily Essentials

The fastest way to simplify cold-weather mornings is to make the items your child uses every day the easiest to reach. Jackets, warm tops, school layers, and comfortable bottoms should sit front and center. When these essentials have prime space in the kids’ closet, it removes most of the daily decision-making and prevents the usual morning scramble.

I like starting with a quick review of what actually gets worn each week. Anything your child reaches for often should stay at eye level or within easy arm’s reach. Less-used pieces can shift to higher shelves or deeper sections of the closet. This keeps daily go-to items from being buried under clothing that is only worn occasionally.

A closet organized around real habits saves time for everyone. Your child knows where to look, and you avoid sorting through piles during rushed mornings. Prioritizing essentials creates a natural flow that supports the rest of the cold-weather setup.

Make Space for Layers and Bulkier Items

Cold-weather clothing takes up more room than summer outfits. Sweaters, heavy pants, fleece layers, and winter pajamas can quickly overcrowd a kids' closet if there is no plan for them. Creating designated space for these bulkier items helps the whole closet stay manageable once the temperature drops.

A simple adjustment can make a big difference. I like to free up one section of the hanging rod for thicker tops and coats, then use lower shelves or bins for folded sweaters and layered pieces. This prevents the closet from feeling stuffed and gives everything a place where it fits comfortably. It also keeps fabrics from getting crushed or stretched.

When layers have enough room, the closet stays more breathable and easier to maintain. Kids can see what options they have without digging through piles, and it becomes easier to rotate items in and out as the weather shifts. A little space goes a long way during the colder months.

Use Simple Categories Kids Can Follow

A kids’ closet works best when the system is easy for them to understand. Complicated categories might look neat on day one, but they rarely hold up through a busy school week. Simple groups, like tops, bottoms, layers, and accessories, give kids a clear way to put things back where they belong.

I like to think about how children actually choose their clothes. If items are grouped in a way that matches their daily routine, they are more likely to use the system without reminders. A small set of labels or color-coded bins can help guide them, especially if they are still learning where things go. The easier the category, the better the consistency.

Clear categories also reduce clutter over time. When kids know where everything belongs, fewer items end up on the floor or piled in corners. It becomes a system they can manage on their own, which keeps the closet more organized throughout the cold-weather season.

Keep Accessories Visible and Easy to Grab

Cold-weather accessories are small but essential. Gloves, hats, scarves, and ear warmers disappear quickly if they are not stored in a predictable spot. Keeping them visible prevents last-minute searches and makes it easier for kids to get ready on their own.

I like using open bins, shallow drawers, or small wall hooks to hold these smaller items. When accessories are in plain sight, they are less likely to get lost in the back of a drawer or mixed into laundry piles. It also helps kids choose what they need without pulling apart the entire closet. Clear access keeps everything more manageable.

Visibility also encourages better habits. When accessories have an obvious home, kids return them to the right spot naturally. This simple structure keeps the closet from becoming cluttered with loose, mismatched items as winter goes on.

Refresh the System Throughout the Season

Even the best setup needs small adjustments as winter goes on. Kids outgrow clothing, new items get added, and some pieces stop being used as often. Taking a few minutes every few weeks to review the kids’ closet keeps it running smoothly without a full reorganization.

I like to start by checking what is no longer being worn. Those pieces can move to higher shelves, donation bins, or storage for next year. Meanwhile, items that are suddenly in heavy rotation can shift to easier-to-reach spots. These minor changes keep the closet aligned with real everyday use.

A quick refresh keeps the system from falling apart. It prevents clutter from building and makes getting dressed simpler for everyone. With a little maintenance, the closet stays organized and functional all season long.

Conclusion

Organizing a kids’ closet for the cold weather season is all about creating a setup that supports daily routines. A few simple rules make the space easier for children to use and easier for adults to maintain. I’ve found that when the closet matches how kids actually move through their day, the entire season feels smoother. With a little planning and a few smart adjustments, the space stays organized, practical, and ready for whatever winter brings.

Common Mistakes That Waste Space in Reach-In Closets (and How to Fix Them)

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 15:49:33 GMT

The typical reach-in closet doesn’t give you much room to work with. Every inch of space needs to count. At first glance, a smaller closet may seem easy enough to manage, but it doesn’t take long for clutter to pile up. Before you know it, clothes and shoes are spilling onto the floor, and you're shoving hangers around just to find what you need. Does that sound familiar?

Fortunately, most of the space-wasting problems I see aren’t caused by lack of square footage; they’re caused by simple design mistakes that are easy to fix. I’ve helped hundreds of homeowners transform their daily routines into surprisingly functional storage zones, just by changing how they use their reach-in closet space.

Here are space-wasting mistakes to avoid when organizing your reach-in closets:

Failing to use vertical space
Sticking with bulky hangers
Ignoring the back of the closet door
Piling shoes on the floor
Overstuffing with out-of-season clothes
Leaving side walls bare
Forgetting to group clothing by category
Skipping drawer or shelf inserts

If your reach-in closet feels cramped or just plain inefficient, keep reading. Let’s go through the most common mistakes I see (and fix) every week.

Failing to Use Vertical Space

This one’s first for a reason. I can’t tell you how often I open a client’s reach-in closet and see two feet of empty air above the clothing rod. That’s usable space just floating there.

Vertical room is your best friend when square footage is limited. I always recommend adding a second rod for shorter items like shirts or pants. You can also install overhead shelving for items you use less often, like off-season gear or hats. And if you want a quick fix, stackable bins or clear containers work wonders for squeezing more storage out of that “dead zone” above eye level.

Sticking With Bulky Hangers

Hangers may not seem like a big deal, but they’re silent space-stealers. Thick wooden hangers or a mishmash of shapes and sizes can eat up precious inches of hanging space. That adds up fast in a narrow closet.

When I switch a client to slim, uniform hangers, they’re always shocked by how much more they can fit. Not only do slim hangers save rod space, but they also create a neater, more streamlined look. Everything lines up better, and that visual clarity makes a huge difference. It’s a small upgrade with big payoff.

Ignoring the Back of the Closet Door

That back-of-door space is prime real estate, and most people never think to touch it. I always say: if you can open it, you can use it. Some of my go-to solutions include:

Over-the-Door Shoe Racks: You’ll see these are great for lightweight sneakers, sandals, or flats. You’ll free up floor space and keep your pairs visible.
Accessory Hooks or Pouches: I’ve used these for scarves, belts, even sunglasses. It’s a perfect spot for grab-and-go items.
Small Bin Racks: These work well for gloves, lint rollers, rolled-up t-shirts, or even phone chargers. When space is tight, the little things need a home, too.

Even one or two of these tools can turn a blank door into bonus storage that makes your whole closet feel bigger.

Piling Shoes on the Floor

The floor of a reach-in closet is where good intentions go to die. Shoes in a heap at the bottom of the closet not only look messy, but they make it harder to find what you need and waste space that could work harder. Here are a few of my favorite fixes:

Tiered Shoe Racks: These keep pairs visible, off the floor, and easy to grab. A two- or three-tier rack is a game-changer.
Cubbies or Shoe Organizers: Perfect for households with multiple people or lots of footwear. Each pair gets its own spot, so things stay orderly.
Clear Shoe Boxes: If you want a super tidy look, stackable clear boxes give every pair a “home” while letting you see exactly what’s inside.

Shoes are oddly shaped, and the right structure helps tame that chaos. D on’t let them rule the bottom of your closet.

Overstuffing With Out-of-Season Clothes

This one is personal. I used to try and keep my entire wardrobe in my reach-in closet year-round. It made everything feel cramped, and I was constantly digging for what I actually needed.

Now I rotate religiously. When spring hits, the big coats and heavy knits go into labeled bins under the bed or in a hallway closet. In fall, I swap them back in. You’ll keep your everyday closet “lean” and easy to use.

Leaving Side Walls Bare

Those narrow strips of wall on the left and right side of the closet? Most people forget they exist. But they’re perfect for small, vertical storage that doesn’t get in the way. I often suggest:

Hooks for Belts or Bags: Hang them vertically to save space and avoid tangles. I’ve even installed multi-hook systems for people with a lot of accessories.
Hat Racks or Pegs: If you wear hats or visors regularly, give them a spot. The side wall keeps them visible without being in the way.
Slim Hanging Rails: These can hold scarves, jewelry, or even ties. It’s about using what’s already there, just in a smarter way.

It’s not about stuffing the closet full. It’s about thoughtful use of every inch, especially the ones people tend to ignore.

Forgetting to Group Clothing by Category

This is a layout mistake more than a storage issue, but it still wastes space. When your items are jumbled together, you can’t see what you have, and your rods fill up faster.

I always advise clients to group by category first. Put all the button-downs together, then the sweaters, then the pants. If you want to go a step further, group by color, too. Not only does it look more polished, but it also helps you spot duplicates, create outfits faster, and keep your layout tidy over time.

Skipping Drawer or Shelf Inserts

Open drawers and bare shelves are clutter magnets. I’ve seen it a hundred times: someone folds their clothes into nice stacks, only to have everything slump sideways after two weeks. Suddenly, you’ve got a mountain of wrinkled t-shirts and nowhere to put your socks. To keep things structured, I use:

Drawer Dividers: It’s hard to keep socks, underwear, belts, and jewelry organized without these. I adjust them to fit the exact items inside.
Fabric Bins or Boxes: They work on shelves to corral loose items (like tees, gym gear, winter accessories) and make cleanup faster.
Shelf Inserts or Risers: These are great for doubling the vertical space inside tall shelves. You can add a second level for small items without creating a mess.

When you give every item a clear “zone,” your closet stops turning into a junk drawer. It feels more intentional, and that changes everything.

Conclusion

Every reach-in closet mistake has a simple, realistic fix. Whether it’s swapping out your hangers, adding shelf inserts, or putting that closet door to work, the changes don’t have to be expensive or complicated. In my experience, the best closets make your daily routine easier. And once you’ve experienced that kind of intentional layout, there’s no going back.

The Best Accessories to Organize and Transform Your Walk-In Closet

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 14:46:46 GMT

I’m the kind of person who can’t function in clutter. If my space is messy, I feel messy. That’s especially true in my closet. My walk-in closet is the launchpad for my day, and when it’s set up right, I move faster. I think clearer and feel like I’ve already accomplished something before I’ve even finished my coffee.

Getting to that level of effortless closet organization takes more than just shelves and hangers. From my experience, the real magic comes down to the accessories. The smart, specific additions that take your closet from "meh" to meticulously functional. They also happen to be very stylish.

If you're ready to create a space that keeps pace with your routine and reflects your lifestyle, keep reading. These closet accessories do more than organize. They completely transform how you use your space.

Drawer dividers for small essentials
Pull-out shoe racks for streamlined storage
Belt and tie racks for slim accessories
Valet rods for outfit planning
Custom lighting fixtures for visibility
Slide-out hamper for hidden laundry storage
Jewelry trays and displays for easy access
Adjustable shelving for versatile storage
Hooks and pegs for bags and accessories
Mirror panels for style and function

Drawer Dividers for Small Essentials

Drawer clutter is one of the biggest sources of frustration in any walk-in closet. Without structure, it's easy for socks, underwear, belts, and accessories to become a jumbled mess. Drawer dividers are the simple solution that brings real structure and flow to your daily routine.

Group small items with purpose. I use separate compartments for everyday underwear, specialty pieces, and seasonal items to reduce time spent digging. This keeps things organized, accessible, and easy to maintain.
Sort socks by type. Athletic, dress, and no-show socks all have their own dedicated spots. This prevents mix-ups and ensures your drawers stay neat.
Prevent belt damage. Coiled and separated in their own sections, belts stay in great shape and are easier to identify. This also keeps the drawer from becoming cluttered and chaotic.
Organize accessories like scarves and hair ties. Laid flat instead of balled up, these stay wrinkle-free and visible. It turns your drawer into a display rather than a dumping ground.
Include built-in jewelry trays. Felt-lined dividers keep delicate items safe and accessible, especially for pieces I wear daily. These compartments also add a sense of elegance to your storage.

Pull-Out Shoe Racks for Streamlined Storage

Shoes are often the most under-organized part of a closet, and the hardest to keep tidy. Stacking them or leaving them on the floor not only creates visual chaos but also damages them over time. A pull-out rack system brings order, visibility, and long-term protection.

Preserve the condition of each pair. No more crushed toe boxes or scratched heels from shoes tossed into a pile. Each pair gets its own designated spot.
Make every pair easy to find. Racks allow for a clear view of your collection so you don’t forget what you have. It saves time during your morning routine.
Save valuable floor space. Pull-out racks tuck into base cabinets or corners, giving you room to move. This helps maintain an open, breathable layout.
Group by use or style. I keep casual shoes together and formal shoes on a separate tier so I can grab and go. This system also helps with seasonal rotation.
Extend the life of high-end footwear. When shoes are properly stored, they hold their shape and last longer. This is a must for investment pairs.

Belt and Tie Racks for Slim Accessories

These sleek, slim additions make a bigger impact than they get credit for. They keep accessories off the floor and out of catch-all drawers, making them visible, wrinkle-free, and ready when you need them.

Organize more than just belts. I also hang scarves, headbands, lanyards, and even crossbody bags. It’s a versatile system that adjusts to your changing needs.
Prevent creases and warping. Accessories hang flat instead of being crammed into tight spaces. This keeps materials looking new and wearable.
Make selection effortless. You can see all your options at once, which encourages you to rotate pieces more often. It’s both practical and inspiring.
Maximize vertical wall space. These racks fit in narrow areas that might otherwise go unused. They turn blank walls into smart storage zones.
Add a polished, boutique-like touch. Visually, it upgrades your closet’s feel without taking up extra space. It helps your accessories feel like part of the design.

Valet Rods for Outfit Planning

Valet rods might be one of the most underrated accessories in custom closet design. This small sliding bar eliminates the daily “what to wear” scramble and adds flow to your prep routine.

Plan outfits in advance. I lay out my clothes the night before so mornings are less rushed and more intentional. This one small habit makes a huge difference.
Simplify packing. When prepping for a trip, I hang up entire outfits and mix and match before folding a thing. It makes the process smoother and more efficient.
Protect delicate fabrics. Hanging pieces temporarily instead of draping them keeps them wrinkle-free. This saves you from extra ironing and steaming.
Set aside dry cleaning or returns. I use the rod as a holding space for errands or items that need attention. It keeps those tasks front of mind without creating clutter.
Streamline special occasions. Whether it’s a job interview or formal event, I can prep looks without cluttering the room. It’s a simple way to stay organized and on track.

Custom Lighting Fixtures for Visibility

Lighting is often overlooked in closet design, but it’s one of the most transformational features. A well-lit closet makes every accessory more visible, every shelf more accessible, and every day just a bit easier.

Install under-shelf lighting for better visibility. It helps highlight folded clothes and stored accessories so nothing gets lost in shadow. This small change can make a big difference in function.
Use LED strip lights inside drawers. These are perfect for jewelry or small items that need clarity without fumbling. They're also energy-efficient and long-lasting.
Create a boutique ambiance. Good lighting elevates the look and feel of your walk-in, encouraging you to keep it tidy. A beautiful space is a maintained space.
Make color matching effortless. No more guessing if your suit is navy or black under yellow bulbs. Accurate lighting makes wardrobe choices easier.
Highlight display pieces. From handbags to hats, focused lighting turns storage into decor. It also makes your favorite pieces feel special.

Slide-Out Hamper for Hidden Laundry Storage

No matter how well your closet is styled, a visible laundry basket can instantly undo the calm, clean look. That’s why a slide-out hamper is a practical and visually cleaner solution.

Conceal clutter instantly. With the hamper hidden behind a cabinet panel, the space always looks tidy. This makes the closet feel complete.
Contain odors better. Enclosed hampers help trap smells and keep your space fresher. It's a smart step toward maintaining an inviting closet.
Lift and go on laundry day. Built-in bags or liners make transport fast and mess-free. You save time and avoid extra cleanup.
Encourage daily tidying. It’s easier to toss items into a hidden bin than to let them pile up. This supports daily organization habits.
Optimize lower cabinet space. Hamper systems make use of areas that typically stay underutilized. Every inch counts in closet design.

Jewelry Trays and Displays for Easy Access

Jewelry is beautiful, but without proper storage it can easily turn into a tangle of metal and missing mates. Integrated trays offer protection, visibility, and a luxe feel.

Store delicate items safely. Velvet-lined trays prevent scratches and damage. Your favorite pieces stay pristine.
Keep pieces sorted by type. I organize mine by rings, earrings, necklaces, and watches for faster accessorizing. It simplifies decision-making.
Use clear-top compartments for everyday items. These give you a visual inventory at a glance. You'll never forget what you own.
Avoid tangled chains. Individual slots and hangers keep necklaces from knotting together. Untangling becomes a thing of the past.
Turn storage into display. A beautiful layout makes selecting jewelry feel special, not stressful. It also adds elegance to your closet.

Adjustable Shelving for Versatile Storage

A well-designed closet should work with you as your needs change, and adjustable shelves make that flexibility possible. They adapt to wardrobe shifts, new purchases, and seasonal storage without requiring a full redesign.

Raise or lower shelves as needed. I adjust mine depending on whether I’m storing tall boots, handbags, or seasonal bins. Customization ensures you use every inch effectively.
Create custom zones for daily routines. Eye-level shelves hold essentials, while higher ones store out-of-season items. It improves your morning flow.
Make room for evolving wardrobes. A career change or lifestyle shift doesn't require a new closet. Just a few tweaks keep it aligned with your life.
Maximize vertical space. Adjustable shelving helps avoid wasted gaps between stored items. It brings structure to even the tallest closets.
Easily accommodate new storage accessories. Whether you're adding a box, bin, or basket, your shelves can shift to fit. It supports ongoing organization.

Hooks and Pegs for Bags and Accessories

Wall-mounted hooks and pegs may seem simple, but they provide unmatched convenience. They help turn every inch of vertical space into an efficient storage solution while keeping accessories within arm’s reach.

Store handbags without crushing them. Each bag hangs separately, keeping them clean and well-shaped. This prevents wear and preserves quality.
Clear floor clutter instantly. Items that were once in a pile now have a designated, elevated home. It keeps your closet visually open and breathable.
Make daily grab-and-go routines easier. I use one hook just for my go-to jacket or hoodie. It streamlines mornings and helps with consistency.
Display hats, scarves, or totes like decor. Hooks can be functional and stylish when placed with intention. They add visual interest while keeping things accessible.
Prevent damage from overcrowded hanging rods. Pegs eliminate the tangle of handles and straps. Everything has its own space.

Mirror Panels for Style and Function

Adding mirrors to your walk-in closet does more than give you a space to check your outfit. It changes how the space feels and functions, offering both visual and practical benefits.

Create the illusion of more space. Reflective surfaces help the closet feel larger and more open. This is especially helpful in tighter rooms.
Add brightness to enclosed spaces. Even without windows, mirrors bounce light throughout the room. The space feels more welcoming and alive.
Check full outfits without leaving the closet. Full-length panels allow for a head-to-toe look before stepping out. It simplifies decision-making.
Anchor the design with a polished finish. Mirrors make the room feel intentional and complete. They blend function with elegance.
Encourage organization. When the space looks good, it motivates you to keep it neat. A clean reflection sets the tone.

Conclusion

Getting my walk-in closet organized helped me enjoy the act of getting ready instead of dread it. From drawer dividers to valet rods to lighting and hooks, I’ve learned that the right accessories don’t just improve your closet. They improve every day.

If you're looking to transform your walk-in closet into a space that supports your lifestyle, these accessories are the place to start. A more organized, beautiful, and functional space is more achievable than you think.

Creative Reach-In Closet Ideas for Small Spaces

Mon, 19 May 2025 19:44:38 GMT

I used to think a reach-in closet meant I had to compromise. It just didn’t seem like enough space to properly organize. But once I started approaching my closet with a little creativity—and the right tools—everything changed. Getting dressed stopped feeling like a hunt for clean socks and became something closer to a personal ritual.

A reach-in closet is usually 3 to 8 feet wide and shallow in depth—typically with a single rod and maybe a shelf up top. It’s the classic closet setup in most older homes, apartments, and even newer builds. After years of struggling with reach-in closet organization, I’ve learned that with the right design moves, even a small closet can do big things. If your goal is to make every inch work more efficiently and stylishly, read on. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Assessing your closet needs
Design layouts that work
Smart storage solutions
Visual tricks to open up the space
Closet doors matter, too

Trust me—these are the upgrades that made me love my reach-in closet again.

Assessing Your Closet Needs

Before I changed anything, I took a long, honest look at what I actually owned. And wow—no wonder it felt cramped.

Inventory First: One of the first things I did was pull everything out and sort it. I wanted to see what I was actually working with. From bulky sweaters to tiny accessories, knowing what I had helped me figure out what I needed to store—and what I didn’t.
Determine Daily Use vs. Seasonal Storage: Not everything needs to be front and center all year. I created space by storing off-season clothes in labeled bins on high shelves and rotating items in and out as the weather changed.
Measure Everything: I grabbed a tape measure and jotted down the exact height, width, and depth of the space. This helped me plan shelving, rods, and drawers that actually fit—not just what I thought might work.

Design Layouts That Work

Layout matters more than you think. And when space is tight, every inch counts. Here’s what I use in my reach-in:

Double Hanging Rods: This one’s a game-changer. I added a second rod beneath the first and doubled my hanging space instantly. Shirts up top, pants below—it’s simple and efficient.
Shelving Strategy: Adjustable shelves are the real MVP. I like being able to move them depending on the season or my wardrobe changes. Fixed shelves look nice, but adjustable ones work harder.
Cubbies and Compartments: I used to toss everything in one big pile. Now, cubbies keep my jeans, gym gear, and weekend basics separate and easy to grab. It’s small-scale storage with a big payoff.

Smart Storage Solutions

Once I had the layout dialed in, it was time to fine-tune with organizers that made sense for my life.

Drawer Units: I added a slim set of drawers at the bottom of my closet and immediately had a place for socks, underwear, belts, and scarves. No more digging through baskets or bins.
Overhead Storage: I’m tall(ish), so I don’t mind a step stool. I used that forgotten upper shelf space to store vacation gear, spare linens, and anything I don’t need on a daily basis.
Slide-Out Accessories: This might be my favorite feature. I added pull-out trays for watches, jewelry, and ties. They're tucked away when I don’t need them but super easy to access when I do.

Visual Tricks to Open Up the Space

Looks matter, and I wanted my closet to feel more open—even if it wasn’t actually bigger. Here are my top tricks for doing just that:

Use of Light Colors: I swapped out dark bins and shelves for white and soft grays. It made everything look brighter and less crowded.
Mirror or Glossy Finishes: A mirrored door panel or high-gloss shelf can bounce light around and make the space feel airier. It’s a subtle trick, but it works.
LED Lighting: I didn’t think lighting would make that much of a difference. Then I added stick-on LED strips, and suddenly, I could see everything—no more guessing at navy or black socks in the dark.
Clear Storage Bins: I used clear containers for shoes and accessories so I could see everything at a glance. No more opening every box or guessing what’s inside.
Vertical Lines: I opted for vertical grain finishes on panels and added tall, narrow cubbies. It draws the eye up and makes the closet feel taller, even when it’s only about 7 feet high.

Closet Doors Matter, Too

Closet doors take up more space—and more mental energy—than you’d expect. Switching mine made a huge difference.

Sliding or Bifold Doors: I had a swing-out door that always got in the way. Replacing it with a sliding panel gave me more room to stand and access everything without blocking the hallway.
No-Door Alternatives: In my home office, I use a reach-in closet with no doors at all. Instead, I added floor-length curtains that soften the space and are easy to move aside when needed. It feels intentional, not makeshift.

Conclusion

My reach-in closet went from being a daily source of frustration to one of the most functional spaces in my home. With some strategic planning and the right organizers, I now have a setup that functions perfectly and looks great doing it. Whether you’re organizing your work wardrobe or your weekend wear, even the smallest closet can become a true asset. Need proof? Open your closet door and take a good look. You might be one smart upgrade away from loving it again.

Essential Accessories for an Efficient, Productive Home Office

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 14:14:06 GMT

Creating a custom home office is about more than just picking a desk and chair. The goal is to make the space work for you and the unique way that you go about your daily activities. As someone who has helped countless clients optimize their home storage and organization, I know firsthand how the right accessories can make or break a workspace.

A well-designed home office is a space that boosts productivity, reduces stress, and feels like a place you actually want to spend time in. The right combination of lighting, organization, and personal touches can transform an ordinary room into a workspace that supports your workflow and reflects your style.

It can be overwhelming to sift through the many options available, but today, I’m going to help you think through the process of choosing the right accessories for your home office. We’ll cover these topics:

Understanding your home office needs
Choosing essential workplace accessories
Adding personal touches
Maximizing space with smart accessories
Looking at budget-friendly accessorizing tips
Avoiding common design mistakes

If you’re ready to create a work area that’s both appealing and productive, keep reading.

Understanding Your Home Office Needs

Before you start shopping for accessories, take a moment to consider how you work. Everyone has different needs depending on their job, work habits, and available space. Identifying your personal workflow will help you choose accessories that enhance, rather than clutter, your space.

Make a list of your daily tasks : Consider what you do every day and what tools you need to do it efficiently. If you’re constantly switching between devices, a docking station or an adjustable laptop stand might be helpful. If you rely heavily on note-taking, a whiteboard or a digital notepad can help you stay organized.
Invest in ergonomic essentials : If you spend hours at your desk, ergonomic accessories are a must. An adjustable chair with proper lumbar support can help prevent back pain, while a wrist rest and an ergonomic keyboard can reduce strain on your hands. A monitor stand that positions your screen at eye level can also improve posture and prevent neck strain.
Think about storage needs : Some people need easy access to files and paperwork, while others work best in a clutter-free space. If you deal with a lot of paperwork, filing cabinets or document trays can keep everything organized. If you prefer a clean desk, hidden storage options like under-desk drawers or wall-mounted shelves can keep essentials out of sight but within reach.
Consider your space limitations: Whether you have a dedicated home office or a small nook in the living room, the space available will impact your accessory choices. In a compact area, wall-mounted organizers, foldable desks, or multi-functional furniture can help you be more efficient. If you have more room, you might opt for a larger desk with built-in storage or a cozy reading corner for brainstorming sessions.
Assess your tech requirements: Technology plays a role in modern workspaces, so think about the gadgets and accessories that will improve your workflow. If you frequently participate in video calls, a high-quality webcam and noise-canceling headphones can make a big difference. Surge protectors, cable management solutions, and wireless chargers are also small accessories that keep your workspace functional and clutter-free.

Choosing Essential Workplace Accessories

Once you've identified your needs, it's time to pick the right accessories. The key is to invest in items that will improve the room’s appeal or function. Accessories should help you work more efficiently, stay comfortable, and keep your space organized without feeling overwhelming. A well-equipped office will make your workdays smoother and more enjoyable.

Lighting : Good lighting will help you get your work done without straining your eyes. A combination of task lighting (like a quality desk lamp) and ambient lighting (such as LED strips or floor lamps) can create the perfect balance. If possible, set up your desk near a window to take advantage of the daylight, which can improve mood and productivity.
Organization : Consider using drawer organizers to keep office supplies in place and desktop trays for sorting incoming paperwork. Cable management solutions, like cord clips or under-desk organizers, can help keep wires from turning into a tangled mess, making your workspace look cleaner and more streamlined.
Technology : Upgrade your setup with useful tech accessories that improve efficiency. A docking station can make connecting multiple devices simple, while an external monitor can expand your screen space for better multitasking. Noise-canceling headphones are great for those who need to focus in a noisy household, helping to block out distractions and maintain concentration.

Adding Personal Touches

Your home office should be a space that reflects your personality and inspires creativity. Adding personal touches to your workspace can help make it feel welcoming and enjoyable, which in turn can boost motivation and focus.

Artwork & Décor: Hang up inspiring artwork, motivational quotes, or a vision board to keep you focused on your goals. Choose pieces that make you feel energized and positive, whether it's a calming landscape, a bold abstract painting, or a framed inspirational message. If you prefer a dynamic workspace, consider a corkboard or whiteboard where you can pin ideas and track progress on projects.
Plants: Adding greenery can improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere. Low-maintenance options like succulents, snake plants, or pothos are perfect for busy professionals who want to add life to their space without the hassle of daily watering. Studies have shown that plants can reduce stress and increase focus, making them an excellent addition to any home office.
Comfort Items: A cozy rug underfoot, a supportive lumbar pillow, or a soft throw blanket can make your space more comfortable and inviting. If you like to work with music or podcasts in the background, a high-quality speaker can enhance your experience. Even a simple scented candle or essential oil diffuser can create a more pleasant and relaxing work environment.

Maximizing Space With Smart Accessories

If you're working in a small or shared space, smart accessories can help you stay organized without feeling cramped. A well-thought-out design can make even the smallest office feel spacious and efficient.

Use multifunctional furniture : Look for desks with built-in storage, foldable wall-mounted desks, or ottomans that double as storage bins. These options allow you to keep your space functional without adding unnecessary clutter. A rolling cart can also provide flexible storage, allowing you to move supplies out of the way when not in use.
Take advantage of vertical storage : Floating shelves, pegboards, and wall-mounted organizers can keep your essentials within reach without taking up valuable desk space. Magnetic boards or clipboards mounted on the wall can hold important notes and reminders, reducing desk clutter.
Keep clutter to a minimum : Regularly decluttering your workspace can help you keep everything neat, tidy, and functional. Store away anything you don’t use daily and try not to give into the temptation to over-accessorize. A well-organized, streamlined workspace is much more productive than a cluttered one.

Looking at Budget-Friendly Accessorizing Tips

You don’t have to break the bank to create a stylish and functional home office. With a little creativity, you can accessorize on a budget while still achieving a high-end look. Small changes and budget-friendly swaps can go a long way in making your workspace feel polished.

DIY Projects : Try making your own desk organizers from repurposed materials, like mason jars or wooden crates. You can also paint thrifted frames for an affordable gallery wall or create a custom vision board using free printables.
Secondhand Finds : Thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, and local swap groups are great places to find budget-friendly office furniture and accessories. Many high-quality desks, chairs, and bookshelves can be found at a fraction of the retail price if you're willing to shop secondhand.
Know Where to Invest : Prioritize spending on ergonomic furniture and quality lighting while saving on decorative elements like wall art and accessories. Investing in a good chair and desk will pay off in comfort and health, while budget-friendly or thrifted decorating items can still make your space feel personalized and stylish.

Avoiding Common Design Mistakes

Without a plan, you might end up with a space that looks great but doesn’t actually work for you. Let’s talk about some of the most common mistakes people make when setting up their workspace and how to avoid them.

Over-accessorizing: It’s tempting to fill your desk with decorative items, multiple organizers, and every productivity-boosting gadget you come across. Too many accessories can make your workspace feel cramped and overwhelming rather than efficient. Instead, prioritize the essentials and keep your decorations to a minimum.
Choosing form over function: A beautiful, modern desk lamp may look great, but if it doesn’t provide enough light for working, it’s not doing you any favors. The same goes for decorative desk organizers that don’t actually hold what you need or a chair that looks stylish but isn’t comfortable for long hours. Always consider whether an accessory is practical and helpful.
Selecting accessories that are difficult to maintain: Some items may look great at first but require constant upkeep, which can be frustrating in the long run. For example, glass desks and high-gloss surfaces show every fingerprint and smudge. When choosing accessories, opt for materials and designs that are easy to clean and maintain.

Conclusion

Choosing the right accessories for your custom home office is all about balancing function, comfort, and style. By carefully evaluating your needs, investing in smart accessories, and adding personal touches, you can create a workspace that keeps you motivated and productive. Whether you’re designing a completely modern office or a cozy, creative place to work, these tips will help you make the most of your home office.

How Swisstrax Flooring Stacks Up Against Other Garage Floors

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 14:10:19 GMT

When my clients think about garage improvements, flooring often isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, it’s one of the most important aspects of the space. Whether your garage is a workshop, a storage area, or simply a place to park your car, the right flooring can make a world of difference. From durability to comfort, upgrading your garage floor to Swisstrax flooring is a decision that can elevate the entire space and even increase your home’s value.

In this blog post, I’ll break down everything you need to know about Swisstrax flooring, including:

An overview of common garage flooring options
Key features of Swisstrax flooring
Comparison of Swisstrax vs. other garage flooring options
Unique benefits of Swisstrax flooring

By the end, you’ll see why Swisstrax flooring is a favorite among homeowners looking to combine style, functionality, and long-term value. If you’re considering an upgrade for your garage, keep reading to find out how Swisstrax stacks up!

Overview of Common Garage Flooring Options

There’s no shortage of choices when it comes to garage flooring, and each option has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a look at the most common ones and how they compare to Swisstrax.

Concrete Floors

Concrete floors are the default choice in most garages. They’re durable, simple, and cost-effective, which explains why they’re so widespread. However, they’re not without their flaws.

Pros:

Strong and able to handle heavy vehicles and equipment
Low upfront cost, making it budget-friendly

Cons:

Prone to cracks, chips, and stains over time
Can become slippery when wet, posing a safety risk
Difficult to clean and maintain, especially once stains set in

Epoxy Coatings

Epoxy coatings are a popular upgrade for garage floors. They add a glossy, professional finish that can make your garage look like an automotive showroom. You will need professional assistance to have it installed, though.

Pros:

Provides a polished, clean look with a range of color options
Resistant to chemicals and minor stains

Cons:

Labor-intensive installation that often requires professional help
Susceptible to peeling, especially in humid environments
Chips or scratches can be difficult and expensive to repair

Polyurea Coatings

Polyurea coatings are an advanced alternative to epoxy, offering higher durability and quicker installation times, but it’s also more expensive.

Pros:

Resistant to UV rays, which prevents discoloration over time
Handles heavy traffic and wears well

Cons:

More expensive than epoxy or concrete
Limited DIY options, as professional installation is usually necessary

Rubber Mats or Tiles

Rubber flooring is a simpler option, often used for temporary solutions or budget-friendly upgrades.

Pros:

Affordable and easy to install, with no professional assistance needed
Soft and comfortable underfoot, reducing strain during long periods of standing

Cons:

Not as durable as other flooring types, prone to wear and tear

Limited design options and prone to discoloration over time

Swisstrax Flooring

Swisstrax offers a completely different take on garage flooring. It’s a system of interlocking tiles made from a type of rubber. It is becoming a go-to choice for homeowners looking for a lasting upgrade because of its many benefits.

