closets-to-adore

How to Avoid Common Custom Closet Design Mistakes

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 20:47:48 GMT

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading to a custom closet , you probably want to get it right the first time. A well-designed custom closet should simplify your routine and bring a sense of order to your day, but that only happens when it’s planned carefully. I’ve seen how small design oversights can turn an exciting upgrade into a daily frustration, and it happens more often than you might think.

Many homeowners invest in a beautiful closet, only to realize later that it doesn’t function the way they hoped. In most cases, the problem isn’t the size of the space or the materials that were chosen, but the planning details that were overlooked early on. With a clear strategy and thoughtful design choices, those frustrations can be avoided, and your custom closet can truly support your daily routine.

To help you design a custom closet that truly works for your life, here are the key steps you can take to avoid common design mistakes:

Start by measuring and evaluating your wardrobe
Plan your layout before choosing finishes
Maximize vertical and hidden space
Design for accessibility and daily use
Incorporate proper lighting from the start
Choose the right depth and dimensions
Plan for ventilation and material durability
Build in flexibility
Work with a professional designer

Keep reading for practical guidance you can use to make confident design decisions and create a custom closet that feels both functional and thoughtfully planned.

Start by Measuring and Evaluating Your Wardrobe

One of the most common mistakes in a custom closet project is designing the space without fully evaluating what needs to be stored. Before making any layout decisions, take time to assess your wardrobe carefully. Letting your clothing and accessories guide the design ensures your custom closet reflects your real habits instead of assumptions.

As you evaluate your clothing and accessories, focus on the following:

Count Long and Short Hanging Items: Separate dresses and coats from shirts and jackets so you can plan rod placement accurately. This prevents overcrowding and ensures each section has the right amount of space.
Measure Garment Lengths: Take measurements of your longest pieces to confirm proper vertical clearance. Doing this helps you avoid rods that are installed too high or too low.
Estimate Shoe and Accessory Storage Needs: Count shoes, handbags, and smaller accessories before allocating shelving or drawers. Planning for these categories early keeps them from becoming clutter later.

Thinking ahead is just as important as assessing what you own now. If your wardrobe grows or your lifestyle changes, a well-planned custom closet will be ready to adapt. This early preparation helps you avoid costly adjustments down the road.

Plan Your Layout Before Choosing Finishes

Another frequent mistake is choosing colors, hardware, and decorative features before finalizing the layout. While finishes are exciting, the structure of your custom closet should always come first. When storage zones are clearly defined for hanging, folding, shoes, and accessories, the entire space functions more smoothly.

Consider how you move through your daily routine and position items accordingly. Frequently used pieces should be within easy reach, while occasional items can be stored higher or lower depending on the space. Once the layout works well, selecting finishes becomes the enjoyable final step rather than a distraction from functionality.

Maximize Vertical and Hidden Space

Unused vertical space is one of the most common missed opportunities in a custom closet. Many closets stop short of the ceiling, leaving valuable storage potential untouched. When every inch is used intentionally, the space feels more efficient and thoughtfully designed.

To make the most of your space, consider incorporating the following:

Double-Hanging Rods: Installing two rods in sections where appropriate instantly increases hanging capacity. This works especially well for shirts, blouses, and folded-over pants.
Floor-to-Ceiling Shelving: Extending shelving upward creates valuable storage for items you don’t need daily. Higher shelves are ideal for seasonal bins or keepsake boxes.
Pull-Out and Corner Organizers: Integrated pull-outs and corner solutions help eliminate awkward, unused areas. These features make it easier to access items that might otherwise get pushed to the back.

Designing upward and inward allows your custom closet to feel larger without expanding its footprint. Small adjustments in layout can make a noticeable difference in overall functionality. Thoughtful space planning ensures nothing is left underutilized.

Design for Accessibility and Daily Use

A common design mistake is focusing on storage capacity without considering daily usability. A custom closet should support your routine rather than complicate it. Items you wear regularly should be positioned at eye level or within comfortable reach.

Drawer placement and walking space also deserve careful attention. Proper clearance ensures doors and drawers open smoothly without crowding the area. When accessibility is prioritized, your closet feels intuitive and easy to use every day.

Incorporate Proper Lighting From the Start

Treating lighting as an afterthought is another mistake that can limit the functionality of a custom closet. Without proper illumination, even a well-organized space can feel dim and difficult to use. Planning lighting early ensures both functionality and visual appeal.

Effective closet lighting may include the following:

Overhead Ambient Lighting: A central fixture provides overall brightness for the entire space. It establishes a strong foundation of light that supports additional layers.
Led Strip Lighting Under Shelves: Strip lighting brightens darker areas and highlights clothing and accessories. It also adds a subtle and polished touch to the overall design.
Motion-Sensor Lighting: Motion-activated fixtures offer convenience and energy efficiency. They ensure your closet lights up automatically when you enter.

Layered lighting makes everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable. When lighting is thoughtfully integrated, your custom closet feels complete rather than unfinished. Proper planning helps you avoid costly retrofits later.

Choose the Right Depth and Dimensions

Overlooking proper measurements is a mistake that can affect how well your custom closet functions. Shelves that are too deep may cause folded items to disappear in the back, while shallow drawers may not accommodate bulkier pieces. Matching dimensions to what you plan to store prevents wasted space and frustration.

Hanging sections should also provide adequate depth so clothing doesn’t press against doors or walls. Taking the time to confirm measurements carefully protects both the appearance and usability of the final design. Thoughtful sizing ensures your closet works as beautifully as it looks.

Plan for Ventilation and Material Durability

Ignoring airflow and material quality is a mistake that can shorten the lifespan of your custom closet. Proper ventilation helps prevent moisture buildup and keeps clothing fresh. Being mindful of vents and enclosed areas protects both your garments and the cabinetry.

Material selection plays an equally important role. Choosing durable, easy-to-clean finishes helps your closet maintain its appearance through everyday use. When function and durability work together, the result is a space that feels both refined and reliable.

Build in Flexibility

Designing a closet that cannot adapt over time is another common oversight. Storage needs naturally evolve as wardrobes grow and lifestyles change. Incorporating adjustable shelving or modular elements allows your custom closet to remain functional as those needs shift.

Flexibility gives you room to grow without requiring a full redesign later. Planning for change from the beginning makes your custom closet a long-term solution rather than a temporary upgrade. An adaptable design helps protect your investment over time.

Work With a Professional Designer

Attempting to manage every detail without expert guidance can sometimes lead to avoidable mistakes. Designing a custom closet involves accurate measurements, thoughtful layouts, and strategic planning. Professional insight can help identify potential challenges before they become costly problems.

Over the years, I’ve noticed that collaboration often leads to stronger outcomes. When expertise and your personal preferences come together, the final design feels both practical and tailored to your daily life. That balance is what turns a good design into a truly successful one.

Conclusion

Designing a custom closet goes beyond simply adding more storage to your home. It creates a space that supports your daily routine in quiet, practical ways. In my work with homeowners, I’ve seen how thoughtful planning can completely transform not just the space itself, but how people feel using it every day. When you take the time to get the details right, your custom closet becomes something you appreciate every single day.

How To Start the New Year Organized With a Smarter Home Office Design

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:39:43 GMT

January always feels like the right moment to start fresh, doesn’t it? I love this time of year because it invites us to slow down, look around, and decide what truly supports us in our daily lives. One of the best places to begin is the home office . When that space feels cluttered or uninspired, it can quietly drain our focus and make it harder to feel productive.

I believe your home office should make life feel easier, not busier. When everything has a clear purpose and the design reflects how you actually work, the space begins to support you instead of competing with you. With just a few intentional updates, you can create an office that feels organized, inspiring, and ready to carry you into the year ahead.

Below are simple ways to create a smarter, more organized home office that helps you start the new year with clarity and confidence.

Evaluate how you work best
Declutter and define purpose for every item
Invest in smart storage solutions
Designate zones for different tasks
Upgrade to technology that simplifies, not clutters
Enhance lighting for clarity and comfort
Choose a color scheme that promotes focus
Add personal elements that inspire
Incorporate greenery and natural materials
Maintain the space with simple daily habits

Each of these ideas is simple to apply, but together they can completely change how you feel in your workspace. Let’s take a closer look at how to make them work in your own home office.

Evaluate How You Work Best

Before making any changes, take a moment to consider how you naturally work. Every person has their own rhythm, and a home office should be shaped around that. Some people do their best thinking in bright, open spaces, while others prefer quiet, enclosed areas with fewer distractions. Understanding your work style helps guide every design decision with purpose.

Start by asking yourself a few simple questions. When do you feel most productive? Do you focus better with clear surfaces, or does visual inspiration around you help you think creatively? Once you identify what supports your workflow, it becomes easier to design a space that feels personal, efficient, and balanced.

A workspace built around your habits has a way of making each day flow more naturally. The right setup can keep you organized, focused, and in tune with how you work best

Declutter and Define Purpose for Every Item

An organized home office begins with a clean foundation. Clutter can quietly drain energy and make even simple tasks feel heavier than they should. Clearing away what you no longer use gives the space room to breathe and helps you focus on what truly matters.

Begin by emptying drawers, shelves, and surfaces, then assess each item honestly. Ask whether it serves a clear purpose or adds value to your day. Keep what supports your work and let go of what distracts from it. This simple reset not only improves organization but also brings a sense of calm and clarity.

I like to think of decluttering as setting boundaries for your space. When every item has a defined place and reason to be there, the home office feels lighter and more intentional. You will find it easier to stay organized and more motivated to keep the space that way.

Invest in Smart Storage Solutions

Smart storage is the foundation of an organized home office. When everything has a place, the space feels calmer, cleaner, and easier to maintain. The goal is to design storage that fits your routine and keeps essentials accessible without visual clutter.

These storage ideas can help keep your workspace both functional and stylish:

Built-in shelving: Maximizes vertical space and keeps items neatly displayed or tucked away in decorative boxes.
Closed cabinets: Conceal printers, cords, and paperwork to maintain a clean visual line.
Drawer organizers: Prevent clutter from building up and make it easy to find everyday supplies.
Floating shelves: Provide extra room for books, décor, or small plants without taking up floor space.
Rolling carts or side cabinets: Offer flexible storage for tools or files that can move with your workflow.
Labeling systems: Add a simple layer of structure so everything has a defined home.

Smart storage is not about hiding everything but about creating balance between what you display and what you store. When organization feels natural, your home office becomes a space that truly supports how you work.

Designate Zones for Different Tasks

A well-organized home office works best when every activity has its own place. Creating zones helps separate focus from creativity and work from rest, so the space feels balanced and easy to navigate. This approach also prevents clutter from spreading, since each area serves a specific purpose.

Here are a few ways to create functional zones within your workspace :

Primary work zone: Centered around your desk and computer, this area should be free from distractions and designed for focus.
Storage zone: Use cabinets, drawers, or shelving to contain office supplies, paperwork, and tools. Keep it close enough to reach easily but out of your main visual field.
Creative zone: A small corner with a pinboard, sketchpad, or reading chair can spark new ideas and give you space to recharge.
Meeting or call zone: If space allows, add a second chair or small table for virtual meetings or discussions.
Relaxation zone: Even a small spot for stretching or deep breathing helps break up the day and reset your energy.

When we design around how we actually work, our office stops feeling chaotic and starts supporting our rhythm. With clear zones in place, it becomes easier to stay organized and move through each task with intention.

Upgrade to Technology That Simplifies, Not Clutters

Technology should make work easier, not more complicated. A smart setup can streamline your routine and keep your home office looking clean and organized. The key is to integrate tools that save time and reduce visual clutter rather than adding to it. Some of these tools include:

Wireless accessories: Choose Bluetooth keyboards, mice, and headphones to reduce cords and free up surface space.
Cable management: Use clips, sleeves, or trays to keep cords neatly tucked away and out of sight.
Docking stations: Consolidate chargers and connections into a single hub for better organization.
Smart lighting systems: Adjust brightness and tone throughout the day for comfort and focus.
All-in-one printers or compact devices: Replace bulky equipment with sleek, space-saving options.
Voice assistants or automation tools: Simplify reminders, scheduling, and lighting adjustments with minimal effort.

I encourage you to think about how technology can support your work rather than complicate it. When devices function quietly in the background, your focus remains on what matters most.

Enhance Lighting for Clarity and Comfort

Lighting has a direct impact on focus and energy. The right combination can keep you alert during work hours and help you unwind when the day is done. A balanced lighting plan not only improves visibility but also shapes the overall mood of your home office.

Here are ideas to create light that works with you:

Natural light: Position your desk near a window to take advantage of daylight and boost productivity.
Task lighting: Add a focused desk lamp for reading or detailed work to reduce eye strain.
Ambient lighting: Use ceiling or wall fixtures to create soft, even illumination throughout the space.
Accent lighting: Introduce warmth and character with a floor lamp, wall sconce, or backlit shelving.
Adjustable bulbs: Choose dimmable or color-changing options so you can adapt light to your mood and time of day.

Good lighting does more than brighten a room. It creates rhythm, supports focus, and brings comfort to long hours of work. When lighting feels right, the entire space feels more inviting and productive.

Choose a Color Scheme That Promotes Focus

Color has a quiet but powerful effect on how we feel in a space. The right palette can calm the mind, reduce distraction, and make the home office feel grounded. Choosing colors with intention helps create an environment that supports clarity and consistent focus.

Consider these color approaches for your workspace:

Soft neutrals: Shades of ivory, beige, or warm gray create a balanced backdrop that feels calm and professional.
Cool tones: Muted blues and gentle greens promote concentration and reduce mental fatigue.
Warm accents: Subtle touches of terracotta, blush, or gold can add warmth without overpowering the room.
Natural finishes: Wood, stone, and linen textures complement most color palettes and bring a sense of comfort.
Matte or eggshell paint: Helps diffuse light evenly, avoiding glare and creating a softer visual tone.

I recommend choosing colors that reflect your energy and purpose. A palette that feels calm but inspiring will help you stay centered and creative throughout the day.

Add Personal Elements That Inspire

A home office should reflect your personality as much as your professional goals. Beyond function and organization, it should feel like a space that belongs to you. Surrounding yourself with meaningful details helps create an atmosphere that feels encouraging and authentic.

I like to include pieces that have purpose or personal value. This could be a framed photograph, a piece of art that speaks to you, or a small object that reminds you of something important. Keep these touches minimal so they enhance the space rather than distract from it.

When chosen with care, personal elements bring warmth and individuality into the home office. They remind you why you do what you do and create a sense of connection that makes the space both inspiring and comfortable.

Incorporate Greenery and Natural Materials

Bringing nature into the home office can make a noticeable difference in how the space feels. Natural materials and greenery soften the environment, creating balance and calm. The presence of organic elements adds texture and life, helping the room feel grounded and refreshing.

Start with a few plants that are easy to care for, such as a snake plant, pothos, or peace lily. These options thrive indoors and add gentle color without requiring much attention. Natural materials like wood, rattan, and stone can also be introduced through furniture, lighting, or décor. Together, they create a sense of warmth that pairs beautifully with modern design.

I like to think of this as designing with nature in mind. Even small touches like a vase of fresh greenery or a woven basket for storage can bring a subtle sense of calm. When nature is part of the space, the home office feels more inviting and naturally restorative

Maintain the Space With Simple Daily Habits

An organized home office only stays that way with a little daily attention. Consistent habits keep the space clear and functional, so it continues to support your focus and creativity throughout the year.

Try incorporating these simple routines into your day:

Five-minute resets: Spend a few minutes at the end of each day clearing surfaces and putting items back in place.
Weekly review: Check drawers, papers, and supplies every week to prevent clutter from building up.
One-in, one-out rule: When something new comes in, remove something that no longer serves a purpose.
Digital declutter: Clear your desktop and organize files just as you would your physical workspace.
Freshen the space: Open windows, replace greenery, or adjust lighting to maintain a sense of renewal.
Reflect on function: Revisit your layout or tools periodically to ensure they still match how you work.

These habits protect the energy of your space. When organization becomes part of your routine, the home office continues to feel intentional, productive, and ready for every new idea.

Conclusion

Starting the year with an organized home office is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves. When the space feels intentional, calm, and aligned with how we work, it supports both focus and creativity. I believe that a smarter workspace is not about perfection but about creating an environment that helps us do our best work each day. With these small but meaningful changes, we can begin the year feeling clear, motivated, and ready to succeed.

