closet organizing: put order

Order in the Closet


Clothing-obsessed celebs such as Mariah Carey and Paris Hilton are famous for their luxurious closets with shelves of shoes that seem to stretch on for miles and boutique-like racks of designer apparel. While most of us have neither the square footage (nor the desire) to create our own wardrobe wonders, we could still strive for what those divas have perfected: the well-organized storage space.

"Every type of person" struggles with closet clutter, says Alejandra Costello, a co-founder of Arlington-based professional organizing service Color-Coded (866-612-6567). But learning to store your belongings in a neat, easy-to-maintain manner can help you spend less time searching for shoes and more time showing off the perfect outfit.

Even chaotic hallway closets can benefit from a face-lift; nobody wants to be digging through piles of first-aid supplies when they have a migraine or be assaulted from above by improperly stashed winter scarves.

Those "I've created a monster in my closet!" moments are just when professional organizers can swoop in to help. The pros charge between $50 and $100 per hour for their expertise, and their closet makeovers can take between six and 15 hours, depending on the size of the project, Costello says. But she's convinced this type of investment reaps long-term rewards.

"I always tell my clients, 'If you're going to spend money getting organized, you want to set up a system one time and do it right, instead of having to keep tweaking the system,'" Costello says.

Rehabbing your closet starts with an empty — not overloaded — space. "It's a lot easier to take everything out and go from there," Costello says. Color-Coded organizers often push clients to toss items that aren't in heavy rotation, in order to free up more space in small apartments or houses.

"We'll sort everything and go through each individual item asking, 'When was the last time you used this? Is it still good? Is it outdated?'" Costello says. After repurposing or donating any unwanted items, a complete makeover can commence.

We asked Costello to share some of her top tips for reorganizing any closet.

1) Shelve Your Issues

If blank walls make up a portion of your closet, consider adding custom shelving. While it's pricey, Color-Coded's Costello believes the installation is worth the money. She recommends the Elfa system, which is sold at The Container Store, because of its flexibility. "Once you install the shelving, you can always move shelves higher or lower depending on what you're storing," Costello says. "You can change a shelf into a hanging rod or a hanging rod into a shelf. You can add a basket. It's just very flexible."

2) Get More From Your Door

The back of your door — the side that faces the interior of your closet — is precious real estate. Hang up a door rack containing hooks or baskets to create a few extra storage nooks. Costello recommends using Elfa's Door and Wall Rack ($107) and attaching a few movable baskets. The installation is made for kitchens and living spaces but works equally well in closets, Costello says. "I love to use the baskets to store flip-flops, slippers, sunglasses, cosmetic bags and anything that you want to toss in, pull out or make easily accessible," she says. Another option to hang on your door: fabric pockets or shoe bag organizers. Try Christy Designs' versatile "Organizer" Gear Pocket ($35).

3) It's All About the Visuals

Sorting keeps a closet user-friendly. But all that order can get dull. Add intrigue with colored tabs that attach to the top of hangers. Costello recommends using the colored hanger snaps sold by Carlson JPM Store Fixtures ($3 for a bag of 50). "The more color you have in your space, the easier it is to organize," Costello says. "If you take a dress off a hanger that has a purple hanger snap, it's easy to say 'Purple belongs to dresses' and associate that hanger with the dress."

4) Label Liberally

If you have items to stash on shelves or in bins, keep track of everything with homemade labels. That's right, Costello recommends actually writing out "running shoes" for a bin holding your sneaks. It might be old-school, but "it makes a difference," she says. "A lot of people just put things back [into their closets] in a random order. If each item has a home in its section, I find that it's easier to maintain." Use pieces of Duct tape (in fancy new colors and patterns such as paisley and polka dots, such as the rolls above, sold by The Spoon Sisters; $9 per roll), covered with clear packing tape. Write what's inside each container or on each shelf using dry-erase markers — that way, you can re-label areas when you move things around.

5) Aim for Lots Of the Same

Most people amass a wide variety of hangers — it's hard to pass up free wire "We Love Our Customers" hangers from the dry cleaner — but an assortment of shapes and sizes encourages chaos. "Using uniform hangers is an absolute must in the closet," Costello says. She recommends sticking to wooden hangers ("The clothes hang off them really nicely," she says). Pick up a few sets at Ikea (five for $2).