Pros:

Highly durable and resistant to cracking, staining, and chemical damage
Easy, DIY-friendly installation that doesn’t require adhesives or curing time
Available in a wide range of customizable colors and patterns

Cons:

Higher upfront cost compared to concrete or rubber mats

Key Features of Swisstrax Flooring

Swisstrax flooring is created to look and function well. Here are some of the features you can expect from your rubber tile flooring:

Durability: One of Swisstrax’s biggest selling points is its durability. These tiles can handle the weight of heavy vehicles, resist cracks and chips, and stand up to the wear and tear of daily garage use. Whether you’re working on your car or storing heavy equipment, your flooring is built to last.
Ease of Installation: Unlike epoxy or polyurea coatings, Swisstrax doesn’t require professional installation, messy adhesives, or days of curing time. The tiles simply snap together, making it a straightforward DIY project that can be completed in a few hours. In fact, if you move to a different house, you can just pick up the tiles and take them with you, installing them in your new garage with ease.
Customization: Swisstrax offers endless design possibilities. From checkerboard patterns to stripes and other custom designs, the tiles come in various colors and finishes, allowing you to create a look that matches your style and personality.
Comfort & Safety: Standing on concrete can be tough on your feet and back, but Swisstrax tiles feature anti-fatigue properties that make them much more comfortable. Plus, their slip-resistant surface enhances safety, even in a garage where rain is blowing in or you’ve spilled oil.
Maintenance: Cleaning Swisstrax flooring is simple. Thanks to its raised design, dirt, water, and debris drain through the tiles, leaving the surface clean and dry. A quick sweep or hose-down is all it takes to maintain its polished look.

Comparison of Swisstrax vs. Other Garage Flooring Options

Since you have a lot of options, it can be helpful to take a good look at how Swisstrax garage flooring stacks up against your other choices. Let’s look at some of the features that are important to homeowners to see how garage floor tiles compare to the available options.

Durability

Swisstrax outshines concrete, epoxy coatings, and rubber mats when it comes to standing up to the wear and tear of everyday garage life. Concrete is notorious for cracking over time, especially with temperature changes or heavy loads. Epoxy might look great when first applied, but chips and peeling can happen, particularly in high-traffic spots. Rubber mats are comfortable but not built to be a durable, long-term solution. Swisstrax tiles, on the other hand, are built to last, handling everything from vehicles to heavy tools without cracking, peeling, or staining.

Aesthetics

When it comes to concrete, you’re usually stuck with a handful of color options. With epoxy, you can choose different finishes, but your options are limited. Swisstrax, however, offers numerous customizable design options. Want a clean, modern look with one solid neutral color? No problem. How about a bold, checkerboard pattern that stands out? You can do that, too. With so many colors and styles to mix and match, your garage can feel less like a storage space and more like a high-end showroom.

Installation

Installing concrete coatings like epoxy or polyurea can be a time-consuming project. You’ve got to prep the floor, repair cracks, apply multiple layers, and wait for it to cure. It’s messy, too, and it often requires professional help. Swisstrax, by comparison, is very simple. The tiles simply snap together with no special tools or adhesives. In just a few hours, you can completely transform your garage floor without the hassle of downtime or a lot of cleanup.

Cost Efficiency

Swisstrax will cost a bit more upfront than concrete or rubber mats, but it’s a smart investment in the long run. Concrete and epoxy are less expensive initially, but when cracks appear, or the coating peels, you’re left footing the bill for repairs or resealing. Rubber mats wear out quickly, and replacing them can add up. Swisstrax tiles can save you money over time. You’ll spend less on repairs and replacements and more time enjoying your space.

Maintenance

Concrete and epoxy floors can be hard to clean: stains sink in, cracks collect dirt, chips or peeling just make it look dirtier. Swisstrax takes the stress out of keeping your garage clean. Thanks to its self-draining design, your floor will stay dry and tidy. Cleaning is as easy as a quick sweep or hose-down, and you won’t have to worry about puddles left behind.

Unique Benefits of Swisstrax Flooring

When it comes to upgrading your garage floor, Swisstrax has a range of practical benefits that make it an excellent choice.

Eco-Friendly Materials: Swisstrax tiles are made from recyclable materials, so they’re a great option for homeowners who care about sustainability. Their long-lasting design also helps reduce the need to replace them and create waste, helping you minimize your environmental footprint.
Comfort and Safety: Swisstrax has cushioned surfaces, which makes long hours in the garage easier on your body, whether you’re standing, working, or moving around. Plus, the slip-resistant design makes them safer in wet conditions.
Versatility: Swisstrax isn’t just limited to garages; it can also work well in workshops, showrooms, outdoor patios, or in the home gym. It will look beautiful and also professional.
Resale Value: A finished garage with Swisstrax flooring elevates your home’s appeal and function, catching the eye of potential buyers. It’s an upgrade that enhances your daily life and also adds value when it’s time to sell.

Conclusion

Swisstrax flooring can change the look and use of your garage. With its durability, customization options, and ease of installation, it offers long-term benefits that far outweigh its upfront cost. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your garage for practical reasons or to create a stylish, polished space, Swisstrax delivers on all fronts.

Epoxy Garage Flooring: Exploring Its Pros and Cons

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 20:00:30 GMT

When it comes to garage flooring, epoxy has gained significant popularity among homeowners looking for durability, aesthetics, and added protection. Epoxy garage flooring enhances the appearance of the garage. It also makes a tough, resilient surface that withstands the demands of a busy garage.

Before committing, it’s crucial to weigh both the advantages and potential drawbacks. This post will give you a balanced look at epoxy garage flooring, so you can make an informed decision. In this article, we’ll discuss:

What is epoxy garage flooring?
Pros of epoxy garage flooring
Cons of epoxy garage flooring
Purpose and benefits of epoxy garage flooring
Key considerations
Tips for maintaining epoxy garage flooring

Read on to find out if epoxy garage flooring might be the perfect fit for your garage!

What Is Epoxy Garage Flooring?

Epoxy garage flooring is a type of coating made from resin and hardeners, which, when combined, create a durable, bonded surface. This coating is applied directly over concrete, forming a protective seal that strengthens the floor against impacts, chemicals, and stains. Installation involves thorough cleaning and preparation of the concrete, applying the epoxy in layers, and allowing each coat to cure, which can take a few days depending on the product and conditions.

One of the best aspects of epoxy flooring is its customizability. Homeowners can choose from various colors, finishes (like matte or glossy), and even add decorative elements, such as metallic finishes or colored flakes, to create a unique look. This versatility makes epoxy garage flooring not only functional but also highly customizable.

Pros of Epoxy Garage Flooring

Durability and Longevity
Epoxy creates a hard, impact-resistant surface that can handle the weight of heavy vehicles, tools, and constant foot traffic. Unlike bare concrete, which is porous and prone to cracking, epoxy seals the surface, protecting it from damage. With proper maintenance, epoxy floors can last many years, making them a worthwhile long-term investment.
Chemical and Stain Resistance
Garages are often subject to spills from oil, gas, and other chemicals. Epoxy’s non-porous nature makes it highly resistant to such stains, protecting the underlying concrete from unsightly discoloration and damage. This quality is a key reason why epoxy garage flooring is ideal for automotive or workshop environments.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Epoxy floors are smooth and easy to clean. Sweeping or mopping is often enough to keep the floor looking spotless. For homeowners who want a low-maintenance garage floor that always looks good, epoxy is an excellent option.
Aesthetic Appeal and Customization
Epoxy can transform a garage from a utilitarian space to a sleek, modern-looking room. With a range of color options, patterns, and finish types, epoxy floors can be personalized to suit your taste. Adding colored flakes or metallic pigments can create a high-end look that elevates the entire garage’s appearance.
 Enhanced Safety
Epoxy garage floors can be customized with slip-resistant additives, which can improve traction even when the floor is wet. This safety feature is especially helpful in a garage setting where water, oil, or other substances may make the floor slippery.

Cons of Epoxy Garage Flooring

Installation Complexity and Time
Applying epoxy is not a quick weekend project. The installation process requires precise surface preparation, which may include cleaning, grinding, or etching the concrete. Once applied, epoxy requires curing time between layers, which can add up to several days. This multi-step process often requires professional expertise, especially for larger garages.
Sensitivity to Temperature and Humidity
Epoxy garage flooring is sensitive to temperature and humidity during application. In climates with high humidity or temperature fluctuations, achieving a quality finish can be difficult, and according to WiseBond , imperfections, like an oily, waxy buildup called blushing, can occur on the surface of epoxy if conditions aren’t ideal during the curing phase. For best results, epoxy should be applied by professionals who understand how to work around these variables.
Higher Initial Cost
Epoxy installation costs more upfront than painting a garage floor or leaving the concrete bare. Quality epoxy materials and professional installation are more expensive, although many homeowners find the durability and aesthetic appeal make it worth the investment.

Purpose and Benefits of Epoxy Garage Flooring

Epoxy acts as a barrier, shielding the concrete beneath it from damage due to impact, chemicals, or moisture. This can help extend the life of your garage floor, reducing the need for costly repairs.

A high-quality, well-maintained epoxy garage floor adds to the value of your home and appeals to potential buyers. If you’re planning to sell, an epoxy floor can be a strong selling point, especially for those who value a polished, functional garage.

With its easy-to-clean, durable surface, epoxy makes your garage more functional for various uses, whether you’re using it for parking, storage, or as a workspace.

Key Considerations

When considering epoxy garage flooring, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:

Budget and Willingness to Invest in Quality Installation: Epoxy flooring is best suited for those who are prepared to invest in professional installation for a high-quality, long-lasting floor.
Usage of the Garage: If you use your garage heavily or for multiple purposes, epoxy may be ideal for you because it can withstand significant wear and tear.
Climate and Environmental Conditions: If you live in an area with high humidity or temperature fluctuations, you may need professional application to ensure the epoxy adheres properly.

Tips for Maintaining Epoxy Garage Flooring

To keep your epoxy floor in top shape, follow these maintenance tips:

Regular Sweeping and Mopping: This will keep dust and dirt from accumulating, making your floor look clean and preserving its finish.
Quickly Cleaning Spills: Address spills as soon as they happen to prevent any potential staining.
Avoid Dragging Heavy Objects: Heavy items can scratch or chip the epoxy, so lift or place items gently.
Use Mats or Pads: Place protective mats or pads under heavy equipment and high-traffic areas to avoid damaging the epoxy garage flooring over time.

Conclusion

Epoxy garage flooring offers numerous benefits, from durability and chemical resistance to enhanced aesthetics. However, it’s essential to consider the complexities of installation, sensitivity to environmental conditions, and higher initial cost. By weighing these factors against your needs and budget, you can determine if epoxy is the right fit for your garage.

If you’re ready to explore epoxy garage flooring further, reach out to a professional for a consultation. A quality installation can transform your garage into a functional, appealing space that will stand the test of time.

Source

https://www.wisebond.com/blogs/epoxy-blog/how-does-humidity-affect-curing-epoxy

The Best Materials for Long-Lasting Garage Cabinets

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 19:07:23 GMT

Your garage is a place for action. It's where you store tools, tinker on projects, and maybe even park your car (if there's room!). But when it comes to keeping things organized, flimsy cabinets just won't cut it. That's why choosing the right materials for your garage cabinets is crucial.

Common garage cabinet woes include warping, sagging shelves, and chipped finishes. These issues not only make your space look messy, but they can also compromise the safety and functionality of your cabinets. By selecting durable and sturdy materials from the start, you can ensure your garage cabinets withstand the wear and tear of everyday use for years to come.

This blog post will explore the different options available for custom garage cabinet materials and help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs. We'll cover everything from classic plywood to modern thermofoil, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for various garage environments.

Here’s what we’ll cover together:

Plywood: A Durable and Reliable Choice
MDF: Smooth, Versatile, and (Mostly) Strong
Particleboard: Affordable but with Limitations
Steel: The Ultimate in Strength and Durability
Thermofoil: A Durable and Stylish Option
Comparing Materials: Finding the Right Fit

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the details together.

Plywood: A Durable and Reliable Choice

As the pros at Bob Vila note, when they’re at their best, garages can add some much-needed utility to a home, and it all begins with garage cabinets. In terms of material, plywood is a popular choice for garage cabinets for a reason – it's incredibly strong and resistant to warping. Made from multiple thin layers of wood veneer glued together, plywood offers exceptional stability and can easily handle heavy loads of tools and equipment.

There are different types of plywood available, and I’d argue that each have their own benefits for garage use:

Marine-grade plywood : This top-of-the-line option boasts superior moisture resistance, making it ideal for garages that experience humidity or occasional water splashes.
Hardwood plywood: Known for its strength and beautiful grain patterns, hardwood plywood adds a touch of elegance to your garage while remaining highly durable.
Softwood plywood: A more budget-friendly option, softwood plywood offers good strength and is perfect for cabinets that won't be exposed to excessive moisture.

Cost-wise, plywood falls somewhere in the middle compared to other materials. However, its durability and long lifespan make it a worthwhile investment. Maintaining plywood cabinets is relatively simple; occasional cleaning and resealing (if needed) will keep them looking their best for years.

MDF: Smooth, Versatile, and (Mostly) Strong

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is known for its smooth, painted finish, making it a popular choice for those who want a sleek and modern look for their garage cabinets. In my experience, MDF's versatility allows for intricate designs and customization options.

In terms of strength, MDF holds up well against everyday wear and tear. It's resistant to cracking and splitting, making it suitable for storing a variety of items. However, MDF is susceptible to water damage if not properly sealed. Exposure to moisture can cause it to swell and lose its structural integrity.

When it comes to cost, MDF is typically less expensive than high-quality plywood but more expensive than particleboard. To ensure longevity, proper sealing and maintenance are crucial for MDF cabinets. Avoid storing excessive moisture-prone items near them, and wipe up spills promptly.

Particleboard: Affordable but with Limitations

Particleboard is the most budget-friendly option on this list. It's widely available and offers a lightweight construction. However, I’d recommend caution – particleboard's strength and durability are lower compared to plywood and MDF. It's more susceptible to moisture damage and can sag under heavy loads.

While particleboard can be a good choice for cabinets storing lighter items in a dry garage environment, it's not the best option for heavy-duty tool storage or areas prone to humidity. Particleboard cabinets are typically the most cost-effective, but their lifespan may be shorter than other materials. Regular cleaning and avoiding moisture exposure are essential for maintaining them.

Steel: The Ultimate in Strength and Durability

For those who prioritize ultimate strength and resilience, I’d say that steel cabinets are the clear winner. Steel is impervious to impact, fire, and pests, making it ideal for storing heavy tools, flammable liquids, or anything else that needs maximum protection.

Steel cabinets come in various finishes, such as powder coating and enamel. These finishes not only enhance aesthetics but also provide an extra layer of protection against scratches and corrosion.

While steel is undeniably strong, it's also the most expensive material on this list. However, its durability ensures your cabinets will last for decades with minimal maintenance. Simply wipe down steel cabinets with a damp cloth to keep them looking their best and prevent rust.

Thermofoil: A Durable and Stylish Option

Thermofoil is a popular choice for those who want the durability of laminate with a sleek and modern appearance. It's made by applying a thin vinyl film to a wood or particleboard core. The film is then heated and pressed onto the core, creating a seamless, high-quality finish.

Thermofoil cabinets are highly resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture, making them ideal for garage environments. The finish is available in a wide range of colors and styles, allowing you to customize your cabinets to match your garage's aesthetic.

While thermofoil cabinets are generally durable, they may not be as impact-resistant as steel or plywood. However, they offer excellent value for money and are relatively easy to maintain. Simply wipe down thermofoil cabinets with a damp cloth to remove dirt and fingerprints.

Comparing Materials: Finding the Right Fit

Plywood: High durability, moderate cost, moderate maintenance, excellent suitability for garage environments.
MDF: Good durability, moderate cost, moderate maintenance, good suitability for garage environments with proper sealing.
Particleboard: Low durability, low cost, low maintenance, suitable for light items in dry environments.
Steel: Extremely high durability, high cost, low maintenance, ideal for heavy-duty storage and harsh conditions.
Thermofoil: Good durability, moderate cost, low maintenance, suitable for most garage environments.

Choosing the right material for your garage cabinets depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider factors, such as the types of items you'll be storing, the climate in your area, and your desired level of durability.

Conclusion

By investing in high-quality materials, you can ensure your garage cabinets stand the test of time and provide reliable storage for years to come. Whether you prioritize strength, durability, or aesthetics, there's a material that's perfect for your needs. Remember, choosing the right materials is just the beginning. Working with a reputable cabinet manufacturer can help you design and build custom cabinets that not only look great but also function flawlessly in your garage environment.

Sources

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-garage-organization-companies/

A Guide to Choosing Child-Friendly Materials for Kids’ Closets

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 19:14:23 GMT

Do you struggle with your child’s closet? Many of my clients express frustration over the condition of the closet in their children’s bedroom; kids are naturally not as concerned about tidiness and good storage practices as their parents. In addition, it can be hard for them to reach the hanging rod, maneuver clothing on hangers, and access items stored on higher shelves. When designing and building kids’ closets , my team uses child-friendly materials and accessories.

Some of the considerations you should keep in mind when choosing the products for your kids’ closets include:

What child-friendly materials are
How to keep your kids safe
Which materials are most durable
How to make the closet accessible
What the closet will look like
How much it will cost

Innovative Home Storage is a full-service home organization company specializing in all types of closet systems, including kids’ closets. If you’re looking for a professional design, high-quality materials, and excellent workmanship, I encourage you to give us a call. We’ll schedule a free consultation to learn more about your needs and design the best storage space for you.

In this article, we’ll be talking about all things related to children’s closet systems. Keep reading to become more familiar with the topic, so you know what to look for when having your kids’ closets designed and installed.

Understanding Child-Friendly Materials

When it comes to designing a closet for your kids, it's all about picking the right materials. You want something that's safe, durable, and easy to clean because let's face it, kids can be messy. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best materials for your child's closet.

Characteristics of Child-Friendly Materials

Non-Toxic: Kids are naturally curious and love to explore. Sometimes, that means touching everything and even tasting things they shouldn’t. That’s why it's crucial to use non-toxic materials. Look for labels that say “VOC-free” (Volatile Organic Compounds) or “low VOC” to ensure that the paints, finishes, and adhesives won’t emit harmful chemicals.
Durable: Kids can be rough on their things. From climbing shelves to throwing toys, their closets need to stand up to a lot of wear and tear. Opt for materials, like solid wood or high-quality laminate, that can be used heavily and still look good. Avoid flimsy materials that might break or chip easily.
Easy to Clean: Kids’ closets can get grimy – thanks to grubby hands, misused crayons, and the storage of childhood treasures, like rocks and leaves. Choose materials that are easy to wipe down and resistant to stains. Melamine or laminate surfaces are great because they’re easy to clean – just wipe with a damp cloth, and you’re good to go.

The Importance of Safety

Safety is a top priority when choosing materials for your child’s closet. Kid-friendly materials can prevent accidents and injuries – thanks to these features:

Smooth Edges: Ensure all edges and corners are rounded or padded to prevent bumps and bruises. Sharp edges can be dangerous, especially for younger children.
Sturdy Construction: Make sure shelves and rods can support the weight of items your child might place on them — or even themselves if they decide to climb.
Appropriate Anchors: Everything over your child’s head needs to be anchored to the wall to prevent the potential tragedy of having a heavy unit toppling down on top of your child.

Relevant Standards and Certifications

When selecting materials, it's helpful to look for specific standards and certifications that signal they’re safe for children. Here are a couple of key ones to keep an eye out for:

ASTM International : This organization develops safety standards for various products. Look for materials that meet ASTM standards to ensure they’re tested for safety.
CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) : This agency sets regulations for consumer products, including those designed for children. Materials that comply with CPSC guidelines are generally safer and have undergone rigorous testing.

Safety Considerations

Non-Toxic and Hypoallergenic Materials

Keeping your kids healthy is your top priority, and I always have my team take special care when building closet systems for kids. Here are some of the materials we use:

Non-Toxic Paints and Finishes: Go for paints and finishes that are labeled “VOC-free” or “low VOC.” These will ensure that no harmful fumes are lingering in your child’s closet. Our finishes are non-toxic and safe.
Hypoallergenic Options: Solid wood and melamine finishes are generally better for minimizing allergic reactions. Steer clear of materials that might cause sneezing or skin irritations. If your kids are prone to allergies, look for smooth surfaces, nothing upholstered or porous.

Smooth Edges and Surfaces

We all know kids can be quite active, so it's crucial to pick materials with safety features, like smooth edges and surfaces:

Rounded Corners: Do you have little ones who run around their bedrooms? Rounded corners can help to prevent those dreaded bumps and cuts.
Splinter-Free Surfaces: Make sure all the surfaces are smooth and free from splinters. It not only makes the closet look nice but also keeps those little hands safe from getting scratched up.

Sturdy and Safe Materials

Kids’ closets see a lot of action—climbing, pulling, and maybe even acrobatics. You need materials that can stand up to that while keeping your little one safe and secure.

Solid Wood: This is a classic for a reason. It's strong, durable, and can handle just about anything your kids throw at it (literally and figuratively).
High-Quality Plastic: Choose BPA-free and phthalate-free plastics. They're tough and safe – perfect for bins and drawers that kids will be handling all the time.
Non-Toxic Paint: If you’re painting shelves or storage units, use non-toxic paint that can handle scrubbing and cleaning without chipping.

Durability and Maintenance

Keeping Your Kids’ Closets in Good Shape

Kids can be tough on their stuff. Whether they’re slamming drawers or climbing shelves, you need materials that won’t fall apart:

Robust Construction: Opt for solid construction methods and materials that can withstand daily wear and tear. Think about how much your kids will be opening, closing, and maybe even climbing on their closet fixtures.
Heavy-Duty Hardware: Make sure to choose strong, durable hardware, like metal handles and brackets, that can endure rough use without breaking.
Safety Features: Features, like no-slam hinges and easy-to-close drawers, can help prevent pinched fingers. Sturdy brackets attaching the organizers to the wall can prevent damage as well as serious injury.

Stain-Resistant and Easy-to-Clean Materials

Kids can be a bit messy, so their closets need to be easy to clean and maintain:

Stain-Resistant Finishes: Look for materials that resist stains. Melamine and laminate surfaces are great choices because they don’t absorb spills and are easy to wipe clean.
Smooth Surfaces: Choose surfaces that don’t trap dirt and are easy to wipe down. This makes cleaning up spills and smudges quick and hassle-free.

Easy to Repair or Replace

Kids grow fast, and their needs change. Sometimes, things break. Choosing materials that are easy to repair or replace can save you a lot of headaches:

Adjustable Components: Consider using modular shelving and storage units. They can be easily adjusted or replaced as needed. All of our kids’ closet systems are adjustable – allowing you to help the closet grow as your little ones do!
Repair-Friendly Materials: Solid wood and laminated surfaces can often be repaired with a little know-how, unlike some cheaper materials that might need full replacement. Keep in mind that all of your wooden components will be covered under our lifetime warranty.

Examples of Durable Materials

To help you get started, here are some examples of materials that are both durable and easy to maintain:

Melamine: This is my top pick for its durability and ease of cleaning. It’s resistant to scratches and stains – making it perfect for kids' closets.
Laminate Surfaces: These are great for shelves and storage units. They’re sturdy, resistant to spills, and easy to wipe clean.
Solid Wood: While a bit more expensive, solid wood is quite durable and can be sanded and refinished if damaged.

Accessibility and Functionality

Adjustable and Flexible Storage Solutions

As you already know, kids grow quickly, and their storage needs change just as fast. Choose adjustable and flexible storage solutions to keep up with their growth. This doesn’t only apply to their physical growth; as your child gets older, his or her hobbies, interests, and wardrobe will change, so it’s important to have closet components that can be changed along with your child.

Lightweight and Easy-to-Handle Materials

Kids should be able to access and organize their closets without struggling with heavy or cumbersome items:

Fabric Bins: These are lightweight and easy for kids to handle. They come in various colors and patterns – making organizing fun and appealing. They are also opaque, so if the inside of the bins aren’t neat and tidy, nobody will be the wiser.
Plastic Drawers: Sturdy yet lightweight, plastic drawers are easy for children to open and close. You can use either transparent or opaque options. The former makes it easier for kids to find what they’re looking for, while the latter will help hide any mess inside.
Wire Baskets: These are both lightweight and durable – ideal for storing toys, shoes, and other small items. They can also be attached to brackets on the bottom of shelves and function as drawers in some cases.

Benefits of Transparent Materials

Transparency can significantly enhance accessibility by making it easy for kids to see what’s inside their storage containers:

Clear Plastic Bins: These allow kids to quickly identify what’s inside without having to open every box. This makes tidying up and finding items a lot easier.
Acrylic Drawers: These are perfect for smaller items, like accessories, art supplies, or toys. They’re durable, easy to clean, and offer clear visibility.

Functional Materials

Here are some specific materials and solutions that can boost the functionality and accessibility of your kids' closets:

Adjustable Rods: These are essential for hanging clothes at the right height. Look for rods that are easy to move and adjust as your child grows.
Modular Shelving: This type of shelving allows you to customize the layout to fit your child’s needs. It can be reconfigured as needed – providing flexibility and adaptability.
Slatwall or Wall-Based Storage: You can attach hooks and holders to wall-based storage options, which are great for organizing smaller items, like hats, bags, or accessories. They can be easily rearranged to keep up with changing needs.

Aesthetic Considerations

Kids love bright colors and playful designs, so look for ways to incorporate materials that reflect their personalities and interests. You might choose materials in their favorite colors. Add an accent wall in a bold shade, or add easy-to-remove decals that feature your child’s favorite themes or characters. Look for designs that appeal to your little one – maybe they love zoo animals, outer space, fairies, flowers, or dinosaurs.

Match the Room’s Decor and Theme

A cohesive look can make the room feel more put together. Here are some tips my team uses to ensure the closet blends seamlessly with the rest of the room:

Coordinate Colors: Choose materials in colors that complement the room’s color scheme. This makes the closet feel like it’s part of the rest of the room.
Consistent Themes: If the room has a specific theme, extend it to the closet. For example, a space-themed room can have bins covered in star stickers or storage solutions in colors, like black, white, and yellow.
Accent Pieces: Use accent pieces, like themed knobs or handles on drawers, to tie the closet design into the room’s theme.

Use Easily Updated or Changed Materials

As your child grows, their tastes and needs will evolve. Choose materials that are easy to update to keep up with these changes:

Removable Decor: Use items, like removable wall decals, which can be easily changed as your child's interests shift. This allows for quick and inexpensive updates.
Interchangeable Bins: Invest in storage bins and boxes that can be swapped out in different colors or styles. This flexibility means you can change the look of the closet without a total overhaul.
Adjustable Shelving and Rods: These can be reconfigured to accommodate new storage needs and preferences – helping the closet to remain functional and stylish as your child grows.

Examples of Aesthetic Materials

Here are some specific materials and items that can make your child's closet both beautiful and practical:

Colorful Bins: Bright, durable storage bins can add a pop of color and are perfect for organizing toys and clothes.
Themed Decals: Removable wall decals featuring popular themes, like dinosaurs, princesses, or superheroes, can instantly transform the closet space.
Patterned Fabric: Use fabric with fun patterns for drawer liners, storage boxes, or even as a mural for the closet interior.

Cost and Budget Considerations

Creating a beautiful, safe, and appealing kids’ closet doesn't have to break the bank. With some smart choices and a little creativity, you can design a safe, durable, and functional space for your child without overspending. Here’s how to budget effectively for your project:

Range of Costs for Different Materials

Understanding the cost range of various materials can help you plan your budget better:

High-End Materials: Solid wood and custom-built shelving can be on the pricier side – often costing several hundred dollars or more.
Mid-Range Materials: Laminated surfaces and high-quality plastic bins are moderately priced and offer a good balance of durability and cost.
Budget-Friendly Options: Economical fabric bins and repurposed furniture are cost-effective and still functional.

Prioritizing Spending

When budgeting, prioritize spending on areas that impact safety, durability, and functionality:

Safety First: Invest in non-toxic and hypoallergenic materials, even if they cost a bit more. Your child’s health and safety should always come first.
Durability: Spend a bit more on items that need to withstand heavy use, like closet rods and shelving. Durable materials will save you money in the long run by reducing the need for replacements.
Functionality: Focus on adjustable and flexible storage solutions. These might have a higher upfront cost but will adapt to your child's needs over time – offering better value.

Cost-Saving Strategies

There are plenty of ways to save money while still creating a functional and attractive closet:

DIY Solutions: Consider doing some of the work yourself. Painting, installing shelves, or adding decorative touches can cut costs.
Repurposing Existing Materials: Look around your home for items that can be repurposed. Old bookshelves, crates, or bins can be given a new life in your child’s closet.
Secondhand Finds: Check out thrift stores or online marketplaces for gently used furniture and storage items that can be refurbished or repainted.

Examples of Budget-Friendly Materials

Here are some specific materials and solutions that can help you stay within budget:

Repurposed Furniture: Old dressers, bookshelves, or cabinets can be repainted and used for closet storage. This not only saves money but also adds a unique touch to the space.
Economical Fabric Bins: These are affordable, lightweight, and come in a variety of colors and patterns. They’re perfect for storing toys, clothes, and other small items.

Conclusion

Designing an effective kids’ closet is all about balancing safety, durability, accessibility, aesthetics, and budget. Choosing materials that are safe, strong, and easy to maintain ensures your child stays healthy and happy. By adding adjustable and lightweight storage options, you give them independence and practicality. Don’t forget to sprinkle in some fun and colorful touches that match the room's vibe! Contact me or a member of my team to schedule a free consultation, and we’ll be happy to walk you through the process of creating the perfect closet system for your child.

Sources

The Top Walk-In Closet Lighting Options for a Well-Lit Space

Tue, 14 May 2024 19:34:30 GMT

One of my favorite things about transforming closets is how the space looks when my team is done with it. The “before” and “after” photos of many closets show a drastic difference in organization and the use of space. Something else that I find makes a big difference is lighting. Installing the right lighting in your walk-in closet can go far in making it more appealing and easy to use.

Some of the top walk-in closet lighting options for illuminating your space are:

LED strip lighting
Recessed lighting
Pendant lights
Battery-operated lighting
Motion-activated lights

If you’re ready to brighten up your walk-in closet, let’s discuss these options in more detail.

LED Strip Lighting

LED strips are a popular option for closet systems because they’re versatile and can provide light in a variety of small or dark spaces. They’re made of flexible strips with adhesive, and they can be added along shelves, underneath cabinets, or around the clothing rods to illuminate every corner of your closet.

Oftentimes, you can even choose different colors for the lights, so you may want to use warmer, yellow tones early in the morning and a brighter bluish-white during the day. If your closet has limited natural light, LED strips can be a good choice to really brighten up those dark corners.

Recessed Lighting

Your closet probably has an overhead light of some sort. Many times, builders’ grade lighting in a closet consists of a dome light that doesn’t look very modern and also doesn’t shed much light in the space. Recessed lighting is a great choice for the closet because not only does it not impede into the closet space but it also looks modern and provides a lot of brightness.

You can install recessed canister lights above the area where you get dressed or above your vanity to provide extra light. Another option is to install them along the perimeter of the closet to light up the entire space without adding shadows. Dimmer switches can allow you to control how bright the lights are.

Pendant Lights

Pendant lights are an upgrade from typical overhead dome lights. They look stylish and come in a variety of designs, so you can match or complement your existing decor. They hang down, so you’ll want to be sure not to install them too low; hitting your head on the light isn’t a good way to start the day, after all!

Consider hanging a pendant light over your island in the closet. Another option is to hang one in the entrance of your closet to welcome you into the space. If you want even more brightness and elegance, consider hanging a chandelier instead of a traditional one-bulb pendant.

Battery-Operated Lighting

Not every lighting option requires you to either do your own wiring or hire an electrician. If you want hassle-free illumination, there are lots of battery-operated choices available. Some will need to be anchored in some way, but others have an adhesive that allows you to place them anywhere.

Better Homes & Gardens has some tips for using battery-operated lights in the closet, including using rechargeable light bulbs, tap lights, and rotating wall lights.

Motion-Activated Lights

I like motion-activated lights, as they are very convenient when you’re putting clothes away or otherwise have your hands full. They’re equipped with motion sensors and will automatically turn on when they detect movement.

You’ll want to put them in the entryway of your closet, so they’ll turn on as soon as you step in. Another good place for motion-activated lighting in the walk-in closet is along the floor to prevent tripping and to allow you to see what you have stored down below your eye level.

Conclusion

Ensuring your closet is well-lit will go far in making it easy to use and improving accessibility. My team is always just a phone call away if you’d like to talk about how to best maximize your walk-in closet’s space and usability. Get in touch with us anytime to schedule a free in-home design consultation, where you’ll meet with a designer to create a plan for your custom closet system.

Source

https://www.homesandgardens.com/solved/how-to-light-a-closet-without-wiring

Space-Saving Accessories for Reach-In Closets

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 15:54:53 GMT

Many of my clients with small reach-in closets are frustrated by the lack of space available to store their clothing, shoes, and accessories. It’s my pleasure to be able to transform their cramped, cluttered closets into more streamlined, spacious storage spaces. The secret is using the right closet organizers.

Here are the most popular (and useful) organizers for reach-in closets:

Adjustable shelving
Storage baskets and bins
Pull-out accessories
Double-hung clothing rods
Wall racks

The specific closet accessories that will be right for you depends on your individual circumstances. If you’ve been struggling with your small closet, keep reading for some of my top tips on making the most of your limited space.

Adjustable Shelving

I recommend using adjustable shelves in most closet systems, and they’re especially effective in small closets. These will allow you to customize the layout of the space according to your storage needs, which change over time.

While a larger closet might have plenty of room for storing all of your clothes, you will probably need to have a seasonal rotation in a small closet. By taking advantage of adjustable shelving, you’ll be able to accommodate thicker folded sweaters and tall boots in the winter by spacing the shelves further apart and higher up from the floor. During the summer months, you might move them closer together to store sleeveless tops and shorts.

Storage Baskets and Bins

Having a place to store socks, underwear, scarves, and hair accessories is essential. While drawers are an excellent option, you might not have enough space for the number of drawers you need. This is where storage baskets and bins come in handy.

You won’t have small items cluttering up surfaces, such as shelves, and you won’t need to find a place to store them outside of the closet. Simply put similar items together (socks with socks, hair accessories with hair accessories, and so on) in each bin, and place them on a shelf. Labels make it easier to find what you’re looking for if you aren’t using clear bins or wire baskets.

Pull-out Accessories

I offer a range of pull-out accessories that stay tucked back when they’re not in use. This allows you to take advantage of having the accessories without them taking up space you don’t have.

One example is a valet rod. This is a rod you can pull out to hold the next day’s outfit, your dry cleaning, or a dress for a special occasion coming up. When you’re not using it, though, it will telescope back into itself and won’t take up that precious real estate in the closet.