How Overhead Storage Racks Help Keep Garages Clear Year-Round

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 14:12:06 GMT

Every time I step into a cluttered garage, I see more than just piles of boxes and forgotten tools. I see wasted potential. Most homeowners don’t realize how much valuable space is hiding above their heads. With the right approach, the ceiling can become one of the most functional parts of your garage. Installing overhead storage racks , especially overhead systems, is one of the simplest and most effective ways I help clients transform their garages from chaotic to clean.

When used strategically, these racks create order, improve safety, and make it easier to keep things organized through every season. They help you take advantage of space you already have, turning the ceiling into a strong, reliable storage zone. With the right setup, you can finally park your car where it belongs, find tools in seconds, and maintain a clean garage without constant effort.

Overhead storage racks are the secret to maintaining an organized garage year-round because they:

Maximize vertical space
Categorize items by season or use
Prioritize safety and weight distribution
Keep everyday items accessible
Combine overhead racks with wall systems
Maintain a year-round organization routine

Each of these methods plays an important role in creating a garage that stays organized and easy to maintain. In the sections below, I’ll explain how I use overhead storage racks to help homeowners keep their garages clear and functional throughout the year.

Maximize Vertical Space

One of the first things I notice during a garage consultation is how much unused ceiling space most people have. Overhead storage racks turn that wasted area into valuable real estate for storing bulky or infrequently used items. By moving boxes, bins, and seasonal gear overhead, you instantly free up floor space for vehicles, tools, or workstations. The transformation is immediate: garages feel larger, cleaner, and more functional once everything has a dedicated home.

The key to success is proper installation. I make sure racks are securely mounted, rated for heavy loads, and customized to fit each garage’s layout. With strong, professional installation, homeowners can store heavy items safely and enjoy an organized, easy-to-navigate space every day.

Categorize Items by Season or Use

A clutter-free garage starts with a storage system that’s tailored to how you live. I always help homeowners organize items before placing them on their overhead storage racks, and sorting by season is one of the most effective ways to do that. Keeping items grouped by use or time of year makes everything easier to find and ensures your garage stays organized no matter the season.

For example:

Winter gear (snow shovels, sleds, tire chains) can go up high once spring arrives.
Summer equipment (pool floats, beach chairs, camping supplies) can trade places when the weather turns.

Using clear, labeled bins or color-coded lids helps make this process quick and stress-free. When every item has a designated place on your storage racks, maintaining an organized garage becomes second nature, and your space stays functional all year long.

Prioritize Safety and Weight Distribution

Because overhead storage racks are mounted to your ceiling, safety is always the top priority. I only install high-quality racks that specify clear weight limits and anchor directly into ceiling joists. Improper installation or uneven loading can lead to damage or even accidents, so careful setup and inspection are essential. The goal is to create a system that looks great and performs safely for years.

Once your racks are up, it’s important to use them wisely. I recommend placing heavier bins toward the center and lighter items near the edges to keep weight balanced. Seasonal inspections like tightening bolts and checking hardware are also a good idea. A few minutes of maintenance every few months will ensure your racks remain sturdy and reliable.

Keep Everyday Items Accessible

One common mistake I see is when homeowners store everyday items too far out of reach. Overhead storage racks are ideal for long-term or seasonal storage, but the things you use regularly should stay within easy access. That’s why I always design garages with storage “zones” that make organization intuitive and functional.

Here’s how I recommend breaking it down:

Overhead zone: For seasonal or rarely used items.
Wall zone: For tools, bikes, and gardening supplies.
Floor zone: For vehicles or workstations.

This layout keeps everything organized and easy to find while maintaining a clean, open space. By separating storage areas based on use and accessibility, you’ll create a garage that looks better, functions better, and stays that way with minimal effort.

Combine Overhead Racks With Wall Systems

Overhead storage racks are most effective when paired with complementary wall systems. I often integrate racks with slatwall panels, hooks, cabinets, and shelving to create a cohesive and versatile setup. This combination lets you store large, bulky items overhead while keeping smaller, frequently used tools and accessories within easy reach.

The result is a balanced and efficient layout that maximizes every inch of space. Not only does this make your garage more functional, but it also gives it a polished, professional appearance. Once everything has its place—both up high and along the walls—clutter no longer stands a chance.

Maintain a Year-Round Organization Routine

Even the best-designed storage racks need a little upkeep to stay organized. I encourage homeowners to take a few minutes each season to tidy up and rotate items. This keeps your system efficient and helps prevent clutter from creeping back in.

Here’s a simple schedule:

Spring: Swap out winter items for gardening tools and summer gear.
Summer: Check rack bolts and mounting hardware after seasonal shifts.
Fall: Rotate seasonal storage again, putting summer items overhead.
Winter: Declutter before year-end. Donate or discard unused items.

During these seasonal check-ins, it’s also a good time to inspect hardware, wipe down bins, and remove anything you no longer use. A consistent routine like this ensures your garage stays in great shape with minimal effort. With just a little time each season, your space will look freshly organized all year long.

Conclusion

The garage is often one of the most overlooked spaces in a home, yet it can become one of the most functional with the right approach. Overhead storage racks help you reclaim unused ceiling space, keep items organized by season, and make year-round maintenance simple. By maximizing vertical space and creating a clear system, you can transform your garage into a cleaner, more efficient part of your home that stays organized through every season.

How to Childproof Your Garage Cabinets Without Compromising Style

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:11:19 GMT

How to Childproof Your Garage Cabinets Without Compromising Style

As someone who designs and installs garage storage systems, I’ve seen countless garages where safety has been an afterthought. Between sharp tools, hazardous chemicals, and heavy equipment, there’s too much potential for accidents. Well-built garage cabinets can be your first line of defense, but they’re only effective if they’re properly secured and intentionally organized.

The goal is to keep dangerous items locked away while still maintaining a clean, stylish, and functional space. Childproofing doesn’t have to mean sacrificing design. In fact, with the right strategies, you can achieve both safety and aesthetics seamlessly.

Below, I’ll share expert insights on why garage cabinets pose a risk, which features to look for, and how to choose safety measures that still elevate the look of your garage.

Why garage cabinets pose a risk to children
Key features to look for in childproofing solutions
Stylish yet safe childproofing options
Tips for maintaining style while maximizing safety
Additional safety recommendations

Let’s dive in so you can apply these strategies to your own garage and create a space that is both safe and beautifully designed.

Why Garage Cabinets Pose a Risk to Children

The garage is full of things you don’t want children touching, let alone playing with. Cabinets often become the hiding spot for items that look harmless to a child but can cause serious harm. Here’s what usually ends up in there:

Toxic Substances: Hazardous chemicals include everything from paint thinner and cleaning supplies to motor oil and pesticides. Even if containers are sealed, they can leak or release harmful fumes.
Sharp Tools: Pruning shears, box cutters, and screwdrivers can cause injury in seconds. When left within reach, these tools become tempting “toys” for curious hands.
Heavy or Electrical Equipment: Power drills, sanders, and battery chargers can be dangerous if pulled down or plugged in. Their weight alone can cause injury if dropped.
Small Parts and Hardware: Loose screws, nails, nuts, and bolts can easily be swallowed. These present both choking and internal injury risks for children.
Flammable Materials: Gasoline, lighter fluid, and certain solvents can ignite if mishandled. They should be stored in approved containers far out of reach.
Overlooked Hazards: Old, damaged, or unused items can be just as dangerous as active tools. Cracked containers, frayed cords, or broken parts should be removed promptly.

By recognizing these risks, you can take targeted steps to make your garage a safer place for everyone.

Key Features to Look for in Childproofing Solutions

Over the years, I’ve tested many so-called “childproof” products, and some work far better than others. If you’re shopping for solutions, here’s what I’ve learned to look for:

Secure Locking Mechanisms: A flimsy latch is as good as leaving the cabinet open. Look for strong locks that can withstand repeated attempts from a determined child.
Non-Invasive or Damage-Free Options: If you don’t want to drill holes, adhesive-based locks can be just as sturdy. Quality adhesive hardware can last for years without damaging the cabinet finish.
Durable, Weather-Resistant Materials: Garages experience temperature swings and moisture. Choose materials that won’t rust, warp, or crack over time.
Discreet, Stylish Design Integration: Safety hardware doesn’t have to be obvious. Choose finishes and designs that blend seamlessly with your cabinets.
Flexibility for Different Cabinet Types: Not all cabinets are the same size or material. Adjustable systems can adapt without forcing you into awkward setups.
Ease of Adult Access: Childproofing should never make it hard for adults to use the space. Select hardware that strikes the right balance between safety and convenience.

When your safety solutions check all these boxes, you can have both protection and a streamlined garage design.

Stylish Yet Safe Childproofing Options

When I first started this process, I thought style would have to take a back seat. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case.

Magnetic Locks (Hidden Inside): These are my personal favorite for modern cabinets. They’re invisible from the outside and open with a magnetic “key” kept out of reach.
Slide Latches in Brushed Metal Finishes: These offer a subtle industrial edge. They blend with hardware finishes while still providing reliable security.
Cabinet Straps with Neutral Tones: Straps can work aesthetically if you choose matte black, white, or wood-tone designs. They’re also adjustable for easy reconfiguration.
Custom Built-In Cabinets with Integrated Locks: Ideal for a garage renovation. These locks are built into the design, offering seamless protection.
Push-to-Open Locks with Auto-Close: These lock automatically when closed and keep your hands free while working.
Combination Lock Handles: These replace standard handles with a code-based system. Only those with the combination can open the cabinet.

By choosing childproofing methods that complement your garage’s style, you can maintain a clean, cohesive look while keeping safety a priority.

Tips for Maintaining Style While Maximizing Safety

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that safety and style can work together, but it takes intentional choices.

Try Color Matching: A black latch on a black door or white on white makes the hardware nearly disappear.
Use Minimalist Locking Systems: Some hardware hides completely inside the cabinet, creating a sleek, modern finish.
Follow Your Garage’s Design Theme: Match your safety features to the overall aesthetic. Matte black works for modern spaces, brushed steel for industrial, and warm tones for traditional styles.
Integrate Functional Lighting: Good lighting makes the garage more inviting and safe. LED strips or under-cabinet lighting enhance both visibility and appearance.
Keep the Area Organized: Even the best cabinets lose their impact if surrounded by clutter. A clean garage makes safety features blend in better.
Choose Quality Materials: Sturdy, high-quality finishes keep your hardware looking good and performing well.

With these strategies, your garage can remain stylish without compromising on child safety.

Additional Safety Recommendations

Childproofing goes beyond cabinet locks. A safe garage involves layering multiple precautions.

Store Chemicals and Tools Up High: Combine locking systems with high storage for added security.
Add Soft-Close Hinges: This small upgrade prevents pinched fingers and loud slams.
Install Motion-Sensor Lighting: Automatic lighting improves visibility and reduces accidents.
Use Clear Bins With Labels: Clear storage makes it easy to find items while deterring curious exploration.
Anchor Large Items: Tall cabinets and shelving units should be secured to prevent tipping.
Inspect Safety Features Regularly: Locks, latches, and hinges should be checked to ensure they’re still working effectively.

By combining these additional measures with childproof cabinets, you create a garage that is safe, organized, and functional.

Conclusion

Through trial and error, I have learned that it is entirely possible to protect children in the garage without sacrificing style. By being intentional with your garage cabinets and choosing secure, high-quality safety features that complement your design, you can create a space that is both safe and visually appealing. A few well-planned upgrades can make a big difference, giving you the confidence that your garage is organized, functional, and a true reflection of your style while keeping your loved ones protected.

How to Choose the Right Garage Workbench for Your Projects

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 15:20:20 GMT

Before I got my garage workbench set up the way I wanted, my DIY life was kind of a disaster. Tools lived in random drawers. Projects even started taking over my kitchen. When I finally invested in a high-quality, customized garage workbench, everything changed.

If you’ve been winging it on a folding table or the floor (been there), my tips will help you figure out how to get the right garage workbench that actually works for you. Here’s what to do:

Determine the primary purpose of your workbench
Choose the right size and layout
Select the best work surface material
Consider storage options and add-ons
Evaluate mobility and stability
Set a budget and compare features

There’s something really powerful about having a dedicated workspace that matches your habits, your gear, and your projects. Read on—because once you have a proper bench, there’s no going back.

Determine the Primary Purpose of Your Workbench

A good garage workbench starts with one question: What am I actually using this for? In my case, I needed a spot for woodworking, minor car fixes, and the occasional random invention. But your needs might be totally different—and that matters.

Project Type Is Important: When I tried to make my workbench do everything, it did nothing well. I’ve found it helps to focus. Woodworking needs space for clamps and sawdust management, while crafting might need more drawers and good lighting. Planning to do a lot of auto projects? You’ll want durability and room for larger tools.
Consider Frequency of Use: I tinker often, so it made sense to build in more permanent storage and durable materials. If you only do projects once a month, maybe mobility or compactness matters more. I’ve learned to let my habits lead the design.
Create Flow: I used to think “multipurpose” meant “efficient.” In reality, it meant clutter. One of my best decisions was to stop making compromises and customize my workbench to match my workflow.

Choose the Right Size and Layout

This part might seem basic, but I’ve seen so many people skip it and end up with a bench that barely fits, or worse, blocks access to everything else. Size isn’t just about the bench. It’s about how it fits into the whole garage.

Measure Your Garage First: I made a rough floor plan on paper before I ever touched a tape measure. Knowing the wall lengths, where the outlets were, and how much room I needed to move around kept me from ordering something way too big.
Consider Work Surface, Height, and Floor Space: I’m tall-ish, so I needed a workbench that wouldn’t wreck my back. I also wanted enough surface area to spread out without making the garage feel cramped. It’s a balancing act, but one worth doing right.
Leave Space to Move: I like to be able to move around when I’m working. Being able to step back, walk around, or roll a stool from one side to the other is a truly flexible workspace. I learned that cramming a bench into a tight corner just kills creativity.

Select the Best Work Surface Material

If the bench is the heart of your setup, the work surface is your operating table. And from my experience, not all tops are created equal.

Wood Is My Favorite for Feel and Forgiveness: I work with hand tools a lot, so I love how a solid butcher block or plywood top gives me grip and warmth. It wears in, not out.
Metal Is for the Heavy Stuff: I have a smaller steel-top side bench for when I’m working with oil, heat, or heavy impact. Easy to clean. Virtually indestructible. Just not where I want to rest my elbows for hours.
Laminate Is Budget-Friendly and Surprisingly Durable: I tried a laminate top early on. It didn’t love impact, but for crafts and electronics? It did the job. And it’s easy to replace if it takes too much of a beating.
Materials Should Match Workflow: I’ve found that having different zones with different surfaces is ideal. I don’t need one bench to do it all. I just need each space to do its job well.

Consider Storage Options and Add-Ons

This is where a workbench goes from “just a table” to a personalized hub. Once I added drawers, hooks, and built-ins? Total transformation.

Built-In Drawers and Cabinets Mean Less Clutter: My top drawer holds the tools I use daily. The cabinet below has room for a shop vac. Everything else lives by category. Having storage in the bench itself has saved me so much time and kept the rest of the garage cleaner, too.
Vertical Storage Is Your Friend: A pegboard above my bench was a game-changer. It’s like a tool gallery. Everything’s visible, reachable, and easy to put away. And I don’t lose drill bits in the back of some dusty drawer.
Custom Setups Allow for Growth: As I get more tools (and I always do), I’ve learned to leave room to adapt. Adjustable shelving, sliding trays, and even magnetic panels mean I don’t have to start over every time my projects evolve.

Evaluate Mobility and Stability

There’s no perfect answer here. It depends on what you’re doing. I’ve had both fixed and rolling benches, and each has its place.

Rolling Benches Are Flexible but Less Solid: If I’m sanding or using a Dremel, I love being able to wheel the bench near the garage door. But when I’m hammering something? I want it rock-solid. Movement has its price.
Stability Is Non-Negotiable for Heavy-Duty Work: One thing I’ve learned is that weight equals steadiness. If you’re building something serious, a lightweight frame just won’t cut it. I added extra bracing to mine for that exact reason.
Locking Wheels Are a Help: My main bench now has industrial casters with locking mechanisms. I can roll it when needed, but once I lock it down, it’s just as firm as a built-in.