MY THOUGHTS

good advice. i will need this in a couple of weeks as i attack my closets in my mom's house.

Bump up your wardrobe by 'shopping your closet'

Bump up your wardrobe by 'shopping your closet'

Published: Friday, September 24, 2010, 10:00 AM Updated: Friday, September 24, 2010, 2:59 PM
By Kiley Kievit

It’s a true moment of terror for women: You have a dinner party or wedding or trip to the grocery store to make, and nothing that will work in your closet.  Oh, it’s not empty, but the degree of difficulty in finding the perfect outfit there might as well make it as desolate as the Sahara.

But with a less-than-booming economy, the idea of “shopping your closet” has captured the attention of consumers determined to be careful with their hard-earned cash, supplying countless segments for morning-show TV and newspaper and magazine articles.

Americans determined to kick their shopping “addiction” have signed on for campaigns like sixitemsorless.com, which challenges people to wear just six items of clothing (not counting shoes or underwear) for 30 days. There’s even been a book written about the shop-your-closet concept.

But how to decide what to donate? And what to do with what you keep?

Think classic
That’s not to say that every closet is laden with treasures, but there are key pieces to be found that will fit today’s styles. “There are things in your closet you can adapt to the current trends,” says Peggy Syrowik, manager of the Coldwater Creek store at the Crossroads Mall. “Boxy blazers are out — wearing a well-cut blazer instead can dress up jeans. Long, bangled jewelry is back. When looking through your closet, just be
savvy about what you have and how you can make it work for you.”

Jackets, belts, leggings and accessories can update a woman’s everyday look, and are versatile enough
to work with most anything. “Right now, the look that’s in is long and lean,” says Syrowik. “Pair a long sweater with leggings or ‘jeggings’ (denim leggings). Just make sure you’re comfortable and that everything fits you well.”

Style mavens suggest thinking classic, rather than trendy.
“I definitely think a man’s white button-down shirt is a great piece to have, because you can either dress it up or down with jeans or a skirt,” says Lauren Worgess, owner of Loved Consignment Boutique on E. South Street in Kalamazoo. She says that a black blazer is also a great item to hold on to, since it can be thrown on over a white shirt, T-shirt or tank top — items “everybody has.”

Another top pick to scrounge the closet for: A black dress.
“A black dress is a great thing to have,” Worgess says. She suggests kicking it up with a pair of funky shoes, a belt, long jewelry or a jacket over the top.

One warning: Don’t over-accessorize.
“I’m really not a fan of the matching handbag to shoes to shirt,” she says. “Also, in the past 10
years, trends have really been picking up, and you want to avoid putting too many together.”

‘Shopping your closet’
It’s one thing to know what to look for in the closet and how to use it to the best advantage. For some, it might be a whole different concept to actually find those items. The book “Shop Your Closet: The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Closet with Style,” by Melanie Charlton Fascitelli, touts the benefit of clearing out the clutter. Simply stated, clutter takes up valuable closet space, mashing the good with the bad and confusing any efforts to shop your closet successfully.

“Anything that doesn’t fit you well should go, as well as anything that’s really, really dated,”

Syrowik says. “Get rid of things you wouldn’t miss, things you never wear, and look at the things you’re holding on to. A lot of times women will keep things in their closet, thinking, ‘I’ll wear it someday,’ but think about why you’re not wearing it now. It probably either doesn’t fit well or doesn’t go with any of your other clothes and needs to go.”  (Getting rid of it doesn’t have to mean tossing it in the trash. Depending on the condition, items can either be sold on consignment or donated to a charity such as the Salvation Army or Goodwill.)

By sorting through a closet’s inventory, you’ll be able to see what’s worth keeping — accessories, a
great black dress, a fabulous coat — and what needs to head out the door.

Get rid of anything kitschy: “Kitty-head sweaters, Christmas-tree sweaters — they need to go. Unless
you’re a kindergarten teacher ... get rid of them,” Syrowik says.

Anything that’s too small, too big, really out of style or damaged has no place in the closet. Keeping — or worse, wearing — clothes that do little for the body or self-esteem should be avoided at all costs.