Another example is a pull-out mirror. A last-minute outfit check is necessary before leaving your bedroom, but having a full-length mirror on a closet wall just isn’t an option with a small reach-in closet. With a pull-out, you’ll be able to slide the mirror out to check your appearance, then push it back into place, where it won’t be taking up much space at all.

Double-Hung Clothing Rods

Hanging one clothing rod underneath another effectively doubles your hanging space, which is an excellent strategy in a small closet system. This works best if you have separates that don’t hang too low, such as blouses, jackets, and pants hung folded over a hanger at the knees. What I recommend is moving one hanging rod up a bit from where it currently is in a standard closet, then installing the second one about three feet under the first.

If you have longer items, like dresses, suits, or pants hung by their cuffs, that’s no problem: My designers can actually create a closet system with double-hung rods on one half and a single rod on the other half. This would accommodate your longer items while still doubling the space you have to hang separates.

Wall Racks

Wall racks are a great option for using the short walls on either side of your reach-in closet. You can also have one installed on the back of a swing-out closet door. These provide space for items, like ties, belts, and scarves. Because the items are stored on the wall, they won’t take up space in the middle of the closet, on the floor, or on the hanging rods.

Some people even like to hang a wall rack on the wall outside of their closet to display attractive items, like scarves and purses. This is another way to maximize space and add a touch of your personal style to your bedroom without cramping the closet.

Architectural Digest has additional tips on maximizing the space in closets of all sizes.

Conclusion

I know from firsthand experience that organizing a reach-in closet can be a challenge in some cases. With so many closet organizers and accessories available, however, the struggle can be a thing of the past. Contact me or a member of my team to schedule a free consultation, and we can show you how we can change the way you think about your small closet.

Choosing the Right Materials for Your Custom Closet Systems

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 16:09:26 GMT

When I sit down with a client interested in custom closet systems , I like to talk to them about the various types of materials we use. You can go to any home improvement store and pick up a set of closet racks to use, but is that the best option? Let’s talk about selecting the ideal materials for your closet system.

The materials you’ll have to choose from include:

Wood
Melamine
Wire
Plastic

Let’s get started learning about the various materials you might want for your custom closet system.

Wood

Wood is the classic choice for custom closet systems. It’s high in quality, offers timeless elegance, and has unmatched durability. Wood grains add warmth to the space; you can always choose from various types of wood to match your design preferences; various sealants and paints can also change the appearance. Wood also allows you to store heavy items because it’s strong and sturdy.

There are two major drawbacks to wood: The first is that it’s not impervious to stains, scratches, and moisture. The second is that it’s expensive. Having a custom closet system built out of solid hardwood would cost more than most people are willing to pay for storage products. Also, if the system is heavily used, as most custom closets tend to be, the wood cabinetry and shelving would be vulnerable to damage.

Melamine

Melamine is a thermally-fused material that serves as a coating for wood. Usually the wood used is engineered. The melamine finish creates a smooth and durable surface that’s resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture. This makes it an ideal choice for busy households.

This is my favorite and most recommended material to use in the closets my team builds. It’s easy to clean and maintain, and it looks sleek and modern. There are various finishes available, so if you prefer a wood grain, you can choose that as an option. There is generally a finish that will work for you no matter what your personal preference is in regards to style, and it’s a great choice for those who don’t want to deal with maintenance issues.

Wire

If you were to go to your local home goods store, you’d probably find wire closet systems. The benefits of wire are that they’re inexpensive and lightweight. You can easily carry it home and put it up in your closet.

However, that’s really where the benefits end. Wire closets aren’t built for the space they’re occupying, so it’s likely you’ll have either gaps or areas that are too tight, which can lead to stress and breakage. They tend not to mount well to the walls, so if you were to put something heavy on a wire shelf, it could pull the screws out – causing damage. They also don’t stand up well to the test of time, and they look like (and are) a temporary product.

The Organized Mama shares a quick solution to the common problem of items falling through the shelves if you currently have a wire system and are waiting to upgrade to wood.

Plastic

Finally, plastic shelving might be something you see in your favorite home improvement or discount store. Like wire, these are inexpensive and easy to move around. If you were looking for one standalone shelf or a cheap solution to a temporary storage solution, plastic might be a good choice.

Like wire, though, plastic doesn’t offer any real strength. The shelves can blanch, crack, or warp when heavier items are stored on them. Plastic also tends to fade and look ragged over time, so you wouldn’t want to choose this type of shelving if you were planning on using it for years to come.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I’ve found that the best, most long-lasting material to use in custom closet systems is melamine fused to wood. The wood gives it the durability you want and need, and the melamine provides resistance to the types of conditions a closet encounters with daily use. It’s also available in a lot of different finishes to appeal to a wide range of homeowners. Talk to my team about which finish would look best in your home during your free consultation.

Source

https://www.theorganizedmama.com/how-to-keep-things-from-falling-through-wire-shelving/

Festivities Ahead: 7-Day Pre-Holiday Organization Challenge

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 18:19:59 GMT

The holiday season is upon us, and many of my clients find this time of year to be overwhelming. How can you get everything in good order, manage your gifts, cook those special holiday foods, and be ready to welcome guests in a short period of time? Good news – over the years, I have developed a 7-day organization challenge that will whip your home into shape and allow you to welcome the season with open arms.

Here’s what you’ll be doing each of the seven days:

Enhance your entryway
Clean out your kitchen
Beautify your bedroom
Revitalize your rec room
Glam up your guest room
Brighten your bathroom
Spiff up your storage spaces

This should take about 30 minutes per day, so roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started.

Day One: Enhance Your Entryway

You and I both know that first impressions matter. When your guests come to your door, you want them to see a beautiful and streamlined space. Start by decluttering your entryway to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Have a place for them to put their coat and, if it’s wet or snowy, their shoes or boots. You might want to provide a basket of slippers or slipper-socks, so nobody is walking around in bare feet. A custom mudroom is a great way to keep everything in good order. If you don’t have one, consider contacting me to build one for you well before next winter.

Day Two: Clean Out Your Kitchen

Preparing holiday meals is not fun or efficient in a cluttered kitchen. Go through the pantry and refrigerator to remove any expired items, and take a few minutes to organize your food by type. If you need storage containers for some items, now’s a good time to run to the dollar store to pick some up.

Move everything off of the counters, and sanitize all of the surfaces; do the same for your stovetop, refrigerator shelves, and oven. This will make it easier and cleaner when you’re rolling out cookie dough or putting a turkey in to roast.

Day Three: Beautify Your Bedroom

After all of the extra work you’re doing to make your home ready for the holidays, it’s important to have a neat and appealing place to relax. Give your bedroom a thorough once-over. Change out your linens for cozy flannel sheets or a down comforter. Move your furniture away from the walls, and give the baseboards a good dusting.

This is also the time to go through your custom closet and put away any summer clothes that are still hanging around. Find the outfits you’ll be wearing to family gatherings, office parties, and other events, and put those in one place, so you’re able to find them easily.

Day Four: Revitalize Your Rec Room

Wherever your family gathers, whether that’s your living room, den, or recreation room, needs to be clean and comfortable. Vacuum the upholstery, fluff the pillows, and dust all of your furniture and audiovisual components.

Having a custom entertainment center will allow you to keep all of your music, movies, and video games dust-free and at your fingertips. If you don’t have one yet, don’t worry – you can use what you have to keep these items behind cabinet doors, if possible. You can also use covered bins to keep them clean and organized.

Day Five: Glam Up Your Guest Room

Are you expecting guests? I know that can be one of the biggest holiday stressors. Take some time to carefully go through your guest room. Put fresh sheets on the bed, wash the curtains and dust the blinds or shades, and give the room a good vacuuming. Clear out the closet to make space for visitors to store their clothes while they stay with you.

If you don’t have a dedicated guest room, a Murphy bed can provide a comfy sleeping space with minimal hassle. It can be installed in your office, playroom, or any other room that isn’t being used at night. Just pull down the bed, add linens, and wish your overnight guests sweet dreams.

Day Six: Brighten Your Bathroom

With all of the coming and going, chances are great that your guests will need to use your bathroom. Take this day to really scrub out the entire space, including the mirror, the shower, and the floor. Replace the shower curtain liner, or work on getting any soap scum off of the shower door. Dust the fan and the door of the linen closet.

Speaking of the linen closet, go through your towels, and remove any that are old and threadbare. Provide some travel-sized toiletries, such as shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, and extra toothbrushes, for guests who may have forgotten these items. They’ll appreciate not having to ask you to borrow these items.

Day Seven: Spiff Up Your Storage Spaces

Finally, take a look at your garage organization system, your hallway closets, and any other storage spaces you have in your home. You’ll need to set up a place to store gifts and wrapping paper if you don’t already have one. Paper, bows, and gift bags can get unwieldy, but HGTV has some good ideas for keeping these items organized.

Conclusion

I hope this weeklong organization challenge has helped you to identify the places in your home that you should focus on while preparing for the holidays this year. With just a half hour or so each day over the course of a week, you can be enjoying a tidy, stress-free home that you’re proud to welcome your guests into. Happy holidays from Innovative Home Storage!

Source

https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/10-ways-to-organize-your-wrapping-paper-and-gift-bags-pictures

Valuable Custom Closet Cleanout Tips for a Tidy Living Space

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 17:21:47 GMT

Cluttered custom closets can cause a headache when you open the closet door to find what you need; but did you know they can also contribute to household disorganization? When you don’t have neat and tidy places to keep your belongings, they tend to leach out into the living areas.

Cleaning out your custom closet will give you more storage space, which can lead to a more streamlined home. Here’s how to get the job done:

Start With a Plan
Take Everything Out of the Closet
Eliminate items you don’t want anymore
Categorize what’s left
Use space-saving organizers

It’s time to get started on tackling that closet, so you can enjoy a more tranquil, organized space.

Start With a Plan

You shouldn’t just wake up one morning and decide to conquer your closet. This would likely result in feeling overwhelmed if you didn’t have the right tools or if you didn’t allot enough time for the project.

Instead, think about how long the cleanout will take. A small closet might be able to be done in one afternoon, but you may need a weekend to deal with a very cluttered walk-in closet. Choose a time to begin with that in mind.

Also, gather some supplies. You’ll want garbage bags, a few large boxes, and general cleaning supplies, like a broom and dustpan or vacuum cleaner, some dusting cloths, paper towels, and perhaps a multipurpose cleaner or dusting spray.

Take Everything Out of the Closet

The first step is to remove everything from the closet. Just start on one side, and begin pulling out items. Don’t just dump them on your bedroom floor; instead, find a place to put each category of item. For example, you might want to put clothing on your bed, shoes in a far corner, and other accessories on a nearby table.

As you go, if you notice items that need to be cleaned or mended, you can put them aside. You will be going through each item more carefully in the next step, though, so don’t take too much time on this. The goal is really just to empty the space. If you have garbage, go ahead, and put that in your garbage bags.

Once you have everything out of the closet, give the space a good once-over with your cleaning supplies. Vacuum or sweep the floor, and dust the shelves and even the tops of the hanging rods. If you have any sticky or grimy areas, go ahead and use your cleaning spray and paper towels to take care of those now.

Eliminate Items You Don’t Want Anymore

Now you’ll be looking through your items more carefully. Some will need to be fixed, cleaned, or have stains removed. Put those aside in one pile. You’ll also likely have some items you simply don’t want anymore.

This is where your boxes come in. If you know someone you can give certain items to, you can put them in one box. Label the box with the person’s name.

One or more additional boxes will be for clothing you plan to donate to your favorite thrift store. Write the name of the store on the box. You only want to donate items in good condition; if they’re torn, stained, dirty, or otherwise not fit for resale, plan to just throw them away.

Finally, if you have plans for a garage sale coming up soon, and you have a date in mind, you can put anything you’d like to sell in a box labeled “garage sale.” If you don’t currently have a plan for a sale, it’s really better to just donate these items, as chances are good that you won't get around to it very soon, and this will just lead to clutter in your garage.

Put all of these unwanted items (other than garage sale items) in the trunk or cargo section of your car now. If they remain in your home, the boxes are likely to turn into more clutter. Make a plan for dropping the boxes off where they belong.

Categorize What’s Left

Now that you have removed all unwanted items from your home, it’s time to categorize what’s left. Start by making piles of the items you have in the ways that make the most sense. For example, you can put all of your tops together, all of your bottoms, all of your dresses, all of your jackets, all of your ties, and so on.

It’s possible that as you go through this process, you may find more items you no longer want. If something isn’t bringing you value, it may be time to let it go. As Marie Kondo would say, if something doesn’t “spark joy,” you should discard it. Her methods are discussed on Our Happy Hive .

Use Space-Saving Organizers

Now it’s time to put your belongings back. You should have less items than you did before, and that alone will help you find enough space for everything. Using space-saving organizers will also help.

Consider installing one hanging rod under the other to make it simpler to store separates. You should also invest in a shoe organization system whether you have just a few pairs of shoes or an impressive collection. Having good storage space for them will prevent damage and tripping hazards.

Hooks on the walls and hanging racks will expand your storage space and give you more room by using your vertical space. You can also add storage boxes and bins to shelves or even to a corner on the floor to hold seldom-used items or clothing that’s out of season.

Conclusion

Making the most of your closet space by tidying it up will give you more room to store items. In turn, this reduces the amount of clutter in your home. Planning out your closet cleanout project, donating what you no longer want, and putting items back thoughtfully are some of the most important steps when reorganizing your custom closet.

Source

https://ourhappyhive.com/16-things-marie-kondo-says-everyone-should-discard/

Small Changes That Can Transform Your Closet System

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 15:04:29 GMT

Taking your custom closet system to the next level doesn’t have to involve large, sweeping changes. Small but impactful choices can positively affect how you organize and make staying neat even easier. What are some changes your closet system needs?

Here are some small changes for big effects in your custom closet system:

Use storage baskets to the fullest
Switch to an angled shoe shelf
Make a laundry system
Add shelf dividers
Install a pull-out pants rack
Hang items on hooks

Keep reading to see how beneficial these changes are and for recommendations on adding them to your own closets.

6 Tiny But Game-Changing Custom Closet System Additions

1. Use Storage Baskets to the Fullest

Sliding storage baskets and containers are some of the best features custom closets have to offer. These storage solutions can hold everyday items that would otherwise linger throughout your closet system, cluttering the space.

You can even store linens and clothes in sliding baskets or add tie racks, belt racks, and scarf racks. You’ll have an entire organization system in place for these small but important items.

2. Switch to an Angled Shoe Shelf

Shoe clutter is some of the most significant in any custom closet system. It’s stressful to sift through a substantially sized pile, searching in vain for the shoe’s partner as the clock continues ticking and you’re later and later.

That’s not even touching on the effects stacking or tossing shoes into a pile can have on your footwear. It will look dusty, dirty, creased, crinkled, and damaged.

An angled shoe shelf is a small but major addition to your closet. You’ll free up the floor once more and find it easy to match shoes every morning. Bonus points for how attractive the angled shelf makes your shoes look.

Alternatively, you can explore a shoe organizer. Consider storage baskets for off-season shoe storage to preserve your favorite pairs until next time.

3. Make a Laundry System

It’s been a long day, and all you want to do is get home, change into your favorite casual clothes, and veg in front of the couch. So where do your work clothes go? On the floor with yesterday’s outfit, and the day before that, oh, and the day before that.

Adding a laundry system to your custom closet will swiftly rectify the issue. Pull-out or tilted laundry hampers have compartments for separating your dark and light clothes. A fold-out ironing board makes it easy to de-wrinkle your clothes, then hang them in your closet.

You might also consider laundry valet rods for keeping your freshly ironed clothes from creasing.

4. Add Shelf Dividers

One of the simplest but best changes for your closet system is using shelf dividers. According to Hartville Custom Closets , vertical folding works best when storing clothes on divided shelves. This folding method allows you to put more items on the shelves, from denim to casualwear.

However, use hangers for items that wrinkle easily, such as business slacks, blouses, dresses, and button-downs.

You don’t only have to use divided shelves for clothes. You can also keep accessories such as bags and purses, so you have everything you need within reach. Your morning routine will become much more simplified.

5. Install a Pull-Out Pants Rack

Pull-out pants racks are an advantageous addition to any custom closet. You can enjoy more space in your closet since the rack retracts when you’re not using it. This organizational solution is easy to use and sufficient.

You’ll find it faster to neaten your closet. You’ll also appreciate how your pants will stay in wearable condition, as a pull-out pants rack preserves them and keeps them wrinkle-free.

Despite the name, pull-out pants racks are also ideal for storing other clothing items like dresses.

Over-the-door or wall-mounted pants racks are just as useful and are smart ways to keep your pants and other garments organized.

6. Hang Items on Hooks

A custom closet system can benefit greatly from hooks. You’ll recall that hooks are a crafty option for storing scarves, ties, and belts. You can also hang handbags, clothing hangers, and tote bags on hooks.

Here are the types of hooks to consider.

Waterfall hooks: Waterfall hooks earned their name due to the angle of the accessory and the way the hooks cascade down. You can hang four or five hangers on a waterfall hook, making them an efficient method for big clothing collections.
Tie hooks: Nothing is worse than a creased or bent tie. Tie hooks keep your ties organized and ready to accessorize today’s business attire. These hooks are a must if you own more than a couple of ties.
Double hooks : A double hook can hang twice the items on one hook. You can prepare a day’s outfit on a double hook, even planning your wardrobe for the entire week ahead. That will save you lots of time in the morning that you can spend snoozing.
Coat hooks : Not every hook is sufficient for hanging heavy winter coats. You need a coat hook for that. The heavy-duty design and thick stature of these hooks make them an optimal choice for keeping your coats from sliding to the floor.
Belt hooks: Belts are an accessory most people use daily, so it’s frustrating to lose them frequently amidst the chaos in your custom closet. A belt hook will wrangle your belts and keep them contained in one place.
Three-way hooks: A three-way hook is like the cousin of a waterfall hook, as you can hang up to three garments on a single hook. This is another smart space-saving measure.

Conclusion

Making a custom closet system more organized doesn’t mean gutting it and starting over. Through small but smart changes, you can craft the closet of your dreams and maintain its neatness over weeks and months.

Sources

https://www.hartvillecustomclosets.com/walk-in-closet-folded-clothes

Our Top 7 Tips to Get Your Custom Closet Prepped for Summer

Thu, 18 May 2023 19:52:43 GMT

Summer is just around the corner, and that means it's time to break out the tank tops, sundresses, and sandals. But before you do, it's essential to prep your custom closet system for the upcoming season.

Here are our top 7 tips to get your custom closet prepped for summer:

Edit your wardrobe
Wash your wardrobe
Invest in seasonal storage
Clean your closet
Arrange clothing by purpose
Invest in custom storage solutions
Create and follow a cleaning routine

Read on to learn all about the simple steps you can take today to get your custom closet system fully prepared for the summer season.

Edit Your Wardrobe

As warm weather arrives, it’s time to bring out your summer wardrobe and pack away your winter one—but that isn’t limited to stowing your sweaters and coats. Summer is a great time of year to edit your wardrobe. If you have any winter pieces you didn’t wear in the last year—or longer—you can donate them or sell them for some quick cash at your nearest consignment store.

As you start bringing out warm-weather clothing, survey everything as you hang things up or store them in drawers. Get rid of any items that are torn, out of style—or that you just don’t want. You’ll save space in your closet and make it easier on yourself to find the perfect outfit every morning.

Wash Your Wardrobe

After you’ve gone through both your summer and winter wardrobes, it’s time to make sure every article of clothing is clean. Wash all winter items and make sure you put them away stain-free.

It’s also wise to wash your summer wardrobe before you arrange it in your closet to remove any smells that may have accumulated over the winter in storage. According to Martha Stewart , it’s best to wash with oxygen bleach to eliminate stains and prevent bugs that feed on body oil, perfume, and sweat.

Invest in Seasonal Storage

If your winter wardrobe is still extensive, you could consider investing in seasonal storage options. You can keep bulky winter items that otherwise take up a lot of space in vacuum-sealed bags or under-the-bed storage containers. You’ll free up closet space and keep your favorite items protected until next year.

Clean Your Closet

Even a custom closet system gathers dust and debris throughout the winter. After you’ve de-cluttered, it’s a great idea to clean all the surfaces in your closet. Vacuum the floor and shelves before you arrange your summer wardrobe. A thorough cleaning not only keeps your space fresh, but it also deters moths who love to feast on your clothing.

Arrange Clothing by Purpose

As you start arranging your summer wardrobe in your custom closet system, consider the function of each piece. Your custom closet should have space to store everything from exercise clothing to sports garments, swimwear, and even camping clothes. After you’ve sorted your items into these broad categories, you can sort by color or create an arrangement that gives you easy access to the pieces you wear the most.

Invest in Custom Storage Solutions

Many people find that what they need in a custom closet system can change from season to season. As you arrange your wardrobe in your closet, consider adding some new features that make organization much easier. You may even buy new items that don’t seem to have a designated place in your closet throughout the summer, like workout clothes or swimsuits. Invest in some new shelving or functional baskets or bins to keep your current wardrobe organized and make room for new additions all at once.

Create and Follow a Cleaning Routine

As you use and enjoy your custom closet system throughout the summer, remember to create and stick to a cleaning routine. Make sure you keep your clothing and accessories organized in your closet.

If you have trouble keeping track of where everything goes, consider taking a few pictures to use as a visual reference after you’ve settled on the perfect summer arrangement for your closet. Also, regularly dust and vacuum the space to protect your wardrobe and keep your space fresh.

Conclusion

Want to make the most of your custom closet system this summer? By implementing the tips above today, you're sure to enjoy a stress-free, organized wardrobe all season.

Source

https://www.marthastewart.com/2124895/tips-transition-closet-between-seasons

A Custom Closet System Can Help You Maximize a Small Space

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 15:19:36 GMT

Clutter is a problem throughout the home, but nowhere is this more apparent than in the closet. You can spend an entire day tidying up, only for your closet to get just as messy (if not messier) a week later.

If this sounds like you, a custom closet system might be just the thing you need. Not only can a customized storage area make it easier for you to organize, but it can also help you take advantage of hidden or unused space.

Here are just a few of the ways that a custom closet system can give you space back in your closet:

A custom closet system can maximize floor-to-ceiling space.
You can use your floor to your advantage.
Custom shelves can give you more folding room.
Double hanging rods greatly expand storage.
Door organizers work great in a pinch.

Let’s take some time to dive into these tips and see how you can put them to work for you in your custom closet system.

A Custom Closet System Can Maximize Floor-To-Ceiling Space

Chances are good that in your current setup, the floor-to-ceiling space in your closet is largely untapped. You probably have a hanging rod and maybe a shelf above that, but custom-built solutions can give you much more storage space.

The best part is you can suit these to your exact needs. Maybe a system of slide-out baskets or cubbies would work best for you, or you’d need something like a taller shelving unit. Either way, you’ll instantly have much more space to work with.

You Can Use Your Floor to Your Advantage

Your closet floor might not be one of the first areas you think of when it comes to organizing, but it should be. By putting in a shoe rack, for example, you can prevent a great deal of clutter from accumulating.

Another idea is to put organizers, bins, and containers on the floor. This especially helps when you can’t seem to find room anywhere else for long-term storage. Instead of out-of-season clothes taking up valuable hanging space, you can stow them away when they’re not in use.

Custom Shelves Can Give You More Folding Room

Rarely do shelving units in standard closets give you enough space for all of your clothing and accessories. And even if you are able to fit everything in, you’ll likely have a lot of difficulty once it comes time to find something to wear.

If this sounds familiar, you might consider putting in custom shelving to combat the problem. Custom shelving units are often much wider than what you’ll get stock, giving you much more room to work with and making it much easier to find what to wear in the morning.

Double Hanging Rods Greatly Expand Storage

If your hanging clothes are constantly crowded and it’s a struggle just to pull an item out, this next tip is for you. With the simple addition of a second hanging rod, you’ll instantly have double the hanging space you had before - and for dirt cheap.

This will also make it easier for you to section off your clothes by type or use. While your out-of-season clothes might be put away in a bin, there could still be garments you have in circulation that barely get any use. Now you can have more room and expand your wardrobe.

Door Organizers Work Great in a Pinch

As the pros at Martha Stewart demonstrate, you can always use a tried-and-true organizational trick when in doubt. If the other tips help but don’t completely solve your organizational issues, you can make use of a simple door organizer.

This system takes advantage of the otherwise unused space on the back of your closet door, putting your accessories, jewelry, and more at arms’ reach and in accessible clear pouches.

Conclusion

A cluttered closet doesn’t have to be permanent. By following these simple tips and making use of a custom closet system in your home, you should be able to take advantage of every available square inch of space!

Sources

https://www.marthastewart.com/7978845/no-closet-space-storage-solutions

How Custom Closets Can Help You Stage Your Home for Sale

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 14:09:33 GMT

If you’re getting ready to sell your home, you have to think about staging it. Staging a home is arranging it in a way that will be most appealing to most buyers. This includes staging your custom closets . That might seem like a small detail to you – how much are you thinking about your closets in your everyday life? However, it can be a big deal to buyers. Almost everyone is looking for more storage space – you accumulate a lot of things throughout your life, and you become even more aware of it when you’re planning a move, so it’s something that’s on buyers’ minds.

Show Off Your Space
Make Your Home Look Organized
Impress Buyers With Quality Products
Demonstrate Attention to Detail

Take a look at some of the ways custom closets help you stage your home for sale.

Show Off Your Space

A top-level reason to stage your home with custom closets is to show off the amount of extra space you have. Customization with different accessories and closet features enhances your closet space by allowing you to store more things in a more organized way. When buyers look in, they can see that you have more things stored than you would in a typical closet, and that everything looks neat and attractive.

There are ways that you can make the closet look even more spacious. For example, you may want to remove everything from your floor and use shelves for those items instead. An empty floor suggests organization. Using matching hangers can help as well. As WellOrganized explains, matching hangers are more efficient and save space. They also make your closet appear more like a store than a closet, which can be a more appealing aesthetic.

Make Your Home Look Organized

Custom closets don’t just make your closets look organized, they make your whole home look organized. Custom closets provide dedicated spaces for all of your things so they don’t find their way into parts of the house where they don’t belong.

Why does it matter to a buyer if your possessions are organized or not – won’t they be bringing their own things? That’s true, but whenever a buyer is looking at a home for sale, you can assume they’re mentally trying to superimpose an image of their things in your spaces. This means that when your belongings are disorganized, scattered, and strewn about the house, they’re picturing their own items looking like that. When your home is spacious and orderly, though, they’re able to envision the home as being spacious and orderly with all their own possessions tucked into those places.

Impress Buyers With Quality Products

When you choose to customize your closet with quality products, your buyers will appreciate those quality products as well. You already know that something like new countertops will appeal to buyers who like the material that you chose. The same is true as far as closets go.

Investing in high-quality closet products that are beautiful and retain their looks by resisting scratches, stains, and damage from daily use can pay off in the long run. Let your agent know about your custom closet features because it’s likely that potential buyers will want to know about the material, its durability, and any guarantees that may apply.

Demonstrate Attention to Detail

People who are buying a home have a lot of things to think about, and everyone’s heard a horror story where buyers forgot or didn’t know to ask about one small detail and ended up with a major problem on their hands. Custom closets aren’t necessarily a fix for that kind of problem, but they do suggest to buyers that you care about the home and that you’ve been willing to put time and effort into maintaining and upgrading the home.

Conclusion

Staging your home for potential buyers is a serious business. Custom closets can help with staging because they showcase the amount of storage space your home has, make the home more organized, impress buyers with their quality materials, and reassure them that you care about the details of the home.

Source

https://wellorganized.space/matching-hangers/

How to Prepare for Guests This Holiday Season With a Murphy Bed

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 20:04:54 GMT

Even if you can’t get enough of the holiday season, you have to admit that it can be a lot of work. All the decorating, food preparation and shopping can add up to a lot, and if you’re expecting family or friends from out of town, you have to get ready for guests, too. That can be the most difficult part, especially if you’re not sure where you’re going to put them.

It doesn’t have to be so much of a challenge if you know the right strategies for making sure the visit goes smoothly and accommodations, such as a Murphy bed .

Installing a Murphy Bed
Getting the Guest Room Ready
Decluttering the Guest Closet
Adding the Finishing Touches

Learn how to get your home ready for guests without the stress this holiday season.

Installing a Murphy Bed

A guest room with a spare bed is not always the most practical thing to have year-round. You may have an extra room, but you may be using it for a sewing room, a craft room, a playroom for the kids, a study or home office, or just for storage. You may be wishing for that extra bed when your kids are refusing to give their rooms up to grandma and grandpa or when you just can’t face sleeping on the couch for a week while your sister-in-law sleeps in your bed. Airbeds and sleeping bags aren’t always a great solution either.

It may be time to consider installing a Murphy bed. These beds can actually add useful space to your room when they’re not being used by a guest. The installation is a unit with storage spaces like drawers or shelves that also include a bed that can be folded out. When it’s not in use, you’ll have extra shelves or drawers to store things related to however you’re using the room. When out-of-town guests arrive, you simply unfold the bed from the unit, and you instantly have a comfortable guest bed to offer them.

Getting the Guest Room Ready

With the bed taken care of, you will have to get the room ready for your guest. Consider stocking your guest room with furniture that can do double duty, like an ottoman or bench that has hidden storage space Your guest will have in-room seating that’s not the bed, and you’ll be able to stash things like toys or skeins of yarn out of the way for the duration of the visit. A decorative trunk can help, too.

It's important to remember that your guest will need places to store their belongings, especially if they’ll be with you for more than a night or so. At the same time, you need storage space for whatever you currently keep in the room. If you make sure that you have a lot of storage solutions in the guest room, it’s easy to provide both, and when the guest leaves, you won’t have to drag a bunch of items back from another room.

Decluttering the Guest Closet

Even if the guest bedroom is mostly empty, guest room closets often become storage space for things that don’t go in other rooms in the home. However, your guest will need to be able to hang and put away their own items, and this is the most logical place for that. Go through the closet and see if there are things you can get rid of. After you’ve purged, move anything remaining to the highest shelves or to one side of the closet so you can leave plenty of space for your guest.

Take the time to stock the guest closet with things they’ll need. For example, make sure they have bath towels, hand towels, washcloths, an extra set of sheets, extra blankets, and maybe some extra pillows. This way, they don’t have to come to find you if they want to take a shower, change the sheets, or bundle up more at night.

Adding the Finishing Touches

There are little extras you can add to help make your guests feel more comfortable and welcome. For example, adding scented sachets to the closet and drawers that your guests will be using is a nice touch. You buy them or make your own from aromatic herbs and essential oils. Add some small holiday decorations to the room so they feel included in the household celebration. Make sure that the furniture arrangements leave easy access to electric and USB outlets so they can charge their devices easily.

Make sure that your guests are safe as well. You may not have thought about it before, but the holidays are a time when fire risk is high. There are a lot of reasons for this. The National Fire Protection Association says that Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Other causes of fire during the holiday season include lights on Christmas trees, the use of candles, and other electrical holiday decorations. Make sure that your smoke detectors, including ones in or near the guest room, are in good working order and have fresh batteries before the visit.

Conclusion

A Murphy bed can be a big help when preparing for guests. Making sure that the guest room and closet are clutter-free and taking the steps to ensure your guest’s comfort and safety can also help make the visit a success.

Source

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Winter-holidays/Holiday-fires-by-the-numbers

Factors Considered When Determining the Cost of a Custom Closet System

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 15:02:02 GMT

When you need an organized closet, a basic, generic design just doesn’t cut it. What you really need is a custom closet system with cabinets, drawers, hanging rods, and various other closet organizers chosen precisely for your wardrobe and how you use your closet. The question is, can you afford a custom closet?

Several different factors go into the cost of a new closet system:

Type and Size of Closet Space
Materials and Design
Organizers and Accessories
Installation Considerations

Take a look at some of these factors to find out if closet customization is right for you.

Type of Closet Space

One of the first things to factor in when considering the cost of a custom closet system is which one you want to customize? A simple distinction is whether the closet is a reach-in closet or a walk-in closet. A walk-in closet is larger, will generally need more products and organizers installed, and will have more space to make use of, so it will probably cost more.

It’s not only walk-in vs. reach-in that you need to consider, though. The different designs and products needed for a clothes closet in the bedroom and a linen closet in the bathroom might result in different price points. And more complicated closets will generally end up costing more than more straightforward closets, even if they’re the same type of closet. A reach-in closet with a lot of different organizers, shelves, drawers, and accessories will cost more than one with just a few shelves and a hanging rod, for example, even if the closets are the same size.

Materials and Design

The next thing that you’ll need to take into consideration is the kinds of materials you choose and the designs you want them to have. Different closet materials have different price points. Wood and melamine are going to be pricier than wire, for example, but they're also much more durable. Angi explains that melamine cabinets, which can be placed in many areas of the home including kitchens and garages as well as closets, are eco-friendly and easy to maintain as well, which can be important points for many homeowners.

Choosing the materials you want to use in your closet isn’t the end of it. You’ll also be choosing between various designs, like different drawer and door styles. The more high-end and intricate the design, the higher the cost will go.

Organizers and Accessories

The best part of customizing a closet is the ability to choose which organizers and accessories you need and want for this space. The more of them you choose, the more the cost will be affected. If you want mirrors, new lighting, a closet island, and closet seating, you’ll pay more than you would to simply add some new shelves, wire baskets, and hooks.

Exactly what you need in closet accessories is a matter of individual tastes and the scope of your closet’s use. You shouldn’t try to go too minimal just to save money. It’s not going to be worth it to customize the closet, but not give yourself the organizers and accessories that you need to put your things away neatly. If you don’t have enough drawers and shelves and after customization, you still have a lot of folded clothes that don’t fit anywhere, your closet is still going to be disorganized.

Installation Considerations

Designing your custom closet and choosing the different elements that will go into it is only one part of the process. Once you know what you want, someone is going to have to install it, and that installation procedure will be factored into your cost.

There may be factors that can make the installation cost more or less. The more difficult it is to install your items, the longer the installation will take, and the more this may increase your overall price. So, if it’s a big job or parts of your closet are more difficult to access, it may cost more to complete the installation. Your new closet materials must be installed securely so that you don’t need to worry about the safety of your items or your ability to use the closet normally, so it’s worth paying for professional installation.

Conclusion

Customizing your closet system involves many different factors, and each of these factors influences the cost of the project. It’s important to consider the value you’re receiving as well as the upfront costs – for example, a more durable material that costs more can be cheaper in the long run than a cheaper one that you have to replace more often.