Set a Budget and Compare Features

This part is personal. And believe me, I’ve fallen down more than one rabbit hole comparing benches. Here’s what helped me make smart choices:

Budget Is Important—So Is Priority: I didn’t need all the bells and whistles. I needed a solid surface, a few drawers, and pegboard access. Once I got clear on my must-haves, the price range made more sense.
Custom vs. Pre-Built Depends on Your Time and Patience: I’m handy, but I didn’t want to spend two weekends building something from scratch. So, I went semi-custom. I had a base built to my specs and finished it with some of my own touches.
Long-Term Value Is Worth More Than Short-Term Savings: A cheap bench that wobbles and chips will drive you nuts. I’ve found that investing once in quality has saved me from multiple “meh” upgrades. Bonus points for anything with a solid warranty.

Conclusion

After years of trying to make do with folding tables and makeshift setups, I finally realized I deserved a garage workbench that supported my creativity, not stifled it. And once I made the investment, my whole garage felt different. So, go custom and create the launchpad for every project you’ve been waiting to start. Whether you’re into woodworking, crafting, car tinkering, or simply experimenting—it’s time to build the space your hobbies deserve.

Everyday Tips to Preserve the Look of Your Swisstrax Flooring

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:07:47 GMT

Remember that first day you installed your Swisstrax flooring ? Everything looked immaculate. The colors popped, the finish gleamed, and suddenly your garage—or closet or home gym—felt like something out of a showroom. I remember thinking, “Is this really the same garage where my kids used sidewalk chalk on the oil stains and peeling floor paint?” It was a transformation. But I also knew: the real challenge wasn’t getting it to look great. It was keeping it that way.

Swisstrax flooring is built to last—but a little love goes a long way, so today, I’m sharing what’s worked for me to keep mine looking sharp, clean, and ready for everything from weekend projects to family hangouts. Here’s what you need to know:

Know your Swisstrax: Built tough, but not maintenance-free
Everyday habits that make a big difference
Monthly TLC: Deep clean without the hassle
Don’ts: Avoid these floor-damaging mistakes
Simple upgrades that protect your floor long-term
Tile trouble? Here’s how easy it is to replace one
Real-life tip: How Swisstrax transforms garages

A polished garage feels so much better when it’s easy to keep it that way, and Swisstrax delivers. Keep reading to discover how to keep your Swisstrax flooring pristine for the long haul.

Know Your Swisstrax: Built Tough, But Not Maintenance-Free

Swisstrax tiles are one of the smartest things I’ve ever invested in for my home. They’re modular, durable, stylish, and shockingly low maintenance. Whether you’ve got them in your garage, a workshop, or even a home gym—they’re designed to hold up to heavy use.

But here’s what I’ve learned: just because they’re tough doesn’t mean they’re invincible. If you want to preserve the look (and keep that showroom vibe alive), routine care really does matter. And the good news? It’s way easier than most people think.

Everyday Habits That Make a Big Difference

These are the bite-sized habits I’ve baked into my weekly routine. Nothing crazy. Just little things that keep the dust bunnies and scuffs from piling up.

Quick Sweep or Vacuum: I keep a small shop vac nearby and give the floor a once-over every few days. It takes 5 minutes—tops.
Wipe Spills Immediately: Oil, paint, soda, muddy paw prints—whatever hits the tile, I tackle it right away. No sitting, no staining.
Weekly Mop With Gentle Soap: Once a week, I run a damp microfiber mop over the tiles with a bit of mild dish soap. No bleach, no heavy-duty cleaner. Just a light refresh that makes it shine again.

These tiny tasks save me hours down the line. Trust me, it’s so much easier to stay ahead of the grime than to fight it later.

Monthly TLC: Deep Clean Without the Hassle

Every month—or whenever I’m in one of those “let’s reorganize the whole garage” moods—I do a slightly deeper clean. Here’s my go-to routine:

Pop Out a Few Tiles Near the Entrance or Your Workbench: These are the hotspots where dust and debris sneak in underneath.
Vacuum Under the Tiles: Swisstrax lets air and moisture pass through—so yes, dirt can, too. A handheld vacuum does the trick.
Spot-Clean With a Gentle Degreaser: I have a favorite eco-friendly degreaser I use for tougher spots. Nothing abrasive—just enough to lift grime.

One of my favorite tricks? While I’ve got a few tiles out, I use it as a reset moment. I’ll reorganize a shelf or toss out that mystery bin I’ve been ignoring since last fall. It makes the whole garage feel new again.

Don’ts: Avoid These Floor-Damaging Mistakes

Look, I’ve learned some of these the hard way. So let me save you the trouble:

❌Harsh Chemicals: Bleach, ammonia, or anything industrial-grade can dull the finish or even damage the tile surface. Stick with gentle cleaners.

❌Power Washers: Tempting, I know—but high-pressure water can lift or warp the tiles if you’re not careful.

❌ Letting Oil or Paint Sit: Even if the tile looks fine, those substances can sneak underneath and cause issues. Clean it up fast.

❌Dragging Furniture or Heavy Equipment: Use felt pads or wheels. Dragging stuff across the floor leaves scuffs—and you’ll kick yourself when it happens.

A few small precautions now means way fewer regrets later.

Simple Upgrades That Protect Your Floor Long-Term

If you’re into the “set it and forget it” approach like I am, here are a few add-ons that make life even easier:

Entry Mats: I put one by the garage door to trap dirt before it hits the tile. Bonus: they look good, too.
Furniture Pads: Especially under metal shelving or rolling tool cabinets.
Wheeled Storage Bins: Less strain on your floor (and your back) when moving things around.
Garage Shoes Only: Yep, we have a designated pair by the door. It keeps yard debris to a minimum.

These aren’t must-haves, but they help keep everything looking polished, even on the busiest days.

Tile Trouble? Here’s How Easy It Is to Replace One

Accidents happen. A dropped wrench, a chemical spill, your teenager backing over the floor jack—I've seen it all. Here’s the good news: Swisstrax tiles are modular, which means:

Pop Out the Damaged Tile: A flathead screwdriver or a Swisstrax tool makes it easy.
Clean the Space Underneath: Quick vacuum or wipe—it’s probably dustier than you think.
Snap in a Replacement: That’s it—so simple. You’re back in business.

I’ve replaced maybe two tiles in five years. But knowing I can replace one in under five minutes? Total peace of mind.

Real-Life Tip: How Swisstrax Transforms Garages

One of my neighbors installed Swisstrax after they saw how successful my investment turned out to be. And something they told me stuck with me:

“Every week, we clean the garage as a family. Everyone has their own tasks, and we rotate each week for a little variety. It’s our own “clean-up” tradition—but it keeps our Swisstrax floor looking brand new.”

I love hearing this so much. It just proves that Swisstrax isn’t simply an aesthetic upgrade—it turns the garage a place you want to be.

Conclusion

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: a clean garage just feels nice. Swisstrax flooring makes it easy—but a little consistency goes a long way. With simple habits, smart extras, and a mindset of pride and upkeep, your floor will keep turning heads (and staying functional) for years. Need cleaning product recs or tile replacements? Reach out anytime. In the meantime—mop, admire, repeat. Your garage deserves it.

Couples’ Guide to Garage Cabinet Organization This Valentine’s Day

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 15:25:28 GMT

Forget overpriced dinners and packed restaurants. This Valentine’s season, why not do something different? Something practical, productive, and—dare I say—fun? Garage cabinet organization.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Cleaning? On Valentine’s Day?” But hear me out. A clutter-free space equals a clutter-free mind, and there’s something incredibly satisfying about tackling a project as a team. Plus, I’ve found that working together on a shared goal brings couples closer—especially when you throw in a little friendly competition (who can sort faster?) and a well-earned reward at the end. Here are my top tips for making it all happen:

Why organizing together is a great couple’s activity
Preparing for the project (step-by-step guide)
Decluttering first: The keep, donate, toss rule
Making it a fun and memorable experience

If you and your partner are ready to transform chaos into a streamlined, functional space, keep reading. I’m about to show you exactly how to make garage cabinet organization a bonding experience—rather than a chore.

Why Organizing Together Is a Great Couple’s Activity

I’ve done solo organizing missions before, and let me tell you—it’s way more fun with a partner. Here’s why tackling the garage cabinets together is a fantastic Valentine’s Day activity:

 It’s a Great Bonding Opportunity: There’s something about sorting through old tools, forgotten sports equipment, and mismatched screws that brings out teamwork. You make decisions together, share a few laughs, and maybe even stumble upon old memories (or that missing screwdriver).
You’ll Enjoy Productivity and Fulfillment: There’s no better feeling than stepping back and admiring a job well done. Organizing your garage cabinets means crossing something big off the to-do list while creating a space that actually works for both of you.
A Lighthearted Approach Makes a Chore Fun: Put on a playlist, set mini challenges (first one to fill a donation box wins!), and celebrate small victories along the way. Bonus points if you can make your partner laugh while elbow-deep in cleaning supplies.

Preparing for the Project (Step-by-Step Guide)

A little prep goes a long way. Before you get started on your garage cabinet upgrade, set yourselves up for success:

Set the Mood for a Fun Activity: Yes, even in the garage! Play your favorite music, light a scented candle (why not?), or set up a mini snack station with coffee or drinks.
Dress Comfortably: Trust me, this is not a “nice clothes” situation. Old T-shirts, sneakers, and maybe even workout gear make moving around easier.
Gather Necessary Supplies: You don’t want to stop mid-project because you forgot garbage bags. Here’s what you’ll need:
Storage Bins: I typically use clear ones for easy visibility, sturdy ones for heavy items.
Labels and Markers: Labeling really is life-changing. No more mystery bins!
Shelving Units or Hooks: Maximize vertical space and keep floors clutter-free.
Trash Bags and Recycling Bins: Because you’re (very likely) about to say goodbye to a lot of stuff.
Gloves and Cleaning Supplies: Wiping down dusty shelves is inevitable.
Invest in Custom Garage Cabinets: If your garage storage situation is a constant battle, consider upgrading to custom garage cabinets for a sleek, func tional setup. They maximize space, keep everything neatly tucked away, and give your garage a polished, organized feel—no more digging through cluttered shelves!

Decluttering First: The Keep, Donate, Toss Rule

Here’s where the magic happens. Empty every single cabinet. It sounds extreme, but trust me, it’s the only way to see what you’re working with. Then, I typically use the classic Keep, Donate, Toss method:

Keep: Only if it’s useful, functional, or truly sentimental.
Donate: If it’s in good condition but not needed (hello, duplicate tools!).
Toss: If it’s broken, expired, or has been sitting untouched for years.

And here’s the key: Be realistic. That third paint roller you forgot you owned? It’s probably time to let it go.

Making It a Fun and Memorable Experience

Cleaning and organizing don’t have to be boring. This is exactly how I keep it light and enjoyable:

Gamify the Process: Set a timer and see who can clear their section fastest. Assign silly “prizes” (winner picks the next date night spot!).
Take Before-and-After Photos: You’ll be shocked at the transformation (trust me), and it’s a great reminder of how far you’ve come.
Celebrate Your Success: Whether it’s ordering takeout or planning a cozy movie night, end the project on a high note.

Conclusion

Garage cabinet organization might not be the most traditional Valentine’s Day plan, but it’s one that strengthens teamwork and creates a functional space. Talk about feeling accomplished—together! And honestly? That beats overpriced flowers any day. Grab your partner, roll up your sleeves, and make this Valentine’s Day one to remember. Because nothing says love like a well-organized garage.

How to Prevent Holiday Clutter in Your Garage Storage Space

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 16:15:04 GMT

Ah, the holiday season. It’s a time of fun, family togetherness, and—let’s be honest, busyness. And since you’re so busy, clutter tends to accumulate more than during other times of the year. Your garage especially could end up becoming a dumping ground for all your household clutter.

If you’re tired of all the extra items, equipment, and seasonal decorations taking up valuable space in your garage storage , you should know that you have options. And, maintaining organization is probably easier than you think!

How do you keep your garage clutter-free all holiday season? Here are some garage storage tips to banish clutter and make your garage more functional:

Plan and prepare early for holiday storage
Invest in efficient storage solutions
Create seasonal zones in the garage
Implement a “one-in, one-out” rule for garage items
Maximize garage vertical storage
Label and sort holiday items for easy access
Set a post-holiday clean-up plan
Utilize seasonal storage solutions
Maintain consistency throughout the year

With a straightforward plan and these helpful tips, you can carve a way out of the clutter and keep your garage functional well into the new year.

Plan and Prepare Early for Holiday Storage

Preparation is key to preventing clutter. Lifestyle resource Real Simple attests to the virtue of planning and preparation, such as having donation bins ready, so you can always easily get rid of what you don’t use or need.

Ideally, you should set aside time before the holiday season begins to organize your garage. If it’s too late for that this year, then make it a goal for next year. Create designated spots in your garage for keeping holiday items from seasonal tools to gift-wrapping supplies and decorations.

If it’s crunch time and the holidays are already well underway, then remove items you don’t need at the very least. This is a great time for those donation bins to come in handy already.

Invest in Efficient Storage Solutions

Of course, part of successful garage storage and decluttering is having access to the right solutions. We recommend labeled bins, shelving, and/or clear containers to store all sorts of holiday items, including seasonal tools, holiday gear, and decorations.

We also can’t emphasize enough how helpful overhead storage, storage racks, and cabinets are for keeping an organized garage. Vertical space clears up your floor while not taking up too much room on the walls. It’s a win-win storage solution.

Adjustable shelving, wall-mounted shelves, and other smart storage systems for the garage will make it easier to keep this space organized and access what you need. Stacking items is another smart way to organize your garage without taking up too much space.

Create Seasonal Zones in the Garage

Let’s talk more about seasonal zones, as they’re an excellent way to keep holiday items accessible yet separate from everything else you keep in your garage. You might assign item placement in zones by category, like one zone for gift-wrapping supplies, another for winter gear, and yet another for holiday decorations.

The usage of holiday-themed zones prevents clutter from accumulating while streamlining access. However, you will have to dedicate time to organizing these zones in such a way that you can keep the items you use most at the front where they’re easily within reach. Lesser-used items can be toward the back and slightly less accessible.

Implement a “One-In, One-Out” Rule for Garage Items

The “one-in, one-out” methodology is a classic for decluttering. You can maintain neat garage storage by committing to removing one item from your garage each time you add something new. You can add back the original item if you take out the new item after the holidays. Otherwise, it has to go somewhere else, whether that’s in the house or in a donation bin.

This rule prevents additional clutter from entering your garage, keeping it neat and streamlined. You can apply the “one-in, one out” rule for everything from seasonal clothing to holiday decorations or sporting equipment.

For instance, if you take out holiday decorations to accessorize your lawn, you can finally store those autumn lawn chairs you’ve had sitting out for months. Then, after the holidays, you might take out your spring décor as you replace autumn and winter gear.

Maximize Garage Vertical Storage

Let’s dig deeper into vertical storage, as it’s one of your best allies in maintaining a neat garage. Vertical space will help you avoid floor clutter, which can make your garage unsafe. We suggest installing garage wall storage, pegboards, hooks, or shelving units to store items, like seasonal accessories, holiday lights, winter gear and coats, and more.

Overhead storage is also handy for those holiday décor items you don’t use as frequently as well as bulky items. You can use the increased floor space for other essential items, even vehicles if you prefer.

Label and Sort Holiday Items for Easy Access

A good organization system is key when setting up garage storage for the holidays. Labeling boxes, shelves, and storage bins will make it easy to access the items you need. We like color-coded labels for adding a touch of pizzazz in your garage; they also help you categorize items.

If you can’t use labels, then clear bins are a great alternative. You can still see what’s inside, so you don’t go digging around for items you don’t need. Here’s another tip: help yourself find what you’re looking for faster by sorting holiday items by type, like winter gear, lights, or decorations.

Labels are usable year after year, helping you with long-term organization each time the holiday season arrives again.

Set a Post-Holiday Clean-Up Plan

Although it’s a bummer to think about the holidays being over, you should begin planning ahead while you organize your garage. Setting aside time for post-holiday cleanup will help you control clutter as the new year gets underway.

