For many years, being able to maintain my closet organized has been very hard for me. During the mornings, I'm always running late. This means I get the first decent thing that I can find and put it on, cursing and swearing that I'll order everything soon. However, when I get back from work, exhausted from my daily routine, the last thing I want to do is to sort out my clothes. It will require trying out everything to see if it still fits (and get depressed if it doesn't), get rid of whatever I decide (is no longer needed?, and see if my favorite dress, the one I used to wear a couple of years ago, continues to spark joy. Can you relate?
Coronavirus has allowed us to spend more time at home. It is the perfect chance to regain control of my closet finally, and now it is so beautifully functional. I decided to share my experience with people struggling like I used to.
Where do I start?
To design an organized closet, first, you need to know what your needs are, and consider some things:
- Is your closet already there? If so, are you making it bigger or just adapting it to your new necessities?
- Are you designing it, or are you hiring a professional?
- Will it storage just your clothes, or are you sharing it with someone else?
- Do you have many clothes that need to be hanged? Or do you prefer folding most of it?
- Are you keeping all of your clothes and shoes, or will you donate some of it?
Depending on the previous points, you'll then have to create your layout in a sort of Tetris game, but instead of cubes, you'll have hanging rods, shelving units, dresser drawers, cabinets, and other components. Don't forget to take your budget into account when looking for supplies in home improvement stores.
Tips for A Closet Renovation
Jump to:
Measuring
It's crucial to have all of your measures before designing, building, or buying. The last thing we want is that some of the pieces don't fit as you wanted them to. When you begin with the designing part, don't forget to include the precise dimensions; measure all of the space where your closet will be. Remember considering the floor's height to the ceiling, the width of every wall, and the space that the doors will take. If there happened to be anything that can affect the drawers' placement or shelves (such as windows, ducts, doors, vents, light switches, or electrical outlets), make a note about it.
Take into consideration the space configuration might be affected by the walls, ceilings, and floors inexactitude.
Hanging Up
Think how high you want the hanging rods to be. If you're going to storage something below, not only should you consider placing them high enough for you to reach them without any trouble, but also for your long clothes not to be dragging with whatever you put underneath them.
At plain sight or hidden?
If you prefer a neat look, drawers are the best option for you. However, if you don't mind that your clothes are in plain sight, you can consider using open shelving. But why not use both? You can combine the two of these storage options and still make it look fancy. My best advice for you is to place the things you would love to display (such as shoes or handbags and jewelry) and the clothes that you might need quick access to into a shelf. The clothing pieces that occupy a lot of space or disrupt the elegant feeling in the room can be easily folded and tucked into a drawer. The choice is yours! Don't be afraid to try different organizing methods until you find the one you like the most.
And there was light!
The wireless led strip lights have become very popular for its endless benefits, such as reducing your energy bills and doing a bit for the environment. They also radiate a soft light, project less heat, and provide great illumination, and they can even change the light color. Don’t forget to include it in your budget since you might require hiring a local electrician from Eltham for installation.
Before you begin
Decide if you are buying every component or if you are building some of them. Chances are that you'll find a pre-assembled system that works better for you and your wallet. See the costs in many places before making a final decision.
Declutter, Donate and Recycle
Once you finish choosing the clothes, shoes, and accessories you would like to keep and separate the one you no longer need or want, consider donating them to charity (as long as they are in a good state). If clothes are no longer wearable, take into account that stores such as H&M have a recycling program where you take your clothes and get a discount coupon in return (you're helping the planet and your wallet too!).
Stick to whatever makes you happy and don't stop until you can firmly say, "This definitely spark joy!"