Source

https://www.angi.com/articles/what-are-melamine-kitchen-cabinets.htm

12 Secrets for Designing The Ultimate Walk-in Closet

Fri, 27 May 2022 19:29:39 GMT

When it comes time to sit down and plan your walk-in closet system , your closet designer will have a lot of suggestions and ideas. They'll walk you through the process, but here are some of our best tips on creating the ultimate walk-in closet that will meet your needs and, if you're sharing the closet, those of your partner.

We have a dozen tips for designing your walk-in closet, some of which include:

Decluttering the closet
Using closet accessories
Adding lighting
Upgrading hangers
Creating shoe storage

Read on to learn more about some of the best ways you can create the walk-in closet of your dreams.

Declutter Your Closet

Closets are great for holding all of the random things we don’t use frequently but don’t want to toss. A cluttered space can make even the most fashion-forwarded wardrobe look shabby. Remove all items that aren’t the correct size or that you haven’t worn in a year or more, and donate them to a local charity or throw them out if they’re stained or ripped. Only keep clothes, bags, and accessories that fit well and are special to you. Once these items are out of your closet, you have more room to organize your favorite items and room to see everything clearly.

Organize Clothes by Color

Arranging your wardrobe may feel overwhelming in the beginning, but it will help you in the long term when you’re searching for a particular item. Taking a cue from clothing stores, an easy way to organize your clothes is by color and more specifically, going from dark shades to lighter shades. Start with your black pieces on one end, then add gray, and go from there. You will see the color contrast when looking for an outfit, and especially if you’re a visual person, it can be extremely useful.

Hang Accessories

To organize your jewelry, belts, and scarves, try hanging them instead of piling them into drawers or boxes. By displaying your accessories, you can see them easily and decide more quickly what to wear. We've shared tips on arranging items , such as trying a jewelry mannequin or taking advantage of the hangers in your closet. We also talked about how using a wall-mounted jewelry pegboard works great for hanging jewelry – allowing you to hang a variety of necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets in a stylish way.

Use All Available Space

Every room has hidden, underutilized spots – even walk-in closets. Look for ways to use an empty corner or space under a window for something playful and unexpected. Add a fun corner basket or flat decorative box to give visual appeal while adding extra storage. Shelves above hanging rails are great for storing seasonal items, like winter boots, summer hats, or special occasion purses. Try placing pretty boxes on these shelves for an attractive look that doubles as functional storage.

Add a Small Dresser

Adding a dresser to your closet gives your closet a classy custom vibe. A dresser also offers a new element to what can be a boring room while adding extra drawer storage. Skilled organizers at Real Simple share how a long wall often calls for a long dresser and a short wall speaks to a taller dresser. They explain that you can easily place a shorter dresser under a rail and hang tops and blazers above it.

Spruce Up Your Lighting

Lighting is important in any room but is essential in a closet. If your closet isn’t well-lit, the color of your clothes won’t display well, and it can impact what you wear and how you see yourself. Combine overhead lighting with a chandelier, pendant, or sconce fixture for maximum effect.

Bulb selection is key too. Try different shades of bulbs, from a daylight version with a brighter white hue to a casual bulb with a softer off-white hue. If you have a closet window, make sure the light from the window isn’t too bright, as the UV rays can fade your clothes. Investing in a good-quality window blind or window shade can make a big difference in your lighting and for preserving the quality of your wardrobe.

Lay Down a Rug

Adding a small area rug to a walk-in closet adds instant appeal. A cute rug can make a big difference by adding visual appeal and a way to bring in a fun focal point. Life as Mama experts explain how a rug brings an aesthetic focal point to the bottom of your closet. They add that before laying down a new rug, try painting the inside of your closet too. Some luxe wallpaper can spruce up this small space.

Take a Seat

Whether it’s a bench, stool, or small chair, having a spot to sit down in your closet will improve your getting-ready process. It’s nearly impossible to put on socks, stockings, or skinny jeans standing up, so make your life easier by adding a small seat. Some benches come with inside storage, so a stylish bench could have a second use in a small space.

Feature a Tall Mirror

Adding a mirror to your walk-in closet is a great way to add more personality to your closet. With so many options available, you can add an over-the-door mirror, flat wall mirror, standing mirror, or hanging mirror to most closets. Your closet is where you try on outfits each day, so having a good mirror adds functionality and takes the guesswork out of what outfit to choose. A mirror will also make the small space look larger.

Accessorize Your Closet

An inexpensive way to add a classy look to your closet is by updating your closet hardware. By switching out the handles or knobs in your walk-in, you are spending very little for a maximum result. This small hardware change will brighten up a tired space and help modernize your closet to match any new updates in the rest of your home. Use more stylish hardware for a higher-end look, or more standard hardware for a classic look. Either way, your whole closet will look hipper and more updated.

Try Wooden Hangers

Your hanging clothes will look better if you use the right kind of hangers. Change out the metal dry-cleaner hangers and cheap plastic hangers for wood hangers. By incorporating all wood, your wardrobe will look more cohesive and coordinated while helping to shape your clothes with wider hanging pieces. Wood hangers will also help prevent your clothes from falling off the hangers and help them remain unwrinkled and avoid stretching.

Improve on Shoe Organization

When organizing an ultimate closet, shoes can sometimes be overlooked. Whether you are a shoe aficionado with designer pumps and boots or you prefer to have three or four everyday classics, it’s essential to think about the best storage options for all your shoes.

When planning where to place your shoes, consider what pairs you wear most often and put them up front. Seasonal or special occasion shoes can go toward the back since they’re used less often. Shoe racks can be helpful for organization as well as labeling cardboard or clear plastic shoe boxes or bins by season. Shoe bars are another good option for seeing all your shoes at a glance. Snapping photos of shoes for the outside of shoe boxes can identify each pair to help avoid opening each box when searching for the right pair.

In Closing

Designing a beautiful closet is a wonderful way to add style to your home. With these easy fixes, your walk-in will look and feel lavish. By taking control of your shoe organization, adding wooden hangers, a plush rug, mirror, and dresser, and organizing your wardrobe by color, your closet will look extravagant in no time. Use these tips for creating your dream closet and turn your smallest room in your house into your favorite place to hang out.

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Your Guide for Having a Successful Garage Sale

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 18:49:43 GMT

Holding a garage sale is a great way to organize your garage cabinets and shelves, get rid of items you no longer need, and make some extra cash. But, you can’t simply have a garage sale on a whim- you need to be prepared if you want everything to go smoothly.

Here are 8 simple tips to help you have a successful garage sale:

Begin Planning Well in Advance
Stay Organized
Set Realistic Prices
Price Your Items as You Collect Them
Determine Payment Methods to Accept
Make Advertising Your Garage Sale a Priority
Be Willing to Negotiate
Create a Positive Shopping Experience

Continue reading to learn more about how you can make your next garage sale one that the whole neighborhood will be buzzing about!

Begin Planning Your Garage Sale Well in Advance

Planning a garage sale where you will be selling a large number of items is not something you can do in just a few days. It's in your best interest to begin planning as far in advance as possible if you want the event to be a success.

Start by selecting the date and time of your sale. Most garage sales are held on Saturdays, but a multi-day sale may include Friday, Saturday, and/or Sunday. The Family Handyman notes that the majority of sales begin early morning and end mid-afternoon, around 2:00 pm.

A good rule of thumb is to give yourself about a month to get everything organized and planned out. When you have a month to prepare, you'll have the time necessary to make sure everything is done right.

Stay Organized

If you’re opting to have a garage sale, you most likely have a lot of items to sell. Staying organized will make things much easier when you’re de-cluttering your home and selecting the items that will be included in the sale. In the end, you might just have the space needed for a man cave .

Consider de-cluttering one room at a time, and keep all sale items separate. For example, store all kitchen related items in one box, all books in another box, and kids toys in their own boxes. Customers are much more likely to stay and browse when a sale has different items grouped together. The easier the shopping experience, the easier it will be to rack in the sales! Again, organization is key.

Set Realistic Prices

One of the keys to a highly successful garage sale is pricing your items correctly. At the end of the day, most people attend garage sales to find great deals and bargains. Your prices should reflect that. There is no reason to put in the time and effort if you’re left with a large number of unsold items at the end of the day.

Take the time to do some research online to learn more about average prices for different types of garage sale items. You may have items that are brand new in the box or still have tags on them; charge a little more than average for these items, but don’t expect to sell them anywhere near the full price you originally paid.

Price Your Items as You Collect Them

Going through each room in your home and cleaning out your garage are very time consuming tasks. Manage your time more effectively by pricing each item while completing the sorting process.

There is no reason to bother with fancy price tags. You can use simple stickers, or even a marker and pieces of masking tape. As your garage sale approaches, you will be glad that all of your items have already been priced and are ready to be set out and displayed for sale.

Determine Payment Methods to Accept

For many years, garage sales have been well-known as cash-only events. But, technology has changed and the majority of people are carrying credit cards. Savvy sellers are opting to accept other payment methods, in addition to cash.

You could choose to accept electronic payments through platforms like PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle. If you’re having a bigger sale, it only make sense to invest in a card reader that attaches to your cell phone so you can process debit and credit card payments. NASDAQ provides several helpful tips on this very topic in How to Accept Credit Cards at Your Next Garage Sale .

Accepting payments other than cash can make a difference in how many items you sell and how much money you make. This is especially true if you will be selling higher priced items, such as furniture or electronics.

Make Advertising Your Sale a Priority

You could have a wide array of quality items available but if no one knows about your garage sale, it won’t be a success. The good thing about garage sales is the fact that there are many ways to advertise without spending a dime.

Facebook, Craigslist, and Nextdoor are all great places to advertise online for free. Begin advertising online a few days prior, up until the actual date of the sale. When making your online listings, don’t forget to mention high demand items you plan on selling, including electronics, furniture, and baby items. At the same time, don’t discount old-fashioned advertising methods.

Putting up flyers letting the community know you’re having a garage sale can bring people to your house. On the day of your sale, put up posters throughout the neighborhood directing people to your address so it's easier to find.

Be Willing to Negotiate

If you price your items for sale properly, many people will pay the amount on the price tag. However, haggling is not uncommon at garage sales. Being willing to negotiate will help ensure you sell as much as possible.

Some people don’t negotiate as much at the beginning of a sale as compared to the end. When a customer offers a price that is slightly lower than what you’re asking, it may be worth accepting just to get rid of an item you don’t need while making some extra cash.

Create a Positive Shopping Experience

Searching for gems at a garage sale is not the same as shopping at a department store, but you should strive to create a positive shopping experience. People are more likely to spend time browsing when a garage sale is set up well.

Keep everything organized, and make “departments.” Clothing should be displayed together in one area, while kitchen items should be on a separate table, and kids’ toys should be placed away from other items.

Conclusion

Planning a successful garage sale does take a lot of time and effort. But in most cases it's well worth it when you can get rid of items you no longer want or need, while putting money in your pocket.

Sources

How to Transform Your Garage Into A Man Cave

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 13:10:07 GMT

If you’re yearning to change your garage into a man cave , you might feel stymied by all of the available options. Don’t despair, it’s actually way easier than you think to transform your boring garage into your very own personal sanctuary.

Here are a few tips and tricks for making this upgrade as easy and hassle-free as possible:

First, open up your garage and get rid of things you don’t need.
Maximize your square footage by planning out zones for various purposes.
Revitalize walls, floors, and the ceiling with new coverings and clever storage.
Add lighting and furniture to create your ideal man cave atmosphere.
Kick it up with a big-screen TV, refrigerator, poker table, and other man cave must-haves.

You deserve to have the man cave you always wanted without spending a fortune. Read on for more details on how to turn a regular garage into your very own manly retreat.

Clean Out The Garage

This can be the most daunting part of the man cave journey, but it’s also the most important. If you’re going to be spending lots of quality time in your new cave, you’ll appreciate having a space that’s clean, organized, and smelling fresh.

Get rid of old boxes, broken toys, and tools that no longer work. If it hasn’t been used in six months or more, it’s time to throw it away or recycle it. You’ll add to your available hang-out space by ditching useless items that are weighing you down.

There are also certain things that you never want to store in your garage , such as:

Firewood - It attracts pests
Gas or propane - Both are fire hazards
Clothing - Better stored inside
Paperwork and photos - They attract moisture and bugs

This is also an excellent time to check all of the floors and walls for signs of moisture or drafts and ensure that your new dude dwelling is properly insulated and leak-free. According to the experts at Decoist , you may want to splurge on paneling or extra drywall to save money on AC or heating.

In The Zone

Now that you’ve got a clean palette to work with, it’s time to plan out your zones. Take precise measurements of your garage to determine your square footage so you can fully utilize all available space.

What kind of zones should you have? That depends on your favorite hobbies and how you enjoy spending your spare time. Are you a craft beer aficionado? Then plan on having a space for your bar and brewing supplies.

If you’re a sports fan, you’ll want an area where you can relax and enjoy the game. Do you love woodworking on the weekends? Then you’ll need plenty of room for your tools and project materials.

From Top to Bottom

Most standard garages usually have bare concrete floors and utilitarian walls and ceilings. For your man cave transformation, you have nearly endless options for improvement and change.

One of the most crucial elements of your cave is the floor covering. Which kind is best for you? While epoxy is a popular and stylish choice, Swisstrax floors are easier to clean and last for many years.

If your garage ceiling is open to the rafters, adding insulation and drywall to finish it into more of a living space is a great idea. While that will take a bit of elbow grease, it will definitely be worth it in electricity bill savings and ensure year-round cave comfort.

Other upgrades to consider are finishing the walls and adding paneling or cabinetry for storage. Make careful note of where the wall studs are located for hanging dart boards, beer signs, or media components.

Get Lit to Sit

Now that your garage-to-man-cave journey is well on its way, it’s time to bring in the right lighting, and enough seating for everyone that’s invited to your guy getaway. There are several types of lighting to choose from. Liven up your cave with these illuminating options, as suggested by the Man Cave Review :

LED rope lights add flair
Track lighting is adjustable and affordable
Dimmable lights let the big game take center stage
Backlighting for the TV or bar area

Create your very own personal bar with neon signs, or hang up those novelty lights that aren’t allowed in the house. From tiki heads to race cars, it’s your man cave so brighten up the area with the things you love. Once you’ve decided on the right lights, consider where you and your friends will kick back and relax. If you’re seeking max relaxation, modular couches and recliners will give you a comfortable place to chill.

For sipping microbrews or gathering around the game table, you’ll want to invest in movable seating that's crafted from high-quality materials. Hand-me-down furniture from the house is perfectly suitable — just make sure it’s free of damage and dust.

All the Amenities

Ready to blast your favorite tunes, cheer on your team, or laugh out loud with the boys? Here is where you can truly indulge yourself and take your man cave to the next level.

A high-tech TV is vital for enjoying sporting events, movies, and gaming. It’s worth it to invest in one that’s got the largest viewing area. Not sure how big is too big? The pros at Digital Trends can help you identify the perfect size TV.

A refrigerator, wine fridge, or massive beer cooler will make sure you never go thirsty. Some man caves offer a full wet bar with a sink, ice maker, beer taps, and plenty of cold storage. If you do move forward with these upgrades, ensure that your entire area is well ventilated and temperature controlled.

Ready for game time? Add a sturdy gathering area for tabletop games, cards, or dice. Or would you rather shoot pool? A classic man cave activity that accommodates several players, a pool table is an elegant addition to your he-man hideaway.

Final Thoughts

Ahhh, the man cave. The beloved bastion of sports, cold beverages, and brotherly camaraderie. A place to hang out with friends or get some alone time, doing whatever you want. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of transforming your garage into a fun and unique place for your favorite hobbies.

With some research, planning, and a little elbow grease, you’ll see how easy it is to clean out the old stuff and revitalize. You’ll be able to turn your garage into a man cave in no time flat with these resourceful tips.

Sources

7 Necessary Home Office Essentials

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 15:32:49 GMT

As working from home becomes the norm, you will want to ensure your home office is set up for success. To get work done from your home office, you need the right essentials in place.

The seven essentials you need for a home office include a desk, chair, storage solutions, lighting, tech accessories, plants, and personal decorations.

Are you ready to build your home office? Read on to learn more about the above essentials to have a fully functional workspace.

Home Office Desk

One of the most essential items you need for your home office is a comfortable work desk. You want one with enough space for all of your tech equipment. Obviously, there are tons of styles to choose from, some of which include:

Writing Desk: A writing desk is an open desk with a large desktop and includes minimal storage. Writing desks work really well if you work from a laptop or tablet.
Computer Desk: A computer desk works best when you use a traditional monitor and computer tower. It has all the space you need for accessories, cables, and peripherals. Add in a pull-out keyboard tray and you're good to go!
Executive Desk: An executive desk has a big footprint, is generally made from wood and has lots of storage. If you want a piece of furniture with timeless appeal, this desk is for you!
Credenza Desk: A credenza desk combines a desk with a credenza, which is a cupboard storage system. It's larger in size and works best when placed against a wall. Plus, plenty of room is included to store and display items.
Corner Desk: A corner desk is great if you have a small home office . Shaped like the letter L, there's plenty of room for your computer, desktop accessories, and personal mementos.
Floating Desk: If you want to optimize space, a floating desk is an ideal solution. It's mounted to the wall, leaving the area below open.
Standing Desk: Many people like to work on an adjustable standing desk where you can adjust the desk's height throughout the day. Standing desks also help alleviate the health risks associated with sitting 24/7.

In addition to choosing the desk style you want, carefully consider the material you want your desk to be made from.

Wood desks have a classic feel to them.
Glass top desks are often paired with a wood or metal base and add a modern touch to your home office.
Metal desks are practical and long-lasting.
Laminate desks help keep work surfaces from sustaining stains and damage.

There are many different styles of desks to consider for an office space. The best desk is one that fits your work style and, in some instances, your partner's as well.

Chairs

You spend a lot of time sitting in your office chair so why not choose one that's comfortable to boot? When shopping for an office chair, there are a few traits you should look for:

Adjustable Height: You want to adjust the height of your desk chair so it is comfortable for you. Ideally, you want your chair positioned so your thighs are horizontal to the floor.
Adjustable Backrest: Look for a chair with a backrest you can move forward or backward and lock in place to better support your back.
Lumbar Support: It is essential to have the proper lumbar support when sitting down. The lumbar support should keep your lower back slightly arched for the best results.
Armrests: Armrests can reduce the strain from sitting and working. If you don't like to use armrests, look for a chair where you can move the armrests out of the way when necessary.

Storage

You will need to have some storage space in your home office for any and all supplies. Consider the following pieces:

Take Advantage of Wall Space: Make your wall space work for you by adding shelves and using cork boards to post reminders of upcoming project due dates.
Create Custom Cabinets: Don't purchase a generic cabinet or bookshelf and try to make it work. Instead, invest in custom cabinets that complement your workspace.
Use Magazine Files: Buy a few magazine files and use them to organize paperwork and supplies.
Stack Things Up with a Letter Tray: A letter tray is great because it provides multiple trays for different paperwork without taking up too much desk space.
Use Coordinated Boxes: Invest in cute, coordinated boxes and baskets for organizing your supplies.
Get a Storage Ottoman: An ottoman provides you with space to sit and store items. You can add trays inside the ottoman to further enhance its functionality.

Lighting

It's essential to have the right light when working from home. The best way to light up your space is by layering the lights and adjusting them to suit your needs. According to Bobvila.com, there are eleven different types of lights to consider when setting up a home office, including desk lamps, floor lamps, and task lights.

Tech Accessories

There are lots of gadgets you can add to make your home office more practical and functional, such as:

Solar Powered Battery Charger: You can stick the charger right on a window, allowing the charger to power up from the sun while keeping your phone charged.
Cable Organizers: Avoid your wires getting all tangled up with one or two cord organizers.
Portable Monitor: With a portable monitor, you can add one to two screens next to your laptop when needed and fold them away when not in use.
Phone or Tablet Stand: Shop for a stand for your phone or tablet and position it at eye level.

Plants

If you want your home office to be a productive and soothing space, add a couple of plants. Plants can remove harmful pollutants from the air and reduce stress. House Beautiful offers a list of easy-to-care-for plants you can add to your office and liven up the space:

Cacti
Air Plants
Pothos
Spider Plants
Snake Plants
Succulents
Bamboo
Peace Lily
Red Aglaonema
Rex Begonia
English Ivy

Personalization

It's important to personalize your home office. At the end of the day, you need to feel comfortable working in that space. Gleam inspiration by:

Creating an art wall with framed photos of loved ones as well as inspirational artwork
Hanging up photo clips so you can easily swap out pictures throughout the year
Putting up a cork board where you can hang up personal items
Adding a signature color
Painting one wall a vibrant color
Peel and stick wallpaper to add another pop of color

Your home office is your own personal workspace, so be sure to personalize it with artwork, pictures, and colors that bring you joy. A joyful workspace will contribute to a more productive environment.

Conclusion

When designing and building your workspace, start with finding a suitable desk, chair, and storage solutions. Then, add layered lights and tech accessories to make the space more functional. Finally, bring in plants and personal touches to make your home office more comfortable for you to spend time in.

Sources

Is It Better to Fold or Hang Your Clothes?

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 21:37:37 GMT

When it comes time to store the clothes in your custom closet , you may wonder if you should be folding certain items or hanging them up neatly. While this can be based on personal preference, there is a methodical approach to follow as well.

Here are the steps to figure out which clothes you should fold and which you should hang up:

Evaluate Your Clothes
Evaluate Your Space
Use The Right Hangers
Fold Properly

Read on to learn more space-saving tips!

Evaluate Your Clothes

Reorganizing your closets can be a big task. To lessen the burden, it’s a good idea to go through your entire wardrobe and get rid of any items you no longer need. Removing the excess right off the bat will make organizing that much easier. Optimal Garage & Closets Inc. provides additional tips on how to conduct a complete organizational rehaul in 6 Steps for Organizing Your Custom Closets .

Categorize

Once you decide on the clothing you’re keeping, start sorting everything into categories. Start super simple with general categories like pants, shirts, dresses, sweaters, and skirts. Then create more detailed groups. For instance, you may have the following categories for pants: dress pants, casual pants, and sweatpants, while your shirt section includes t-shirts, blouses, and knitwear.

Decide

Now that everything is categorized accordingly, it’s time to note if each group gets a hanger or drawer space. Shopstuffetc.com recommends deciding what goes where based on material and weight. Any items made of delicate fabric should be hung up, especially if they wrinkle easily. Stretchable pieces can be folded.

The Laundress offers the following guidelines:

Hang Up:

Skirts & work pants
Blazers
Formal blouses
Flowy fabrics
Casual dresses

Fold:

Sweaters
Workout gear (items that typically don’t wrinkle due to the synthetic materials)
Jeans and shorts

Additionally, you can fold t-shirts, sweatpants, pajamas, underwear, bras, and socks.

Evaluate Your Space

Now that you have a general idea of which items will require hangers versus drawer space, assess your closet to determine the best storage solutions.

Space-Saving Hangers & Drawer Dividers

If your closet isn’t very large, there are a few enhancements you can make to maximize storage, including:

Cascading Hangers

There are a few different variations of cascading hangers but they all do the same thing – maximize storage by hanging multiple items on top of each other. Plus, they collapse down so each item overlays one another without causing creases or wrinkles.

Vacuum Sealed Bags

Sometimes the best option for getting more space in your closet is by simply storing clothes according to season and swapping out accordingly. For some, this swap may seem like a bit of a hassle, but for others, it works as a way to stay extra organized (and can limit clothing options for those who are always indecisive about choosing outfits). You can store seasonal clothes in vacuum-sealed storage bags.

Honeycomb Drawer Organizers

As the name suggests, these organizers resemble a honeycomb, which creates smaller individual areas in a drawer and are ideal for storing socks and underwear.

Expandable Drawer Dividers

Another idea is purchasing expandable drawer dividers, particularly if your closet is on the larger side. Each divider typically adjusts and can be found in tons of styles and materials.

Use The Right Hangers

The purpose of organizing your closet is to extend the life of your wardrobe. Simply hanging up certain items isn’t enough. You have to make sure you’re hanging the items correctly. One way of doing this is by choosing the correct hangers.

The Container Store details the importance of each type of hanger here . However, Bob Vila gives a nice little cheat sheet as well and touches upon the fact that wire hangers can cause sharp creases on some pieces while plastic hangers are best for lightweight clothing, wooden hangers are meant for heavier items, and velvet hangers are best for delicate materials.

Fold Properly

Just as you want to use the correct hangers, you should also learn how to fold correctly. There are many different ways to fold clothes, based on the item, the organizational style you’re after, and the space available in your closet.

Conclusion

At the end of the day when the question is asked if you should fold or hang up your clothes, the answer is both. The next time you question how to store an item in your custom closet, refer to the above tips and extend the life of your wardrobe.

Sources

Organization Ideas for a Small Kitchen Pantry

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 13:53:15 GMT

A small kitchen pantry can be organized to store and contain many more items than it might appear at first glance. By implementing and maintaining a functional system that uses sensible storage solutions, you can ensure that everything that needs to find a place to call home does.

Snug pantries, especially ones with awkward shapes or odd dimensions, can all be outfitted to work with the reality of the space. You can’t change the configuration or size, but you can maximize the possibilities. Here are six space-saving strategies for your cozy kitchen pantry:

Dress Up With Dispensers
Decant and Group
Look to The Back of Doors
Rise to The Occasion
Spin A Lazy Susan
Think Up and Down

Continue reading for details on how these six strategies could come to life in your own kitchen pantry space. Pass the three-tiered spice rack, please!

Dress Up a Small Kitchen Pantry With Dispensers

Dress up your kitchen pantry using an array of canned food dispensers. These storage wonders keep everything in tidy, neat rows. They come in varying materials, colors, and presentations to fit even the tightest, narrowest pantry spaces.

Most dispensers are designed with a slight slant or tilt that allows cans to slide along as you remove each one. Use them for a host of food storage such as soups, vegetables, beans, and even pet food cans.

Decant and Group

In small kitchen pantries, space is at a premium so the ability to decant and group storage bins is a brilliant way to see what inventory you have. Clear containers can be used to decant items such as baking ingredients, nuts, pasta, and so much more.

Cutting down on the many bags and boxes that fall over and get jammed into most pantries makes it a productive way to avoid overcrowding your valuable shelves. Whatever containers you choose, be sure they have air-tight or suction style lids so that pesky pantry visitors don’t show up uninvited.

Look to The Back of Doors

Using the inner side of pantry doors is an easy way to add storage for lightweight items such as coffee, tea bags, spices, foil, baggies, or plastic wrap. Nesting several slim storage units saves you precious real estate on shelves to house other items. Door organizers come in all types of widths and heights to accommodate your own pantry’s specifications.

Be sure prior to affixing units that you can close the doors and that they do not abut the shelves, impeding door closure. Worthington Court offers 15 terrific ways to use the backs of doors to maximize space in your pantry.

Rise to The Occasion

Shelf dividers and tiered shelf racks rise to the occasion when placed in smaller pantries. Expandable dividers assist in generating separate sections that promote necessary boundaries for your food items. Tiered racks and risers can double or triple your space and go a long way in maintaining a more streamlined pantry reality. Epicurious shares why incorporating shelf risers is a must in any kitchen pantry.

Spin a Lazy Susan

Hard-to-reach corners and narrow shelves are common design problems and are even more prevalent in a compact kitchen pantry. A Lazy Susan makes sense in spaces where traditional storage solutions just don’t work. Every pantry has its odds and ends that don’t seem to fit anywhere else and a Lazy Susan can corral those one-off outliers. In addition, it's great for stashing basic necessities such as condiments, sauces, spices, oils, and baking sprays.

Think Up and Down

The tendency when organizing a kitchen pantry is to try and utilize the space you see. However, there is so much you can do if you think up and down. It's amazing how much more square footage you can gain if you use shelf stands on wider shelves to double your surface area or magnetic racks or hefty hooks. Cover a sidewall with a pegboard and discover so much storage potential. Or install bins and place them below your shelves. They're ideal for containing individually packaged items or serving as a temporary resting place for potatoes or onions.

Final Thoughts

Finding an organization system for a modest kitchen storage area that works well is no easy feat. It takes trial and error to figure out an arrangement and the accessories that can meet you and your family’s everyday needs the best. With some creative storage solutions, your small kitchen pantry can function optimally for all the things you want it to be.

Sources

Closet Jewelry Organizer Ideas

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 16:49:51 GMT

Having a lot of jewelry is never a problem - having a lack of jewelry organization can be, though! When it comes to necklaces and bracelets, you don’t want them to get tangled or thrown on the floor of your newly updated closet system . And, of course, you don’t want to lose these precious gems.

To keep your pieces looking great and to help them last a long time, it’s important to keep things well-organized. These eight tips will help:

Use a drawer made for jewelry organization
Hang up your pieces
Use a pegboard
Get a multi-tiered storage tower
Invest in a jewelry safe
Keep items in their original boxes
Make the most of jewelry trays
Make a DIY jewelry organizer

Read on to learn the details on how to keep your favorite shiny accessories organized so every item is safe and easy to find whenever you want to wear it.

Use a Drawer Made for Jewelry Organization

A drawer in your closet that holds your jewelry is a great way to keep things neat and tidy. A shallow drawer is best for this purpose, and you can even use inserts for a drawer that are specifically designed to house jewelry pieces. These inserts will include different compartments for various types of jewelry, making it easier than ever to keep things organized. If you can’t find a drawer insert or would rather not purchase one, consider placing inexpensive bowls in a drawer to use for the same purpose.

Whether you’re looking for a drawer insert or something else to allow you to customize your closet, there are tons of options for doing so. The pros at Closet Solutions & Organizers have provided a comprehensive guide for accomplishing this very task in What Accessories Are Available for My Custom Closets . A section is also include about jewelry storage as well!

Hang Up Your Pieces

You can also hang up jewelry pieces on the wall. Attach pegs where you can add necklaces, bracelets, and even earrings. Not only does this make for easy access to your favorite accessories but it also will help keep your jewelry from getting tangled. When you're organizing your jewels, if you notice a tangled bracelet or necklace, you can work to set it free. As explained by Who What Wear, there are a few hacks that make untangling these pieces a breeze.

Use a Pegboard

A pegboard is a great item to place in your closet. It will assist you in hanging jewelry and keeping it organized. You can even include cups on the pegboard that can become a catch-all for smaller accessories that are hard to hang. Not only does this provide function but it also is an artful and aesthetically pleasing way to stay organized.

Get a Multi-Tiered Storage Tower

If your closet includes any counter space, a multi-tiered storage tower is a fun way to keep things orderly. You'll be able to spread out your collection a bit for optimal visibility, and you can use the tiers to group by occasion, style, color, material, or any other categories you choose.

Invest in a Jewelry Safe

Your closet is the perfect place to put a jewelry safe. If you have pieces that are high in monetary value or sentimental value, you want to do your due diligence in keeping these pieces safe! A small safe tucked away in a closet doesn't take up much room and gives you peace of mind.

Keep Items in Their Original Boxes

Most jewelry comes in boxes, so make use of those individual boxes to keep your jewelry safe. Store each item in its box to prevent tangling and to know where everything is whenever you’re looking for it. These boxes can be arranged in drawers, stacked on a shelf, or used elsewhere in your closet.

Make The Most of Jewelry Trays

Jewelry trays can be stacked in drawers, as mentioned above, or left on counter space in your closet for easy access. Lay jewelry out on these trays so you can easily see everything and keep it in one orderly place.

Make a DIY Jewelry Organizer

You don't necessarily need to buy a jewelry organizer if you are crafty; you can create a DIY jewelry organizer with items you have around the house. A wooden frame, chicken wire, a wire screen, a corkboard, or even wine corks can go far in the closet when it comes to keeping jewelry under control. You can find a lot of ideas in this article by Clutter Keeper .

Keeping your jewelry organized is the best way to ensure that it stays in tip-top condition, even as the years pass. Having some sort of system, perhaps in your closet, makes life easier. Take some time to look over these ideas to see which ones work best for your specific space and collection.

Sources

How to Organize a Mudroom

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 15:45:58 GMT

Mudrooms are prone to overflow with various items, from school backpacks and lunchboxes to office briefcases and purses. Fortunately, there are many methods to organize a mudroom so it stays clean and tidy!

Once you sort through the items you want to store, figure out what methods work best to keep your mudroom tidy. A top priority is a storage system, such as individual lockers or cubbies, floor-to-ceiling storage, or adjustable shelves. Hooks, shoe storage, and a message center are excellent ways to keep things in order as well.

Once you've organized your mudroom, you'll be amazed at how functional and tidy it can be! Continue reading to learn more!

Determine Your Mudroom Organization Needs

Before you can organize your mudroom, you have to know what items need to be stored there. Start by pulling everything out. Decide what's most important to keep, remove any items that aren't essential (like dress shoes or toys), and donate anything you won't use.

Consider paring down some items (do you really need four coats and eight pairs of shoes in the mudroom, or can some go in your closet?) to free up space. Next, take inventory of what you want to store, especially if you have limited space. This will help you figure out what organization system will work best for the size and shape of your mudroom. After taking inventory, you can choose from some (or all!) of the following ideas to further maximize organization in this area of your home.

Develop a Storage System

First and foremost, you need a storage system. This is very dependent on how much space your mudroom allows. If you have a larger space, consider individual lockers for each member of your family. These large cubbies allow everyone to choose what items to store without taking space away from someone else.

Floor-to-ceiling storage is another popular option. You can house seasonal or infrequently-used items up high with easy access to everyday items below. Metal baskets and adjustable shelves are another way to maximize storage space. If you have a smaller mudroom, consider cubicle cubbies. While not as big as lockers, they still allow everyone to have their own space for important items.

Install Hooks and Drying Racks

One of the most important functions of your mudroom is organizing everyone's coats, hats, mittens, purses, and keys. An easy way to do this is with hooks. Assign each family member a hook or designate certain hooks for specific items, such as coats or purses. No one likes a wet hat, coat, or mittens. If you live in a rainy or snowy climate, consider adding a drying rack to allow wet items to dry quicker, such as those recommended by The Spruce .

Don't Forget About Shoe Storage

Another big element of a mudroom is shoe storage. For larger mudrooms, one or more shoe racks work well. Benches are also a popular solution, but they do tend to take up a lot of valuable space. If you have a smaller mudroom, minimize the pairs of shoes per person and place them in over-the-door storage.

Create a Message Center

If you're like most busy families, a message center can be very beneficial in keeping everyone organized and informed. A message center is a place to collect mail, magazines, and packages, as well as a calendar, to-do list, and reminders. From simple and straightforward to elaborate and unique, you can adapt your message center to fit your needs and style! Check out Decor Pad for some inspiring ideas.