Schedule time to take down decorations and properly store items and gifts. You can also do a quick garage refresh at this point to ensure everything is back in its original place. Planning to do this maintenance yearly means reducing stress as the holidays are behind us and maintaining order in your garage.

Utilize Seasonal Storage Solutions

Seasonal-specific storage is your friend. By introducing certain storage solutions you only bring out during the holidays, you can maximize your garage storage without taking up unnecessary space. Think solutions, like collapsible bins for storing decorations or even seasonal organizers for winter gear.

You can move these organizers and storage options nearer to the front of your garage during the holiday season, then store them away once the season ends to free up space.

Maintain Consistency Throughout the Year

Consistency is key when preventing holiday clutter. You must be ready to commit to this ongoing process, and that entails maintaining good organization habits throughout the year. Periodically, you should check your garage organization tactics, and make any necessary adjustments to control clutter. You should also plan to do this whenever you add new items or as your space evolves.

Conclusion

Taking a practical approach to garage storage means controlling clutter through the holidays and beyond. An organized garage is safe, efficient, and accessible, reducing stress and providing more space for everyday use. Take the time now to get your garage in a clutter-free state before the holidays, and keep it that way for the year to come!

Source

https://www.realsimple.com/how-to-prevent-clutter-in-your-home-7852465

How Garage Storage Systems Help Improve Your Well-Being

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 17:54:13 GMT

Most garages are a dumping ground for clutter. Tools piled messily, bikes leaning precariously against walls, and seasonal decorations stuffed into overflowing bins—it's a recipe for stress. But what if I told you that your garage could be more than a chaotic storage space?

I've always been a big believer in the power of organization, and I've seen firsthand how custom garage storage systems can transform this space into a haven of order and efficiency. Here's how:

Stress less, live more
Boost your productivity (and your mood)
Put safety first
Clear your space, clear your mind
Get active and healthy
Keep peace with the family
Leverage all usable space

Want to know how I transformed my disorganized garage into a space of calm and inspiration? Keep reading to discover how the right storage solutions can enhance your well-being, too.

Stress Less, Live More

Clutter and disorganization can weigh heavily on your mind, creating a sense of overwhelm and anxiety. I've found a well-organized garage can be a surprisingly effective antidote to stress and anxiety. When your garage is organized, you experience a sense of order and control that extends beyond your garage doors. For me, it’s like a visual reminder that I’ve got things handled, which can obviously be incredibly calming.

Remember those frantic searches for a misplaced wrench or that elusive holiday decoration? With a proper garage storage system, those days are over. Everything has its place, so you can find what you need, when you need it. Less frustration, less stress. Consider the time and energy you save—no more wasted minutes digging through piles of clutter. You can get straight to your projects or hobbies, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy life.

Boost Your Productivity (and Your Mood)

A cluttered garage can be a real productivity killer. But when your space is organized, it's amazing how much more you can accomplish. Whether you're tackling a DIY project, doing some car maintenance, or even just prepping your bike for a long ride, you can get things done without delay.

I've found that a clean and organized garage can actually boost my motivation. When my tools and equipment are neatly arranged and easily accessible, I'm way more likely to tackle those projects I've been putting off.

Also, if you truly want to turn your garage into a productive hobby haven, House Digest recommends installing a workbench countertop; but choose your material carefully. Options, like high-pressure laminate, real-wood butcher block, and stainless steel, are the best choices for the rigors of a garage. I personally chose stainless steel and have never looked back; it resists corrosion, staining, heavy wear, and even heat. It’s truly served me well for years and years.

Put Safety First

A cluttered garage is a safety hazard, with tripping hazards and potential dangers lurking around every corner. I’ve discovered firsthand that a well-designed garage storage system instantly makes my garage a safer environment—for myself and my family and guests.

Trip-Proof Your Space: No more navigating a minefield of tools and toys. With a proper storage system, you can keep your garage floor clear and organized, reducing the risk of trips and falls.
Secure Hazards: Hazardous items, like chemicals, sharp tools, and gardening equipment, should be stored safely out of reach of children and pets. Garage cabinets with locks or designated storage areas can help you secure these items with complete peace of mind.

Clear Your Space, Clear Your Mind

Believe it or not, your garage can actually contribute to your mental clarity and overall well-being. Studies have shown that a cluttered environment can lead to a cluttered mind. By organizing your garage, you're not just creating a more functional space; you're also promoting mental clarity and a sense of calm.

When your garage is organized, it can become a space that sets the stage for expressing your personal creativity. Whether you're working on a DIY project or pursuing a new hobby, a clutter-free garage helps you focus and feel more inspired.

Get Active and Healthy

I've found that an organized garage can even encourage a more active and healthy lifestyle.

Make Room for Movement: With a proper storage system, you can free up space for exercise equipment, sports gear, or hobby supplies. Whether you want to set up a mini home gym, store your bikes and kayaks, or create a dedicated space for gardening, an organized garage makes it easier to pursue your passions. You can even create your own personal yoga studio—the sky’s truly the limit.
Grab and Go: When your sports equipment and workout gear are easily accessible, you're more likely to use them. So, no more excuses about not being able to find your running shoes or your bike helmet.

Keep Peace With the Family

A well-organized garage can even improve family relationships. I know it sounds strange, but hear me out! When everyone knows where things belong, it eliminates those frustrating moments of searching for misplaced items. That means no more arguments about who left the rake out in the rain or who borrowed the toolbox without putting it back.

Organizing your garage can even be a family affair. Get everyone involved in decluttering, sorting, and creating a system that works for your whole crew. It's a great way to teach kids about responsibility and create a sense of shared ownership in keeping the space clean.

Leverage All Usable Space

I like to think of my garage as a bonus room, just waiting to be used to its full potential. With the right storage system, I’ve transformed it from a chaotic dumping ground into a versatile, functional space that enhances your entire home.

More Than Just Parking: I used to think of my garage solely as a place to park my car. But now, it's so much more than that. It's my workshop and my creative escape. With a well-designed storage system, I've been able to create dedicated zones for different activities, from woodworking and tinkering with my car to brewing beer and practicing my guitar.
Hobby Central: Do you have a passion for gardening, crafting, or restoring vintage furniture? A garage storage system can help you create the perfect space to indulge in your hobbies. Having all your tools and supplies neatly organized and easily accessible frees up your mind and your workspace for creative pursuits.
Leave Storage Units Behind: I used to dread the monthly trek to my off-site storage unit. It was hassle, and it felt like throwing money down the drain. But with a custom garage storage system, I was able to bring all my belongings home, where they're organized, protected, and easily accessible whenever I need them.
Boost Your Home's Value: A well-organized and functional garage can significantly increase your home's value. Potential buyers are always impressed by a garage that's not only spacious but also thoughtfully designed. It shows that you've taken pride in your home and invested in its functionality.

Conclusion

From reducing stress and increasing productivity to promoting safety and encouraging a more active lifestyle, the benefits of garage storage systems extend far beyond simple organization. With careful planning and the right guidance, you can transform your garage into a space that supports your well-being and even enhances your overall quality of life. So, don’t wait to conquer clutter once and for all—start planning your dream garage today!

Source

https://www.housedigest.com/1645486/best-countertop-garage-workbench-affordable/

Simplify and Declutter Your Space With Garage Storage Systems

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 19:56:11 GMT

Let's be real—garages have a tendency to become black holes for clutter. I know mine did. Tools, sports gear, holiday decorations, half-finished projects–they all piled up, creating a chaotic mess that was more stressful than functional. But then I discovered the magic of garage storage systems . These customizable solutions have transformed my garage from a disorganized dumping ground into a well-ordered space that I actually enjoy spending time in.

Get to know the types of garage storage systems
Choose your ideal garage storage system combination
Implement organization techniques
Maintain a clutter-free garage
Enjoy the benefits of a decluttered garage
Get your garage organized—it starts today

Whether you're a DIY enthusiast, a weekend warrior, or just looking for a better way to manage your belongings, a well-designed garage storage system can make all the difference—here’s how to make it happen.

Get to Know the Types of Garage Storage Systems

Before we dive headfirst into decluttering, let's talk shop about the arsenal of garage storage systems out there. Trust me, they're not all created equal. Each one has its own strengths, and the key is finding the right combination for your specific needs.

Cabinets: Cabinets are the trusty workhorse of garage storage. They're sturdy, they look sharp, and they keep all of your gear tucked away from dust and grime. If you've got a collection of tools you want to protect, or just like the idea of a more polished garage, cabinets are a solid choice. Look for options with adjustable shelves so you can customize the space for different-sized items.
Workbenches: If you're a DIY lover like me, a workbench is an absolute must-have. It's your command center for projects big and small. You want something sturdy enough to handle your hammering, sawing, and general tinkering. Bonus points if it has built-in storage, like drawers or cabinets underneath. It's so much easier to keep things organized when everything has a designated spot.
Slatwall Systems: Slatwall is like that one tool you reach for over and over again—it’s incredibly versatile. You can hang just about anything on it—hooks for bikes and tools, baskets for smaller items, even shelves for larger gear. And the best part? You can easily move things around as your needs change. If you're the type who likes to reconfigure your space every now and then, slatwall is the way to go.
Overhead Storage Racks: Got a garage that's bursting at the seams? Overhead storage racks are a lifesaver. They help you use that often-wasted vertical space up near the ceiling, perfect for stashing away those bulky bins of holiday decorations, camping gear, or anything you don't need access to on a daily basis.

Choose Your Ideal Garage Storage System Combination

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. To create a garage storage system that truly works for you, we need to start by figuring out what you actually need. It sounds simple, but it's amazing how many people skip this process.

Step 1: Take Inventory: Grab a pen and paper, or open up a note on your phone, and do a full walkthrough of your garage. List out everything you store in there. Don't just jot down “tools”—be specific. Think screwdrivers, wrenches, power tools, the whole nine yards. Same goes for sporting equipment gardening stuff, holiday decorations—you get the idea.
Step 2: Consider Frequency of Use: Now, next to each item, jot down how often you use it. This will help us figure out where it should live in your new garage setup. The stuff you use every week? That needs to be front and center, easy to grab. The Christmas decorations? Those can go up high, out of the way.
Step 3: Consider Size: Look at your list and see if there are any particularly bulky or awkward items. Bikes, ladders, kayaks—these things need special attention. We'll want to make sure your new garage storage system has the right racks or hooks to handle those big guys.
Step 4: Remember Budget and Style: Okay, now comes the fun part: dreaming a little! What's your ideal garage aesthetic? Do you want a sleek, modern look with everything tucked away in cabinets? Or maybe you prefer a more rugged, industrial feel with open shelving and exposed tools?

And, of course, we need to be realistic about the budget. Custom garage storage can range from affordable to high-end, depending on the materials, features, and complexity of the design. The good news is, there are options for every budget.

Implement Organization Techniques

Once you have your garage storage system in place, it's time to organize like a pro. Start by decluttering—get rid of anything you no longer use, need, or want. Then, categorize your remaining items and assign them to specific storage areas.

Use clear bins and labels so you can easily see what's inside. For smaller items, consider drawer organizers or dividers. And don't forget about your walls. HGTV recommends a simple system of hooks and pegboards to hang tools, sports equipment, or even garden hoses.

Maintain a Clutter-Free Garage

The key to a successful garage storage system is regular maintenance. Make it a habit to put things back in their designated spots after each use. Schedule a quick “garage sweep” each week to address any clutter that's accumulated. And twice a year, do a more thorough decluttering session to keep your garage in pristine shape.

Enjoy the Benefits of a Decluttered Garage

Ready to pull into your garage, not with a sigh of dread, but with a sense of happiness? A well-organized garage storage system makes that happen. Here’s how it can change your everyday life:

More Space: Your garage will feel larger and more open.
Increased Efficiency: You'll save time by finding things quickly and easily.
Reduced Stress: An organized space promotes a calmer, more relaxed mind.
Enhanced Safety: You won't have to worry about tripping over hazards.
Improved Productivity: You'll have a dedicated space for your hobbies and projects.

Get Your Garage Organized—It Starts Today

You shouldn’t let a messy garage hold you back from enjoying your home to the fullest. With the right garage storage systems, you can create a space that's both functional and beautiful. Ready to take the next step? Contact Closets to Adore today. Our team of garage design pros can help you design and install a custom garage storage system that meets your unique needs and exceeds your expectations.

Source

https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/to-do-list-organizing-the-garage#:~:text=Make%20the%20most%20of%20vertical,Set%20an%20organizing%20schedule

Why Garage Storage Systems Are a Must-Have for Every Home

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 15:57:36 GMT

If your garage looks more like a storage unit than a usable space, you're not alone. I used to feel overwhelmed by the endless clutter in my garage—bikes piled on top of tools, holiday decorations vying for space with gardening supplies. It was a stressful mess. I knew something had to change. Luckily, I discovered the transformative power of custom garage storage systems. Try my tested tips to tame the chaos and unlock the full potential of your garage:

Bid farewell to clutter
Put everything in its place
Maximize your space’s potential
Protect your prized possessions
Create a safer environment
Boost your curb appeal (and your home value)
Embrace flexibility for evolving needs
Create dedicated activity zones

Keep reading to discover how to gain back precious floor space and create a functional and organized garage environment that simplifies your life.

Bid Farewell to Clutter

The most immediate and obvious advantage of garage storage is the drastic reduction of clutter. No more tripping over gardening tools or searching for that missing socket wrench. With designated spots for every item, your garage transforms from a chaotic mess into a well-ordered space. Imagine the peace of mind that comes with simply opening your garage door to the sight of complete organization—it’s well worth your time and effort.

Put Everything in Its Place

Garage storage systems are designed for efficiency. Custom cabinets, shelves, and overhead racks provide designated spaces for all your tools, equipment, and seasonal items. Investing in custom organization solutions for your garage not only makes it easier to find what you need when you need it, but it also frees up floor space for parking your vehicles.

Maximize Your Space’s Potential

HGTV shares a genius tip—making the most of vertical space with unique storage ideas. You can use a combination of wall-mounted cabinets, pegboards, and even overhead storage solutions. Each of these features can be tailored to the unique dimensions of your garage, ensuring that no space goes to waste.

Protect Your Prized Possessions

A garage storage system does more than just organize—it protects. By storing your tools, sports equipment, and even holiday decorations in cabinets or bins, you're shielding them from dust, moisture, and pests. You’ll extend the lifespan of your belongings and keep them in pristine condition.

Create a Safer Environment

A cluttered garage can be a safety hazard. Tripping over tools or awkwardly maneuvering around a disorganized space is an accident waiting to happen. Garage storage eliminates these hazards, making it safer for you and your family to navigate.

Boost Your Curb Appeal (and Home Value)

An organized garage contributes to a cleaner, more polished look for your home. Curb appeal matters, and a tidy garage can make a big difference in your home's overall aesthetic. Not to mention, potential buyers are always impressed by a well-organized garage, potentially adding value to your home.

Embrace Flexibility for Evolving Needs

Life changes, and so do your storage needs. Garage storage systems offer modular and customizable solutions that can adapt along with you. Whether you need to add more shelves, change the configuration of your cabinets, or install new accessories, a well-designed system allows for seamless adjustments as your needs evolve.

Create Dedicated Activity Zones

Take your garage organization a step further by creating designated zones for specific activities. Designate a corner for gardening tools, a workbench area for DIY projects, or a sporting equipment section. It’s a simple approach that not only enhances organization but also promotes efficiency by creating dedicated spaces for everything you do in your garage.

Conclusion

From eliminating clutter and maximizing space to protecting your belongings and increasing safety, the benefits of a garage storage system are clear. By investing in a well-designed and customized solution, you can transform your garage into a functional, organized, and even stylish part of your home. Your garage shouldn’t be an afterthought. Follow my simple tips above to make it a space that enhances your lifestyle and adds value to your property.

Ready to Start Your Garage Transformation?

If you’re ready to bid farewell to your cluttered garage, connect with Closets to Adore today for a free design consultation. Our team of experts works with you to create a custom garage storage system that maximizes space, enhances functionality, and elevates the overall look and feel of your garage. Don't settle for a cluttered garage when a haven of organization is within reach. Contact us today and let's transform your garage together.