Most important, women should feel good about their clothes, wearing items that are comfortable and a
good fit, Worgess says, and they should keep this in mind while shopping for future items — in their
closet or at a store.

“I’m a big fan of seeing clothes that fit,” she says. “I don’t think enough people tailor their clothes, and tailors can do amazing things.”  She adds that tailoring pieces that fit a little big means one more item in the closet — almost as good as brand new.

Related topics: Kalamazoo Style, Kalamazoo Your Home

MY THOUGHTS

i promise to do this next week. make some sense out of my closet again. i have so many things to let go of. it's time.

Stylish Storage Solutions for Shoe Hoarders

Stylish Storage Solutions for Shoe Hoarders

You owe it to your fabulous footwear!

If You're a Hoarder

Fashionista, no one's judging you. You can buy as many pairs of shoes as you'd like. Our only request: store them in a cart with wheels. Try the 40-Pair Shoe Roller Closet Organizer Storage Chest Cart ($49.75 at Amazon) for starters. With this shoe-fiend must-have, you won't bury and neglect valuable twosomes -- all will be in eyesight and within reach.

If You Have an Artistic Side

When we saw these Pure Nomade Hotel Boxes ($25.50 each at Pure Nomade), we fell in love. They're certainly worthy of housing your priceless pairs and can stand alone as works of art with their unique designs. Some of them might even be -- dare we say it? -- more beautiful than some shoes!

If You're Discreet

Although fabulous shoes should be shared -- even when they're not on feet -- you might want to keep them tucked away for decoration's sake. Try the Hemnes Shoe Cabinet with 2 Compartments ($129 at Ikea). It will house some of your most valuable pairs, and no one will be the wiser.

If You Stack Up

Style mavens, who need a shoe-storage system that they can grow with (one can never have too many pairs), should invest in these Large Shoe Boxes ($8.99 per box at The Container Store). Not only will these clear stackables help you organize and find your fabulous footwear, you can also showcase them for visitors to see like works of art.

If You Have a Space Issue

Strapped for space but won't sacrifice a single pair in your collection? Maybe this Natural Canvas 20-Pocket Over-the-Door Organizer ($26.99 at Space Savers) will do. If you have more than 20, have no fear -- you can hang one on every door in your home.

If You're On a Budget

Want to spend more money on shoes instead of splurging on shoe storage? There are wallet-friendly shoe-storage options out there that will do your shoes justice, like this Gearbox Sport Underbed Shoe Bag ($9.99 each at Bed Bath & Beyond). Buy as many as you can fit under your bed and couch!

If You're Offbeat

Want to store your funky and colorful pairs of flats and sneakers in something just as fun? We suggest you get the Shoe Wheel Shoe Storage and Organization ($59.95 at HSN). It spins so you can find the perfect pair for any given outfit, no problem.

If You Like the Basics

You can't go wrong with the  ($23.99 at OrganizeIt.com). Whether you're a shoe hoarder who needs something versatile or a plain jane who just wants something simple, this shoe organizer has all of your bases covered. Just adjust to fit.

MY THOUGHTS

love them all! but my fave is the roller coaster organizer.

'Kick the clutter habit' with 'Unstuff Your Life'

'Kick the clutter habit' with 'Unstuff Your Life'


BY SANDEE SUITT • SUITT@DNJ.COM • August 27, 2010


If anyone is looking for me today, just check in the kitchen. I'll be there with my head in a cupboard, pulling out all the lid-less plastic containers and doing the sniff test on old jars of spices.


Any container missing a lid or herb that is old enough to have lost its scent will be out of there.

I recently read Andrew J. Mellen's "Unstuff Your Life!" and am determined to follow his advice, at least for organizing the heart of my home, the kitchen.

But then Mellen warns, "The kitchen is not the hub of the house if you're thinking 'war room' or 'command central' or 'Houston, we have a problem.'

"Rather, the kitchen is a workroom. ... It should also be foremost a room that functions well and serves its purpose without any unnecessary complications."

The kitchen, Mellen contends, is to be used solely for the preparation and consumption of meals.