Other Organizational Hacks

Pet Items - To keep things organized and tidy, designate an area of your mudroom for pet items, such as food and water dishes, litter and a litter box, leashes, or whatever other items your pet needs.
Bench - A bench with internal storage will add beauty and functionality to your mudroom. Plus, it'll be easier to put on your shoes.
Umbrella Storage - Umbrellas can be awkward and frustrating to store. They don't hang up quite right and you don't want water to drip all over the floor. Use a simple cylindrical holder to catch all the water, keep the umbrellas upright, and make them easily accessible.
Drip tray - If you live in a wet climate, a drip tray for wet & muddy shoes can be a game-changer in keeping your mudroom mud-free!

Conclusion

After you choose the best storage system for your mudroom, further improve organization and function by adding various hooks for hanging items and one or more areas for shoe storage. It's also beneficial to have a designated area for pets, a bench for storage and seating, and storage for wet items like umbrellas and shoes. You're well on your way to organizing your mudroom!

Sources

Home Organization & Storage Ideas to Maximize Space in a Small Home

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 21:21:18 GMT

Home is supposed to be the place where you find your Zen, your comfort, and of course all of your stuff. If you have limited space to work with, it may be difficult to find your peace among the clutter. Learning how to maximize your space and stay organized is the key to finding your center.

Home organization and storage ideas to maximize space in a small home include:

Removing Clutter
Opting for Multi-Functional Furniture
Utilizing Wall Space
Accessorize to Organize

Keep reading to learn how to make your small home look twice as big!

Remove Clutter

Before you can come up with effective organization and storage methods for your small home, make it a point to go through your stuff to see if there are items you can get rid of. Whether it’s throwing out things that are broken or donating clothes you no longer wear, getting rid of any sort of excess will surely make organizing easier.

Once you’ve narrowed down all the items you’re keeping, take your preparation a step further. Start to think about the activities that take place within your home and create room zones. Zones are specific areas within each room that relate to an activity. For example, if you have your office desk in your guest room, you probably have a work zone and a hospitality zone. If you have children who complete their homework at the kitchen table, perhaps your kitchen has a homework zone.

Go through each room in your house and create a list of the zones you would need in each area. SFGATE.com has a detailed method for defining room zones. Each designated area will contain the items that would be needed for such an activity – organized neatly of course! While such a task may seem daunting or excessive, this list will come in handy throughout the process. Once you have all the zone areas defined, go back through your stuff and decide if the items are designated in the proper zones.

Opt for Multi-Functional Furniture

In dealing with small real estate, a great way to maximize space is by opting for multi-functional furniture pieces. There are an array of pieces to consider that will save you space, align with your room zones, and reduce the amount of money you spend, including:

Storage Ottomans for the Living Room or Bedroom : Use this as a typical ottoman but then flip it up to house blankets, movies, or game controllers.
Trundle Daybed for the Guest Room : Choosing to get a trundle daybed means you can utilize the bed as either a couch, a single bed, or extend the bottom and create a larger bed for more company.
Storage Bed for the Master Bedroom : Investigate purchasing a bed with drawers or shelves underneath. This would be a great spot to hold pajamas, extra sheets, or things you would typically hide for safekeeping.
Lift-Up Coffee Tables for the Living Room or Den : Coffee tables are a nice touch to living rooms and den areas, but they’re even nicer when they can do more than present recently read magazines. Use them to house mail, pay bills, or a pencil, pen, and some notebooks when it's homework time.
Mirror Jewelry Holders for the Bedroom or Bathroom : Jewelry holders in the form of long mirrors are a great addition to either your bedroom or bathroom. They'll also save you from using up prime real estate with a bulky jewelry box or dresser space with a countertop jewelry box.
Entryway Storage Benches for the Front Door Area : Many people end up having a bit of a mess at the front door simply from busting in and out in a hurry. Opting for a storage bench is a great idea at the very least to hide the mess. Use it to house shoes, bags, umbrellas, or maybe bug spray and sunscreen in the summer & gloves, and hats in the winter.

Utilize Wall Space

One of the best ways to make your home appear more spacious is by keeping your floor space clean & clear. The more of the floor you can see, the more spacious your rooms will appear. However, where do you put your stuff? It’s simpler than you think, depending on the layout of the room. Here are some ways to utilize ceiling & wall space effectively:

Living Room

Choose to hang your TV up on the wall instead of taking up the entire space in the entertainment center. Additionally, hang up photo frames to keep your coffee table and side tables free.

Kitchen

Extend your cabinets above or below the standard location by adding extra shelves or drawers. Take advantage of the extra space to house big dishes, pans, vases, or even cookbooks.

Laundry Room

Choosing to use the wall and ceiling space is a great idea, especially in a traditionally small area such as your laundry room . One effective tip is to purchase a stackable washer & dryer. You'll automatically save space & keep the floor clean. It's a win-win!

Office

With so many people now working remotely, home offices are pretty much a must. However, not every home has the luxury of dedicating a full room to an office. Small homes may need to incorporate office spaces in living rooms, bedrooms, or guest rooms .

Choosing to have a wall-mounted or fold-up desk is a great option in these types of scenarios. A wall-mounted desk provides enough wall space for bookcases or storage units, while a fold-up desk gives you the option to hide your workspace and blend into whatever aesthetic you need in that particular room.

Accessorize to Organize

Another great way to effectively maximize space is by purchasing additional organizational accessories. While some may think simple drawer organizers won’t make a difference, they definitely will force you to strategize how to store certain items.

Some organizers to consider include:

Hanging closet organizers
Behind the door organizers
Blow dryer and hair accessory cabinet organizers
Drawer organizers for the office

Conclusion

Despite the size of the space, having a place to call home is a privilege. One could lose sight of this if they’re frustrated by clutter, chaos, or a lack of space. Implementing simple, yet effective methods for maximizing storage within a small home will surely put things back into perspective.

Sources

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/organize-house-rooms-zones-29758.html

3 Design Tips to Maximize Space in Your Guest Room

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 13:38:53 GMT

If you have a dedicated guest room in your home, you know how wonderful it is to have a place already set up to host out-of-town family and friends. However, utilizing that extra bedroom is probably relatively rare so the question becomes how to maximize the space for storage or other needs that you and your family might require of it.

You don’t want it to be a room that is a magnet for clutter or one that becomes a depot for random items. That just defeats the purpose of home organization altogether! There should be a specific plan mapped out to ensure cohesiveness of the space and a strategy for everything that is placed in it. Here are three design tips that can help you create a guest room that is multi-purpose and practical while taking full advantage of the precious real estate in your home.

Optimize for Daily Use
Think Vertical
Storage Galore

Read on to learn more about the highlighted design tips & get the most use out of your guest room.

1. Optimize for Daily Use

As you ponder the layout and unique placement for the needs of your guest room, think first about how it will be used on a daily basis. This is especially true if you will be utilizing the room in a hybrid capacity such as a home office or a reading/study nook.

The furniture and accessories you might need will vary of course. In order to make the most of every inch, here are several focal points and items you want to contemplate incorporating as you go about architecting the best use of the room's floor plan:

Size and Type of Bed

In an arrangement where your guest room is required for dual purposes, minimizing the allotted space needed by a bed could be met by purchasing a futon, sleeper sofa, day bed, trundle bed or a Murphy Bed. If not, a traditional bed works fine snuggled into a corner against a wall rather than jutting into the middle of the room, consuming space away from other items.

Nightstand or Small Table

A nightstand or small table with drawers/doors lends itself to extra everyday storage and provides a home for a lamp, clock, tissues, books, and/or knick-knacks. When guests come to stay, add a decorative bowl or small tray for them to stash their phones/chargers, wallets and keys.

Desk

If you are using your guest room as a home office as well, you'll want to find an appropriately sized desk that comes with ample storage. When company arrives, the desktop provides additional surface area for laptops & luggage or could continue to operate as a work area. You could also find a viable portable option and wheel it out when company comes knocking.

Lighting

Do not skimp on good lighting as it is essential, no matter the room. If you can and space permits, choose complimentary layers of lighting including a standing lamp, a bedside lamp or sconces so that your guests can adjust to their preferences.

Dresser or Armoire

Look for a compact dresser or floor-to-ceiling armoire that comes with numerous drawers & shelves. A good rule of thumb is to earmark two-thirds of those drawers/shelves for everyday storage while leaving one third available for guest’s belongings.

Mirror

Placing a large mirror in any room, particularly one that is smaller or without a window, is a terrific way to give the illusion that the room is bigger than it is. It's a well-known design “trick.” In addition, your guests will be thankful to have a mirror to use for more practical purposes.

2. Think Vertical

Think up! Finding space-saving solutions that you can mount on a wall will free up area on a nightstand, table, or desk. Think about sconces, a floating bookshelf, or a closed-door cabinet. Add hooks for hats, jackets, and bags to keep the floor from becoming a depository.

Four walls offer a ton of creative options. Making the most of vertical space not only adds plenty of storage but visually when you showcase items on a wall, it draws the eye upward which organically makes the room feel larger.

3. Storage Galore

A spare bedroom offers you oodles of space to keep things tidy and in order. Under-the-bed is an often-overlooked location for squeezing in extra storage. Purchase coordinated zipper bins that keep the dust out but still hold off-season clothes or holiday decor which slide easily underneath. A storage bench placed at the end of a bed or along a wall is perfect for stashing extra pillows, bedding, towels, and linens while also serving as a seating area or an extra location to place suitcases or folded clothes.

If you have a closet in your guest room, outfit it with floor to ceiling racks, bins, and shelves. It's amazing how much you can fit into a well thought out closet. Be sure to leave extra hangers and breathing room for your guest’s clothing. Again, much like drawers, don't fill it to the brim.

When a guest room is being utilized for dual purposes, you will need to consider any specific storage needs and accommodate them accordingly. Think about how the space will be used day-to-day. Whether it doubles as a home office, fitness area, or leisure space for TV viewing and reading and plan your storage around both functions so the room works seamlessly for guests and everyday life.

Final Thoughts

Having a guest room in your home is a fabulous bonus. Ensuring you get a bit of ROI out of those four walls can readily be accomplished with some thoughtful planning. Identifying the room’s personality, finding balance, and maximizing space are key. This is especially true if you are using it to accommodate both a day job and as a restful respite. All of these elements can be satisfied by following the above design tips.

Home Office Ideas for Two

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 20:15:20 GMT

Due to the global pandemic, many working professionals over the past year and a half have found themselves working from home (WFH). For a large percentage of the workforce, that status hasn’t altered much. Some companies have returned to a hybrid arrangement, while a handful are back to a 5-day-in-office model. The concept of a home office has continued to evolve and morph as the work-from-home scenario is most likely here to stay (in full or in part).

At the same time, the challenge of creating a home office for two people is even more apparent! Have you had one person working at the kitchen counter and the other at the dining room table? One taking calls in a guest bedroom while the other types away at a makeshift work station in the family room?

No matter who the duo may be (spouses, roommates, or significant others), designing a co-working space for more than one person necessitates creativity x2. However, there are lots of options to reconfigure and maximize space. Consider the following four areas:

Layout Options
Furniture & Lighting Choices
Storage Solutions
All About Privacy

Don't stop now! Keep reading to learn the secrets for co-existing with your at-home office partner.

Layout Options

One Shared Desk

If the two of you sharing a home office are on different workday time schedules or on alternating schedules, a shared desk could fit the bill. It would be a space saver to only need one workstation instead of two. If there is the possibility of having overlap from time to time, a shared rectangular table/desk with chairs placed at either end could be the perfect presentation.

Two Desks Facing One Another

Two desks facing the same direction, either with one side flush against a wall or with both of them placed in the center of the room, may be the best choice. This layout could work out well as long as neither of you will become distracted. Ideally, purchasing two desks that are the same works best aesthetically for this configuration.

Two Desks Facing Away From One Another

Dual desks facing away from one another create the feeling of separation and privacy. This positioning works well if you both require the vibe of having your own space even though it's shared. In this setup, you could both have different style desks that would offer more eclectic or personal appeal or you could use two desks that were the same for a streamlined look.

Side-by-Side Desks

This workspace format could either be two identical desks placed side-by-side with a storage divider cabinet/drawer separating them or you could have one long desk/table that runs along a wall.

L-Shaped Desks

A long, L-shaped desk that covers two walls and a corner is another option, providing ample workspace for two people. For this layout, enough room is needed so that the two chairs used don’t box the other in. One individual could work at the end of the “L” and the other could work from the bend of the “L” which would minimize any crowding effect.

Furniture & Lighting Choices

Desks

The spacing parameters you have and what layout options you choose will inform what desk choice would be best for your specific arrangement. Matching desks are easy on the eyes and offer an intentional sense of unity while using different style desks lend themselves to showcasing individual personalities. Desks with storage or drawers are ideal but not necessary if you have adequate shelving. The Home Edit offers these 16 Home Office Desk Ideas for Two as inspiration.

Lighting

Don't skimp on good lighting in your home office. If you can, choose complimentary layers of lighting, in addition to overhead lighting, such as floor lamps, desk lamps, and sconces. Task lighting with a dimmer control is best if your home office does not have an abundance of natural light.

Chairs

Your desk chairs are probably the single most important purchases you will make for your home office. The chairs should have ergonomic features that will support and protect your back, neck, and shoulders. If you don’t know where to start, check out these 21 office chairs that received a test run and review from Gear Patrol.

Storage Solutions

Shared Storage

Sharing a home office necessitates ample storage solutions. Desks with drawers, file cabinets that nestle underneath tables/desks, floor to ceiling shelving or a wall unit with doors can help keep a busy space tidy. Storage options contain any clutter which creates a calmer atmosphere for both parties.

Desktop Organizers

Keep your workspaces in order with multi-purpose desktop organizers that are stylish and practical. Tons of models are available to fit any design need, simple to ornate, and caddies and containers made of a variety of materials. A clean, chaos-free work area, especially in a shared space is an absolute requisite!

Chargers and Cords

There are many storage gadgets on the market for corralling electronic cables. Tame the unsightly tangle of cords with a cord management system of some kind. Invest in a wireless charging station or buy a desk or lamp with a built-in USB port to further minimize the tech jungle. The Spruce offers its recommendations for containing cord disorder.

All About Privacy

Zones

As you envision the layout that will work best, think zones. Two people mean two sets of needs, two personalities, two styles, and two bodies in one shared space. Designate areas for each person’s equipment, files, and office supplies. Keep work areas organized as much as possible.

Dividers

If both parties are on virtual calls often, there might be an additional need to separate out shared workspaces. To help distinguish your work areas, consider adding privacy screens, curtains or dividers. Bycrescence has a great article on incorporating clever home office dividers for all kinds of budgets and preferred design tastes.

Headphones

To cut down on the inevitable distractions, invest in a pair of soundproof, noise-canceling headphones or earbuds. Listen to music or a podcast without disturbing your office mate. If they have to take a call or a virtual meeting, you can tune out their voices while you continue to work.

Final Thoughts

Setting up a successful shared home office is a worthwhile investment for both parties. With two people spending a significant part of their day in the same space, it's vital to get the most out of every square inch. You'll end up with a thoughtfully designed and purposefully functional space, one where you both look forward to coming to each day if you take the time to communicate and collaborate. Trial and error and the willingness and flexibility of both parties are going to contribute in large part to making your home office a home for both of you!

Sources

11 Kitchen Pantry Essentials for The Holiday Season

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:26:19 GMT

With the holiday season around the corner, it’s that time of year where you will be entertaining friends and family. Maybe you’re cooking more than one holiday dinner this year. You might even have guests drop in unannounced. How do you avoid a thousand trips to the grocery store this holiday season? What do you do when your kids want cookies for Santa now?

Don’t lose your holiday cheer! Here are eleven essentials to keep your kitchen pantry ready for your next holiday gathering!

Spices
Wine
Nuts
Cranberries
Broth
Cookie Making Essentials
Chocolate
Crackers
Hot Chocolate
Apple Cider
Butcher’s Twine

Already craving a cup of warm apple cider? Then pull up a chair & learn how easy it is to prepare your pantry for the most wonderful time of the year!

Spices

Spices rule the holiday season and are prevalent in almost every holiday recipe. From cookies to cakes, there are several spices you should keep on hand. Pumpkin spice is a must for pumpkin pie lovers. Pumpkin spice can also be added to your favorite coffee or tea to give it a fragrant holiday smell and flavor!

Most holiday cookies and cakes will require all-spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Keep these on hand, ready to bake your favorite goodies. If you are wondering what in the world you would use clove in, here are a few ideas:

Mulled Apple Cider
Apple Butter
Old Fashion Ginger Bread
Pumpkin Pie
Sugar Cookies

Add a dash of cinnamon to your favorite muffin recipe for a quick and cheerful breakfast for those last-minute guests. Keep the party going by spicing up the eggnog with cinnamon & nutmeg for additional holiday flare!

Wine

Invited to a last-minute party? Did unexpected family just ring your doorbell? Always keep a bottle of wine on hand. Many people often forget that wine is also an essential ingredient in a number of holiday dishes. Sauté your choice of meat in your favorite spices, add in some wine, and dinner is done! Keep a bottle or two tucked away to ensure you are always prepared!

Nuts

Walnuts, cashews, peanuts, almonds, the list is endless! Keep an assortment of your favorite nuts nearby.

Great to add in cookies
What's a charcuterie board without an assortment of glazed almonds and walnuts?
Sprinkle on top of your famous Chicken Almondine
Super quick snack to set out with that bottle of wine!

Cranberries

Both fresh and canned, go with a classic when delighting in a holiday feast or arranging a beautiful centerpiece! Whip up your grandmother's famous cranberry sauce! This is a great addition to any holiday meal. Add crackers & cheese and you have an instant appetizer!

Broth

Keep some chicken and/or vegetable broth on hand for making quick soups. The perfect way to create a quick dinner when those unexpected friends drop by unannounced? A delicious soup made with your favorite ingredients, broth, and plenty of love!

Cookie Making Essentials

Santa will be here soon and that means COOKIES! Keep flour, sugar, eggs, milk, and plenty of spices handy. Don't worry about keeping everything organized. If anything, take some time before the holiday season to reorganize your pantry and then stock it full of essentials.

Chocolate

Chocolate is a great and quick way to add something sweet to that charcuterie board you’re putting together for a last-minute holiday party. Chocolate candies are a great addition to centerpieces as well! Need cookies? Grab that chocolate bar or chocolate morsels and with your stash of cookie ingredients, you'll be everybody’s hero!

Crackers

A quick addition for any gathering during the holiday season. Did you forget to grab that pie crust for your grandmother's famous pie? In a pinch, grinding up crackers with a little melted butter will work as a pie crust.

Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is a must-have in any kitchen pantry! Light the fire and serve up some hot chocolate for a cozy intimate gathering. Be the hero mom and invite the neighborhood kids over for something warm after a day in the snow!

Serve after dinner with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra holiday flare at your next party! My Recipes even suggests making hot chocolate brownies! The possibilities are endless!

Apple Cider

Out of wine? No problem! Pull out some apple cider, warm, and serve. It's an instant lifesaver! Apple cider is a perfect way to add more holiday cheer to any meal. Looking for something festive for those that don’t drink wine? Serve apple cider! Take it one step further and add a stick of cinnamon or apple slice as a garnish.

Butcher’s Twine

Holiday parties and family get-togethers mean lots of turkey, chicken, & duck – keep butcher’s twine on hand to tame your holiday meals. Wrapping a last-minute gift and out of tape? Grab the butcher’s twine and give your gift a unique look.

Add some butcher’s twine around your favorite vase to add some flare for your centerpiece this holiday season. Looking for a way to hang that mistletoe in the door frame? Grab your butcher’s twine! You’ll have no shortage of uses for butcher’s twine this holiday season!

Final Thoughts

Whatever you decide to keep in your kitchen pantry, include things that will help eliminate any unneeded stress. Think about your favorite meals, especially those that you cook on a weekly basis. What ingredients do you go through so fast you wonder where they went? Do you attend a lot of parties? What do you wish you had on hand? These are the items you'll want to keep stashed away so you're always ready for action, whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, or the 4th of July!

Sources

https://www.myrecipes.com/extracrispy/15-unexpected-ways-to-use-hot-chocolate-mix

Kitchen Pantry Pest Prevention 101

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 14:13:24 GMT

A well-stocked kitchen pantry is a thing of beauty. Everyone in the family knows exactly where to go for cereal, snacks, and ingredients for your next homemade gourmet masterpiece. Do you know who else loves your pantry? Bugs!

While pests are always on the hunt for the latest pantry snack, all hope is not lost. There are several simple steps you can take to make your kitchen pantry less attractive to tiny intruders:

Keep the pantry spic and span
Put all food in tightly sealed containers
Clean up spills ASAP
Toss out old food
Organize organize organize

Read on for some helpful tips on low-tech pest prevention.

Cleanliness is Next to Pestless-ness

The kinds of pests that are likely to inhabit your kitchen all share one quality: a love for messy pantries. This can be frustrating because even a clean-looking pantry can still be vulnerable to invasions from annoying little critters.

That’s why it’s wise to get in the practice of regularly cleaning your pantry, drawers, and cupboards. Because insects are more active in warmer weather, you can make it part of your spring cleaning ritual. Periodically, remove all food and wipe down your kitchen surfaces with nothing more sophisticated than soap and water.

You never want to use dangerous chemicals around your food, so bug sprays & insecticides are strictly forbidden. Regular household detergents are all you need to keep the bugs away.

Seal Up Everything

There’s nothing more convenient than an open bag of chips that you can just dig into any time you want. The local pest community will thank you for your efforts, so it’s a far better practice to make sure all food is securely put away.

Instead of leaving chips, flour, and cereal in their opened bags and boxes, consider putting them into sealable glass jars instead. This will make your cupboard far more attractive and practically impervious to most kinds of intruders. Invest in an inexpensive label maker so you’ll be able to easily recognize every ingredient for retrieval at a moment’s notice. You can find more food storage tips here!

Don’t Let Spills Sit

It feels like common sense, but we’ve all seen a few grains of sugar or a couple of random oats on a shelf and just figured we’d get to it later. If you want to keep your pantry clear of ants, weevils, & tiny beetles, however, this is a bad practice. The moment you spot any stray bits of food anywhere in your kitchen, clean it up with soap and water right away. Even if the spill is a small one, it doesn’t take much to bring out the critters. This goes for spills anywhere they occur.

Insects may like to reside in your pantry, but they’ll go wherever the food is, so if there’s a spill on the counter or you’ve discovered a sticky patch on the kitchen floor, clean it up as quickly as possible.

Don’t Let Food Go Bad

Nothing’s more startling than going into your pantry to make something and then realizing the item you’re looking for expired sometime during one of the Bush Administrations. When you’re going through the spring clean discussed above, take time to check the expiration dates on everything you have so you can toss out the old stuff.

In fact, get in the habit of always checking dates every time you need something from the pantry. This will ensure that you’re never storing anything that could be bad for you (but delicious for pests). If you’re storing everything in sealable jars, make sure the labels you create include each item’s expiration date.

Also, beware of old fruit! A pile of delicious apples and oranges may look like a horn o’ plenty, but decayed spots and insects could lurk beneath. Reader’s Digest points out the horrifying fact that a female fruit fly typically lays approximately 500 eggs at a time on old, rotting fruit.

If you’ve already got some fruit flies buzzing around, fill a small bowl with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and a dash of dish soap. This is a safe and surefire way to drown the little jerks before they get out of control.

An Organized Pantry is a Safe Pantry

Cleaning out your kitchen pantry is a great opportunity to take stock of what you need and don’t need. Not only can you use the time to remove old food and repackage and seal all that remains, but you’ll also get a good idea of how the layout works best for your needs.

No one wants to be confused by their pantry, and there’s nothing more frustrating than thinking you’re out of something only to find it three months after you needed it. One way to better organize a pantry is to make use of labeled pullout bins. DIY Network recommends separating items into different departments such as “snacks” and “pasta," so you’ll always be able to find whatever you’re looking for when you need it.

Put a little light on the subject! All your efforts at organizing won’t do much good if you can’t see what’s going on. The good news is that upgrading the lighting situation in your pantry doesn’t involve any kind of kitchen rebuild. In fact, Food & Wine fell in love with a simple string of LED lights known as the Luminoodle. There are similar products out there that will keep your pantry well-lit without needing to call an electrician.

By having a pantry that’s well-lit and organized, cleaning will be easier and you’ll be able to spot pests and spills more quickly, allowing you to address them as they occur.

Conclusion

Most pantry pests aren’t dangerous, but they can be extremely unpleasant. Thankfully, you can avoid their presence in your home with some regular chemical-free cleaning and maintenance. Throw in some extra organizing and airtight containers, and you’ll have a pantry that’s cleaner, more organized, and bug-free!

Sources

Fall Closet Cleanout Tips

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 21:53:29 GMT

Fall, the magical time of the year where it is comfortable to spend time outside and enjoy the buttery hues of the sun. It’s the break you get between the sweltering summer heat and the frigid winter temperatures. You might be mentally ready for fall, but how about your custom closets ?

Getting your closets ready for fall is not as daunting as it sounds. The best tips for migrating from summer to autumn include:

Take stock of your wardrobe
Clean, clean, clean
Get organized
Get out your fall wardrobe
Pack up summer
Take care of the coat closet
Don’t forget the kids’ closet

It’s time to grab a mug of your favorite tea and learn more about how to best prepare your closets for fall.

Take Stock of Your Current Wardrobe

As with any organizing project, the first thing you need to do is take stock of your current spring/summer wardrobe. Now is the time to toss anything that is worn out. As you get ready to pack everything away, dispose of any pieces that are overly worn or need to be thrown away. As you’re going through your current wardrobe, don’t forget to look through your dresser drawers!

Not everything will be tossed into the trash, so sort carefully. Some of the items in your closet you’ll want to save for next summer. Other things you might not want anymore, yet they are still in good condition. These items should be donated.

This is also your opportunity to weed out duplicate pieces you’ve been hoarding for years. You know, the shirts that fit the same and happen to be the same shade of blue that you fell in love with because they went with everything. It’s time to give up the ghost and get rid of some of those items. You don’t need 30 shirts in the same color, 27 of which you never wear! Instead, mix it up a bit by exploring the entire rainbow.

Clean It Up

With your closet empty, now it's time to clean! You know deep down that cleaning any closet in your home has never been a top priority until now. Never fear! With the area empty, you can make quick work of those dust bunnies hiding in the corners.

In all seriousness, take a few minutes to dust the shelves and wipe down your baseboards. Then, run the vacuum over the carpet. Finally, take the time to let any musty smells dissipate from your closet before restocking it with your fall wear.

Take a Moment to Organize

With a clean closet looming in front of you, now is the perfect time to get things organized. Unfortunately, fall and winter clothes take up a lot more space than traditional summer garments. As such, you’ll need to be strategic in how you arrange your closet .

As suggested in Thezoereport.com , you want to organize your fall wardrobe by priority. In most parts of the country, fall begins warm and gradually gets cooler. Occasionally, summer might want to pop back up for a day or two, so you need to have some flexibility in your wardrobe. Group warmer weather items together and cooler weather items together. This will make it easier for you to locate the perfect outfit, no matter the temperature outside.

Get creative when it comes to breaking up your closet space. Use baskets & hanging bins to create a sense of order. For example, a well-placed hanging sweater bin can help break up your warmer weather clothes from your full-on fall ensembles.

With the cooler weather, sandals are put away and boots come out to play. Knee and thigh-high boots, however, have their own storage issues. If you want to keep them from losing their shape or getting buried at the bottom of your closet, you can take pool noodles and cut them in half. Then stick the halves in each of the boots to keep them upright.

Unbox Fall Wardrobe

While purging your closet, you'll also need to start pulling fall items out of storage. Lay your clothes out on the bed & repeat the same keep, toss, donate process. If there are articles of clothing that you don’t like or are the wrong size, now is the time to weed them out. Donate or sell gently used clothing and dispose of any articles that are damaged beyond repair. Make a note of any items you may need before going shopping for the perfect additions.

With the closet clean and ready for your wardrobe, you can start sorting and organizing your fall wear and put it away. Don’t forget your favorite fall accessories such as hats, blazers, and maybe even lightweight scarves. All should be added to your closet in preparation for the cooler weather.

Store Summer Away

Your closet is now in some semblance of order. But sadly, you can’t say the same for your room. First, you need to go through your keep pile of summer items. As mentioned earlier, you may want to keep a few critical pieces of your summer wardrobe on hand for the warmer parts of fall.

Coldwellbanker.com suggests you pick out a few t-shirts or summertime blouses to add to your collection. You want to choose colors and styles that you can add layers to make a unique fall look. Once you’ve picked your favorites, add them to the warmer end of your fall collection.

Get The Hall Closet Ready for Cooler Weather

The bedroom closet is done! You can sit back and relax now, or can you? This is the perfect opportunity to go through your hall closet and pull out any lightweight jackets or other fall outerwear that may be stored there.

Just like with your bedroom closet, you want to clean the hall closet thoroughly and toss anything that you don’t want/doesn’t fit anymore. It’s also an excellent time to check out the winter coats to make sure they still fit or would benefit from a trip to the dry cleaner.

Don’t Forget The Kids

With your wardrobe and the hall closet tamed, it’s time to tackle probably the most frustrating of all closets, the kids ! Not only do you have to comb through the junk they have tossed unceremoniously, but also the mountain of clothes as well. If you’re like most parents, you have a few items saved from last year that you hope they’ll still be able to wear. However, it’s time to check not only the condition of the clothing but also the sizes.

Anything in good condition that doesn’t fit should be donated or sold. Finally, make a list of all items the kids need to fully prepare for the changing season. As with your own wardrobe, organize theirs so it's easy for them to find favorite pieces and weather-appropriate options.

Conclusion

Seasonal changes are a great time to go through your closets and get them organized and ready for the new season. By thoroughly cleaning out your wardrobe, you can take stock of what you have, need, and want to get rid of. Go ahead and store away your summer clothes so that you have plenty of space for your fall gear. As tiresome as it is, don't forget to go through the kids' clothes too.

Sources

8 Tips for Designing a Zen Home Office

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 17:58:06 GMT

Working from a home office gives you the capability of being able to unleash your creativity within your own private space. What a perfect reason to design a Zen work environment that is supportive of all that you are professionally and creatively!

Here are 8 tips for making your home office positively Zen-like:

Designate Yourself a Specific Work Area
Experiment With Your Workstation Height
Soundproof Your Space
Splurge on an Office Chair
Adopt a Minimalist Approach
Let The Sun Shine In
Experiment With Color
Try Essential Oils

Continue reading to learn how to design a home office that is abundantly peaceful!

Designate Yourself a Specific Work Area

Clearing yourself off a little spot on your kitchen table large enough to place your laptop just isn’t going to cut it. If you want to truly enjoy working in a Zen environment at home, you need to create a dedicated area that is large enough for you to feel comfortable in.

You need to be able to physically stretch out and have enough space on and around your workstation so you don’t feel mentally cramped or crowded. There should never be piles of clutter anywhere near your workspace, as they can drain your energy by distracting you from the tasks at hand.

Experiment With Your Workstation Height

In order for your back to feel good at the end of your workday, proper posture is critical. If your desk or table is too short, your shoulders may be "hunched over." If it's too tall, it may take a toll on your wrists and shoulders. According to Decoist.com , 34 inches is a good starting point to work with.

If you seek a healthy alternative that may give you a boost of energy throughout your day, consider investing in a standing desk that will allow you to rise to your feet whenever you grow weary of sitting down. This is a great way to alleviate boredom and get your creative juices flowing again.

Soundproof Your Space

Most people who work out of their homes would agree that noise can be one of the biggest mental distractions when you are trying to get work done. Whether the noise you are hearing comes from traffic driving by or from landscaping machinery buzzing, it can become quite irritating.

There are several approaches you can take to make your workspace a quieter place. The first thing to do is choose a location in your home that naturally has the least amount of noise. For example, a home office placed in your bedroom is going to have less noise than one located next to your kitchen.

Next, you could choose to wear noise-canceling headphones, if you so desire. Or another approach is to turn on soft, relaxing music and drown out the irritating sounds. Having a desktop fountain trickling nearby will do wonders to change the energy of your space and foster a more peaceful sense of awareness.

Splurge on an Office Chair

When it comes to your home office, if there is one element that you should not cut corners on, it's your office chair. Buying an ergonomically designed chair that feels as if it fits you like a glove is one of the smartest things you can do to make your home office feel more Zen-like. Whenever you sit down, your office chair should feel as if it is welcoming you home. Ideally, it should have a high back, a soft cushion, and armrests if that suits you.

Adopt a Minimalist Approach

You already know not to keep piles of clutter on your desk. However, do you realize that having too much décor can look cluttered as well? When it comes to what items to keep in your workspace, it is best to keep "things" at a minimum. Your computer, writing utensils, a notebook, and a desk lamp or a small vase of flowers are just the basics that you need to be productive in your workspace.

Let The Sun Shine In

If possible, position your workspace so that you are able to take advantage of natural lighting as much as possible. Logically, sunlight can cause a glare, but if you place your workstation in just the right way, you can avoid this. If you are lucky enough to have a skylight on your ceiling, you can really enjoy the benefits of natural sunlight.

Avoiding eyestrain and headaches is critical. Even if you are near a window or skylight, you may find that you still need to utilize a desk lamp or overhead light.

Experiment With Color

Do certain colors resonate with you as being peaceful or relaxing? Try adding touches of them to your office space. If you are looking for a major impact, paint the wall behind your workspace, or even wallpaper it in a cool pattern. Not sure what color scheme to go with? Perhaps you should take some time to meditate on the question a little bit before making a decision. Guideposts.org recommends tones of lilac, yellow, pink, or orange.

Try Essential Oils

Adding the power of essential oils to your day can really do a lot to make a difference in your overall mood and demeanor. According to Simplehomesimplelife.com , essential oils have the ability to actually "clean the air of toxins."

There are many different ways you can benefit from having essential oils in your space. Some people enjoy burning a candle that is scented with essential oils, but you may agree that an essential oil diffuser is a safer choice to use in an office setting.

If you don’t have a diffuser, you can even place a few drops of your chosen oil on a sachet, and place it nearby. Lavender is a great choice for relaxation, while peppermint and orange oils are uplifting and energizing.

Final Thoughts

Designing a Zen home office starts by placing it in an ideal location, with ample breathing room. Buying the right chair, experimenting with workstation height, and enveloping yourself in beautiful sounds are all part of the experience. By adopting a minimalist approach and staying organized, your home office can become a productive, harmonious site.

Sources

Organization Ideas for Kids Closets

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 17:36:16 GMT

As any parent knows, kids require a lot of stuff. And it’s amazing how the smaller they are the more stuff they seem to need. Just think about it – a baby or toddler can easily go through multiple changes of clothes in just one day, not to mention all the toys and gadgets needed to keep them entertained.

That’s why it is imperative that you organize your child’s custom closets as well. By taking the time to efficiently arrange their clothing, toys, and other miscellaneous items, you can ensure that everything is within easy reach when you need it or safely stowed away for future use.