Source

https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/how-to-organize-your-garage-from-top-to-bottom-pictures

Unlock Vertical Space With Overhead Garage Storage Racks

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 20:33:03 GMT

When you think of garage space, what comes to mind? Most likely, it’s a jumble of power tools, holiday decorations, and boxes of who-knows-what that you've been meaning to sort through. In the battle against clutter, a silent hero awaits—the overhead garage storage rack. Here's my definitive list of steps to help you transform your garage using overhead storage racks :

Assess your needs and the space
Choose the right materials
Decide whether to DIY or hire professionals
Store items strategically
Make it usable
Enhance your lighting
Incorporate complementary custom storage solutions
Maintain and reevaluate

Keep reading to discover how overhead garage storage could be the answer to freeing up your garage floor and making the most of your storage space.

Assess Your Needs and the Space

Before you break out the screwdriver, take a step back and examine what you're working with. Assess the dimensions of your garage, considering ceiling height, wall space, and the location of obstacles like garage door tracks and light fixtures. Then, think about what you'll be storing.

Items that are seasonal, bulky, or infrequently used are perfect candidates for overhead storage. The goal is to make sure that whatever you're storing doesn't become a burden to retrieve, so keep frequently accessed items at eye level or below.

Choose the Right Materials

Not all overhead storage racks are created equal, which is why it's critical to select high-quality materials that can bear the weight of your possessions. Galvanized steel is an excellent choice for its durability and rust-resistant properties.

As you shop for the perfect overhead storage racks, look for heavy-duty brackets, wire mesh, or slats, and be sure to pick up the appropriate hardware for mounting. Cargo nets and lighter wire shelves are fine for lightweight items, but for those heavier, bulkier pieces, you'll want something sturdier.

Decide Whether to DIY or Hire Professionals

The allure of a weekend DIY project is strong, but installing overhead storage racks in your garage is not the time to test whether that seventh-grade shop class still pays off. Although you could save a few bucks doing it yourself, the security and longevity of a professional installation are invaluable. Properly installed racks will give you peace of mind and avoid any household safety hazards due to inadequate installation.

Store Items Strategically

How your belongings are arranged on your storage racks is just as crucial as the installation itself. Always store heavier items closer to the wall for stability, and lighter items toward the front. Group similar items together and consider labeling storage containers for ease of reference.

The Spruce also highlights a helpful storage technique—using labeled, lidded storage bins. Not only does this protect items inside from dust or moisture damage, but it also helps you easily determine the contents of each bin.

Make It Usable

A storage system is only useful if it’s accessible. Place items you use less frequently farther back and keep more-used gear within “grabbing distance.” Consider adding hooks or smaller storage shelves to your overhead racks for easy access to everyday items, like bike helmets or gardening gloves. Remember, the less hassle it is to store and retrieve items, the more likely you are to maintain the organization of your garage.

Enhance Your Lighting

Overhead storage racks can reduce the impact on your garage space, but they can also cast those shadowy corners into even darker depths. It’s wise to invest in quality overhead lighting to illuminate your new storage setup. LED lights are ideal for their brightness and energy efficiency. If space allows, consider lighting the underside of your overhead storage to make items more visible and create a well-lit, workable space

Incorporate Complementary Custom Storage Solutions

Now that you’ve taken full advantage of your vertical space with overhead racks, round out your garage transformation with custom storage solutions. From wall organizers to tool stands, there’s a storage accessory designed to fit the needs of any garage. Your trusted custom garage company can help you discover how to integrate these into your space during a complimentary consultation, ensuring that no corner of your garage goes to waste.

Maintain and Re-evaluate

Organization is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Make it a habit to re-evaluate the contents of your overhead storage at least once a year. Donate or discard items you no longer need and reorganize the space as your storage needs change. Regular maintenance helps prevent clutter from accumulating and maintains the accessibility of your storage system.

Conclusion

Think you can’t turn your garage from a haphazard catch-all to a neatly organized storage space? If you follow the steps above, it’s much easier than you might think! Overhead garage storage racks are an excellent investment for anyone looking to reclaim their garage and keep their belongings safe and accessible.

Remember, the key is thoughtful planning and a dedication to keeping things in order. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a garage that’s as organized as the rest of your home.

Source

https://www.thespruce.com/the-best-garage-storage-solutions-2648089

5 Mistakes to Avoid in Home Office Design

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 18:14:03 GMT

Working from home has become the new norm for many of us, and having a functional and inviting home office space is crucial for productivity and well-being. However, there are common design mistakes that can hinder your work experience. Let's delve into these mistakes and discover how to avoid them:

Mistake #1: Neglecting Drawers and Doors

A cluttered workspace can sabotage your productivity. Even in a digital age, papers, pens, and supplies need a designated spot. Ensure your workspace includes at least one drawer and a file cabinet for organization. Cabinet doors are handy for storing bulkier items like modems and printers, keeping your workspace tidy and efficient.

Mistake #2: Prioritizing Aesthetics Over Functionality

While a stylish workspace is appealing, don't sacrifice functionality for looks. Opt for a desk with drawers and invest in an ergonomic office chair with lumbar support to prevent discomfort during long work hours. A clutter-free desktop promotes focus and efficiency, so ensure your setup includes adequate storage solutions.

Mistake #3: Poor Lighting Choices

Lighting can significantly impact your mood and energy levels. Aim to position your workspace near a window to benefit from natural light. Additionally, incorporate a mix of natural and artificial lighting sources. Consider adding a desk or wall lamp to brighten your space, especially if your desk is against a wall. For those who frequently engage in video calls, a ring light is essential for ensuring optimal visibility.

Mistake #4: Underutilizing Space

Your home office may serve multiple purposes, but maximizing every square inch is key to an efficient workspace. Explore vertical and horizontal storage options such as shelves or cabinets that reach the ceiling. L-shaped desks fit snugly into corners, offering ample surface area while conserving space. By optimizing your layout, you can create a functional and organized workspace that meets your needs.

Mistake #5: Neglecting Decor

Your home office should reflect your personality and inspire creativity. Ditch the bland decor of traditional office spaces and inject some life into your workspace. Incorporate elements like photos, art, rugs, colorful pillows, houseplants, wallpaper, and drapes to add warmth and character. Additionally, pay attention to your background during video calls, ensuring it is visually appealing and professional.

Designing an effective home office requires careful consideration of functionality, lighting, space utilization, and decor. By avoiding these common mistakes and implementing practical solutions, you can create a workspace that enhances productivity and fosters a positive work environment.

Interested in creating the ideal home office that perfectly fits your space? Schedule your complimentary consultation with one of our designers now, and ask about our new client discount - which could save you up to 40% off your new custom home office!

3 Easy Steps to Stay Organized This Year

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 17:57:28 GMT

Keeping your home organized can feel like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it's achievable for everyone. Here are three easy steps to help you stay organized throughout the year:

Step One: Involve the Whole Family

Organizing your home is a team effort, so involve the whole family in the process. Encourage everyone to develop their own organizational strategies that work for them. When everyone feels empowered to contribute, they'll be more motivated to maintain the organization. The key to success is finding a designated place for everything. Need some inspiration? Check out these ideas for organizing kids’ closets to get started.

Step Two: Employ the 'One In, One Out' Rule

The 'One In, One Out' rule is a game-changer when it comes to staying organized. Make a commitment to get rid of one item for every new item you bring into your home. This simple rule prevents clutter from accumulating and keeps your space tidy. Consider using organizers with dividers or bins to help you stay on track and make the process easier.

Step Three: Tackle One Room at a Time

Breaking down the organizing process into manageable tasks is key to success. Instead of trying to tackle your entire home at once, focus on one room at a time. Dedicate a few hours each week to decluttering and organizing a specific room. Start by taking everything out of the room, then evaluate each item and decide whether to toss, donate, or store it elsewhere. To make the process more enjoyable, put on some motivational music and reward yourself when you're done.

Ready to get started on your organizing journey? Download our Purge Checklist to help you stay on track and make the process easier!

Clever Ways to Effectively Utilize Garage Cabinets for Better Organization

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 21:28:22 GMT

If there’s one constant in all my years of renovating homes, it’s that homeowners will always be looking for ways to make the most of their garage space. There never seems to be enough room in even the most spacious of garages, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

Before using your cabinets, the rest of your garage needs to be in order. From making better use of your wall space to using overhead storage, having designated storage areas, and more, I’ve got the tips you need to effectively utilize your garage cabinets for better organization.

Once you’re ready to get started, you should:

Make better use of your wall space
Take advantage of overhead storage
Have designated storage areas
Set up your garage cabinet the way you need it

Now that I’ve given you the basics, it’s time to dig into the details and see how to put them to use in your home.

Make Better Use of Your Wall Space

Before making better use out of your garage cabinets, you paradoxically need to better organize the entire rest of your garage first. One of the best ways to get this done is through the use of your garage’s existing wall space.

Maybe you prefer wall-mounted hooks, or shelving units, or perhaps you’d like to do what the pros at Better Homes & Gardens suggest and use a pegboard unit to get everything in order. Whatever you choose, I highly recommend making the most of your garage wall space.

Take Advantage of Overhead Storage

Once you’ve conquered the wall space in your garage, the next place I think you should look to is your overhead storage space. Garage cabinets can easily get cluttered with oversized items that don’t need to be there, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

With the simple addition of an overhead storage area, you can free up space in your garage cabinets while keeping oversized items always within easy reach. You really can have the best of both worlds.

Have Designated Storage Areas

As with everywhere else in the home, I’ve seen the most success in garage spaces when homeowners set up designated storage areas for all of their tools and other items. If you can’t find where anything is, it’ll be all too easy for clutter to accumulate.

On the flip side of that, by having a set place for everything, you’ll be able to find whatever you need and have more room to work with in your garage cabinets, too.

Set Up Your Garage Cabinet the Way You Need It

Now that you’ve gotten the rest of your garage in order, it’s time to finally turn to your garage cabinets themselves. One big mistake I’ve seen homeowners make time and time again is to leave their garage cabinets exactly as they got them.

Instead of sticking with stock, feel free to rearrange and adjust shelves to suit your needs. When everything is set up the way you need it, it’ll be that much easier to keep your garage cabinets neat and organized.

Conclusion

Getting your garage cabinets in order doesn’t have to be difficult, and it all starts with getting the rest of your garage in shape. By following my tips and getting a little creative in your approach, you should have no problems at all getting your garage cabinets organized, neat, and looking great.

Sources

https://www.bhg.com/diy-garage-storage-ideas-6754971

Unwrap the Key to Stress-Free Holidays With Custom Closets

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 13:54:51 GMT

As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves wrapped up in the whirlwind of preparations and post-celebration cleanup. From organizing festive outfits to storing decorations, the chaos can be overwhelming. But, through my years of experience in home organization and interior design, I've discovered a game-changer: custom closets .

Custom closets aren’t just a luxury but a practical solution for simplifying holiday chaos. Here are my top tips for leveraging custom closets to make your holidays stress-free:

Plan your space according to your needs
Create a dedicated holiday section
Use vertical space wisely
Implement smart organizing solutions
Optimize for guest readiness
Incorporate a folding station
Try a seasonal wardrobe rotation
Utilize hidden spaces
Integrate high-quality lighting
Maintain an organized mindset

Keep reading to discover my top tips for keeping your custom closets organized during the most stressful yet exciting time of the year—the holidays.

Plan Your Space According to Your Needs

The beauty of custom closets lies in their adaptability. Before the holiday season begins, evaluate what you'll need most. Will it be extra space for guest coats? Room for storing bulky winter bedding? Or perhaps a designated area for gift-wrapping supplies? Design your closet with these specific needs in mind. Adjustable shelves and expandable hanging rods can be a lifesaver.

Create a Dedicated Holiday Section

One of my favorite strategies is to allocate a section of the closet exclusively for holiday items. This could be a set of shelves or a few drawers where you keep your festive tablecloths, special occasion dinnerware, or holiday decorations. Post-holiday, everything goes back in the same spot, making it easy to locate next year.

Use Vertical Space Wisely

Don’t underestimate the power of vertical space. Install high shelves for items you use less frequently, like seasonal decorations or holiday lights. This keeps them out of the way yet easily accessible when needed.

Implement Smart Organizing Solutions

Within your custom closet, use organizers like drawer dividers, baskets, and clear storage bins. This helps categorize items, making them easy to find and put away. For instance, use a specific basket for gift wraps and another for holiday linens. Labeling these bins can further streamline the process.

Optimize for Guest Readiness

If you're hosting, a section of your closet can be dedicated to guest essentials. This could include extra pillows, blankets, and towels, neatly arranged and easily accessible. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference in making guests feel welcome.

If possible, invest in a Murphy bed to accommodate more guests and make the best use of your space. According to Better Homes and Gardens , a Murphy bed can be a more comfortable, stylish alternative to a futon, featuring a higher mattress quality that supports better sleep.

Incorporate a Folding Station

A folding station within your closet can double as a space for gift wrapping or organizing outfits for holiday events. It’s a flat surface that can be used for multiple purposes, including sorting laundry post-holiday gatherings.

Try a Seasonal Wardrobe Rotation

A custom closet can facilitate the rotation of seasonal wardrobes. Before the holidays, move your winter attire to the forefront and store away off-season clothes. This makes daily outfit selection much easier and keeps your closet clutter-free.

Utilize Hidden Spaces

Don’t overlook hidden spaces like the back of the closet door. Install hooks or over-the-door organizers for additional storage. These can hold anything from scarves and hats to small holiday items like stockings or advent calendars.

Integrate Lighting

Good lighting is crucial. It helps in finding items quickly and adds an aesthetic appeal to your closet. Consider installing LED strip lights or a small chandelier for a touch of elegance.

Maintain an Organized Mindset

Finally, the key to making the most of your custom closet is maintaining an organized mindset. Regularly declutter and reorganize your space. This not only keeps your closet functional but also makes pre-holiday preparations and post-celebration cleanup much more manageable.

Conclusion

A custom closet is more than just a storage area—it's a strategic tool for simplifying your life, especially during the bustling holiday season. By implementing these tips, you can transform your closet into a space that supports your festive endeavors, making the holidays truly stress-free and enjoyable.

Remember, the goal is to create a space that works for you and your unique needs. With a little planning and creativity, your custom closet can be the unsung hero of your holiday season, keeping you organized and merry all through the festivities!

Source

https://www.bhg.com/what-is-a-murphy-bed-7500292

Make Every Inch of Space Count With These Space-Saving Garage Storage Systems

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 21:19:35 GMT

When it comes to home organization, the garage often ends up as the last frontier. It's a place where we store everything from tools and outdoor gear to holiday decorations and forgotten items from yesteryears. With a little creativity, some smart planning, and the use of innovative garage storage systems , you can transform your garage into a highly efficient and organized space.

Here are 8 simple ideas to help you enhance your garage storage system:

Add overhead storage solutions
Invest in wall-mounted tool organization
Install compact shelving units
Invest in custom cabinetry and built-ins
Add ceiling-mounted pulley systems
Use wall-mounted bike racks
Attach magnetic tool holders
Start labeling and categorizing

Keep reading to discover how to maximize the storage space in your garage.

Add Overhead Storage Solutions

One of the most underutilized spaces in a garage is the ceiling. Consider installing overhead storage racks or shelves to keep items like seasonal decorations, camping gear, or seldom-used items out of the way. These racks can hold bulky or lightweight items, clearing up valuable floor space for more accessible storage solutions.

Invest in Wall-Mounted Tool Organization

Rather than scattering your tools across the workbench or leaving them in a messy toolbox, invest in wall-mounted tool organization systems. According to The Spruce , slatwall panels help you use vertical space for hanging tools and wire baskets. For instance, the modular slatwall system allows you to adjust your storage options as your needs change. You can easily attach and remove accessories like magnetic tool holders, storage baskets, bins, and more.

Install Compact Shelving Units

Garages often serve multiple purposes, such as a workspace, storage area, and parking space for vehicles. To maximize the available space, consider installing compact shelving units along the walls. Adjustable shelving units can be customized to fit various sizes of bins, boxes, and containers, allowing you to keep items organized and within reach.