While it's nice for the kids to do their homework at the table while the parents prepare dinner, "the homework doesn't live in the kitchen," Mellen says. "Neither does the checkbook."

Grab a pencil

"Unstuff Your Life!" is very much a workbook. Mellen intends for the reader to carry it with her into the area to be organized and follow his guidelines, circling priorities and marking off checklists.

In the kitchen, we start with writing down everything on the counter.

OK, I've done this, and was shocked at the amount of stuff residing there: "toaster, coffee maker, dead basil plant in pot 12-year-old son made in kindergarten, keys, checkbook, cell phone, bills, purse, school notes, spelling-word flash cards, salt, pepper, olive oil, real lemons, fake lemons, bananas, empty flower vase, wooden spoons, basket of breads. ..." The list goes on and on.

I could never fulfill my Betty Crocker dreams of rolling out the perfect pie crust on this crowded workspace. In fact, it's not even a workspace, I realized. It's a storage place for things that don't have a home.

Mellen's advice is to cull out what is broken or unused. The reader looks back at the list and then circles the items that are essential to have on the countertops. Seldom-used items, like perhaps the toaster, find a home off-counter. The rest of the stuff finds a home, either in the trash, in a donation or garage-sale box, or elsewhere in the kitchen or house.


In Mellen's plan, each item is assigned a logical home, and it stays there, except when in use. And the home is near where the item is used. He explains how to set up work stations in which like items are stored together and nearby, but not in the junk drawer.


The junk drawer? Mellen allows no room for no junk.

"Let's not have a junk drawer that contains all sorts of random things, some of which are clearly trash," Mellen writes. In other words, don't use the drawer as a trash can. Don't stuff receipts or papers into the drawer when they clearly belong in the garbage or an appropriate file. Just put them in the garbage or in the file.

Mellen writes of organizing the home into a world where missing keys and cell phones are not part of the daily stress, where mail does not pile up into an unsightly stack on the table and closets are not filled with unmatched shoes and out-of-style or ragged clothes.

The key? It's really simple. Organize your home and then keep it that way by making a habit of the act of putting things where they belong. You can either put things away immediately when you're finished with them or save a few seconds initially by just throwing your keys and receipts and school papers on a table. But like buying things on credit with interest accrued on your loans, as your clutter grows, interest grows in the form of your time, Mellen explains. Spend a few seconds putting things away in a timely fashion, or let the pile of clutter go and spend many more minutes looking for lost items.

Mellen's advice is methodical but he offers it with a tongue-in-cheek humor that encourages without criticizing. He's the best friend who can tell you honestly, "This place is a mess," without hurting your feelings because he then says, "Let me help you clean it up." He also asks pointed questions to help determine what needs to go and redirects the reader away from rationalizations.

If "elephant bell-bottom hip-hugger jeans" ever come back in style, "you'll buy them at the Gap like everyone else," he writes. As for that pair in your closet: "Let them go."

Sandee Suitt is Lifestyles editor at The Daily News Journal. Contact her at suitt@dnj.com or 615-278-5160.


MY THOUGHTS


the real culprit is the junk drawer. that space we reserve for things that should be thrown or given away. it's hard to let go. in the beginning. especially when you think of the possibility of needing these things again. before you know it, your desk, your room, your house is so cluttered there's no space for anything else.

Rules for Rearranging

by Michele Miao

If you're having trouble getting your rooms to look the way you want, there may be a simple solution. Instead of buying new furniture or accessories, try rearranging what you have for a fresh, new look. Elizabeth Mayhew, decorating expert and author of Flip! For Decorating, shares her secrets for placing your furniture to make the most of your space.

Pick Your Room's Purpose

First, decide what purpose your room serves, advises Mayhew. Do you spend time in the room watching television, reading or having family time? Once you know what you need the room to do, you can arrange your furniture to help you get the most out of your space.

Find Your Focus

Every room has a special trait or feature that you can play up when you arrange the furniture, says Mayhew. It could be a great view, high ceilings, an interesting architectural element or a big-screen television. Figure out what's special about your room and you'll be able to arrange your furniture to show the room at its best.