When it comes to organizing your child’s closet, there are a few key points you need to keep in mind:

Sort and Store
Easy Access
Clutter Control

Keep reading for expert tips on how to organize a closet that will work for both you and your child.

Sort and Store

Just like when you tackle your own closet , in order to organize your child’s closet you want to start the process by clearing out all of their belongings. The next step is to sort everything into three piles: keep, toss, and donate. This goes for clothing as well as toys, books, etc.

Once you have determined what you are keeping, you can start putting everything away. This does not have to be a difficult process if you take advantage of some of the organizational tools that are readily available.

One super simple trick for keeping your child’s clothing organized is to use different color hangers to sort items by season or purpose. For example, you could use red hangers for school uniforms, blue hangers for play clothes, and so on.

If you have a baby or toddler, you might want to adopt this trick from the Family Handyman . They suggest using divider tags to sort clothing by size, much like a department store does. This will allow you to purchase bigger sizes when they go on sale and have them ready for when your child reaches that next growth milestone. This is also a great hack for families with more than one child so that you can organize hand-me-downs.

Better Homes & Gardens recommends installing adjustable hanging bars to further organize their clothes. Double hanging bars will allow you to put out-of-season items as well as special pieces on the top where they are out of your child’s reach and use the bottom bar for your kid’s everyday clothing.

At this lower level, everything will be easily accessible at a child's height. If you have a baby or toddler, stagger the rods at almost the same height. Because their clothes are so little you can fit more in one space, and then adjust the bars as your child grows.

Easy Access

Getting kids ready for school or daycare in the morning can be stressful. One sure-fire way to simplify the morning rush is to lay out your child’s clothes the night before. But why not take that one step further? A hanging clothes organizer will let you plan your child’s wardrobe for the entire week; some organizers even come labeled with the days of the week. Getting dressed for school will be a snap when your child’s shirts, pants, underwear, socks, and even pairs of shoes are all neatly arranged for each day.

If your child prefers to pick out his or her own clothes, you might want to follow this tip from HGTV : instead of a dresser, you can place open baskets on shelves or in cubbies to store socks, t-shirts, and other necessities. This way, everything is easy for your child to reach and find the items they want. And, best of all, you don’t need to worry about little fingers getting caught in dresser drawers.

Hooks are another great choice for organizing a child’s closet. Your son or daughter can hang up their own jackets and sweatshirts, as well as backpacks and activity bags.

Clutter Control

Unlike adults, children’s closets often store more than just clothes and shoes. In many households, they're where toys are kept, so this can lead to a messy situation. One tried and true way to control clutter is with bins and baskets. Not only are they attractive, but they make it easy for you – and your child – to put everything away.

For smaller items such as Barbie dolls or action figures, you can repurpose an over-the-door shoe organizer for storage. Small toys and stuffed animals will easily fit into the pockets, and because they are clear it will be easy to find the exact toy your child wants to play with – and then put it away later.

Making sure everything gets put away where it belongs is one of the keys to maintaining an organized closet. To ensure that happens, you will want to label your storage solutions be they bins, baskets, or drawers. Don’t worry if your child is not old enough to read yet, you can use labels with pictures instead of words so that your child knows what goes where.

For instance, you could place pictures of shirts, shorts, and socks on dresser drawers to identify what goes in each drawer. Pictures can also be used on toy bins so that your child knows which container holds the building blocks versus which one has the cars and trucks.

BONUS: You can turn getting ready or cleaning up into a teachable moment by putting both the picture and the word on the label. For example, label a dresser drawer with a picture of a shirt and the word “shirt”. This will teach your child to associate the image with the word – and that can help lay the foundation for reading.

Conclusion

Because children are constantly growing, they quickly outgrow both clothes and toys. If you are not organized, your child’s closet can quickly start to resemble a thrift store. The key to organizing kids’ closets is to sort and store everything, make sure there is easy access to reach items and put them away properly, and – possibly most importantly – control the clutter.

Sources

12 Shortcuts for Organizing Your Home Room by Room

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 18:34:58 GMT

Home organization doesn't have to be daunting and time-consuming, even if you're trying to organize every room in your household. In today's day and age with internet hacks and tips for just about everything, there must be an easier way to accomplish this task, right? Well, get out your notebook and take careful notes, because class is in session!

Follow these shortcuts for organizing your home, room by room:

Consider The Three R's
Apply The Golden Rule to Your Closets
Tame Your Kitchen's Inventory
Establish a Command Center
Downsize Your Laundry Room
A Multifunctional Mudroom
Make Furniture Pull Double Duty
Roll Away Storage is a Must
Tension Rods for Organizing Shoes
Utilize Dressers as Nightstands
Bathroom Storage Hacks
Playroom Organization

Dive in deeper to the above tips to better organize your home the easy way!

Consider The Three R's

First things first, in order to keep your home organized, ADDitude Mag recommends considering the three R's:

Reduce everything you have to just the basic essentials.
Resourcefulness will help you find "creative ways" to organize your belongings.
Resilience will keep you from rushing out to buy more things.

Keeping these three rules in mind will help you maximize space and keep your home as clutter-free as possible.

Apply The Golden Rule to Your Closets

Simply put, when it comes to your closets, stick to the golden rule of organization , which states inventory should conform to storage. Go through your closets and remove everything from the shelves and cabinets. Then, evaluate whether or not you wish to keep each item. If something doesn't fit or you don't wear it anymore, toss it! You can also keep this mindset when it comes to other areas of your house.

If you're unsure about how to arrange the clothes in your closet , try:

Storing clothes by season
Folding to maximize space
Bundling up accessories onto hangers
Embracing wooden hangers for more visual appeal

Tame Your Kitchen's Inventory

Excess Tupperware tends to pile up. Throw out those old plastic containers that you hardly ever use and keep only the essentials. Leftovers are great, but do you really need 100 plastic boxes clogging up your cabinets and refrigerator? You could always use ziploc bags, tin foil, or plastic wrap if you run out of containers. Besides, fewer containers ensure that those delicious leftovers don't go to waste!

You should also consider reducing your amount of dishes as well. Donate or sell plates and bowls of different sizes, and instead, opt for a more uniform set for everyday use. Then, have another set for family gatherings & holiday feasts.

For pantries that need a complete organization overhaul , consider:

Labeling your clear containers
Utilizing racks for spices and dry goods
Slide-out drawers make storage a breeze
Rotate food so older items get eaten first

Establish a Command Center

Tackle your endless to-do list and clutter of office and school supplies by establishing a command center somewhere in the house. Choose a spot that's most accessible to everyone, such as the living room or dining room.

Your command center should include a desk to serve as a workspace, as well as plenty of storage bins for various pens, pencils, paper clips, etc. You could even incorporate a whiteboard or magnetic chalkboard to help keep track of grocery lists and chore schedules.

Downsize Your Laundry Room

Keeping your laundry room free from clutter can go a long way in helping you organize your house. Minimize clutter by going vertical, such as opting for a stackable washer and dryer, stackable hampers, or installing hanging rods or a drying rack above the machines.

Additionally, storing laundry supplies in glass jars not only looks nice but also makes it easier to tell when you're running low on something. Another great tip is to add a wooden countertop on top of your washer and dryer to establish a dedicated space for folding laundry.

A Multifunctional Mudroom

Mudrooms are typically used for stashing dirty shoes, however, they can function as so much more. For instance, adding baskets can help you stash away out-of-season items like winter and summer accessories. Also, consider adding a bench to make putting on and taking off your shoes easier, as well as a shoe rack to better store those shoes.

Likewise, installing hooks can help you turn your mudroom into a coat rack station or a space to hang your children's backpacks.

Make Furniture Pull Double Duty

Here's a great tip for any room in your house, though it is especially useful in the living room, opt for furniture that can also serve as storage. For example, invest in an ottoman with a removable top and hollow inside so that you can rest your feet and store your slippers or other household essentials.

Similarly, for your bedroom, opt for a bed with a platform lift to also serve as a linen closet for extra pillows and sheets.

Roll Away Storage is a Must

Going back to the bedroom, instead of a platform lift, opt for rollaway storage that you can wheel under your bed. You can still store your extra linens on the storage rack and have easy access whenever you need them. Simply roll the rack out, grab what you need, and then roll it back under your bed.

Tension Rods for Organizing Shoes

If you have a lot of shoes but not a big enough closet to store them in, find a small nook in your house and place tension rods between the walls to create an easy-to-install shoe rack. Tension rods are fairly affordable, so consider buying a few to create multiple levels.

Utilize Dressers as Nightstands

Another great example of making furniture serve two different functions is by ditching your old nightstand and putting a small dresser in its place. As Woman's Day points out, not only do you gain a new space for storing extra clothing or bedding, but you can use the top as a regular nightstand. Plus, who doesn't love easy access to extra socks on those cold winter nights?

Bathroom Storage Hacks

Is your bathroom countertop cluttered with makeup, toothpaste, and other toiletries? Well, there are some pretty simple storage hacks you can apply to your bathroom to help you get organized.

First, upgrade the space under your sink by adding small racks or wire baskets in the cabinets. Also, adding stackable storage bins will you help you keep that space organized and easy to access. Install hooks behind the door to store extra supplies, such as hair accessories and hand towels.

Another great bathroom storage tip is to add a wicker basket next to the toilet for keeping extra rolls of toilet paper. This will help you alleviate space from under your sink's cabinets and make it easier to tell when you're running low. You may even be able to place a thin wooden rod between the basket's handles to serve as a toilet paper roll holder.

Playroom Organization

Playrooms are notorious for being messy and prone to clutter. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep this area organized. For instance, wicker baskets and clear storage bins are key to keeping things in order. If you don't have clear bins, consider writing on your storage boxes with a sharpie to denote which boxes store what toys. This can also serve double duty by helping your child learn to read.

Another must-have is cube storage. This is especially helpful when you are short on space. Plus, this type of storage is easy to keep clean and organized.

Conclusion

There are many shortcuts you can employ to keep every room in your home organized. First and foremost, remember the three R's of organization: reduce, resourcefulness, and resilience. Also, apply the golden rule of storage to your closets. Other tips such as downsizing your laundry room and making your furniture pull double duty can also help you easily keep your home organized. Keep the tips above in mind and your home will be free from clutter!

Sources

Laundry Room Ideas for Small Spaces

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 17:30:24 GMT

Doing laundry is a necessary part of life. Dealing with limited space is not. Other than a washer and dryer, what else can fit into such a compact area?

Maximize the space in your small laundry room by organizing it from the bottom up with these useful tips:

Organize With Vertical Storage
Utilize Your Space
Apply Wall-Mounts & Add-Ons
Experiment With DIY Methods
Combine Spaces

Want to expand the space of your compact laundry room? Read on to learn more!

Vertical Horizons

Does the size of your laundry room feel restricted? The experts at Better Homes & Gardens suggest arranging your items using vertical storage. This type of organization is key to making a small laundry room work to your advantage.

Every item has a function. Place your go-to cleaning tools within reach in a basket, bin, or caddy. Items may include detergent, stain removers, dryer sheets, or any other necessary washing components. Group them on the lowest level for easy access.

For optimal room, stack a front-loading washer and dryer system. Some washer and dryer combos also come with built-in storage. As a result, your floor space will be clear of additional clutter.

When it comes to cabinets, apply open and closed concepts. Naturally place your laundry room essentials within the lower realm while keeping other non-daily items like an iron or sewing kit within the upper cabinets. You might include lower, concealed cabinets that feature pull-out storage for additional cleaning supplies or recyclables.

Utilize Your Space

With everything in its place, your laundry room will finally operate correctly. If your space is limited, now is the time to get creative. Make it simple. Where space is thin, add a handy cart for everyday supplies to slide between the washer and dryer. You might also consider positioning a bookcase on the side to store extra linens and towels.

Establishing a home for your laundry baskets is also essential. Installing a pedestal underneath the washer and dryer is a great place to store laundry baskets. It provides another convenient opportunity to include drawers for extra storage.

Practical Wall-Mounts & Add-Ons

Attach handy add-ons! Have a spare ladder that you rarely use? The Good Housekeeping pros suggest suspending it from the ceiling so your clothes can hang high and dry. Alternatively, use the upper area by placing a rod above the washer and dryer to hang your garments neatly.

Have a blank wall or two in your laundry room? Mount a drying rack for extra clothes or wet swimsuits. Lifestyle blogger Erin Boyle from Reading My Tea Leaves recommends this simple approach as "it’s discreet and useful and dare I say, pleasant to look at.” For maximum storage, consider a wall-mount ironing board or a fold-down drying rack. Push these tools back up and keep them out of the way when not in use.

Incorporate DIY Methods

Create more space with do-it-yourself tactics. Designate an area for dividing and folding laundry by placing a countertop over your washer and dryer system. Mandi Gubler of Vintage Revival recommends using plywood , as "wood just adds so much life to a space." Nevertheless, choose what works best for your style: wood, marble, granite, etc... A little extra flair will add both character and function to the room.

Feel welcome upon entering and organize your space with a theme. You can also restore the smallest of rooms with a fresh coat of paint and a style all your own.

Combine Adjacent Areas

Better Homes & Gardens also suggests working with the spaces that you already have by combining them. If there's no other way to divide your living room from your laundry station, take the opportunity to arrange the area as a multi-functional zone.

Include a utility sink in your laundry set up along the wall. This will leave room for a neighboring folding table or desk for any potential craft or work activities. You might consider attaching curtains on the counter where the washer and dryer reside to keep them unnoticed until needed.

If you find that your home lacks a specific location for a laundry room, converting a closet into a workstation is never a bad idea. Attach hooks or rods to the back of the closet door to hang cleaning supplies, including brooms, mops, and dustpans. You can also mount a pegboard nearby with similar materials.

Conclusion

Maintaining a laundry room with limited space has its challenges, but there are several ways to work around those limitations. Maximize wall space, bring in a rolling cart, and, if needed, convert another area into a laundry space.

Source

How to Properly Arrange The Clothes in Your Closet

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 13:57:57 GMT

There are many different ways to organize your custom closets effectively. It can be challenging to know where to get started when you are surrounded by what feels like a mountain of clothes and accessories all over your room. The key is to take it one step at a time.

Take some time to:

Clean Out Your Closets
Store Clothes by Season
Coordinate Your Hangers
What to Fold?
Color Code
Hang Accessories

If you are ready to take your closets to the next level, continue reading to learn about arranging your wardrobe in a way that works for you.

Do a Spring Clean

Starting fresh with a clean and empty space is vital. At the same time, you can make a donation pile and a keep pile. A good rule of thumb is if you haven't worn a pair of jeans or pumps, for example, in the past 6-8 months, it's time to let them go.
Don't forget to wipe down the shelves and other surface areas to prevent your clothes from acquiring any dirt or dust.

Store Clothes by Season and Category

Storing your clothes by season can free up much-needed space in your closets for more fun summery outfits or those much-needed puffy coats in winter.

Be sure to sort your clothes into categories as well. For example, if you have an abundance of work suits that you wear on a daily basis, store them in the same place. It is also important to hang up these pieces to avoid a wrinkling disaster!

Another secret for maintaining an organized space is to have designated shelves for different seasons. You can even create unique custom labels for each shelf based on specific categories.

The Spruce recommends utilizing the front of your closet for articles of clothing that "you wear most often." For example, if you work out each morning, it may be ideal for you to have your workout sets at eye level so you can start the day on an organized note.

Embrace Wooden Hangers

There is no bigger eyesore than a hodgepodge of mismatched hangers. Reduce the visual clutter with coordinated hangers to help maximize space and prevent your clothes from slipping and becoming wrinkled or dirty.

As metal hangers bend over time, they often lose their shape and form. Wooden hangers are great because they keep the shape of your clothes without stretching them.

Folding Vs. Rolling

Folding your clothes is a great way to maximize space. Better Homes & Gardens recommends pairing items into smaller stacks or sections so every article has a home.

Instead of folding all of your cotton shirts, leggings, and pajamas, try rolling them. This will save you an abundance of space and make things more accessible. You can even categorize these sections however you wish.

Color-Code Your Wardrobe

Color coding your wardrobe might be painstakingly tedious at first. However, it will benefit your sanity in the long run when you are looking for specific items. Organizing by color is especially useful if you are a visual person who likes to pick out outfits ahead of time.

One of the easiest ways to organize your clothes by color is going from dark to light. For example, put all of your black clothes to the left of your closet and slowly move on to grey, white, red, etc... This will provide contrast between your clothes as well.

Hang Accessories

Instead of bundling up all of your accessories in the bottom of a drawer for them to get tangled and forgotten about, put them on display. You can do this by using a fashionable jewelry mannequin or utilizing the extra hangers in your closet.

Another great alternative to hanging your jewelry is using a wall-mounted jewelry pegboard. These are great because you can hang a variety of necklaces, rings, and bracelets on them.

What About Shoes?

Shoes are often forgotten about when it comes to organizing your closet. Whether you have three pairs of shoes or 30 pairs, it is essential to have a storage method that works for your lifestyle.

Before jumping in, think about what pairs you wear most often versus once every few months. Also, consider seasonal footwear. Maybe it would help your system by labeling your shoe bins by season. Shoe racks are another great solution.

Final Thoughts

A functional and well-organized closet will help reduce clutter in your home, and make room for new clothes! Color coding and keeping your favorite belongings at eye level is also vital to creating an organized atmosphere. When organizing your clothes, be sure to roll the items that you keep in drawers to maximize space. You can even sort your clothes into different sections by season.

Sources

Small Home Office Makeover Ideas

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 13:27:48 GMT

With the majority of Americans working and schooling from home during the pandemic, the home office has quickly become one of the most important rooms in the house. Because of this, homeowners have realized the value of having a dedicated space – even if it’s just a commandeered closet – and are now looking for ways to improve and update their workspace.

From adding inspirational images to installing proper task lighting, a few simple changes can vastly improve your home office’s form and function, even if it's on the smaller side. Give your workspace a fresh new look by incorporating these makeover ideas:

Picture This
Pop of Color
Let There Be Light
Take a Seat
Put The “Home” in Home Office

Keep reading to learn more about the incredibly useful ideas mentioned above that will provide dramatic results without breaking the bank.

Picture This

A home office should be a place that inspires you to think creatively while focusing on the tasks at hand. You want to surround yourself with items and images that promote productivity, yet also provide a sense of calmness and comfort when job stress starts to overwhelm you.

You can start by creating an art wall. Combine framed photos of your loved ones and favorite vacation spots with interesting artwork and decorative pieces that inspire you. Hanging them gallery style will create a professional and cohesive look.

Another option is to install hanging photo clips so you can easily switch out the photos you keep on display. This is also a great way to display greeting cards during holiday time.

By installing a corkboard wall – or simply hanging an oversized framed corkboard – you can easily display personal items as well as work-related materials. It’s the perfect place to tack up appointment reminders, to-do lists, and even inspirational quotes to help get you through the day.

Pop of Color

The best way to brighten up your home office is by infusing a signature color. It doesn't matter if you have a little or a lot of space. From a dynamic piece of artwork to an upholstered chair or even an area rug, a refreshing pop of color can add interest and excitement to an otherwise bland workspace.

You might also want to consider how different hues can affect your mood. According to HGTV , there is a psychology to color. If you work in a creative field, like advertising, you might want to add a splash of orange, while those in high-stress professions, such as finance, might prefer to decorate with a more serene green color palette.

Peel and stick wallpaper is another wonderful way to add some wow to your workspace. With a wide variety of colors and patterns to choose from, there is bound to be something that speaks to you.

Live plants are another way to add pops of color to your space. From the foliage itself to the playful planters you pick, this is a fun way to add interest to your work zone. As an added bonus, LABS , a world leader in functional workspaces, found that houseplants have been proven to improve "indoor air quality," increase productivity as well as creativity. So, whether you prefer a small desktop succulent or a potted rubber tree plant, be sure to include a dose of Mother Nature in your makeover.

Let There Be Light

It’s important that your home office offers ample lighting. While you certainly don’t need to install overhead fluorescent lights like those found in most offices, you do want to have some sort of task light by your workstation. Because lamps tend to take up a lot of prime real estate on your desktop, you might want to consider adding an adjustable wall sconce as part of your makeover. This will allow you to direct the light over your workspace when you need it or push it out of the way when not in use.

Even if you already have the ideal lighting situation in your home office, you should consider changing the light bulbs. White light has been proven to improve productivity. A report by UNC Kenan-Flagler’s online MBA program showed that cooler more bluish-white light also enhances alertness and mood and decreases fatigue.

Take a Seat

By definition, a home office is a place to do work and that often involves sitting for long periods of time. So, one of the first places to start is with the seating. There is no rule that says you must use a traditional desk chair. It’s perfectly fine to pick something more aesthetically pleasing, such as an upholstered accent chair or even a dining chair. Just make sure it’s comfortable and provides good lumbar (back) support.

If you have room, you may want to think about adding some comfortable seating such as a sofa or loveseat – or chaise if you are tight on space. It’s always nice to have a comfy place to relax and recharge, or for family members to sit if they pop in to visit after work hours.

Put The “Home” In Home Office

Last but not least, when doing a small home office makeover make sure you personalize your workspace. Take design inspiration from your interests and hobbies. For instance, if you enjoy sailing you might want to go with a nautical theme. Paint the walls a bold blue, replace cabinet or drawer pulls with knotted ropes, and frame an old nautical chart as an interesting piece of artwork.

Another way to make your home office feel more like home is to add scented candles and a few throw pillows or blankets. You want to create a comfortable sanctuary where you enjoy spending time. After all, if you work from home you are spending upwards of eight hours a day in this space – that’s probably longer than you spend anywhere else in your house, except maybe your bedroom.

Conclusion

Your home office should be a place that reflects your personality while also promoting productivity. If it doesn’t do that, then it’s time for a change. From framing your favorite family photos and fluffing up an attractive throw pillow to adding pops of color and changing out your light bulbs, there are a lot of quick and easy things you can do to makeover your small home office.

Sources

Six Tips for Organizing Tools in Your Garage

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 14:47:17 GMT

Often the most underappreciated part of any house, your garage most likely serves a number of different functions. Not only does it serve as a space to park your car, but it probably also functions as a workshop that houses all of your tools.

The best way to organize your tools is to first do a thorough check of your inventory. Next, you'll want to sort them by categories, for example, group all small hand tools together. Once grouped, create zones to place your tools. Installing cabinets will also help open up additional space.

You can even try more DIY measures, such as utilizing blank space on the end of cabinets to fasten hooks and other holders. For tools you hardly ever use, you may want to consider selling or giving them away.

Dive deeper below to learn how to keep your tools organized and better maximize the space in your custom garage .

Thoroughly Check Your Inventory

According to The Spruce , your first course of action should be taking a careful inventory of your current collection. The more thorough you are in checking your inventory, the easier it will be to keep your tools organized.

Group Your Tools Together

Once you've gone through your inventory, next you should begin to group the items together. Sort them into different categories, such as hand and power tools, nails, and more. If you like, you can even break those categories down even further into hammers, screwdrivers, drill bits, or whatever else you desire. Keeping your tools grouped together will help you visualize the best ways to store them.

Create Different Zones

Since you've already grouped your tools together, you should have an easier time creating zones. For smaller tools that can get easily lost, keep those locked away in cabinet drawers. For larger tools that you use more often, keep them in an area that's easier to reach. For instance, hang lawn tools such as rakes and shovels from hooks on the walls.

Install Cabinets

One option to better keep your tools organized is to invest in a set of cabinets. However, make sure you take note of the size of the drawers and openings to determine which tools to store in what cabinet.

Implement DIY Measures

You can also utilize more do-it-yourself measures in order to better organize your tools. One such measure is to install hooks or holders on the end of blank cabinets or workbenches. Since these blank spots are just taking up space, why not use them to work for you instead? You can store smaller tools in these areas.

The experts at HGTV also offer up several other DIY ideas such as utilizing storage totes, hanging caddies, and stand-up racks. With the right accessories, transforming your garage into a well-stocked workshop with be much easier.

Build Your Own Workbench

Why not put those tools to work? Building your own custom workbench may sound complicated, but as Bob Vila describes, you can easily craft one using everyday items. For example, you can upgrade a "rolling tool cabinet" into a mobile workbench.

If you're feeling extra crafty, try building a workbench from scratch. The Family Handyman offers instructions on how to build a workbench using 2x4s, plywood, and some drywall screws. The best part about building your own bench is that you will be able to fit it into any space in your garage.

Sell or Giveaway Unused Tools

If you have any tools that you don't use often, or that you've never used at all, consider selling them. Make some extra money instead! Take advantage of mobile apps such as Nextdoor or OfferUp to sell those items. Or, if you're feeling generous, give the tools away to people in need. Doing so comes with its own rewards.

Conclusion

More often than not, garages become overcrowded and cluttered making it harder to locate items, especially your tools, at a moment's notice. Take inventory of your tools, group them together, and place them in zones. Consider even installing cabinets to better keep your tools organized. Follow these tips and you'll be well on your way to a cleaner, more clutter-free garage.

Sources

Kitchen Pantry Organization & Design Ideas

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 17:10:09 GMT

Your kitchen pantry serves a vital purpose - safely housing your family's non-perishable food, snacks, cookware, pet items, cleaning supplies, and other handy things you need within easy reach. That's why it's crucial to get this space organized and keep it that way. A functional pantry design and smart organization system will give you more time to do what you really enjoy - and if you're selling your home, buyers love a visually appealing pantry.

Check out these creative, yet simple ideas for whipping your kitchen pantry into tip-top shape:

Labels and clear containers - Streamline your pantry organization so your staples like pasta, cereal, rice, and flour are right at your fingertips.
Utilize every square inch of space - Underused spaces like the back of the door or up towards the ceiling can add valuable extra storage.
Rack it up - It's important to rotate food so older items get used first.
Add lighting - A key factor in pantry organization is being able to see every nook and cranny.
Place like with like - Attractive woven baskets or Lazy Susans can help keep your dry goods in order and bottles organized safely.
Slide-out and wheel away - Slide-out drawers will make it a breeze to keep things in order, and a moveable cart brings key ingredients into your hands exactly when you need them.

Designing an organized pantry may seem like an unattainable goal, but it's actually relatively easy! Read on and discover how to bring these organizational concepts into your home and successfully upgrade your pantry space.

Crystal Clear Containment

This might seem like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised at how many people are content with half-full and messy bags of flour or smooshed boxes of cereal. The experts at House Beautiful recommend using sturdy, clear, leak-proof jars and reusable chalkboard style labels for storing these kinds of dry goods. You'll be able to see exactly how much you have and nothing will go stale.

Consider investing in a label maker. These aren't your mother's clunky label guns either - the ones on the market now connect to your cell phone and are super simple to use. If you enjoy baking, labeling ingredients like flour, salt, and sugar will save you infinite possible headaches. You can also have large plastic containers with lids labeled for your family members, roommates, or multiple pets to help keep things neat and tidy.

Order From Top to Bottom

Potential pantry storage space can be easily overlooked. Don't let this valuable organizational real estate go to waste - here are a few tricks to let you make the most of it:

Over the door racks- that hang from the top of your door can hold a plethora of your favorite seasonings, kids' snacks, or dog treats. They can be on the front or back of the door - or both!
Up high - Many homes have a high ceiling in the pantry. Why not utilize that overhead space to store seasonal items like holiday linens or Christmas cookie cutters?
Down low - Lidded boxes or attractive storage baskets at a lower level can hold things for the kids like snacks or activities.

The DIY Network suggests purchasing a library-style ladder or a multi-purpose step stool. It will have uses all over the kitchen and also enable you to use the overhead space in your pantry creatively.

Rack Your Brain

These days, they make racks for just about everything. From spices to soup cans to exquisite wines, there's a rack for that. Displaying your goods like this will help you ensure you're using the oldest things first and rotating new stock to the back.

If you struggle daily with finding something to make for a quick lunch or locating that one elusive ingredient for your cookie recipe, slide-out racks can be a lifesaver. They're also incredibly affordable and durable. Wall-mounted racks can assist with wrangling cleaning stuff like brooms and mops, bulk amounts of paper products, and all of your favorite drinks.

Lights, Action

A beautifully organized pantry means nothing if you can't see what you need when you need it. The right light fixture adds class and style to an otherwise utilitarian storage space. Some homes come equipped with a pantry light and some do not. If you're in the "nope" camp, never fear, there are actually some really cool products that provide plenty of light with long-lasting batteries and can be mounted in your pantry with little or no hardware.

Home and garden gurus at The Spruce have several favorites for pantry and under-cabinet lighting. Environmentally friendly LED lights are great for this small space as they put out very little heat, which could ruin wine, chocolate, and other fragile ingredients.

Keep It Together

A simple storage idea that never fails is grouping similar items together. Keep all of your hot sauces, cooking oils, or cake-decorating supplies right at your fingertips with a Lazy Susan - a rotating round platform that's perfect for pantry use. These ingenious spinning storage hacks will also help you stay on top of expiration dates and cut product waste.

Wire baskets and boxes can also hold just about anything, from pet food to place settings, to ramekins and casserole dishes. If you keep items used for the same purpose together, your pantry will stay tidy and uncluttered.

Better Homes and Gardens advises dividing your pantry into zones of like items - beverages, snacks, baking, condiments - you get the picture. Reminiscent of the grocery store aisles, this family-friendly organizational concept will save you both time and money.

Roll With It

Sliding drawers and wheeled baskets are convenient for storing whatever you need to indulge your kitchen passions. From scrapbooking to pickling, you'll have your supplies close at hand when in use and beautifully stored away when not.

Bar carts are a charming and useful, multi-purpose design element that should be a part of your kitchen pantry organization. Adaptable to a myriad of kitchen and culinary uses, the majority typically feature at least two shelves on a sturdy wheeled frame. Some models come with attached storage bins, included cutting boards, or a trash receptacle.

Conclusion

Your kitchen is the heart of your home and a gorgeously organized space will bring you happiness and peace of mind. Actually designing and organizing your pantry may seem like a major challenge, but keeping your household running smoothly is definitely worth the investment!

Sources

12 Items to Avoid Storing in Your Garage

Wed, 26 May 2021 20:33:09 GMT

When space is limited, you might start looking for other areas of your Greeley, CO home to store things. Your garage is a great place for storing many kinds of items, such as holiday decorations, sporting equipment, and certain types of tools. However, there are certain items you should avoid storing in that particular area. Fluctuating temperatures and intense heat or cold could damage those products or even your home.

Knowing what items should not be stored in your custom garage and why can help keep you and your family safe. Additionally, being aware of alternative locations to store those items.

Below, you will find out need-to-know facts about 12 items to avoid storing in your garage.

1. Firewood

Nobody wants to go outside on a cold winter’s night for any reason. That makes it extra tempting to store firewood in your garage. It seems like a great idea. It is easy to access and dry. However, resist the temptation to keep it there.

Along with dry firewood comes pests and bugs that you do not want to find their way into your house. Even though garages tend to be sealed fairly well, bugs only need a small space to crawl inside and call that pile of firewood home sweet home.

Instead of the garage, Bobvila.com suggests storing firewood on a raised rack that is a few yards away from your home and protecting it with a tarp.

2. Propane

If you like to grill or go camping along the Rocky Mountains, chances are you have propane tanks. Propane tanks are not meant to be stored in closed spaces. If one leaks or becomes damaged, it could cause health and safety risks to you, your family, and your home. Additionally, keeping them in a garage increases fire hazards.

The best place to store propane tanks is in an outside area, such as an open air shed. This will keep them safe from the elements and in a non-hazardous area.

3. Refrigerators

A garage may seem like the perfect place to keep an extra fridge because it is attached to your house, not far from the kitchen, and gives you extra cold storage for a big family and for hosting parties.

Unfortunately, fridges work best in temperatures ranging from 65-78 degrees, and the temperature changes that occur in a garage can be extreme. That means your fridge will use more energy, ultimately raising your energy costs.

If you need more fridge space, consider a unit that is larger or having a smaller spare fridge in a temperature-controlled room in your house.

4. Canned Food

Your garage and all of its cabinets look very appealing when you are running out of storage space in your kitchen for canned goods. However, temperature fluctuations and changes in dryness or humidity can damage canned items. Just a little moisture can cause the cans to rust and your nonperishable food to perish.

Kitchen organization might be the solution you need. Are there ways you can rearrange the cabinets to maximize space? Do you have old items on the shelves that need to be thrown away? Sometimes simple reorganization makes a world of difference.

5. Electronics

If you have old Game Boys or Nintendos from your childhood that you just can’t stand to part with, keeping them in the garage is not the best idea. Electronic items of all kinds are sensitive to temperature and climate changes.

Consider storing these items in an airtight container under your bed or inside a storage box in your closet. You could also think about donating them to a kid or friend who enjoys cool electronics.

6. Clothing

Heavy winter coats and raincoats can take up a lot of space in your closet, so you might be wondering where else you could store them. Then you remember your garage. Stop right there! Your garage is not a good place to store clothing of any kind. Humidity and temperature changes can damage the fibers on your clothes. In addition, moths and bugs of all kinds might find your coat a little too tasty or cozy and decide to move in.

Instead of the garage, keep clothing inside, and consider using large zippered storage bags that are vacuum sealed for seasonal items. You can safely store them under your bed or inside a closet without having them take up too much space.

7. Paper Items and Photos

Paper documents and photos that you need to keep safe and preserved should be kept out of the garage. Storing them in the garage is an open invitation for a bug buffet. Plus, photographs can get ruined and fade.

The best place to store these items is in storage boxes inside a cool, dark place. For important documents, having a small filing cabinet is a great way to keep things organized and easy to access.

8. Paint

Let’s say you just finished painting the rooms inside your house to freshen things up, and now you need to store the extra paint cans. Avert your eyes from that tempting garage!

When paint is not stored correctly, it can separate or gel, making it unusable in the future, according to The Family Handyman . It’s always best to tap the lid on tightly and store paint in a utility closet or basement until you need it.

9. Gasoline

Storing gasoline in your garage is tricky, and it’s best to just avoid it altogether. In fact, many communities have strict regulations and restrictions on the amount of gasoline you are able to store. Gasoline is a fire hazard, and improperly storing it could seriously burn.

The best practice for storing gasoline containers is to keep them away from your home and off the floor by using a wooden pallet or similar wooden item. Only use approved gasoline storage containers, too. Remember to keep the containers in a dark area, away from sunlight.

10. Pet Food

Rodents and bugs enjoy a pet food snack from time to time, so make sure you're not the one providing that snack to them inside your garage. Also, temperature changes can spoil the food.

Place pet food inside airtight containers or metal cans with tight-fitting lids in a cool, dry place. Don’t keep pet food inside bags or cardboard boxes because critters can easily chew through them.

