June 20th, 2020

The Fairy Godmother Closet

Fairy Godmother Closet Design  by Marla Stone

Since we’re spending more time at home, now is the perfect opportunity to gain control of your closet. No more clothes shoved in, no more unsuccessful searches for that tie or belt. An organized closet is a thing of beauty and functionality, and it’s within your reach. Marla Stone, The clutter remedy expert and author of The Clutter Remedy: A Guide To Getting Organized For Those Who Love Their Stuff The Clutter Remedy Book on Amazon
​, supports categorizing and containing everything you own. It doesn’t matter if your renovation project is for a small apartment closet or a spacious walk-in closet – it’s yours, and it can become an inspiring space instead of a source of can’t-find-it stress.

Designing an organized closet involves discovering what you want to keep versus discard. Then, how will everything be stored? If not, call a professional organizer. Next, fitting a combination of hanging rods, dresser drawers, shelving units, and other components into your available space, like a puzzle, in an appealing and helpful configuration will get the job done.

Not all floors or walls are created equal, so there will be lots of measuring and customizing to your space. Through the frustrations and triumphs, you’ll have built a personalized storage space and a closet that will serve you well. 

How to Get Started
One of the first things you want to consider is existing space. How much closet space do you have, or how many can you create? Are you planning on making your closets more prominent? Are you an empty nester, and you’re thinking about turning that small bedroom into the walk-in closet you’ve always longed for? Look at the big picture first, then jot down a quick sketch of what you envision. This fast drawing is a starting point as you assess your wants and budget. It won’t be your final draft; the design will evolve as you consider all the factors.

Designing your own closet organization system is the perfect opportunity to get precisely what you want, as long as you’re flexible regarding cost and other factors. If you share the closet with someone else, seek your partner’s input. With some persistence and a good game plan, you will design the perfect closet. Grab your measuring tape, pencil, paper, or computer design program, and let’s get the ball rolling. Or call a professional home improvement company that you will find on www.theclutterremedy.com

Assessment Phase
You can take stock of your dream closet, your skills, and your budget. Do you think this project is something you can tackle yourself or something best left to a designer? For inspiration and advice, browse design magazines, home improvement websites, and Google images. No closet organization design is the same, so be creative. Visit your local home improvement store for a complimentary closet design consultation.  Contact a local closet specialization company that is an expert in space organization. This will give you great ideas for creative configurations and trends.

Take Stock of All of Your Clothing
Please take a look at your wardrobe. Does your current space give you the room you want, or would you like to enlarge the space? Are your clothing being used, or do you have items you haven’t worn in ages that only take up valuable “real estate?” Count your shoes – how many do you have, and how will they fit into your dream closet? Don’t forget accessories, like belts, ties, scarves, hats, and jewelry.

Measure Carefully and Cautiously
Measuring your space carefully before you start designing, building, or ordering pre-built boxes and shelves. Measure your emptied closet space, including the height from the floor to the ceiling and the width of each wall, considering molding at the bottom of walls or crown molding at the top. Make a note of any electrical outlets, light switches, ducts, doors, windows, or vents. That would affect the placement of shelves or drawers.  As you start designing, include the exact dimensions on paper. Drawing on graph paper is very helpful for this. Ask yourself what the measurements of your overall floor plan are. Don’t forget to consider any space taken up by doors or entryways. Measure the closet dimensions at the front and back, top and bottom, because walls, ceilings, and floors are seldom precisely level. This will affect how well your designed boxes and shelves will fit into the space.

Closet Zones
Think of your closet as having “zones” – rods to hang clothes, shelves, drawers, shoe racks, whatever your needs are in that space. It may help to use blue painter’s tape to mark the outline of those zones: a drawer system, shelves, and a ceiling-to-floor shoe rack. Painter’s tape is easy to remove from walls and flooring, so you can tape, remove, and re-tape as your design shifts.

Ask yourself what items will go into drawers, such as socks, underwear, shorts, or lingerie? Or do you have more hanging clothes, like shirts, skirts, suits, and slacks?  How do you want to store shirts and shorts? Your preferences of how you like things stored are essential for easy, long-term use of your space.