Decorating Is an Evolution

You don't have to decorate the whole room in one afternoon, reassures Mayhew. Place your largest piece, like a sofa, first and live with it for a while. Lounge on the couch to see what your guests would look at if they were seated there. Walk through the room to see how traffic flows around the piece. Then decide if you like it there.

Don't Think Horizontally

Remember to look up when you're arranging your furniture. There's lots of space to decorate above eye level. Draw the eye up with a tall piece of furniture, a colorful piece of art or a cleverly placed light source, advises Mayhew.

Don't Forget the Lighting Fixtures

Lighting is one of the most overlooked elements in furniture arranging, reminds Mayhew. She uses it to create ambiance and draw the eye around the room. Use an assortment of standing lamps, table lamps and sconces to create a mix of light and shadow.

Think About Shape

If everything in your room is square, add something round to add interest to your decor, suggests Mayhew. That doesn't mean you have to buy a new table, though. If you're on a budget, see what's in your other rooms that could be moved before you make an expensive investment.

Think About Scale

Every room needs something big, advises Mayhew, but it also needs smaller pieces to balance out the decor. For example, mix a big sofa with smaller tables or chairs. The combination will make the room more harmonious.

Rugs Delineate Space

Rugs can anchor a seating area but they don't have to cover the entire floor, advises Mayhew. Use an area rug to separate a portion of a larger room for a special purpose

If It's Not Working, Don't Panic

Nothing is ever definite, assures Mayhew. There are numerous ways to correct your mistakes. If you don't like something, move it to another room or give it a coat of paint. A piece painted the same color as the wall will recede and look less prominent. If all else fails, simply put it up for sale on Craigslist or eBay.

MY THOUGHTS

i need to do something about my room in Laguna - get rid of stuff, repaint, some new cabinets???on the other hand, i was able to do it with s mall condo space. i can do the same with this room.

Organizing Tips for the Overwhelmed

Organizing Tips for the Overwhelmed

Where to start when you don't know where to start
by Jamie Novak, Professional Organizer (see more from this expert)

Why did your last attempt at getting organized fail? For many it's a matter of being overwhelmed.

Maybe you weren't sure where to start. Perhaps the thought of letting go of precious memories or objects was too unsettling. You might have gotten stumped by where to put something, so you put it back down and slunk away, dejected. But don't get discouraged. You are not alone. Together, we can solve your biggest clutter challenge with these simple organizing tips.

•Make a plan. Organizing without a plan is like driving cross-country without a map or working a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle without looking at the picture. Sit down and make a list of every area you'd like to de-clutter. It will probably be a long list, but this is no time to self-edit. Even if you're not sure how to do it or whether you can afford to, put it on the list.

•Pick your target. Your best chance for success is dealing with the area that will have the biggest impact. Do you always lose your keys or trip over shoes in the entryway? Start there. Do you pay bills late because you can't find them or you forget they're due? Start there.

•Make a date to conquer clutter. Put it on the calendar, in ink, and don't let anything else get in the way. An insider tip is to pick a block of time — all you need is 18 minutes — before a regularly scheduled event. Do you meet with a book club every Tuesday? Then schedule your clutter clearing for 18 minutes before you need to leave. Does your favorite TV show come on at 10pm on Thursdays? Plan to de-clutter 18 minutes before it starts, and you'll have an incentive to get busy and get finished.

•Get support. Share your goals with someone who will cheer you on, check on your progress and celebrate your success. Telling your spouse usually isn't recommended, because a spouse may be too close to the situation and is usually better off being surprised once you're finished. Consider using a message board to get quick feedback.

•Give yourself a deadline. Invite someone to spend the night in the spare bedroom you've been meaning to clean out. Hire someone to paint the playroom you've wanted to organize.

•Gather supplies. Take a page out of the professional organizer's book and keep everything handy so you don't waste time looking for things.

•Get busy. Set your timer for 18 minutes, and go to work. Put like things together, then put away what you use and love and give away or throw away what you don't.

•Reward yourself. Don't underestimate the importance of acknowledging a job well done. You will stay motivated if you have something fun to look forward to when you're finished. It could be a nap, a good book or lunch with a friend. Just don't go shopping and bring home more stuff to put away.