Invest in Custom Cabinetry and Built-Ins

Investing in custom cabinetry and built-in garage storage systems can significantly enhance your garage's organization and aesthetic appeal. Custom cabinets can be designed to fit your specific needs, whether it's storing gardening tools, automotive supplies, or sports equipment. Built-ins can also help you make good use of awkward corners and nooks, optimizing your garage's layout.

Of course, only invest in custom cabinetry that’s of high quality. After all, the fixtures and items in your garage are typically exposed to extra wear and tear. Choose custom garage cabinets with durable laminate finishes, so they’ll withstand scuffs, stains, and scratches.

Add Ceiling-Mounted Pulley Systems

For large, infrequently used items like kayaks, canoes, or storage totes, a ceiling-mounted pulley system can be a game-changer. This system allows you to hoist items up and out of the way, freeing up valuable floor and wall space. It's a practical solution that keeps bulky items organized and easily accessible when you need them.

Use Wall-Mounted Bike Racks

Bicycles can take up a substantial amount of floor space in your garage. To free up valuable ground area, consider installing wall-mounted bike racks. These racks allow you to store multiple bikes securely by hanging them vertically along a wall or from the ceiling. This not only saves space but also protects your bikes from damage. Plus, if you’ve invested in a slatwall system, you can easily attach and remove bicycle racks as your storage needs evolve.

Attach Magnetic Tool Holders

Another ingenious way to keep your tools organized is by using magnetic tool holders. Attach these strips to the inside of cabinet doors or on the side of shelves to hold small metal tools like screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches. This not only maximizes storage space but also makes it easy to locate and retrieve tools when needed.

Start Labeling and Categorizing

Last but not least, no garage storage system is complete without proper labeling and categorizing. Use clear plastic bins or containers to store smaller items, and label them with the contents. This simple step can save you from rummaging through boxes to find what you need and keep your garage tidy.

Conclusion

With the right planning and organization strategies, you can create an efficient and clutter-free environment that suits your needs. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast, a sports gear collector, or just someone looking to reclaim some space, these space-saving tips can help you turn your garage into a well-organized and functional area that makes every inch count. So, roll up your sleeves, get creative, and transform your garage into a space you'll love to use.

Source

https://www.thespruce.com/the-best-garage-storage-solutions-2648089

Go Big on Your Custom Closet Organization With These Small Changes

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 12:55:29 GMT

When you’re in the home improvement mood, it can be easy to focus on big overhauls and grand makeovers, but you can make just as much of an impact by focusing on small changes, too. This is very true particularly when it comes to your custom closet .

From putting in an additional hanging rod to making use of a cubby system, making use of labels, and more, we’ve got the tips you need to make a big impact with small changes.

Once you’re ready to switch things up in your custom closet, you should:

Now that we know the basic steps, let’s get into the details and see how you can make them work for your custom closet.

Try Putting in a Second Hanging Rod

How often have you run into this problem? Your hanging clothes are cramped, making it a pain to move things around and find what you’re looking for. Then, after a long and fruitless search, you find what you’re looking for, stuffed into an equally crowded drawer.

If this sounds like you, you could use a second hanging rod. With one simple installation, you can effectively double your hanging space, and free up plenty of folding room in the process.

Make Use of Adjustable Shelving

If you get bored easily and like to switch up your home’s look often, then adjustable shelving is perfect for you. Simply set your shelves up the way you’d like them to look now, then adjust as needed.

This is a great way to adapt to new clothing and styles, and you can even time your closet makeovers with the seasons. Putting in adjustable shelving is a great way to keep things fresh without having to pay an arm and a leg.

Try Out a New Labeling System

If you’re constantly struggling to find items in your closet, to the point where you’re running late while getting ready in the morning, it might be time to switch up your organizational system. One option is to put in color-coded bins that make it easy to know what you’re looking for at a glance.

Another option is to add labels to your bins. That way, you know where everything is and don’t have to dig through your entire closet just to find one thing. This will also make cleaning and upkeep easier, as you’ll know exactly where everything needs to go.

Install Cubbies in Your Closet

As the pros at Better Homes & Gardens explain, closet solutions and organizers can help you make the most out of every square inch of space. Cubby systems are especially great for this, as they give you a convenient catch-all storage solution right in your closet.

Simply put in some cubbies at floor-level, and you immediately have a place to toss your things without having them accumulate on the floor. You could even opt for a cubby system with a sliding rack. That way, you can tuck your cubbies away when not in use and have even more room.

Implement a Door Organizer

When in doubt, remember that you have an entire closet door’s worth of space at your disposal. Door organizers are affordable, and with one simple hook, they’re incredibly easy to install. With this simple addition, you can have entire shelves’ worth of extra storage space.

What’s even better is that most door organizers use clear plastic pouches, making it super simple to see what you need in a pinch.

Conclusion

When you’re looking at cleaning and organizing your custom closet, it’s all too easy to consider making big overhauls and massive makeovers, but you don’t have to do that. By implementing these small and simple changes, you can make just as big of an impact on your custom closet’s organization.

Sources

https://www.bhg.com/decorating/closets/top-organizing-tips-for-closets/

Spring Into Summer With These Wardrobe-Switching Tips for Your Walk-in Closet

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 18:11:27 GMT

With summer just around the corner, it's time to bid farewell to bulky winter wear and welcome the lighter pieces that define the season. A walk-in closet is an excellent source of storage space, and with proper organization and a plan for your seasonal items, you can put that space to good use.

Here are ways to switch your wardrobe for the season and maintain an organized and functional walk-in closet.

Assess your winter wardrobe
Properly store your winter clothes
Use vertical space for added storage
Fold your clothes strategically
Set up your accessories
Continue your seasonal rotation throughout the season
Declutter your closet regularly

Assess Your Winter Wardrobe

Before embarking on the summer clothing switch, take a moment to check out your winter wardrobe. It is better to get rid of the clothing you no longer want than to store it for another year. Start by emptying your closet and sorting your winter clothing into three categories: keep, donate, and store.

The experts at Good Housekeeping recommend holding your own yearly fashion show, where you try on each garment in front of a full-length mirror to see if it is still something you like and fits you well.

Set aside items you no longer wear or those that no longer fit, and consider donating them to a local charity. The remaining pieces will be stored for the following winter season.

Store Your Winter Clothes Properly

To make the most of your walk-in closet space during the summer, it's crucial to store your winter clothes appropriately. Begin by washing or dry cleaning each item to ensure they are clean and ready for storage.

Use plastic storage containers or vacuum-sealed bags to protect your winter clothing from dust, moths, and other potential damage. Clearly label each container with the contents, making it easier to find specific items when winter arrives.

Store these containers in a designated area, such as under your bed or in a separate storage space. Wherever you decide, be sure to choose a space that is dry and free from mold and moisture.

Use Vertical Space for Added Storage

When it comes to summer clothing, using the vertical space in your walk-in closet is key. Hanging your summer dresses, blouses, and lightweight jackets will not only keep them wrinkle-free but also make them easily accessible.

Invest in good-quality hangers, such as wooden or velvet ones, to provide proper support and prevent garments from slipping off. Sort your hanging clothes by type or color to create a visually appealing and organized display.

Smaller items, like bathing suits and tank tops, can be stored in large bins or totes on the shelves of your closet. Be sure to label the bins, so you can easily find what you need.

Fold Your Clothes Strategically

While hanging most summer clothing items is ideal, some pieces of clothing are better suited for being folded. T-shirts, shorts, and casual pants can be neatly folded and stored in drawers or open shelves within your walk-in closet.

Use storage baskets or dividers to keep clothes separated and neat. Take care not to overcrowd drawers or shelves, as it can lead to wrinkling and difficulty in locating specific items.

Set Up Your Accessories

Accessories play an important role in completing any summer outfit, so it's essential to organize them effectively. Utilize hooks or pegboards to hang belts, scarves, and hats, ensuring they are easily visible and accessible.

Consider investing in small trays for jewelry, watches, and sunglasses to keep them organized and prevent tangling or damage. Displaying these accessories prominently in your walk-in closet will not only add a touch of style but also make it easier to choose the perfect accessory for your summer outfit.

Continue Your Seasonal Rotation through the Season

As summer progresses, you may find that certain clothing items go unused. To maintain a clutter-free and functional closet, periodically reassess your wardrobe. Remove any summer clothes you no longer wear or have outgrown, and consider donating them or storing them away until the following year.

By regularly rotating your seasonal wardrobe, you will free up space for new acquisitions and ensure your closet remains organized.

Declutter Your Closet Regularly

To prevent your walk-in closet from becoming cluttered and disorganized, make it a habit to declutter regularly. Spend a few minutes each week clearing out, organizing, and reevaluating your clothing collection.

Return items to their designated places, fold or hang freshly laundered clothes promptly, and discard any damaged or worn-out garments. Incorporating these habits into your routine provides a lot of benefits that will make your walk-in closet more organized and neat.

Conclusion

Organizing your walk-in closet for the summer ensures that it remains a functional and visually appealing space. Store your cold-weather clothes properly, make the most of the vertical space in your closet, and continue to declutter regularly throughout the season. Now you and your walk-in closet are ready for summer.

Sources

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/tips/a17433/easy-closet-organizing-tips/

How to Create a Custom Closet System Your Teen Will Love

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 21:10:42 GMT

If you’re like many other parents out there, setting up a custom closet system that works for your teen and suits their style feels like an impossible task. It seems like no matter what tools and solutions you use, the closet still ends up a mess.

We’ve got the strategies and suggestions you’ll need to create a custom closet system that will be easy to maintain and, more importantly, keep your child happy.

Once you’re ready to create a brand new custom closet system for your teen, you should:

Start with a clean slate.
Make use of floor space.
Double up on hanging storage.
Get creative with bins and cubbies.
Use walls and doors to your advantage.

Now let’s dive into the details and find out how you can make a closet that will meet your teen’s needs.

Start With a Clean Slate

This might seem counterintuitive, but the best way to reorganize a closet is to clear everything out and start with a clean slate. If you try to simply optimize what you have, it’ll be harder to commit to big changes and easier to fall back into old habits.

On top of making it easier to overhaul the space, this will also give your teen the chance to use their creativity and decide on how they want to design their closet. Not only can this be a chance to clean house, but it’ll also give both of you a chance to work together.

Make Use of Floor Space

As Closet & Garage Designs points out, one of the best opportunities for optimization in any closet is in using the floor space. One of the most effective ways to free up floor space is to put in a stacking shoe rack. You can also put in things like sliding racks and a tilt-out clothes hamper.

By keeping a hamper near the floor, it’ll make it easier for your child to toss dirty clothes there instead of letting them pile up on the floor.

Double up on Hanging Storage

One of the most cost-effective and simple ways to free up space in your teen’s closet is to put in a second hanging rod. Instantly, they’ll have double the amount of hanging storage and will even free up folding space by no longer having to fold clothes that should be hung up.

This is another great opportunity for your child’s creativity to shine, as they can put together capsule wardrobes to make getting ready before school that much easier.

Get Creative With Bins and Cubbies

One of the best catch-all solutions for kids and teens is the liberal use of bins and cubbies. Your teenager will already want to just grab things and go, so this solution makes that even easier for them.

You might even make use of wire mesh baskets to add greater visibility to their setup. One often overlooked aspect of these organizational tools is that your child can pick out any color or style they might want in their closet.

Use Walls and Doors to Your Advantage

When all else fails, remember that the walls and doors in your child’s custom closet are your friends. With the simple addition of a couple of hooks and screws, you can have wall-mounted storage that frees up shelf space elsewhere.

For a super affordable option, you can get a simple door organizer that hooks over the top of your teen’s closet door. Now they’ll have instant access to jewelry, accessories, and anything else they might need.

Conclusion

Designing a custom closet system that both meets your organizational needs and satisfies your teen’s aesthetic can feel like an impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be. These tips will make everyone happy without breaking the bank!

Sources

https://www.closetandgaragedesigns.com/best-custom-closet-accessories

Your One-Month Custom Closet System Cleanout Plan

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 16:27:31 GMT

Few things are as disheartening as seeing your once beautiful and pristine custom closet system get cluttered and messy over time, never to return to that original state. If nothing you do seems to put a dent in the mess, it might be time for a cleanout plan.

In one month, you can turn even the most unruly custom closet system back into a model of what a closet should be.

Once you’re ready to get started on your one-month custom closet system cleanout plan, you should:

Week 1: Consider adding or adjusting shelving and cabinets.
Week 2: Create clear keep and toss piles.
Week 3: Separate your clothes by type or category.
Week 4: Don’t neglect your wall and door space.
And one bonus task to do after the month is complete: Create and stick to a regular cleaning schedule.

Let's take a look at each of these in order, then you can plan which day (or days) each week you'd like to implement them.

Week 1: Consider Adding or Adjusting Shelving and Cabinets

If nothing you do seems to be helping, the first culprit might be insufficient custom closet systems. While your closet might be just fine to suit your needs, there’s a chance that it isn’t optimized.

To fix this, look for any ways to optimize your storage. Maybe you could use additional shelving or larger cabinets. Whatever the case, your first step should be to look for ways to improve the overall design of your closet.

Week 2: Create Clear Keep and Toss Piles

Once you’re done with assessing your needs and making sure your closet meets them, it’s time to take a look at your clothes. You can start by making clear keep and toss piles. This can be difficult to stick to, so one way to help this process along is to separate clothes you haven’t worn for months (and have no plans for wearing anytime soon) from those you get regular use from.

You’d be surprised by just how much room in your closet you can save by downsizing and getting rid of the garments you no longer have any use for.

Week 3: Separate Your Clothes by Type or Category

Once you’ve gotten rid of clothes you don’t wear anymore and put in new closet systems that can help you stick to your new changes, it’s time to separate your clothes by type or category. Not only will this make it easier to get ready in the morning, but it will also allow you to free up space without getting rid of things.

You can take any out-of-season clothing and store it in plastic bins away from your closet. That way, you can free up quite a bit of space and save it only for clothes you’re wearing now.

Week 4: Don’t Neglect Your Wall and Door Space

One of the least-optimized areas in any closet is the wall and door space. Homeowners make great use of custom cabinets and shelving, but they neglect the potential they have sitting right in front of them and within arms’ reach.

By incorporating wall-mounted hooks and shelves as well as handy devices like closet door organizers, you can give yourself entire shelving units’ worth of extra space in your custom closet system.

After You're Done: Create and Stick to a Regular Cleaning Schedule

As the pros at Better Homes & Gardens point out, the best way to stick to a cleaning routine is to set clear goals and meet them. Instead of being done with your cleanout plan once everything is organized, you might want to set a weekly upkeep reminder so that your closet stays this clean.

Simply put a reminder to go off on your phone, maybe on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon (or whenever you’re free), and then use that time to check that everything’s still in its place and that clutter hasn’t once again reared its ugly head.

Conclusion

Getting your custom closet system back into shape can seem like a daunting task, but it really doesn’t have to be. By sticking to these simple steps and maintaining a regular upkeep routine, you should have no problem getting your closet in order within one month - then it's just a matter of keeping it that way.

Sources

https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/efficient-cleaning-routine/

Optimize Your Custom Home Office for a Hybrid Work Experience

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 13:48:42 GMT

With working from home becoming more common than it ever was in the past, having a home office has gone from being an option to almost a necessity. Aside from increased comfort, having a custom home office can help keep you focused and productive.

Even if you’re only working from home a few days out of the week, having an optimized home office can make the hybrid work lifestyle much more palatable.

Once you’re ready to optimize your custom home office for a hybrid work experience, be sure to:

Declutter often and create a routine.
Prioritize ergonomics and comfort.
Differentiate it from the rest of your home.
Give yourself a break nook.
Consider sticking to an overall theme.

Now that you know the steps that go into creating the ideal custom home office, read on for details of how to get this to work for you.

Declutter Often and Create a Routine

Custom home offices are often smaller than the rest of the rooms in your home, which makes it that much harder to keep them tidy. When you add to that the fact that you’re using the space while juggling countless projects and work tasks, it’s even easier for things to get out of control.

The best way to combat this is by creating and sticking to a regular decluttering and cleaning routine. You could even set a reminder on your phone to make it easier to stick to week after week.

Prioritize Ergonomics and Comfort

There’s no reason for you to be uncomfortable while at work, and that extends to your home workspace as well. It might cost a bit more to invest in a better chair and/or cushion, but it could end up saving you hundreds in chiropractor bills down the line.