Hanging Storage
One crucial decision is how far up from the floor you’ll place hanging rods for clothes. Do you want storage on the floor underneath? How high is comfortable for you to reach while hanging clothes without grabbing a stool to stand on? When measuring to hang rods, add at least a few inches at the top to get the hangers on and off the rod. Go through your wardrobe and count how many clothes will hang down to the ground, like dresses, suits, or winter coats. You’ll want to make room for these items.  Also, consider whether you prefer to hang slacks full-length, requiring a higher rod, or draped over a hanger, which can ride on a lower rod.

Open Shelving or Drawers?
Do you like open shelving, drawers, or both? Some people prefer drawers for a tidier look and streamlined look. Awkward stacks of sweaters or workout t-shirts can be placed into drawers either rolled or library style. Or, you may prefer shelves to display shoes or handbags. Shelves also offer quick access for those late-for-work, dress-in-a-hurry mornings. This is your closet, so it’s your choice within your budget. Keep in mind that drawers are typically more expensive than shelves. Ask yourself, "Do I want hanging storage for accessories like belts or ties, or do you roll or fold in a pull-out drawer? Keep notepads nearby to jot down ideas as you delve into your specific organizational design.

Jewelry, Hair Jewelry, and Sunglass Drawers
Consider where you’ll store your jewelry, fancy hair designs, and sunglasses when designing your custom closet. Consider drawer inserts that will make everything easier to store and how to keep those items safe, perhaps with a lock on the drawers. Ensure space for a safe for expensive pieces or other valuables. 

Brighten Up Your Space
When dreaming up the perfect closet space, don’t forget about lighting. No one wants to trip in the dark. Consider lighting for a more illuminated experience every time you enter your closet, so include that in your budget. Search for the perfect designer lighting online or at local designer lighting stores.  If it’s a small space, you may be able to install less expensive battery-operated lighting.

Important Considerations
Know how the sections fit together before shopping, ordering, or building. Can you anchor the cabinets or rods into wall studs? How will you attach the shelves to the drawer units? Are you building some or all components or buying some pieces from a home improvement or design store? Ask where everything is made and what the pieces are made of. Are they solid wood or particle board? Are they sourced locally or from out of the country? Pre-assembled systems can work better for a custom space and cost less than purchasing custom-made pieces. You can assemble and install them yourself or get a professional to help you. Keep your budget in mind as you consider all the different types of systems, the prices, the materials, and where they are made.

Design Trends - For You or Not At All?
Please look at websites and stores to see the new trends and designs in custom closets. There may be custom features, like shelves or lighting, that you’ll want to incorporate into your space.
Once you’ve settled on the configuration and products, take the time to consider the materials. Do you prefer an ultra-modern, traditional, or eclectic design? Do you like the sleek look of shiny metals or crystals? Clean, white lines? Will you choose wood, such as oak, pine, or cherry, to match your bathroom or bedroom decor? Does your dream closet include a mirror, chair, or bench for dressing convenience? Did you have a sit-down vanity area for makeup and grooming? Perhaps you want a couch or an island in the center of the space.

It’s time to start drawing designs. Do you prefer your drawers on the right side, center, or left side? You’ll want a design that satisfies all your personal closet desires and one you’ll be happy with. Armed with exact measurements, shop around to find what meets your design and pocketbook. If you’re on a budget, check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, second-hand stores, and other sources for used components you can incorporate and then paint to match the different sections for a unified look.

Declutter and Donate
Once you finish installing your custom-designed system, it’s time to move your belongings back. Then, step back and admire your new space. It was worth the time and effort, wasn’t it? When repopulating your closet, use the opportunity to declutter with ideas from The Clutter Remedy: A Guide To Getting Organized For Those Who Love Their Stuff. This book teaches you how to be a pro at organizing. Suggestions: First, categorize everything you own. Go through your wardrobe, including shoes, ties, suits, and handbags, and ask yourself The Clutter Remedy questions.

1. Will I use it?
2. Do you think it serves a purpose?
3. Is it sentimental?
4. Do I love it? ***When some things don’t meet your criteria for #akeep, consider giving them a new life elsewhere by donating gently used items to a thrift store or a homeless shelter.

You can keep it that way now that you have the closet of your dreams. Stay organized perpetually by going through the closet once a day, picking up stray clothes, wandering shoes, or wayward accessories, and putting them back home. Retaining everything in its place can become a healthy habit, making finding what you want much more accessible. Dust the surfaces and banish cobwebs and dust bunnies. Caring for your organization's proponents will ensure years of dependable, beautiful function.

TheClutterRemedy.com The Clutter Remedy Book on Amazon
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