11. Toys and Stuffed Animals

Children’s toys and stuffed animals that you want to keep need to stay out of your garage. Mice have been known to burrow inside the soft filling of stuffed animals. Additionally, dust mites can accumulate rapidly.

Try large vacuum-sealed zippered bags for stuffed animal storage or consider keeping them inside a designated storage box in a spare closet.

12. Area Rugs and Carpet

You might have decided to refresh your home with new area rugs, but you still want to keep the old ones to use somewhere else. Remember, area rugs and carpets that are rolled up and stored attract rodents and bugs. They also tend to absorb any odors in a space, so you could end up with stinky area rugs next time you want them.

One idea you could try is to lay them flat and put them under a bed. This won’t take up much space, and you can keep other items on top of them.

Conclusion

Having enough space in your home can be challenging at times, making the garage an appealing storage area for all kinds of items. If you do need to store things in the garage, just remember to do your homework and refer back to this article with any questions.

Sources

Epoxy Vs. Swisstrax-The Easiest Type of Garage Flooring to Clean

Wed, 12 May 2021 14:18:58 GMT

Homeowners and businesses choose epoxy and Swisstrax for many of the same reasons. Both products add protection, performance, and visual appeal to your garage floors.

However, when it comes to keeping your floors clean, it’s important to break down the various types of dirt, debris, chemicals, and stress your floors will encounter to determine which type of finish comes out on top:

Dirt, sand, and dust
Chemicals, oils, and solutions
Damage due to wear and tear

After evaluating each of these factors, it’s clear that the durability and strength of Swisstrax make it an easier flooring option to keep clean.

No matter which option you choose, the key to keeping your floor looking its best is to follow the recommendations for care. It may take a little effort, but you will be rewarded with many years of exceptional performance and ultimately extend the life of your home investment. Keep reading to see the differences in keeping epoxy and Swisstrax garage flooring clean.

Routine Cleaning of Dirt, Dust, and Sand

Not surprisingly, both epoxy floors and Swisstrax tiles require regular cleanup of dust, dirt and sand to keep them looking their best. However, this is particularly true of epoxy flooring, which can lose its glossy coating if neglected for long periods of time. Particularly if you live in a dry, dusty or sandy environment, grime can make its way onto your floors where it will be ground in by your shoes and car tires. That abrasion results in a sanding effect that strips your garage floor of its shine.

To combat this abrasion, you should regularly use a dust mop or soft-bristled broom to lift off dust, dirt and sand. This includes vacuuming between cement floor scoring marks and in the corners where dust and loose dirt likes to hide.

Like epoxy coatings, Swisstrax also benefits from regular sweeping, dust mopping, and vacuuming to look its best. However, unlike epoxy, you don’t risk permanent floor damage if you skip a week’s cleaning. Swisstrax modular floor tiles are constructed of durable materials that can withstand regular wear and tear.

A Jetset Magazine review of Swisstrax indicates that the product’s origins in the commercial market help explain its durability. As a product designed to withstand punishment in the commercial automotive, motorsports, recreation, and aviation industries, it had to still look good after daily punishment. The article notes that this flooring option later crossed into the residential market after having proved itself in high-demand commercial applications.

Advantage of Swisstrax : This tile system was developed to hold up against lots of traffic each and every day in commercial applications. As far as putting up with dirt, sand, and loose soil, it has the clear advantage.

Cleaning Up Chemicals

If you’re considering a flooring option for your garage, it’s worth noting that it will encounter a lot more than just dust and dirt. Various oils, grease, gasoline, and household chemicals are common in garages, where it’s not unusual for spills or leaks to take place. Once those sticky, slippery, or caustic chemicals hit your garage floor, you want to know you’ll be able to easily get them off.

This Old House notes that epoxy excels at resisting oil stains. Water beads up on it, and its slick surface can be mopped clean as if it was a kitchen counter. Even if you did drip some highly stubborn liquid, like paint, epoxy has a cosmetic benefit with colored chips that cover the surface. In addition to providing traction and a unique look, these color chips also hide stubborn stains.

However, more caustic chemicals, such as gas, acid, and solvents, can eat away and weaken the epoxy enamel, causing it to stain, flake away and lose its protective properties. These chemicals can also compromise the life of your epoxy coating. If you frequently use these chemicals in your garage, you may have a harder time keeping your floor clean. Plus, once a chemical does land on your epoxy floor, you must wipe it up as soon as possible to avoid permanent stains or damage.

When it comes to liquid spills, Swisstrax also excels. The manufacturing company explains that the tiles are made from polypropylene, a material that naturally resists almost any type of chemical damage, staining, and fading. The only exception is battery acid.

In addition to its naturally chemical-resistant properties that make it easy to keep clean, Swisstrax also features a unique design that keeps chemicals from sitting on it and potentially causing harm. Known for its self-channeling system for drainage, this innovative design limits the tile’s contact with liquids, which minimizes potential damage, extends the product’s life, and makes it easier to clean. Swisstrax floors actually do better with a simple mopping, using a solution of dish soap and water.

Advantage of Swisstrax : While Epoxy is generally easy to clean after encountering common chemicals you may find in your garage, like water and oils, it can be more vulnerable to harsh chemicals that Swisstrax resists.

Protecting Against Damage

If you’re like most homeowners, your garage is filled with many heavy, sharp items that could fall and damage your floor. Once that damage occurs, it can compromise the integrity of your flooring system and shorten its lifespan. It will also make it harder to keep your floor clean once it’s damaged.

In addition to abrasions from dirt, sand, and dust, epoxy floor coatings are vulnerable to other sources of scratches or gouges that frequently occur in garages. The enamel coating is also prone to chipping if a hard, heavy object is dropped on it. LSX Magazine explains that if something heavy is dropped, not only will the epoxy coating get damaged, but the concrete flooring below will as well. That all leads to a flawed appearance that can make your garage floor look less attractive.

Again, as a product developed for commercial use, Swisstrax can shrug off some serious abrasions and impacts. In fact, this highly durable material is made to withstand incredible weight. According to their website , Swisstrax can tolerate over 3,000 psi in “compressive strength.” If a wrench, bike, or folding chair topples onto the tiles, you can rest assured that you won’t be left with an ugly chip, scuff, or scrape.

Advantage of Swisstrax : Again, its resistance to chips, scuffs, and scrapes make Swisstrax the winner here. Additionally, as a system that sits on top of your garage floor, it won’t be impacted by any cracks that develop in the concrete, unlike epoxy coatings.

Conclusion

Both epoxy and Swisstrax are excellent garage flooring options. Each provides exceptional longevity, performance, and aesthetic options that you can’t get otherwise.

However, when judging based on ease of cleaning alone, Swisstrax is the clear winner. This flooring option simply outperforms epoxy in all areas, from minor scratches and chemical exposure to serious cracks and scuffs. If you’re looking for a hassle-free garage flooring option that requires minimal special precautions and minimal maintenance to stay clean and look its best, it’s a clean sweep for Swisstrax.

Sources

Home Office Decorating Ideas

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 13:39:13 GMT

Is your home office ready for an upgrade? After working from home for some time, updating your workspace will absolutely boost your motivation and productivity. Whether your home office is a corner of the bedroom or living room or a spare bedroom you converted, there are numerous ways to make it more comfortable and enjoyable.

Check out the following home office decorating ideas to design a space that inspires you to do your job.

1. Colors to Lift Your Mood

Select a color scheme for your home office that makes you happy -- and productive. For some people, yellow is motivating, while others prefer softer tones to help them concentrate. Whatever color you choose, HGTV shares how you can use color psychology to find the best hue to inspire and motivate.

2. Start with the Desk

For obvious reasons, your desk is the most crucial feature of your home office. Select the best desk for your space and your budget. Consider how you will use your desk and think about how much work surface and storage you need? Your desktop needs to accommodate your computer, but you may need extra space to write or sort through files or store office supplies.

Think about how you like to work. Are you someone who doesn’t want to sit for long? A standing desk may be a great idea. If you like to sit sometimes but stand other times, an adjustable desk could be the answer.

3. Organize Your Cords and Wires

If a pile of cords and cables is cluttering your desk, it’s time to untangle them. Use a cord organizer to keep the cords under your desk and away from sight. Minimize the number of wires you have by going wireless as much as possible. Just getting a wireless mouse and keyboard eliminates two wires.

4. Let Light Shine

According to The Spruce , adequate lighting impacts your productivity and energy while “preventing Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), also known as digital eye strain.”

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to ensure that you have as much natural light as possible. Ideally, you can locate your desk near a window to take advantage of the sunlight, but if you can’t, purchase light bulbs that mimic daylight to keep you awake and energized. Overhead lighting is preferable, but a desk light also suffices. If video conferences are a big part of your daily schedule, a ring light will brighten your background.

5. Inject Some Greenery

Plants are a great addition to any home office. Not only will they add to your decor, but they’ll also lift your mood, increase concentration and improve air quality. If you don’t have a green thumb, Forbes recommends spider plants because they are easy to take care of, don’t require direct light, and filter out “toxic chemicals.”

6. Hang Some Motivation

Decorate a bulletin board with your favorite motivational and inspirational quotes to spur you on when your productivity starts to dip. While hanging motivational posters is also an option, using a bulletin board enables you to change the quotes regularly.

7. Set Up a Reading Area

Does your job require a lot of reading? If you have the room, create a reading nook with a comfortable chair and a task light. Having a separate reading space will allow you to get away from your desk and shake off the stress for a little while.

8. Separate Your Office

If your home office is part of your bedroom, living room, or another shared space in your house, use a room divider to cordon off your work area. Separating your workspace allows you to transition from work mode and gives you privacy. Room dividers can be purchased or you can make them yourself. Curtains are another option and work very well as room dividers.

9. File with Style

Keeping your important documents and papers safe, organized, and out of the way is essential for an efficient home office. When you think of a filing cabinet, a big metal box with drawers probably comes to mind, but you have many options. Filing cabinets come in various colors, sizes, materials, and styles to match your office decor.

10. Build Space to Move

Essence recommends incorporating space to move around during the day. It doesn’t need to be a vast area, just enough for you to get up and walk around when you need to move your legs after sitting for a long time.

11. Put Down a Rug

Rugs not only add to the decor but also absorb sound, making your workspace quieter. Choose the largest size rug for your space. A rug is also the perfect vehicle for adding a splash of color into your home office.

12. Integrate Personal Touches

Adding some personal items turns a dull room into a happy place. Personal items can include artwork you love, family photos, candles with your favorite scent, memorabilia from your favorite sports team, favorite coffee mug, etc.. Bring in whatever you want as long as it injects personality and makes your space feel uniquely yours.

13. Pick a Comfortable Chair

While your desk chair should match your desk and furniture style, you should also select one that is comfortable. You spend hours in front of the computer, so choose one with lumbar support, wheels, and an adjustable seat.

Conclusion

Creating a home office to suit your personal needs and preferences is key to your success. The optimal workspace marries fun and function to help you work effectively and efficiently. Try the creative ideas in this article to transform your home office into a comfortable and enjoyable work area.

Sources

How to Organize Your Garage to Maximize Space

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 13:48:35 GMT

Your garage may be the most overworked and under appreciated room in the house. Chances are it serves as a place to park your car, as well as any number of other purposes including a storage shed, workshop, locker room, and perhaps even a laundry room. So it’s important that you follow all of the tricks of the trade when it comes to organizing your garage to maximize space.

Here are six simple ways you can organize your custom garage :

Climb The Walls
Hang Time
Look Up
Box It Up
Corral Clutter
Clean Sweep

Keep reading to learn how you can create an organized garage with enough space to store all of your stuff and park your car too.

Climb the Walls

If you intend on using your garage for its number one purpose – as an enclosed place to park your car – then you will want to take full advantage of wall space for storage. Cabinets are ideal for helping you get and stay organized, especially when paired with a wall panel system to maximize space and store a variety of accessories. There are specially designed hooks to hang everything from sports equipment to shovels and rakes, all of which will make organizing your garage a breeze.

Another great tip is to take a cue from the kitchen and utilize magnetic knife strips in your garage. Easily attached to the wall, they can securely store commonly used tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches at your fingertips. In fact, almost anything made of metal will stick to these magnetic strips, including soup cans or canned vegetable tins. You can quickly upcycle these into handy-dandy storage containers. Simply remove the labels, thoroughly wash them out, and then fill them with anything from pencils to paintbrushes; they’re even the ideal size to hold small arts and crafts materials.

Speaking of paint, a hanging shoe organizer with pockets is the perfect place to organize and store spray paint cans. The cans will fit nicely in the pockets with the colored lids peeking out so you can quickly find the shade you need. Gardening gurus may also want to seize this storage solution idea. You can commandeer the pockets to stash seed packets and gardening hand tools, as well as gardening gloves, sun hats, sunscreen, and other necessities.

Hang Time

While there are certainly plenty of products designed specifically to hold and hang items in your garage, you can also get creative when it comes to finding storage solutions. A vinyl-coated utility hook can be used to hang bicycles from the wall or even the ceiling (if you’re tall enough to reach up that high). Utility hooks can also be used to hang lawn chairs and beach chairs, freeing up precious floor space in your garage.

Another clever idea suggested by the experts at HGTV is to use short lengths of chain attached to simple coat hooks to organize your extension cords. This will keep your cords from getting tangled and will save you time searching through storage boxes and bins the next time you need one. This same set-up could also be used to hang garden hoses or even jumper cables for your car.

Look Up

When it comes to maximizing the storage space in your garage, many people forget about the ceiling. The truth is, there is plenty of precious space available above your head. A garage ceiling rack can be a costly investment, but a handy DIYer can easily create one of their own. HGTV spells out exactly how you can build your own ceiling storage system in just five simple steps using only a few 2x4’s and some screws. This hack is the perfect place to store plastic bins with seasonal items such as holiday decorations or pool toys.

Another cool tip from HGTV is to install a fishing rod holder above your garage door. Your rods and reels will be within easy reach when the garage door is down, yet out of the way when they are not in use.

Box It Up

Plastic storage bins are an organizer’s best friend. This holds true both inside your house and in your garage. Since you are probably storing bigger and bulkier items in the garage, look for bins that are super sturdy and can be stacked to maximize storage space. The Family Handyman recommends you take this one step further and build a garage storage tower. This will allow you to store up to five big bins in one place – and ensure each one is easy to access. Here’s another helpful hint, consider color coordinating your storage bins so that all sports equipment is in one colored bin while seasonal décor may be in another. If you want to be uber-organized, be sure to label your bins so you know exactly what is inside each one.

Sports equipment, especially balls, can be the bane of anyone trying to organize a garage. The Family Handyman suggests building a ball corral using plywood, a couple of 2x2’s, and some bungee cords, but an even simpler solution is to hang up a mesh storage bag or pop-up laundry hamper. This way your kids will have easy access at playtime and, more importantly, when it’s time to clean up.

Corral Clutter

Organization is the name of the game when you’re trying to maximize space in your garage. That goes for big and small items. A great way to organize tiny items such as nails, screws, nuts and bolts, is to repurpose common kitchen items. Baby food, or other small jars like those used for salsa, are the perfect size to store these items. Just wash out the jars and then you’re ready to reuse them. Here’s a great hack to keep them handy yet out of the way – attach magnets to the underside of a garage cabinet and you can hang the jars from their metal lids. This is the same way some people store spice jars in their kitchen pantries.

Old coffee cans can be repurposed to hold rope, twine, or string. Cut a small slit in the plastic lid and run one end through it while keeping the rest stored securely inside the can. This will let you access only the amount you need without the twine unraveling and creating a mess.

Buckets make excellent storage solutions – and they’re cute too. A child’s pail can store playtime items such as sidewalk chalk or bubbles. Buckets can also be used to store cleaning supplies. For instance, you might want to consider keeping all of your car washing supplies in a plastic feed bucket. As an added bonus, its flat-back allows it to hang flush against the wall.

Clean Sweep

Storing large cleaning tools is never easy as they tend to topple over. Sure, you can purchase one of those broom and mop holders from the hardware store, but they can be expensive and sometimes stuff still slips out and falls down. Instead, use the cardboard tubes used during construction to form concrete footings. Not only are they a low-cost solution, but they can also be cut to any size you need. Family Handyman points out that the taller ones are ideal for holding brooms and mops upright, as well as storing gardening tools such as rakes and shovels. Shorter-sized tubes can be used to hold sports equipment such as hockey sticks, baseball bats, or even pool noodles.

Conclusion

Like any room in your house, your garage is prone to clutter. The trick to keeping it organized is to maximize your wall and ceiling space. In addition to traditional solutions such as storage cabinets, there are plenty of clever and crafty ideas that will let you keep everything from tools and sports equipment to cleaning supplies and seasonal décor safely stored away and easily accessible.

Sources

Home Organization & Storage Ideas

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 17:44:47 GMT

Your home is your serene sanctuary from an otherwise chaotic world. It’s the place where you unwind, relax, and take a load off. However, a cluttered and unorganized household can be just another cause of stress in your life. When your possessions are strewn about and tough to find, it can cause undue headaches and hassles.

In order to revamp your home into the clean and tidy kingdom it once was, it’s important to understand how to effectively organize your space. Freeing up floor space, properly storing items, and sprucing up your home doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process.

Some easy home organization and storage ideas to create a functional and comfortable living space include:

Using Under-Bed Space
De-Cluttering Your Closets
Organizing Your Bedroom Into Sections
Buying a Functional Nightstand
Hanging a Shower Caddy
Utilizing Storage Baskets and Bins
Investing in a Shower Dispenser
Hanging Pots, Pans, and Cutting Boards
Tidying Up Your Kitchen Pantry
Customizing a Working Wall Calendar
Creating a Command Center

If you’re ready to discover all of the benefits of an organized home, keep on reading for expert home organization advice.

1. Use Under-Bed Space

Having a clean and peaceful bedroom is very important. In fact, Good Housekeeping notes that doing so will increase your quality of sleep. To free up floor space, consider using the empty space under your bed as additional storage. Items kept under your bed aren’t visible but still easily accessible. You can purchase a rolling storage container and keep extra bedding or seasonal clothing underneath it.

2. De-Clutter Your Closets

An organized and de-cluttered bedroom closet will help you easily get dressed and ready for the day. Get rid of unwanted or unworn clothing and accessories, neatly hang clothing you don’t want to get wrinkled, and keep your accessories organized in cubbies and drawers. Organizing your closets can eliminate any inconveniences and free up your schedule.

3. Organize Your Bedroom Into Sections

Organizing your entire bedroom all at once can seem impossible. Make the process easier by dividing your bedroom up into sections based on the functionality of the space. Organize your closets as one project, then move onto your dresser drawers or flat areas of your night table. Leave the under-the-bed area for last so you know exactly what you’ll put there.

4. Buy a Functional Nightstand

Your nightstand can quickly become a catchall area for your books, tablet, phone, and glasses. Instead of keeping your nightstand cluttered, opt for one with drawers where you can neatly store all of your bedtime essentials.

5. Hang a Shower Caddy

Now that your bedroom is organized, it’s time to work on the bathroom. To free up shower floor space, hang a shower caddy over your showerhead. You can store all of your soaps, shampoos, and other shower essentials in one convenient spot.

6. Utilize Storage Baskets and Bins

Bathroom cabinets, closets, and drawers can quickly become messy. Invest in clear plastic bins and baskets to neatly store your medications, soaps, toothbrushes, and other items. Create labels for each bin to make finding your possessions a breeze. You should also be grouping like items together, such as beauty products, to keep everything organized and easily accessible.

7. Invest in a Shower Dispenser

To free up even more shower space, buy a shower dispenser to cleverly store your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. All you have to do is push a button to get your bathing essentials.

8. Hang Pots, Pans, and Cutting Boards

Kitchens are communal areas for cooking, eating meals, and even homeschooling. As a result, your kitchen should be organized for optimal usability. One unique way to organize it and free up essential countertop real estate is to hang your pots, pans, and cutting boards. You can do this by installing hooks on the side of your kitchen island or purchase a ceiling pot and pan storage hanger. Your cooking essentials will be in clear view and easy to reach.

9. Tidy Up Your Kitchen Pantry

Another area of your kitchen that you need to keep organized is the pantry. Start by going through all of your pantry’s contents and throw out expired or unused items. Next, organize your food and kitchen essentials by grouping similar items together. Keep the items you use the most often on shelves that are on eye-level. Store larger items, like trash bags and dog food, on the floor or in rolling bins.

10. Customize a Working Wall Calendar

To work smarter, not harder, your home office needs to be spick and span. Using a wall above your desk as a calendar can help you keep track of important plans and projects. Hang a dry-erase board calendar that you can use again and again.

11. Create a Command Center

Bring the same efficiency in your kitchen into your home office by setting up a command center that includes your printer, printing supplies, and important files. Keeping these critical items together will help you keep track of important paperwork, supplies and ultimately prevent you from misplacing anything.

Conclusion

Organizing your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take it room by room and give yourself a week or two to get everything in order. Remember to also stay on top of organizing to keep your house clean and de-cluttered. Every month, give each room in your house a once-over to ensure that all items are in their proper places.

With these tips, you can have an efficient and organized home in no time!

Sources

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/a26324844/sleep-better-clean-room/

Nine of the Best Accessories for Your Custom Closets

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 15:37:21 GMT

Ready to take your custom closet design to the next level? Adding accessories can make the difference between having a great closet and a fantastically functional one.

Maximize your organizational potential with these nine valuable accessories:

Foldable Ironing Boards
Tie Racks
Sliding Baskets
Drawer Organizers
Valet Rods
Pull-Out Laundry Hampers
Jewelry Organizers
Shoe Organizers
Utility Hooks

Read on to learn how each of the above accessories can make your closets even more streamlined!

Foldable Ironing Boards

Having everything easily accessible inside of your closet is key to having a morning that runs smoothly. If you want to look sharp and need to iron your clothing for the day, having a fold-down ironing board will definitely come in handy. Fast and convenient, it’s right there when you need it, next to your clothing.

Tie Racks

According to HGTV.com , a tie rack is an essential ingredient in a well-organized closet. Some tie racks slide out, while others are simply a series of hooks. Ties can also be hung over a series of hanging rods that would normally be used for hangers. They may also be rolled loosely and be placed within a drawer that contains dividers.

Sliding Wire Baskets

The sky's the limit when it comes to what you can place in sliding wire baskets. They are a great place to stack sweaters, blankets, jeans, or any other clothing that you would like to have in an open drawer. They can also contain children’s toys such as board games and stuffed animals.

Drawer Organizers

Drawer organizers are a must-have to keep your socks, underwear, and other personal items under control. There is an endless variety of drawer dividers to meet your organizing needs.

Valet Rods

A valet rod is basically a rod that slides out of its base when you need it and slides back into its base when you don’t. It’s excellent for holding dry cleaning. Some people also use their valet rods to pick out a special outfit. For example, hang a dress and put a pair of heels beneath to see if it matches.

Pull-Out Laundry Hampers

Having pull-out laundry hampers is a big convenience. This is particularly true if you select one that has multiple compartments for sorting your clothing. Each compartment has a separate bag that is easily lifted off the frame, which allows your dirty clothing to be moved to the laundry room with ease. Another great thing about them is that they are kept hidden from sight, as they slide away when you are done using them, often hidden inside of a cabinet.

Jewelry Organizers

Jewelry storage drawers are a crucial accessory for keeping all of your valuable treasures safe and sound. Often lined with colorful felt or velvet inserts, jewelry organizers prevent necklaces from becoming tangled and earrings from becoming misplaced or lost.

Utility Hooks

Hanging a few hooks is an absolute necessity, as their uses are practically limitless. Decorative hooks can be used to hang bathrobes, scarves, and belts. They can also be used to hang purses or backpacks. Belt hooks have multiple hooks on a single stem to maximize storage. You can also place hooks behind your doors to save space.

Shoe Organizers

Do you have an overabundance of shoes that are taking over your custom closets? If so, then shoe organizers will definitely become your best friend. To save even more space, you can organize your shoes toe-to-heel. This will allow more shoes to fit on a single rack.

Final Thoughts

A functional, well-organized closet should boost the storage ability of your home while simultaneously displaying a beautiful aesthetic. By utilizing hidden elements such as drawer organizers and foldable ironing boards, everything is tucked away neatly and your closets will be left looking polished and organized.

Sources

https://www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/interior-remodel/closet-tie-racks

14 Ways to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Closets

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 14:44:25 GMT

Mold is a common adversary for homeowners. A type of fungus, mold can be harmless in small amounts. However, when mold reproduces and spreads throughout your house, it can damage your home and everything inside.

Your custom closets provide the ideal environment for mold to flourish - dark, damp, and enclosed with no airflow. Mold spores spread quickly through the air to everything nearby, including carpets, upholstery, clothing, shoes, paper, food, etc.

The best way to eradicate mold is to reduce your closet’s moisture and humidity levels. Moisture is the “food” that fuels mold growth. If you reduce the dampness in your custom closets, you remove what makes mold thrive.

This article discusses the steps you can take to halt mold spores from spreading throughout your custom closets.

1. Store Dry Items

Allow clothes, shoes, and linens to dry completely before returning them to your closets. Even if an item is slightly damp, mold can find it.

2. Keep Clothing Clean

Mold thrives on dirt and dried food and destroys fabrics such as cotton, linen, rayon, silk, and wool. Only store clean clothing in your closets.

3. Air Out and Deep Clean Closets

Clean your closets regularly to ensure that they are mold-free. Remove everything from the space and check for moisture and mold. Wipe down all hard surfaces. Vacuum the floors, drawers, and cabinets. If necessary, steam clean the carpets. Ensure that your closets are dry before returning your belongings.

4. Spray Vinegar on Surfaces

Homestratosphere.com explains that you can fill a bottle with white vinegar and spray it on all hard surfaces in your custom closets, including walls, cabinets, and clothing rods. Leave the vinegar to dry. Diluting the vinegar with water lessens the effectiveness against mold.

Note : Make sure to remove all items from your closets before utilizing this method.

5. Leave Space Between Clothing

Circulating air helps stop moisture and humidity from building up. Packing clothing too close together prevents airflow. Space out your clothing so there is enough room for the air to circulate.

6. Search for Water Leaks

Look around your closets regularly for signs of a plumbing leak. Look along the walls, floors, and ceilings for wet spots. If you suspect a leak, shut the water off and inspect your pipes. Repair any leaks you discover quickly.

7. Dry Wet Areas Quickly

Clean up spills, water damage, or moisture build-up in your custom closets as soon as possible. The Environmental Protection Agency advises drying wet or damp areas "within 24-48 hours" to avoid mold growth. If carpets or upholstery take longer to dry, remove or replace them.

8. Keep Plastic Bags Away

Remove clothing from plastic dry-cleaning bags before hanging them in your closets. Plastic traps moisture and invites mold. If you want to store a dress or suit in a garment bag, use one made of a breathable material.

9. Control Humidity Levels

If you live in a humid climate or your closet is near a bathroom or basement, removing moisture from the air is essential. The Environmental Protection Agency advises homeowners to keep indoor humidity levels between “30 and 50 percent.” To keep water away, use a dehumidifier. If space is an issue, place the dehumidifier as close to the closet entrance as possible.

10. Open the Doors

Whenever possible, keep your closet doors open to allow fresh air to flow through. Use a fan to direct air to the area. If your closet is near the bathroom, keep the door closed when the shower is on.

11. Use Moisture-Absorbing Products

Desiccants are calcium chloride-based materials that remove moisture from the air. Baking soda, chalk, washed charcoal, and silica gels are all common examples of items that can soak up excess water and humidity. Store the desiccants in open containers in your custom closets. However, make sure children and pets cannot access these materials.

12. Turn on a Light

Keep a light on for at least six hours a day to burn off any moisture in your closets. Ensure the bulbs are not near clothing or other flammable materials.

13. Clear the Floors

Do not store items on your closet floors. Moisture can get trapped underneath, leading to mold growth.

14. Remove Carpets

Carpets absorb water and take a long time to dry. If you have carpeting in your custom closets, consider removing and replacing the carpeting with area rugs, which are easier to pull in the event of a flood or water leak.

Conclusion

Mold is something you do not want to see in your custom closets. Not only does it produce a foul odor , but mold can destroy your clothing and other items. To prevent mold from becoming a significant burden, follow the tips outlined in this article to control moisture and humidity.

Sources

What Are the Best Materials for Building Custom Closets?

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 14:17:32 GMT

So, are you ready to organize and put-on display all of your wonderful clothes and accessories with custom closets of your own? Now it’s time to decide on the right type of closet building material that will be the most durable and long-lasting to best protect your new investment.

Make a wise choice by having your custom closets built out of one of these two enduring materials:

Wood
Melamine

Read on to learn more about the advantages of these two stylish & durable materials.

Benefits of Building Custom Closets From Wood

If you are looking to construct a large, fancy, well-lit custom closet that you can really show-off, solid wood may be the best choice of materials for you. Perhaps your inspiration comes from watching TV design shows that showcase lifestyles of the rich and famous. There is something to be said about the beauty, stability and, warmth of real, solid wood. The myriad of color options that are available with solid wood is another much-appreciated feature.

With that being said, if installing a wood closet doesn’t appeal to you, you may want to consider a wood-grained melamine closet instead.

Benefits of Building Custom Closets From Melamine

Have you ever heard of melamine before? This lightweight, yet optimally durable material is another ideal choice for your custom closets. Essentially melamine is created by fusing a super-thin piece of paper onto fiberboard. As a result, a strong bond is created by the plastic resin that holds it in place.

Although the price of a custom closet varies, one benefit of building your custom closets out of melamine is that it is very cost-effective. Another bonus is that a closet made of melamine is easy to keep clean, as all you need to do is wipe it down with a clean, damp cloth. In general, melamine comes in white colors, although it is available in additional colors and textures.

When it comes to the durability of melamine, the thicker the texture, the longer it is going to last you. According to The Spruce, ¾ inch thick melamine is appropriate for use in building custom closets. Some great aspects of melamine are that it is resistant to moisture and it won’t stain. HomeSteady.com explains that its “impermeable” outer covering is resistant to scratching, denting, and fading over the years.

Many people appreciate the fact that the surface of melamine is uniform in nature. In contrast, wood shows variations on its surface with its swirls and grains. No grain can be seen through the fused paper of melamine material.

Accessories Ideas to Organize Your Custom Closets

While you are thinking about what material to construct your custom closets out of, why not go ahead and dream a little further about its details? There are so many different ways to make your closets unique and as organized as possible.

What could be more welcome in a custom closet than a full-length mirror? Make sure you are looking your best from head to toe before you head out on the town. If your space allows it, a comfy chair or bench provides a convenient place for you to sit down while you dress. A plush rug or carpet covering the space feels good on the feet while you slip into your favorite shoes.

Sliding laundry hampers keep dirty clothes conveniently stored away. Woven baskets and decorative boxes placed upon shelves provide stylish and discreet storage for random articles. Jewelry inserts for drawers provide optimal organization for your most precious treasures. Wall hooks keep belts and hats stored out of the way.

Conclusion

Deciding on the right material type for your custom closets is important because you want to be happy with it overall. In choosing the material that is right for you, consider your priorities. Think about which one is going to outlast the other, which is friendlier on your wallet, and which one is more aesthetically pleasing to you.

Sources

The Top Five Causes of Foul Smelling Closets

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 15:14:13 GMT

Your custom closet is your own private sanctuary within your home. It’s the place where you get ready to tackle your day, store all of your beloved apparel and accessories, and utilize as your personal retreat.

So what happens when your sanctuary starts to stink? As with any room in your home, your custom closets can become susceptible to foul odors.

The top causes behind bad-smelling closets include:

Dirty Clothing and Shoes
Moisture and Mildew
Poor Ventilation
Dampness
Something Leaking

If you want to learn more about these stinky closet culprits and how to combat them, keep reading for more information!

Dirty Clothes and Shoes

Whether it’s the clothing you wore to the gym or your work boots, dirty apparel and shoes can cause your closets to smell bad. In fact, Science Daily reported that dried sweat, dead skin cells, dirt, and debris on your unwashed clothing and shoes can cause foul odors, especially in small, poorly ventilated spaces.

Never leave dirty clothing balled up in the corners of your closet. Always store dirty apparel in a hamper and do laundry once or twice per week. Hang clean clothes or neatly store them in drawers. Keep your dirty shoes in the garage or mudroom. This way, they can properly air out.

Moisture and Mildew

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , closets make excellent breeding grounds for moisture and mildew, especially if they are damp. If you notice a musty odor emanating from your closets, you could have a potential mold problem on your hands.

To ensure that mold doesn’t grow in your custom closets, always keep them free of moisture. Invest in a dehumidifier to zap water droplets from the air. Never leave damp clothing on your closet floors and routinely check for water damage.

Poor Ventilation

Poor ventilation can also cause your closets to smell. This is because old, dirty air that has been circulating constantly throughout a home can pick up tiny debris particles, like pet dander and dust.

In order to better ventilate your closets, put a small fan on a shelf or on the floor to circulate the air. Open windows to allow fresh air to come inside. Buy an air purifier to remove smelly particles from the air. Also, avoid packing clothing tightly together on hangers. This will not allow for proper airflow between them and can cause an unpleasant odor.

Dampness

Another key cause of smelly closets is dampness! To avoid damp and smelly closets, never store wet items in them. Keep your closet doors open to promote better air circulation.

If your closet already smells a bit musty from moisture, leave a jar full of charcoal or kitty litter on a shelf. Both will effectively absorb the bad odors. You can also make a white vinegar and water solution. Put the mixture in a spray bottle, and spray the smelly areas of your closet. Of course, make sure that you remove all of your personal belongings first, before spraying your closets with the solution.

Something is Leaking

Many people store body lotions, perfumes, and other fragrant items in their closets. If a bottle of strong-smelling substance tips over and leaks out, it can cause an overwhelming smell within your space.

First, hunt down the source of the smell. Go through your closet to find the leaking fragrance product. When found, dispose of it immediately.

To get rid of the strong odor, store a jar of coffee grounds somewhere in your closet. You can also put baggies of coffee grounds in the pockets of your clothing to quickly absorb the smell.

You can also create your own DIY air freshener. Simply mix water with a few drops of your favorite essential oils, put in a spray bottle, and spray throughout your closet.

Conclusion

From moisture and mildew to poor ventilation and dirty clothes, there are a lot of reasons why your closets could be smelling less than pleasant.

Follow these simple tips and tricks to keep your closet odor-free and smelling fresh!

Sources

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/05/160519082102.htm#:~:text=Scientists%20have%20identified%20the%20molecules,according%20to%20a%20new%20study .

https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm

Five Tried & True Tricks for Preventing Closet Pests

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 16:07:36 GMT

Walking into your closet and finding insects or other pests can be disheartening. If you only see one bug, you may even think it's not that big of a deal and ignore the situation. However, one is likely just the tip of the infestation iceberg. How do you prevent pests from coming into your custom closets ?