You’ll work best when you’re well-fed, get enough sleep, and feel comfortable in your environment. Making that investment in yourself now can pay dividends later.

Differentiate It From the Rest of Your Home

One of the hardest aspects of working from home is establishing - and then maintaining - a healthy work/life balance. At the office, you’ll have a designated space to work, you’ll put in your hours, and then go home. But at home, boundaries can be more nebulous.

By using things like scent cues, different decorations, or even music that you only play while working at home, you’ll make it that much easier for you to separate business from pleasure.

Give Yourself a Break Nook

Just because you’ll be able to be far more productive and efficient doesn’t mean that you still won’t need time alone to yourself throughout the day. If you’re worried that taking a break will spell the end of your productivity for the rest of the day, then a break nook might be the thing for you.

With one of these, you can plop yourself into one of the corners of your custom home office and take a quick rest before getting back to the action. This will help you get the breaks you need without jeopardizing the rest of your day.

Consider Sticking to an Overall Theme

As you can see from some of these examples that Better Homes & Gardens put together, having a themed custom home office can both make you enjoy the room more and make it easier for you to separate work from rest.

But beyond the practical aspects of doing something like this, there are also aesthetic considerations to be made as well. If you have a custom home office that looks good enough to flaunt - something you’ll be proud of - that pride will extend to everything you do in the room as well. Just as an untidy space can make us anxious, having a neat and beautiful room to work in can make all the difference.

Conclusion

With more folks working from home than ever before, it’s never been more important to have a custom home office that’s as beautiful as it is tidy and functional. By trying out these tips, you should have a hybrid workspace that will tick all your boxes.

Sources

https://www.bhg.com/rooms/home-office/makeovers/stylish-smart-home-offices/

The Best Accessories for Kids' Custom Closets

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 20:44:30 GMT

Keeping your child’s closet organized is challenging because it’s much harder to determine what sort of closet organization plan will work for someone else, especially a child whose needs will change frequently. Luckily, some closet accessories can help you create an organized kids' custom closet for children of any age.

Closet Accessories for Babies and Toddlers
Closet Accessories for School-Aged Kids
Closet Accessories for Tweens and Teens

When you factor these accessories into your child’s closet organization strategy, you can help them learn good closet habits and avoid closet disarray.

Closet Accessories for Babies and Toddlers

Babies grow and develop very quickly, sometimes seemingly overnight. For this reason, new parents often find themselves with clothes in a range of sizes because going shopping every time the baby outgrows their clothes is usually not practical. What you need here are bins with lids. Put only the clothes that your child fits into on hanging rods or in drawers. Put clothes for your child to grow in bins, and make sure to label them with the sizes contained in each. Keep one bin empty and throw outgrown clothes into it for donation (or a subsequent child). Having a donation bin will remain handy throughout your child’s life.

As your baby becomes a toddler and then a preschooler, use baskets for items like underwear, socks, pajamas, and undershirts. This way, they can easily grab these items themselves when they need them rather than waiting for an adult to open heavy drawers, and they can also help put clean items away easily – these things don’t need to be folded, just contained. Don’t forget to include a hamper so that your child has a place to put dirty clothes.

Closet Accessories for School-Aged Kids

As your child grows older, they’ll be able to handle more of their closet tasks for themselves. Adjustable rods are a useful feature here. Position them low enough for your child to reach so they can choose their own clothes and put hanging items away as you they're washed and dried.

Set your child up for closet success by providing accessories that make cleaning and organizing chores easier. Give your child plenty of hooks for hanging coats, jackets, bathrobes, and hats. Cubbies can be a great choice for kids in this age range. They can use them to keep their shoes paired and organized easily.

Don’t forget to look for unused space, such as the back of a closet door. Use an over-the-door organizer to help them keep accessories like hair ties, jewelry, buttons, and other items safe. Alternatively, they can use an organizer like this for small toys, action figures, and similar items that often wind up on the floor. This provides your child with a quick way to put them away safely.

Closet Accessories for Teens

By the time your child is a tween or teen, their own wishes for their closet are important to listen to. Teens need the freedom to create their own spaces using their own tastes. However, you have more experience in organizing closets, so you may be able to make suggestions your teens will like.

Give your teen plenty of shelves for folded items that they want access to quickly, like T-shirts and sweaters. A rack for backpacks, purses, gym bags and sporting items may be useful to prevent these items from cluttering your teen’s desk or bed, or from ending up on the floor. Another useful item is a valet rod, which gives teens a place to experiment with different combinations as they’re trying to put together outfits.

A fun idea that teens may appreciate is a closet charging station. Your teen probably has multiple devices that they use for school and life, and a dedicated charging station that keeps them out of the way while they’re charging can be useful. The Spruce explains several ways to create your own charging station, and some, such as creating a charging drawer or cabinet or making a lightweight charging box from a shoe box, seem perfect for closet use.

Conclusion

Adding the right closet accessories to your child’s closet is more important than you think. If they learn how to keep a closet neat and orderly now, it becomes a habit, and they won’t experience the difficulties keeping these areas organized that many adults experience. In other words, you’ll make their life easier as an adult if you instill good habits now and make it simple to learn them. The right closet organizers can help.

Source

https://www.thespruce.com/charging-station-ideas-6260368

How to Properly Arrange The Clothes in Your Closet

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 18:50:57 GMT

When you know how to store the clothes in your closet , it just makes life easier. Picking out clothing in the mornings becomes a breeze as your wardrobe is made more visually accessible.

Having a neat and organized closet is easily attainable when you follow these 8 steps:

Empty It Out
Group Clothing by Type
Decide What Deserves to Be Front and Center
Hang Your Clothes The Right Way
Decide What to Fold
Gather Your Organizational Supplies
Organize Your Shoes
Store Your Accessories

Keep reading to discover how simple it is to have a beautifully arranged closet!

Take The Clothes Out of The Closet

Before trying to organize anything, it's best to completely empty out your closet and take inventory of what you have. Take a good look at every item and decide if it is really something you still enjoy wearing. Donating items you no longer need frees up much-needed space for your closet to look neater and more uniform. Go ahead and wipe down all of the surfaces as well and vacuum while you're at it.

At the same time, it's never a bad idea to give your closet the old sniff test and ensure no funky odors are being contained within. After that, you'll be left with an empty palette to start fresh.

Group Clothing by Type

Next, your clothing will need to be grouped into basic categories and perhaps, additional subcategories later on. For example, all of your dress pants belong together. All of your sweaters belong together and all of your tank tops belong in the same stack. Be sure to completely separate any out-of-season items and store them appropriately and out of the way. Simply group your clothing into like stacks, getting them ready to be organized.

Decide What Deserves to Be Front and Center

Now, think about what items you wear the most. Those deserve to be featured front and center in your closet, in the most accessible spot. This is also known as “prime real estate.” It's the area most visible and reachable that has nothing blocking access to it.

Hang Your Clothes The Right Way

To begin, start with the right hangers. Avoid using mismatched hangers, wire hangers, or plastic hangers. Opt for slimline velvet hangers that help hold up your clothes and don’t take up a lot of space. Here are some tips for hanging your clothes the right way from Reader’s Digest.com .

Now, be sure to face all of your clothing in the same direction to keep your closet looking uniform. Start with short sleeves in the front and move to long sleeves, then to dresses, etc. Items that are too long can be folded over the hanger to keep them from dragging.

Decide What to Fold

The amount of closet versus drawer space will dictate what you should hang and what you should fold . With that being said, there are certain items that hold their shape much better when folded, sweaters for example. Pajamas, workout clothing, and swimsuits also don’t really belong on hangers.

Gather Your Organizational Supplies

Now is the time to take inventory of how much space you have left for folded clothes, shoes, and accessories. Think about different space-saving solutions you can purchase that will neatly house your remaining items. Stylish baskets and bins can inconspicuously hold practically anything. Wall hooks are handy for hanging jackets, purses, and the like.

Organize Your Shoes

There are many different types of shoe organizers out there if you don’t have built-in shoe shelves, such as you would find in a custom closet. The first option is an over-the-door shoe organizer. It utilizes the space available on the back of a closet door.

Another option is to purchase clear, stackable shoe boxes, which are great for keeping the dust away. Or, research stackable, mesh shoe shelves you can keep adding to whenever you purchase more footwear.

When placing your shoes on a shoe rack, group all like shoes together. All of your boots should be grouped together, your heels together, your flats, and so on. To save space, turn the second shoe around so that the heel is in the front.

Keep in mind that if you choose to invest in custom closets, there are additional costs associated with them. However, the benefits certainly outweigh the drawbacks. DASI Innovations provides a detailed guide for answering the question of - What Factors Influence The Cost of Purchasing Custom Closets .

Store Your Accessories

Purses can either be hung on wall hooks or neatly sorted by size on available shelving for all to see. The majority of your jewelry should be organized neatly in stackable trays that can be kept inside a drawer. However, larger statement pieces can always be displayed by being hung up. Belts and neckties can be stored on racks to keep them crisp and ready to go! Hats can be placed upon a shelf or vertically hung upon the walls.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have a beautifully arranged closet, commit to keeping it that way by following the one-in-one-out rule. Every time you purchase a new item of clothing, donate one item. Give your closet an organizational refresh every now and then and you will always have what you need at your fingertips. If all else fails, look to this guide for helpful tips and ideas for properly storing your clothes.

Sources

Is It Better to Fold or Hang Your Clothes

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 21:20:40 GMT

After you build up a wardrobe you love, you need to ensure you are taking proper care of it. However, is it better to fold or hang your clothes ?

The answer to that question is, it depends on the clothing type. However, most pieces should generally be hung up with the exception of a few. Here are the primary pieces that benefit from being hung versus folded and vice versa:

Dresses
Lightweight sweater and cardigans
Pants
Jackets
T-Shirts
Blouses
Scarves
Activewear

How do you figure out which clothes should be hung up or folded? Read on to learn more!

Dresses

Most of your lightweight dresses will have thin straps that almost look like ribbons. These straps are specifically designed to allow the fabric to flow naturally so it looks great when you put it on. If the straps keep slipping off the hanger, use a velvet hanger or crisscross the straps. For heavier dresses, such as formal gowns, be sure to display them on padded hangers.

The only type of dress you should fold up instead of hang is a sweater dress; the material tends to stretch, which can ultimately damage the form of the dress. To maintain this particular piece, fold it up and place it inside of a drawer.

Lightweight Sweaters and Cardigans

For lightweight sweaters and cardigans, you're going to want to use the hang-fold method, championed by Jill Nystul from OneGoodThing . This will help ensure your lightweight sweaters and cardigans don’t develop little bumps on the shoulders that typically come from hanging them.

To begin, fold your sweater in half with the sleeves lining up together. Then, grab the hanger and position it so that the hook is located at the armpits of the sweater. Take the "body of the sweater" and drape it over the hanger. Finally, fold the sleeve that is sticking out over the other side of the hanger.

For thicker winter knit sweaters, you are going to want to fold them to protect their structural integrity. Thicker sweaters can also take up a lot of space when hung up that could be used more economically by other items in your wardrobe.

Pants

With pants, it depends on the material. Jeans should be folded up, while casual dress pants and slacks benefit from being hung up. You can use hangers with clips, or take your pants, fold them in half, and put them over the bar on the hanger. This is a great way to hang pants if you don’t have a lot of vertical space in your closet. Another option is bringing in one or two pull-out racks as mentioned in this article by Hartville Custom Closets and Garage , 14 Versatile Accessories for Organizing Your Custom Closets .

Jackets

Jackets tend to be big and bulky, making them difficult to fold. Additionally, folding up a jacket can compromise the structure of the piece. Regardless of the type, be it an outwear jacket or a blazer, it should be hung up. For jackets on the heavier side, use a stronger hanger to support their weight.

T-Shirts

T-shirts are one of the most common items in a wardrobe. One of the great things is that they are very versatile, and they can just as easily be hung up, folded, or rolled up. According to NBCNews.com, the best hangers for t-shirts are those that are non-slip, including velvet hangers and wooden hangers with special non-slip pads.

Blouses

Blouses are a little different than t-shirts; instead of being made from cotton, they are made from more flowy materials, such as chiffon or silk. These fabrics tend to get easily wrinkled and shouldn’t be stifled by being folded up. Hang up your blouses on soft, padded hangers to protect the material and help them retain their shape.

Scarves

If you have a collection of scarves as part of your wardrobe, the best way to store them depends on their style. Oversized scarves that could easily be mistaken for a shawl should be folded up. Smaller scarves can be draped over a hanger or hung up using a tie hanger or scarf rack to save space.

Ties

You want your ties to look professional and smooth when you pull them out, and one of the best ways to achieve this is by hanging them up. According to toughapparel.com, you can use a standard hanger and drape them over the bar on the hanger. Another option is to invest in a tie ladder or hanger that includes individual spaces to hang up each of your ties. You'll also be maximizing space in the process.

Shorts

Because shorts have so little fabric, it's usually best to fold them up. If you want to hang up your shorts, use hangers where you can clip the waistband.

Activewear

Activewear tends to be made of stretchy fabric that doesn’t hold up well when hung up. As a result, items such as workout tops, yoga pants, and lightweight workout jackets should be folded.

Conclusion

As a general rule of thumb, always hang up items that would get wrinkled or compromised if folded, such as blouses and jackets. Fold up material that would get stretched out by being hung up, such as activewear and sweater dresses. Knowing whether to fold or hang your clothing is essential to keep your wardrobe looking its best.

Sources

Home Organization Essentials

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 18:19:46 GMT

Is better home organization one of the goals you have set out to accomplish this year?

Get your home whipped into shape in no time with these 12 organizational helpers!

Drawer Compartments
Clear Food Storage Containers
Clear Canisters
Hanging Pot Racks
Lazy Susan
Stackable Can Racks
Over-the-Door Racks
Toy Storage Organizers
Storage Baskets
No-Slip Hangers
Label Maker
Overhead Garage Storage

Read on to learn how these items can make your home the most organized one on the block!

Drawer Compartments

For every drawer in your home, there is a corresponding organizer to keep anything you can imagine in order. In the kitchen, there are organizers that keep utensils neat and tidy. For the bathroom, there are organizers that allow you to keep items like makeup and toiletries in order.

In the bedroom, drawer compartments are available that allow you to separate smaller items, such as socks and hair accessories within larger drawers. With these products taking residence in every drawer of your home, there is little chance that you'll be tempted to just open up a section and randomly throw items inside.

Clear Food Storage Containers

Why not throw out those warped plastic storage containers that fall out of your cabinets every time you open the doors? Instead, opt for sturdy, clear storage containers that allow you to easily see their contents. Then, when you get home from the supermarket, you can remove food items from their bags and boxes and neatly place them within these stackable, eye-pleasing containers.

Clear Canisters

Another organizational helper that you probably can’t buy enough of are clear, airtight canisters. These can be used all over your home but are particularly useful inside of your kitchen pantry. They are perfect for housing dry goods such as pasta, flour, and sugar, for example. You can label them with ease, too. They aren't limited to the kitchen, by the way -- use them in the bathroom to hold cotton balls, cotton swabs, or bath salts.

Hanging Pot Racks

Many people, particularly those with smaller pantries and kitchens, find they just don’t have enough space to house all of their pots and pans. Even if they do have a cabinet available, the pots end up in one big, messy stack. A better solution is to take advantage of the vertical space in your kitchen and hang a pot rack from the ceiling. No more clanging as you try to get through a teetering tower to find your small saucepan!

Lazy Susans

Lazy Susans are a great addition to a kitchen pantries and cabinets. One common use is to store spices on them, but they can be used to hold anything you want to be able to access with ease. There are also Lazy Susans that are two-tiered for extra storage space. Although they are mainly known for their use in the kitchen, you can also put them to good use in the bathroom as well.

Stackable Can Racks

Ideal for the kitchen pantry, a stackable can rack is just what you need to maximize space. They're great to have on hand for those who enjoy stocking up on staple items for a rainy day. To get more ideas on how to organize your kitchen pantry, read 10 of the Best Kept Secrets for Organizing Your Kitchen Pantry .