•Repeat. Organization is really just a habit. If you keep up with the daily stuff, it won't get the chance to overwhelm you again.

It all starts with a plan — once you know what to focus on, you can be clear about your first step, then the next step and the step after that. Keep in mind that done is better than perfect, so if that familiar overwhelming feeling starts to creep back in, just keep going and ask yourself, "What's next?"

Clutter-Busting Tool Kit

Put everything in a big tote bag, plastic container or laundry basket. Don't buy a new container — chances are you already own something to do the job, so shop at home first. Here's what you'll need:

•Three sizes of plastic food-storage bags. You can fit just about anything in them, and they're easy to see through.

•Trash bags. Don't forget to clearly label bags used for donations.

•Tape measure. This will help you avoid buying shelves or containers that won't fit your space.

•Kitchen timer. This will help you succeed, 18 minutes at a time.

•Label maker. I like the DYMO LetraTag 11944, which costs about $20 and is supereasy to use.

•Extra label tape and batteries. You don't want to run out of either in the middle of an organizing spurt!

•Notebook and pen. Keep these in one place to record ideas, measurements and a list of things you need to replace in your clutter-busting kit.

•Shredder. Save time by shredding as you go instead of making a pile to deal with later.

•Permanent marker. This is easier to read than pen or pencil, and it won't fade over time.

•Stack of boxes and laundry baskets. These will help you sort stuff into easily movable piles.

•Sticky notes. These are great for everything from labeling temporary files to identifying which pile goes where.

•Clear tape. You'll need this to attach signs to the sorting area so you know what to "keep," "donate" or "toss."

•Camera for before and after photos. There's nothing like the picture of progress—not to mention the mess of the past—to motivate you to keep up your organizing ways.

•Nail file and bandages. Even the most experienced organizers get hurt on the job.

•Cleaning wipes and dust rags. You can just imagine what you might find behind the file cabinet or desk.

•Rubber gloves. See above.

•List of local charities. This will make it easy to schedule pickup or drop-off of items you want to donate.

•Music. The right tunes can help you maintain energy and increase the fun factor.

•Water and snacks. Music isn't the only energy booster. Having snacks handy will also prevent you from getting sidetracked on the way to the kitchen.

MY THOUGHTS

my problem is not starting. my problem is maintaing or keeping things organized. i'll spend days organizing my closet. the next day, everything's a mess. i thought the culprit is that i haven't got the time - always rushing. the truth is i don;t manage my time - that's why i rush. that's why the clutter keeps coming back. of course, there's the shopping issue - but that's another story.

organize your desk in 8 steps

Organize Your Desk in 8 Steps

from http://www.lifeorganizers.com/

In almost less time than it takes to read this article, you can have an organized desk that fosters creative thinking and improves productivity. Wouldn't that be remarkable?

Organize Your Desk in 8 Steps

1. Remove everything from your desk. Place your phone on your left if you're right handed and on the right if you're left handed. Display personal items elsewhere.

2. Keep a spiral notebook by the phone for messages and phone notes. Write your voice mail messages in it and delete them from the system. Jot down reference notes before you make a call to reduce phone time.

3. Open your planner or turn on your PDA and place it on your desk. Use it to keep track of to-dos, follow-ups and ideas.

4. Keep office supplies in one drawer only. Buy a dozen of your favorite, inexpensive pens and keep them in a cutlery tray in the drawer. Keep back-up supplies in a plastic storage container with drawers

5. Sort through your desk files. Keep in your desk drawers only files you use weekly or those that are personal or confidential.

6. Place your computer at a 90 degree angle to your desk. Keep your desk work surface clear of everything except essentials and your current project.

7. Set up a system for active files either in a step file sorter on your desk or in your file drawer. Sort your paperwork into it: Do, Consider, Awaiting Answer, File, Hold, Read and Refer.

8. Take ten minutes at the end of each day to keep your desk organized. Place tomorrow's top priority project in the center of your desk. You're ready for anything!

MY THOUGHTS:

These tips sound sensible. I'm actually training myself to be paperless. I open the outlook calendar and put everything there - scheds, to-do's, instructions to staff. what helps the most is the task list - they get all red when unfinished. that's the signal for me to double-time.