There are many ways to prevent insects from getting into your closets and making a mess out of things. Before you can begin, you must know what you're facing, even if you've never seen pests in your closets before. Once you know what you're battling, you should clean your closets and get out the clutter. You should also be sure to only store clean clothes in those areas at all times! Finally, seal all cracks and holes and use natural repellants.

In this article, you’ll learn how to keep pesky Colorado pests out of your closets for good! Read on to learn more!

Know What You Are Battling

Before you begin the battle, you must know what you are up against. According to Colorado State University , residents may combat closet pests that you may not face prominently in other areas. Rest assured, moths are a problem you will have to deal with.

The most common pests found in Colorado include:

Ants
Black Widow Spiders
Earwigs
Wasps
Cockroaches
Mice

Not all of these pests will damage your clothes or other belongings, but they are not exactly welcome guests. Black widow spiders are dangerous and should not be allowed to stay. While not harmful to everyone, Wasps can be hazardous to those with allergies and painful for everyone else if stung.

If you find that your pest problem is severe, call for backup to deal with the problem. If it’s a matter of a few bugs or you haven’t seen any yet, but want to keep them at bay, you can do a few things without resorting to using pesticides.

Clean and Declutter

One of the biggest things you can do to keep pests out of your closets is to make sure everything is clean. Closets tend to get overlooked when it comes time to clean the house. These areas sometimes become a catch-all for junk and clutter. If you don't want to see something, the common mantra is to “stick it in the closet.”

To start, you need to go through your belongings and get rid of all of the items that you do not want any longer. Gently used clothing should go to a donation center. Other items should be disposed of, recycled, or donated.

During your decluttering spree, take time to organize your closets. This way, it is easier for you to find items. Use bins and hooks to keep the clutter to a minimum.

Make sure you vacuum the floors once the clutter is clear. Pests can easily hide in nooks and crannies that you cannot see. If there are any other fabric or carpet surfaces in your closets, make sure you vacuum them as well. Additionally, wipe clean any shelves or drawers to prevent pests from making their way into those hidden spaces.

Store Clean Clothes Only

Fewer things invite bugs into a closet than unclean clothing. While it may be necessary to leave your dirty clothes hamper in the closet, it is best to keep it out. Food particles or even the smell of food can bring in pests. It will not just bring in the creepy crawlies either. Mice are also attracted to the food smells you might have on your clothing.

Even if you wore the clothing for a couple of hours and they pass the smell test, it is best to go ahead and put them in the washer. Oils from your body can get onto your clothes and attract bugs and mice in the same manner that food particles or heavily soiled clothing might draw them in.

Seal Holes

With a clean closet, you can see where pests might be getting in. Holes and cracks can be an entry point for different invaders. Broken seals and missing caulk can be an invitation. Even if the spot does not look large enough to you, it may still be an entry point.

When you see a crack, fill it immediately. Depending on the opening's location, you may be able to use sealant or caulk to block the gap. For certain areas, you may need to use concrete to sufficiently close the holes.

You should also check more than just your closets for holes and cracks. Check the rest of your home for any other hidden entrances for pests.

Natural Repellents

With your closets cleaned, organized, and all holes sealed, it is time to focus on making sure there are repellants in place to help keep them out. According to quickenloans.com , there are several natural repellents that you can utilize.

Lavender

Lavender not only helps to keep bugs out of your home, but it also has a pleasant smell. Lavender repels flies, fleas, beetles, mosquitos, and moths. You can also use lavender essential oils to treat bug bites. It is one of the few essential oils that does not need dilution before use.

T here are different ways to use lavender in your closets.

Make sachets with dried lavender
Place them in drawers and on shelves
Sprinkle lavender essential oils around your baseboards
Make a solution of lavender oil and spray it on clothing

If you want to spray your clothes, test a small patch of cloth first to ensure there are no stains.

Cedar

Cedar is another common natural repellant. Using cedar chips or blocks can help deter pests from coming into your closets. Like lavender, cedar has a pleasant smell and can also deodorize your closets while keeping out insects. It helps to prevent mold and mildew from growing as well.

If you choose to use cedar chips or blocks, make sure they do not make contact with your clothing. The natural oils in the wood help keep the bugs out, but they also stain clothes. If you choose chips, put them into a breathable container to contain the oils away from your fabrics.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is useful for keeping ants out of your closets. While you might not realize you have some sweet-smelling scents drawing them in, they can sense it better than radar. Cayenne pepper helps to block the ants from knowing there is anything in there to enjoy.

The spice acts as caution tape across the area laid. Ants sense it, and they know it's not an area in which they want to venture. It acts as a sign stating, “no goodies here.”

Peppermint Oil

If you are trying to keep out a wide variety of pests, peppermint oil may be the solution. It repels beetles, fleas, lice, mice, and moths. Most importantly to Colorado residents is its ability to repel ants and spiders, including the dreaded black widow.

The best way to keep pests out with peppermint oil is to put some in areas where you know insects could potentially gather. It might take a few tries to locate the best spot, so don't be deterred if it doesn't work the first time.

When using peppermint essential oils, there are three main ways to do so:

Soak a cotton ball and place the ball in the designated spot
Directly apply the oils to the spot
Dilute the oil with water and spray the perimeter of your custom closets

Conclusion

Pests in your closets are no laughing matter. By cleaning your closets, storing only clean clothes, sealing entrance points, and using natural repellants, you can stop pests in their tracks.

Sources

How Do Custom Closets Increase the Property Value of a Home?

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 20:40:15 GMT

If you’re a fan of those home remodeling and home buying shows on HGTV, then you know that custom closets are on almost everyone’s wish list. That’s not surprising when you consider that custom closets can be both purposeful and profitable. In fact, custom closets have been proven to increase the property value of a home.

A custom closet can increase the property value of your home by:

Making it more marketable
Creating a sense of more space
Expressing pride of ownership
Improving aesthetics

Keep reading to discover why installing a custom closet will add value now and when it comes time to sell your home.

Making It More Marketable

Custom closets are a major selling point in today’s real estate market. A report in Forbes found that large walk-in closets are no longer a desired amenity but are now expected by homebuyers. One real estate agent went so far as to say that having no walk-in master closet can be a deal breaker.

Many buyers view a custom closet as a luxury feature, which automatically makes your home seem more valuable. Thus, it quickly becomes a positive selling point. Additionally, custom closets make a home move-in ready. A home buyer simply needs to unpack their belongings into the closet space, and they will instantly be ensconced in organization.

Additionally, Homes.com notes that you may be able to turn a spare room into an extra bedroom simply by adding a closet. This will greatly increase the value of your home and give you the power to ask for more money from prospective buyers.

Creating a Sense of More Space

Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that custom closets are only for large or walk-in closets, but that’s not the case. A custom closet organization system in a small closet will actually maximize your storage space, creating more room for clothes, shoes, and other items.

An organized closet gives the impression of having more space – something all prospective home buyers are looking for. If a home buyer sees a cluttered closet – one packed with stuff – they will think that the home lacks storage space. You want to give the illusion of ample space so the prospective home buyer can imagine themselves living comfortably in your house.

Expressing Pride of Ownership

The thought process is that if the homeowner invested in an organized storage system to protect their clothes and such, then they also take pride in the overall home and have kept it well maintained. This may give peace of mind to buyers that bigger ticket items, such as the roof or HVAC system, have been properly cared for and will last a long time.

Custom closet systems show prospective buyers that the homeowner has been committed to supporting and improving the function and appearance of the home over the years and that will definitely add to the home value.

Improving Aesthetics

A custom closet system can improve a home’s aesthetics. Homebuyers appreciate when the home’s style is consistent throughout the house and that extends to the closets. Whether your design taste is modern or rustic, or anything in between, there is a closet design to complement your décor and create a seamless style throughout your home.

Just like all home designs, there are trends when it comes to custom closets. Today’s home buyers want his and hers closets, so consider adding a second closet if your home only has one in the master bedroom. To add value to your home, a real estate professional with Century21 suggests installing a dresser in a large walk-in closet. This is a great idea because it will keep all of your clothing in one spot making getting ready easier and faster.

Conclusion

A house with ample storage is a must for most homebuyers. So, if you want to increase the value of your home, you need to maximize your closet space – and the best way to do that is with a custom closet. They create additional space, give the impression that you are proud of your home, and they look good – all of which will pay off big time when it comes to selling your home faster and for more money.

Sources

Six Effortless Steps to Organizing Your Custom Closets

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 15:22:33 GMT

While custom closets provide a bare-bones structure for bringing order into your home, they’re simply a starting point for organization. You still need to put in your own work for your new solution to have a noticeable impact on your household.

You can implement six new ideas to ensure your new custom closet works best for your home:

Choose functional closet fixtures like valet rods and tilt-out laundry bins.
Downsize your clutter with a three-pile sorting system.
Sort your clothing by color or category when putting items away.
Strategically hang clothes that are the same size and length together.
Use a jewelry tray for small personal items you grab daily.
Store seasonal clothes and swap them out when needed.

In this article, you’ll walk through six steps to get your closet storage space in tip-top shape.

Choose Functional Custom Closet Fixtures

When working with a home organization professional to design a custom closet, they’ll recommend the best custom closet accessories for your needs. Consider useful fixtures like valet rods and tilt-out laundry bins.

A valet rod is almost like having an extra arm in your closet. The rods allow you to hang your items and keep them out of the way. Valet rods are especially useful for organizing dry cleaning, hanging laundry for steaming, and setting out outfits for the day.

Tilt-out laundry bins are more discreet than your average laundry hamper. Laundry baskets can take up much-needed floor space and litter the surrounding area with big piles of dirty clothes. If you opt for a tilt-out laundry bin, you’re only sacrificing a bit of cabinet space for a tool that’ll revamp your whole laundry system.

Downsize Clutter with the Three-Pile System

Eliminate items you no longer need or wear to keep better track of what’s in your closet. If you’re a frequent shopper, you should downsize every so often and get rid of items that are taking up space.

Angie’s List recommends a three-pile sorting system to organize your belongings into three categories: keep, donate, trash. If you think you’ll have issues letting things go, enlist the help of a trusted friend to keep you focused.

Sort Clothing by Color or Category

If you’re a visual person, organize your clothes by color. You’ll create a pleasing aesthetic you get to look at each time you step into your closet. More tactile and functional? Sort them by category instead.

You can use clothing-based categories like sweaters, t-shirts, and dress pants or style-based categories like formalwear and outerwear. Are there clothes you wear more often than others? Move them to the front or keep them on a valet rod for easy access.

Strategically Hang Similar Clothes Together

According to House Beautiful, carelessly hanging up your clothes makes your closet look messy. Strategically hang your similar items together to create an orderly and balanced space.

Hang shorter clothes, like skirts and blouses, above your built-in shelves and drawers. Dresses, pants, coats, and other longer items can hang freely in wide and airy spaces.

Pro-Tip: Getting ready for sweater weather? Save yourself some room by rolling bulky sweaters for shelf or dresser storage. Hanging them up can stretch out the shoulders and ruin their appearance.

Store Personal Items on a Jewelry Tray

You might have a pair of earrings, a favorite chain, or a preferred fragrance you wear all the time. Add elegance to your closet with a jewelry tray placed on top of a dresser or drawer unit.

Set out your daily personal accessories for easy access when you need to get ready. You can even add a small vase of flowers for a light touch of color and decor.

Swap Out Your Seasonal Outfits Throughout the Year

When you find yourself thinking you have too much and too little to wear at the same time, the feeling can overwhelm you. Limit your everyday options and keep out-of-season pieces in storage containers.

Leave out appropriate clothes for the current season. You’ll give both yourself and your closet some breathing room.

Conclusion

Coordinating your closet doesn’t have to cause a headache. It starts with choosing practical accessories that work for your specific needs. Once your custom space is built, keep track of what’s coming in and out of your closet and downsize anything you don’t need.

Decide how you’d like to organize your belongings, either by category or color, and hang similar sized items together. You can also keep your favorite accessories nearby on a jewelry tray. If your closet ever feels cluttered, store your seasonal clothes and swap them out as needed.

Keep these six simple steps in mind when sorting out your custom closet and you’ll create a stylish, relaxing, frustration-free space.

Sources

What is the Average Price of a Custom Closet?

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 19:48:29 GMT

Custom closets can be seamlessly incorporated into any sized room and can cater to a variety of home décor styles.Enhancing your master bedroom with a new walk-in custom closet or adding a kids closet to your child’s room can also vastly increase the value of your home.

If you’re considering adding a custom closet to your home, you may be wondering what the average cost of one is. Here is a brief rundown of average custom closet prices:

Walk-In: $2,000 - $5,000
Reach-In: $750 - $2,000
Kids Closets: $750 - $2,000

With that being said, custom closets are a smart investment and can add instant curb appeal to a home. Below, you will learn more about the prices of custom closets and popular accessories for each type.

Walk-In Closet Prices

Walk-in custom closets make a wonderful addition to any master bedroom. These types of closets typically measure between 6.5 x 6.5 feet to 15 x 12 feet and cost between $2,000 and $5,000. When it comes to smart storage solutions, a walk-in closet reigns supreme. As the name implies, a walk-in closet is literally a closet that you can walk into. It can also double as a dressing room.

With ample amounts of storage space, you can take your walk-in closet to the next level by adding accessories so that every item has a home. From jewelry drawers to fold-up ironing boards, you can transform your walk-in custom closet into a fashionable and functional space.

Reach-In Closet Prices

A reach-in closet is the typical kind of closet found in many homes. They generally measure between 6.5 x 2 feet and 8 x 3 feet and cost between $750 and $2,000. A custom reach-in closet is designed to be the ultimate grab-and-go, allowing you to easily scan the contents and quickly grab what you need.

Despite its smaller size, reach-in closets also can be personalized with numerous accessories to increase their functionality. Use slide-out baskets to effortlessly stash loose items. Angled shoe shelves make the perfect home for all of your shoes, freeing up floor space while keeping your heels, sneakers, and dress shoes protected. Or opt for drawer dividers to keep everything organized.

Kids Closet Prices

Whether you’re welcoming a new bundle of joy into your family and want to transform an unused room into a nursery or simply want to help your child get more organized, custom kids’ closets are a great solution to keep your child’s bedroom neat and tidy. Costing between $750 and $2,000, kids’ custom closets help your little ones effectively store all of their possessions while keeping everything in reach.

Why a Custom Closet Has a High Return On Investment

Whether you opt for a custom walk-in closet or a closet for your child’s room, adding a custom closet system to your home is well worth the initial price. Not only does it boost your home’s functionality and value, but it also makes it move-in ready. When potential buyers see the custom closets in your home, they will be able to envision it housing all of their items.

Conclusion

A custom closet is an affordable way to instantly upgrade your home and increase its value. With numerous accessories available, you can truly create a closet that works for your lifestyle.

6 of the Best Secret Storage Options for the Living Room

Mon, 18 Mar 2019 16:42:00 GMT

Sometimes you have to get creative to make more space for storage in your house. Fortunately, there’s lots of sneaky ways to expand that space. Here’s our best hacks for finding more storage in the living room!

The perfect solution for extra storage! Add benches in bay windows or along the wall to provide not only additional seating, but a covered compartment to store blankets, guest linens, children’s toys, or anything else you find cluttering up your home. Benches are great for holding large, bulky items.

Sometimes having your storage spaces open and exposed can create the appearance of a cluttered home. Simply covering the clutter or putting these items into cute baskets can create a more unified look. Add baskets to a bookcase or under a coffee table to hide the clutter and instantly clean up the room.

You probably already have an ottoman or coffee table in your living room. Is this piece maximizing your storage options? It may be worth it to invest in an ottoman that opens to hold blankets or extra pillows, or a coffee table with a shelf below it, perfect for keeping coasters, books, or magazines.

It’s unconventional in shape, but the space under your stairs is perfect for storage! Finish it out with a door to use as a coat closet or bulkier objects like holiday decorations and children’s keepsake boxes.

Having cabinets in the living room is practical and modern at the same time. Install a row of cabinets below your TV or behind a floating couch (one not against a wall). Personalize them to fit your exact needs for books, DVDs, or board games.

Have you ever thought about combining a shelf and a drawer? Replace the shelves in your living room with ones that also pull out as a drawer. Shelf storage for books, candles, and pictures; drawer storage for any other small objects you don’t want laying around.

Need help getting these ideas to fruition? We’d love to give you a hand! Call us today at 970-978-2218 to schedule a free in-home consultation and measurements.

What Organization Trends do Homeowners Want Most?

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 23:20:00 GMT

Home design and storage organization has changed quite a bit over time. It seems open-concept is all the rage right now. We want all the space we can get! The trends in organization have followed this direction as well. So, what are homeowners demanding their closets contain? According to the Woodworking Network and Organized Living , it’s his & hers closets, wall-to-wall shelving, and adjustability.

His & Hers

A very popular trend, for not only convenience, but also aesthetics, is the idea of ‘his and hers’ areas, whether that be a closet, vanity, or nightstand. In your closet, this can look like customized areas meant for specific items. Women tend to have more odd shaped clothing – long dresses, high heels, knee-high boots, large hats, bags, belts, and jewelry. Men’s clothing is more standard; everything is about the same size as a shirt and shoes are all relatively the same height. Building a customized closet will involve looking at the couple’s clothing and designing spaces catered to their specific wardrobes. Consult an organization professional, like Innovative Home Storage, to help you decide on where shelves, hooks, and clothing rods should be placed in order to maximize space and make it more organized for both him and her.

Wall-to-Wall Shelving

Shelves are a quick and easy way to add a lot of storage to any room in your house. Wall-to-wall shelves are probably trending because of their adjustability. Change the heights and distance between them to fit baskets, books, shoes, or whatever else you are storing. Not only are they very useful, wall-to-wall shelves look nice, too. If you have room, or like the aesthetic, shelves can go wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling as well! Use these shelves for decoration and storage.

Adjustability

Our society is quickly asking for more and more customized features in a home. People will look for a house that they can adjust/renovate to fit their needs. Homeowners want to be able to make their home work for them. Creating rooms with adjustable shelving, portable closet rods, and spaces that allow for creative storage is so important to making someone feel at home.

What are the first items on your wish list for home customization? Share in the comments below, we’d love to hear about them! Let us know if you’d ever like help making those dreams to reality.

#ClosetGoals

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 02:54:00 GMT

We’re pros at maximizing small amounts of space to make your closet the organized cove of your dreams. But what if you had an entire extra bedroom (or floor) of your home to dedicate to clothes … and an unlimited budget to go with it? Today we’re living vicariously through some of our favorite celebrity closets. Check them out to get inspiration for your own #closetgoals!

Jaclyn Hill

Although she’s a top beauty influencer, Jaclyn has acquired more than just makeup. Check out the image she posted on her Instagram last year promoting her new video “CLOSET TOUR”.

Mariah Carey

We can’t blame the American singer-songwriter for choosing her shoe closet as her favorite room … we’d love it too!

Jennifer Hawkins

Jennifer was crowned Miss Universe in 2004, and has since kept her closet in tip top shape. Enjoy this shot she posted a few years back on her Instagram account.

Christina Aguilera

Christina is confirming the trend … celebrities LOVE shoes! Who else is practically drooling over this photo of her shoe closet, courtesy of @misfit.panda?

Maybe we should change our tune to #shoegoals … if these photos have inspired you to create a proper space for your own shoe collection, we may have a few ideas. Give us a call if you need help getting your creative juices flowing at 970-978-2218!

The Marie Kondo Method

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 22:45:00 GMT

By now it’s hard to ignore Marie Kondo – with her new show on Netflix, over 2 million followers on Instagram, and author of the #1 New York Times best seller “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing”, she’s tidying the world one closet at a time. We decided to check out what she had to say, and here’s what we gleaned:

Organize by Category, Not by Room

This one may come as a shock because so many of us decide to go through the house one room at a time. It seems like a natural way to organize. But Kondo recommends going by category instead. This way, you won’t get distracted by other things, jumping around. For example, go through all the books in your house first (and then maybe call us to help you create a new custom bookshelf).

Respect Your Items

Before tidying, Kondo begins with a prayer, thanking the house for all it has provided for the family. As you go through each category (clothing, books, papers, miscellaneous items, and then sentimental items), you will be tossing out a lot. Before getting rid of it, though, you should thank it for its lifetime of service to you. Being mindful of your possessions will help you to feel more motivated to take good care of it and put it away after use. It will also help you to get rid of unnecessary clutter.

Make Everything Visible

Kondo’s tidying method, also known as the KonMari Method, ensures that everything is visible and easy to access. As she tells one couple in her show, you should quickly be able to identify what you have and the quantity in just a glance. Her method includes a special way to fold clothing, allowing you to stand it upright in a drawer so you can see everything at once. She loves to use boxes which allow you to better divide space in a customizable way. In your kitchen, group items of a similar size together – again, in boxes. This way they won’t get lost and you can easily find every tool that you have.

Ask if it Sparks Joy

This is the cornerstone to Marie Kondo’s method. By asking yourself if your possessions spark joy, you can be more mindful of what you keep and what you toss. Throughout the episodes in her Netflix show, her clients are instructed to touch each item separately, determine if it sparks joy within them, and then get rid of the items that do not. Although it may seem odd at first, the reasoning behind this is simple. After the decluttering is finished, you will be left with a home that is full of only objects that bring joy to your life. Kondo’s clients are often less stressed, happier, and have more purpose after they finish cleaning their homes.

If the KonMari fever has taken you over as well, we’d love to help you organize! After tackling your house category by category, if you feel you’d benefit from a new, customized pantry, more drawers in your closet, a bookshelf in your office, or all of the above, let us know! Kondo tends to favor drawers over hangers, and we specialize in building custom closets. We’re confident that we can design the perfect area for you to store all of your joy-sparking clothing.

To learn more about Marie Kondo and her method, click here . To learn more about how we can design you a KonMari-inspired closet, click here .

Clutter Crises: Tackle the Mess Room by Room

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 06:16:00 GMT

When life comes at you fast, one of the first things to suffer is the tidiness of your home. We get it – the kids need to be fed, the dog needs to be walked, and it’s also important to show up at your job. But when it feels like you’re drowning in mess, knowing where to begin the cleanup process can be highly overwhelming. Take a deep breath and let’s clear out that clutter room by room…the innovative way!

Bedroom

Rooms that are hidden from visitors tend to be the easiest to get out of hand. Here are just a few tips and installations that can get rid of bedroom clutter:

Inserting expandable metal racks provide more space for hangable items that usually get tossed on a chair. Plus, when you’re not using the racks, they can collapse back into the closet.
Reevaluate your folding methods. Jeans are tough to stuff into drawers when there are just too many. Try folding them into quarters and storing them on their sides so you can see your options and squeeze more into a tight space.
Say goodbye to messy piles of shoes with our vertical shoe fences!

Kitchen

Cupboard space just not cutting it? When your shelves start to look like a cereal explosion, it might be time to add more storage room. We have a couple ideas:

Our Kitchen Pantry Systems can be installed in many kitchen layouts. This is a great place to store countertop staples (like mixers, juicers and other small appliances) to free up your counter space.
Inserting sliding baskets are perfect for wine, spices, snacks and utensils.
Insert hooks along walls to hang oven mitts, aprons and even pots and pans, freeing up your cupboards for more storage.

Laundry Room

With all the clothes piles and excess lint, laundry rooms get very messy very fast. Our team can transform this space with a few easy fixes:

Garage

Ooh boy. The garage is a tough one. When landscaping supplies meet holiday decorations and the kids’ playground toys, it’s time for some serious renovation:

Add durable shelf space. Pop-up shelving options are just not practical for long-term use, and they can be highly unsafe. Store your garage items in permanent and spacious garage cabinets .
Our ceiling racks are an easy and effective option for adding more space for bikes, bins, etc.
Hang smaller items, such as tools and extension cords, on walls to make them easily accessible.

When your home is lacking serious organization, the Innovative Home Storage team is here to save the day! Call us at 970-978-2218 to revamp any room of your home.

Home Organization for Your New Year’s Resolution

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 06:13:00 GMT

Getting in shape, reading more books, donating to charities – all are great New Year’s resolutions. But our team at Innovative Home Storage has something a little more unconventional in mind – organization resolutions! This year, spend some time considering your home organization needs and creating a plan to stick to your goals. Here are just a few resolutions to put on your list:

1. Out with the old, in with the new

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to sift through the clutter to decide what stays and what gets the boot. If you have something that’s just taking up space (i.e. you haven’t used it in the past year and don’t think you’ll use it in the foreseeable future), don’t be afraid to let go. Trust us, you’ll feel more in control of your life once you declutter and have extra space.

2. Create a cleaning schedule

Between soccer practice, work functions and life’s twists and turns, when are you supposed to find time for the cleaning?? Make a pact with yourself in 2019 to stay on a strict cleaning schedule so you don’t get swamped in the mess. Designate one night a week to be cleaning time, or perhaps it’s more realistic to assign one cleaning task per day. If cleaning is the one thing you just dread, make it interesting by rewarding yourself with guilty pleasures after accomplishing some of the less pleasant tasks. A bowl of ice cream after vacuuming? Yes please!

3. Keep the floor for walking

No matter how your house is designed, a cluttered floor equals a cluttered home. If there are items that have found a home on your floor, consider employing a few organization hacks. For example, expand your shelf space by mounting magazine racks and painted crates to the wall, add hooks to the backs of doors to hang up more items, or even suspend larger items (like bicycles) from the ceiling.

4. Identify organization problem areas to zero in on

Is there a specific area of your home that proves to be a problem child over and over again? For example, if your bedroom seems to stay pretty clean but your kitchen is a constant disaster, perhaps it’s time for a whole new pantry organization system. Make 2019 the year that you actively identify areas that could use a renovation. Peruse the projects on our website to jog your juices!

5. Impart your organization wisdom on the next generation

And finally – perhaps the most challenging resolution – take some time to teach your kiddos about good cleaning habits. How will they learn to pick up their toys if no one shows them how? Set a positive example by teaching them that every item has a place, and maybe even get them to pitch in on some dishwashing now and then!

Whatever your home storage and organization New Year’s resolutions may be, our team can help you accomplish them! Give us a call at 970-978-2218 to talk through solutions today.

How to Keep Your Office Space Organized

Wed, 26 Dec 2018 21:14:00 GMT

An office is one of the easiest and quickest places in the home to be left unorganized. That’s mainly because not too many guests see it and it usually serves as the catchall for anything that doesn’t fit anywhere else in the house. However, an organized home office is not only good for productivity, but it’s good for the soul. You’ll feel more in control and you won’t be distracted by having to take time out to find things. Here are a few ways you can add calm to the chaos.

Purge and Store Away Old Files

Use a Tiered In-box

Use Multi-Purpose Furniture

Most home offices are small so choose furniture that has dual purposes. For instance, a storage bench or ottoman can be placed in a corner for extra seating while giving you more space to keep items you don’t always need.

Use Shelves for More Than Just Books

Don’t Forget the Walls

Square footage isn’t a factor when it comes to keeping your office organized. We can make any space work for your needs. Give us a call for a free in-home consultation, {{content_library.global.phone.sales}}.

Storage Solutions for Your Winter Gear

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 21:13:00 GMT

Even though the calendar may say it’s not officially winter yet, the cold weather is here. And with that comes heavy coats, boots, snow–and usually a wet mess in your entryway and garage. With some easy storage solutions you can make sure all those winter essentials have a place so you can keep your home dry and clean.

1. Create a Bench and Boot Rack Combo

2. Use an Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer

3. Store Sweaters Correctly

4. Make More Space in Your Front Closet

5. Keep Skis Vertical

Need more ideas to keep your home clean and dry over the winter season? We have plenty! Give us a call at 970-541-1936.

5 Storage Hacks for Holiday Decorations

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 18:25:00 GMT

The most wonderful time of the year can easily be followed by the most cluttered time of the year if your collection of holiday decorations gets out of control. While you’re unpacking the tinsel and tree this year, keep the holly jolly spirit alive by employing a few storage tactics during the de-decorating process. Here are just a few hacks for storing your holiday decorations this year:

One of the most cringeworthy moments of decorating is opening up a box of jumbled and tangled ornaments. Keep every bulb, bell and bauble neat and tidy by reusing food storage containers. Fruit bins with compartments, egg cartons and cardboard coffee carriers are all perfect for organizing ornaments of all shapes and sizes.

While you are unpacking decorations this year, make a conscious effort to get rid of the old ones that are just going to end up in the bottom of the box instead of on the tree. If there are any that are broken, have no special meaning to you, or are just plain creepy (you know the ones), it might be time to pitch them and make room for other decorations.

If your Christmas lights are tangled enough to kill your holiday cheer, it might be time to find a new organization method. One inexpensive and simple way to keep them from tangling is to wrap them around long, sturdy slabs of cardboard. Don’t forget to tape down the ends so they don’t come unraveled!

Pop-up closets aren’t just for clothes! Collapsible clothes racks are great for storing larger decorations that don’t always fit in boxes. Wreaths, garland, etc. are all perfect candidates for storing vertically. Just tie pieces of thick ribbon around your decorations and hang them up as you would articles of clothing.

Cardboard boxes can hit the recycling bin as far as we’re concerned! Airtight plastic tubs are always the better solution for storing holiday decorations. Not only are they sturdier and can be stacked more easily, but in the case of a flooded basement, your priceless mementos will be much better protected.

Are you finding that your basement, garage or other area of storage just isn’t up for housing your holiday decorations? Peruse our website for state-of-the art storage solutions or give our team a call at {{content_library.global.phone.sales}} today.

6 Creative Ways to Organize Your Garage

Wed, 07 Nov 2018 21:33:00 GMT

When you have your own house with your family, finding the space for everyone’s belongings can be a challenge. Whether or not you have an open room for storage or a huge shop in your backyard, the garage seems to always becomes a go-to place to keep an assortment of items. Rather than drowning in piles on the floor and scattered tables, try these creative methods or organize your garage:

1. Use a slat wall or a pegboard

For all those shovels and dustpans with no designated spot, hang up a slat wall or pegboard. All of those random items that have just been propped up against the wall can now be out of the way and easy to find.

2. Organize with small lockers

Maybe you didn’t care about your locker back in high school, but now is the time to put one to good use! Garage lockers can be a simple and inexpensive way to store kids’ toys or sports equipment. Plus, they provide more protection and stability than pop-up shelves or cardboard boxes.

3.Utilize ceiling space for storage

When side-to-side storage space fills up, it’s time to look upwards! Inexpensive rails and storage containers expand your storage space for bulkier items.

4. Revamp your workspace with a wall-mounted folding workbench

It may sound like a lot, but if you are one who enjoys crafting things in your garage, this will be great for you. A wonderfully crafted wall mounted workbench is not only a great way to store your tools. It also provides project space on an as-needed basis.

5. Repurpose old chests with drawers for workbenches

Before getting rid of old chests with drawers, consider reusing them as workbenches that can provide extra storage space. This DIY solution provides every tool has its own place!

6. Do you have a “no shoes in the house” policy?

Turn old broken crates you have lying around your house into beautiful shoe holders to put next to your front or back door. It is quick, easy and very inexpensive.

If your garage is beyond quick fixes and it’s time for some drastic changes, our organization experts are ready to help. View some innovative ideas to get started today.

Mastering the Dead Space in Your Closet!

Thu, 18 Oct 2018 22:43:00 GMT

When your closet interactions start to involve a little too much shoving, squeezing and – let’s face it – swearing, it might be time to take a deep breath and change up the game. If you have a smaller-than-preferred closet in your life that is causing you some trouble, try some of these tips to make the most of the dead space in your closet.

1. Off with the Off-Season

When the dead of the winter hits, you’re only daydreaming if you think that sundress will make an appearance anytime soon. Eliminate the number of clothing items in your closet by packing up your off-season items out of the way in a trunk on the floor.

2. Hang the Bulky Items High

Do you have space-stealing items like suitcases sitting on the closet floor? Free up that space by hanging them on hooks high up on the wall.

3. Feet on the Floor

After removing those bulkier items from the floor, utilize that newly created floor space to store shoes. Try using tiered shoe racks so you can fit as many shoes as possible.

4. Double Up

Double your closet space by hanging a second rack under the top one. This simple fix will make the best use of the dead air in your closet.

5. Maximize the Back of the Door

Have a bunch of smaller items that are at risk of getting lost? Organize them by hanging a multi-compartment hanging on the back of the door.

6. Tie Up the Ties

On a similar note, if you have an extensive tie collection, store them slimly by hanging them on hanger with hooks. The tiered format of the hanger creates less bulk in your closet.

7. Go Up and Down

Maximize vertical space with stackable storage bins that go from the top of your closet to the bottom. Collect the smaller items that need to be stores, or accessories like scarves and shoes, and find a bin that’s just the right size!

If these DIY tips just aren’t cutting it and full makeover is needed, give us a call. Our organization experts at Innovative Home Storage can give you the custom closet system of your dreams!

Fall Cleaning: 4 Tips to Get Organized

Fri, 05 Oct 2018 16:45:00 GMT

Despite the most valiant of attempts, even the most organized individuals can fall down on the job from time to time. Between soccer practice, unpacking from that summer vacay and the usual ebbs and flows of work life, your palace can easily start to look more like a dungeon. If clutter is taking over your life, take a deep breath and try these four fall cleaning organization tips:

1. Every Item Has Its Spot

The number one tip we have for clearing out the clutter is to find a home for EVERYTHING. If every kitchen utensil, file folder, pair of shoes, book and accessory has a designated spot, it will be much easier to keep your space organized. Try storing similar items together as well, so you will be able to find them more quickly in the future. Our custom closets and other home storage solutions come with multiple shelves and compartments to separate items appropriately.

2. Identify the “Problem Zones”

Is there a particular part of the house where you notice the clutter building more rapidly? If there is an end table, corner of the desk or countertop ledge where items tend to accumulate, tackle those areas first. Try placing crates, trays or extra cabinets near these spots so you won’t be tempted to drop and run.

3. Break Out the Label Maker

What’s the good in storing items away if you can’t find them later? When packaging up the clutter in boxes or bins, place a label in a visible location indicating its contents. The next time you go searching for those Halloween decorations, you’ll save yourself a lot of frustration if you don’t need to check in every Rubbermaid tub in the basement.

4. Get in a Routine

Finding the time to get organized can be a challenge, especially if it’s a dreaded task as it is. Eliminate the growing mess by designating an hour once a week for a quick cleanup. When the hour arrives, approach the decluttering with a focused, systematic attitude to get the job done!

Needing more than a few tips to organize your home? Revolutionize your storage capabilities with a custom closet , home office , garage cabinets and more from Innovative Home Storage solutions. Call us at {{content_library.global.phone.sales}} to get started today!