Over-the-Door Racks

If you have a lot of “things” in every room of your home but not a lot of closet or cabinet space to store them in, why not use the space on the back of your doors? These are available in various sizes and shapes to fit on any door, and some come with pockets, shelves, and other types of holders. What you place inside the racks is entirely up to you.

In the kitchen pantry, it can be used for canned goods or other food items. In the bathroom, an over-the-door rack can be used to hold rolled-up towels, linens, or toiletry items. In the laundry room, it can be used to house fabric softener sheets, starch spray, and so on. In the bedroom, you can hang an over-the-door shoe rack.

Toy Storage Organizers

If you have little ones, you need to have a way to keep their toys from taking over their bedroom. Although a toy chest is nice for larger items, it doesn’t do much for keeping smaller toys accessible and organized. To accomplish this, you need a toy organizer. Most of them consist of a series of small, color-coded bins or baskets that are placed upon a shelving system or rack. There are a wide variety of organizers on the market, so find whichever style appeals to you the most.

Storage Baskets

Every home needs a set or two of simple storage baskets. They can be used to hold practically anything. Use a large woven basket to keep your blankets neatly in one place beside the sofa. Use baskets inside of your bedroom closets to hold sweaters and out-of-season clothing. Small baskets inside of your kitchen pantry can hold potato chip bags and other snack items. Your options for stylish storage baskets are practically endless.

No-Slip Hangers

When it comes time to organize your closet, why not get rid of those flimsy wire or plastic hangers and replace them with some velvet no-slip hangers? Recommended by Glamour.com , no-slip hangers are the perfect way to make sure that your clothing stays right where it should, instead of ending up in a pile on your closet floor. To learn more about organizing your closets, read 6 Tips for Organizing Your Custom Closets by Closet Solutions & Organizers .

Label-Maker

Once you decide to buy a label-maker, you might just go crazy with it because it's so incredibly useful! Label makers are the ultimate organizational tool for any room of the house. In the pantry, you can label every canister, bin, and basket that your heart desires. For the kids, you can use it to differentiate one child’s things from another. In your closet, you can label your bins and baskets with their contents. No more putting items away in the wrong place!

Overhead Garage Storage

Moving on to the garage area, one organizational must is overhead storage. You know you need somewhere to keep those seasonal items now that the holidays are over, don’t you? Wouldn’t it be nice if you were actually able to pull your car into the garage instead of having boxes and stuff all over the floor? Using your ceiling is the perfect way to make sure that you're getting the most out of the space that you have in your garage.

Final Thoughts

You don’t necessarily need to buy all of these items to have an organized home. Being organized is more than just doing the work, it is a state of mind. It should begin with paring down your things and keeping only what you really need. Once you have accomplished that, it is just a matter of pairing like items together. When it comes to your home organization strategy, feel free to let your creative side come out!

Sources

7 Ideas for Organizing a Small Kitchen Pantry

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 20:45:05 GMT

Kitchen pantry organization can be extremely difficult, especially if you're dealing with a lack of space. Without a sustainable system and sensible storage solutions, disorder will reign supreme. Luckily, there are several effective methods for overcoming this hurdle.

Establishing an orderly small pantry is part art and part science. The science is in having to shape solutions for the specific parameters and measurements of your unique space. The art is creatively landing on practical and aesthetically appealing resources to fit your space’s reality, including:

Queue Up With Dispensers
Stack and Nest
Don’t Forget Over-The-Door
Divide + Elevate = Double The Space
Lazy Susan Space Saver
Go Vertical
Canister Corral

Read on for more details on how the above ideas can easily come to life in your pint-sized pantry!

Queue Up with Dispensers

Wire or plastic dispensers can hold a variety of canned goods including soups, veggies, and beverages. They come in an array of shapes and presentations (vertical and horizontal) to fit different pantry dimensions and depths. While stacking cans of similar sizes would seem to be an obvious storage method, using dispensers makes the most safety sense as a toppling tower of metal cans requires quick reflexes. The Kitchn offers some brilliant canned good storage ideas in this article .

Stack and Nest

In smaller pantries, space is at a premium so the ability to stack and nest storage bins while mostly utilitarian can also offer visual appeal. Coordinating yet durable & transparent stackable bins can help you conserve space and allow you to see the necessary necessities. Group like items with like items for intentional ease of use. If you have children, designate a bin for a snack station for easy grab-n-go options (raisin packets, applesauce pouches, ziploc baggies of granola, bagged pretzels, and the like).

Don’t Forget Over-The-Door

If you have a door (either a full-sized or cupboard/cabinet) attached to your kitchen pantry, you gain stellar space to utilize for storage. Over-the-door utility rack systems exist in many configurations for either hanging or mounting. Many come with adjustable units that allow you to customize and accommodate your pantry’s needs.

Stash frequently-used items for baking/cooking or paper goods such as napkins, foil, plastic wrap in this storage solution for ease of access. Be sure to keep whatever system you decide on from swaying by securing it in place. Double-sided tape, velcro, or command hooks work well.

Divide + Elevate = Double The Space

Maximize space with cupboard dividers and tiered shelf racks and risers. Use sturdy, expandable shelf dividers to separate your shelves' vertical square footage and instantly double your storage capacity! Utilize two dividers at right angles and, voila, you instantly gain a corner shelf! By elevating your pantry items with tiered racks/risers (like arena/stadium seating), you instantly glean additional levels of bonus space.

Lazy Susan Space Saver

Hidden corners and shallow shelves are challenging design flaws but that's what Lazy Susan's are for! This spinning superhero can hold an abundance of items like salts, spices, oils, vinegar, nut butters, and sauces. You can find them made from all types of materials, multi-tiered and many come with dividers which further increases their appeal in smaller-sized spaces, such as a pantry. In this Food52 piece , read more about the history of the Lazy Susan and how “she” has become a pantry solution staple.

Go Vertical

There is a treasure trove in your kitchen pantry’s untapped vertical space. By thinking “up,” you can significantly increase your pantry’s overall storage footprint. Add floating shelves, mounted spice cabinets, magnetic racks, hooks, a pegboard, a cookbook rail, and under-the-shelf bins/baskets to multiply and stretch your pantry’s square footage.

Canister Corral

See-through canisters of varying sizes allow you to decant and corral items and are best used for things such as flour, sugar, pasta, rice, cereals, and other dry goods. Removing products from their original packaging (decanting) frees up room in your pantry and creates a more orderly display. Various sized canisters can be stacked to take advantage of “hidden” vertical space. Another benefit of canisters is that you can see what inventory you have on hand simply by taking a peek at how much is left in each. Canisters come with air-tight lids which are also key in preventing pests .

Final Thoughts

Don’t let your small kitchen pantry become a pain point. A streamlined layout can be a game-changer for any homeowner. Marrying both form and function can take some trial and error until you find the right fit, but taking the time to do so is well worth the end result! Can you really put a price tag on accessibility?

Sources

Closet Jewelry Organizer Ideas

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 21:16:11 GMT

A huge benefit of having a custom closet is the ability to truly design a spot for everything, even your jewelry. All the space in the world doesn’t take the place of solid organization, especially when it comes to finding that necklace that you know matches your outfit perfectly.

While there are many ways you can organize the jewelry within your closet, they can be broken down into three distinct categories:

Traditional Jewelry Storage and Organization
Space-Saving Jewelry Storage and Organization
Creative and DIY Jewelry Storage and Organization

Read on for additional tips when organizing your favorite jewelry pieces.

Traditional Jewelry Storage and Organization

When you think of traditional jewelry boxes, you probably think of countertop boxes, armoires, or soft velvet jewelry liners and pads. Others may even think of piles of jewelry gift boxes in a corner of their room. Traditional storage options for jewelry, according to the experts at thehomeedit.com , automatically dictate that your jewelry will be organized and sorted by type.

With designated built-in spots for rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces, there isn’t a need to organize any further. If you’re someone who typically wears the same jewelry every day, a traditional method may indeed be a solid option for you. It’s an effortless process to follow through with, and still sufficient enough to view and access your pieces.

Armoires

A jewelry armoire is considered a traditional storage option that people often display like a piece of furniture. While there are various styles of armoires to choose from, typically the top part opens up to hold rings and earrings. The sides or part of the lower half has space to hang your necklaces.

The center or other lower half tends to have drawers perfectly lined to hold your bracelets or brooches. Armoires fit nicely within walk-in closets, as they can easily be flushed against the wall or even act as an accent piece in the center.

Countertop Jewelry Boxes

A countertop jewelry box is another traditional storage method that is a shrunken-down version of a jewelry armoire. These can be effective in either a walk-in or reach-in closet. If you have a reach-in closet, there’s often a small shelf or area where a jewelry box could fit. The one downside to a countertop box is that you may run out of space quicker than you expect.

Jewelry Drawers

While not as traditional, utilizing built-in drawers in your closet and lining them with velvet or plush jewelry pads reflect the standard way of organizing pieces by type, according to the pros at Optimal Garage & Closets Inc . The outside would simply look like a drawer for anything & the inside would offer a very spacious area for all of the different pieces.

It’s also a nice and subtle way to organize your jewelry without having to fear a guest or burglar might take it and run. You can even use the drawers to store other items, aside from jewelry. To learn more, check out Reorganize Your Custom Closets Using These 7 Versatile Accessories.

Space-Saving Jewelry Storage and Organization

To accommodate a smaller space in your closet, a wall-mounted jewelry holder or an over-the-door jewelry holder may prove to be the most effective. While these two options provide ample room for the organization of your jewelry, they will require you to organize it differently than you would for a traditional storage option.

If you choose a space-saving option, you need to take into account how many pieces of jewelry there’s room for. For this reason, you may have to organize your jewelry by occasion instead. Maybe only your everyday jewelry goes into the cabinet and your costume jewelry gets put elsewhere. Concurrently, not every wall-mounted or over-the-door jewelry storage has a cabinet or cover, which could potentially change the way you organize your pieces as well.

Wall and Over-The-Door Mounted Storage with Cabinet Doors

Whether you’re putting a jewelry cabinet on the wall or over the door, the front of the cabinet is normally a mirror and the opening is concealed. People who have company over frequently may feel more comfortable with this option because it doesn’t necessarily display your jewelry to anyone who passes by. Furthermore, the cabinet option allows you to view all of your jewelry at one time, rather than opening and closing different drawers and doors.

Wall and Over-The-Door Mounted Storage without Cabinet Doors

Some jewelry storage options that get mounted on the wall or hooked over the door do not have a cabinet door. While this may bother people who prefer privacy, other people may find this extremely helpful as they decide on an outfit. It allows you to glance at all options from afar (or near) as you simultaneously pick out which shirt, pants, or shoes you’re going to wear.

Creative and DIY Jewelry Storage and Organization

Sometimes the perfect option may have to be one that you create. Creating custom jewelry storage will allow you to organize your pieces in more than one way. It also provides you with the opportunity to potentially save money. Cosmetic storage cases, desk organizers, or decorative trinket boxes can easily become jewelry boxes to organize however you see fit.

Cosmetic Storage Cases

Cosmetic storage cases are a great DIY jewelry box for those who wish to organize pieces by color. Most cosmetic cases are clear, so you can easily see through to each color without having to label anything on the outside.

Desk Organizers

If you’re organizing your jewelry based on favorite pieces or most worn pieces, a desk organizer is a good DIY option. Desk organizers are cute, compact, and fit perfectly on a makeup vanity or small shelf within either your walk-in or reach-in closet.

Decorative Trinket Boxes

If you prefer to organize your jewelry by sets, you can utilize decorative trinket boxes and display them as accent pieces within your closet. Follow this example from A Beautiful Mess to create your own.

Conclusion

Organizing your jewelry by type, occasion, color, or favorites, in either traditional, space-saving, or creative storage spaces will contribute to making your custom closet feel complete. Although it may be a tedious process, it's one that you can accomplish with a little time, effort, and creativity.

Sources

How to Organize Your Custom Closets for Colder Weather

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 20:15:53 GMT

You can always feel the approach of fall, can’t you? The crisp chill, the scent of autumn leaves... the lack of warm sweaters in your custom closet . All of it is evidence that it’s time to organize your setup for colder weather. But how do you do that without pulling your hair out or spending money on expensive storage gear?

Not to worry! Getting cold weather-ready is easier than you think with these tips, tricks, and organizational hacks to get yourself (and the kids’ closets ) ready for the coldest months of the year:

Purge warm weather clothing
Get ready for winter
Use vertical space and drawers

The challenge of seasonal closet changes is undoubtedly space. Your autumn and winter clothing is thicker and heavier, and there tends to be more of it because the weather demands that you dress in layers. Here’s how you can expertly arrange it all.

Purge Warm-Weather Clothing

It’s time. You’re not going to speed along the return of spring by clutching your flip-flops and gauzy bohemian tops until your knuckles turn white. Accept that you can’t wear these items in the winter. Get out the storage containers and purge your warm-weather wardrobe.

Anything that’s ripped, worn, or faded you should either toss or donate. Everything that you plan to keep, store in an extra closet or breathable containers so they will remain safe for the next six months until you can wear them again. A tip for you, storing any piece of clothing in plastic storage containers is just an invitation for mold to make itself at home!

Again, beware of moisture. Fabric colors can sometimes seep into one another if they get even a little damp. Try placing a layer of parchment paper in between each item to keep them dry. Switch out your spring shoe options, scarves, accessories, all of it. Replace all of your summery belongings with items that are more appropriate for the colder weather.

Get Ready for Winter

There’s a saying all over Jersey: “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes. It’ll change.” Anyone who has spent autumn in the northeast knows that it also usually only goes from cold to colder. You might experience a few winter days mixed in with your fall weather and vice versa.

PopSugar recommends setting up a fall and winter side within your closet so you have each available depending on the weather. Group your coats according to what’s waterproof and what isn’t. Then, simply arrange them by how heavy they are. You’ll quickly see what’s right for the elements that day and will be able to dress accordingly.

When getting your closet ready for winter, don’t forget about other essentials like thermal underwear, wool tights, and other items that you'll wear close to your skin for warmth.

Use Vertical Space and Drawers

Fall is a great time to begin using your vertical closet space. If you’re like most people in cold areas, you probably have more coats than you know what to do with. Your everyday coats are in the hall closet, but your specialty winter wear like ski jackets and formal coats are likely taking up room in your bedroom closet.

So where do you put your heavy sweaters? It's time to embrace the magic of folding! Fold ‘em, stack ‘em, and set ‘em up top. If you have drawers, Martha Stewart explains how to neatly fold and stack them on end like woolen files. That way, you'll be able to see what's inside at a glance and fit more into each drawer.

Conclusion

Always think about space and necessities when organizing your closets. You don’t want them looking cluttered. You also want to be able to easily find whatever you need for the ever-changing cold weather. Taking your spring and summer clothes out of the closet, replacing them with your cold-weather items, and storing them all neatly will allow you to minimize the chaos while also keeping you warm and dry on cool, cold, freezing, or even snowy days.

Sources

10 of The Best Kept Secrets for Organizing Your Kitchen Pantry

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 15:11:42 GMT

The basics of organizing your kitchen pantry include using baskets and bins, storing dry goods in clear containers, and grouping similar items together. But, what about those best-kept pantry secrets handed down through generations? Just like your great, great grandmother's homemade pasta sauce, it's time to dive into some unique and nifty pantry organization ideas you probably haven't thought of.

Follow these 10 awesome, best-kept secrets of kitchen pantry organization:

Employ a multi-tier rack system
Remove food items from their packaging
Labels are your best friend
Utilize door space with a hanging rack
Establish a "grab-and-go" station
Place soon-to-expire items in the front
Create a custom DIY chip-clip rack
Lazy Susans can come in handy
Install a dry-erase board for keeping track of groceries
Don't fill up every inch of space

Alright, chef. Let's show that kitchen pantry who's boss by exploring the tips below!

Employ a Multi-Tier Rack System

Pantry cabinets are often deep, however, that usually means various cans and boxes of food are pushed to the back and forgotten about. Additionally, when searching for a specific food item, it's very hard to see the items in the back when there are a ton of other things in front of them. Solve both of these problems by employing a multi-tier rack system.

This is best done with a 3-4 tier organizer where each tier is slightly higher than the one before it. Because of this height differential, it makes it just as easy to see the items on the highest tier in the back as it is to see the items in the very front. This tier system is best utilized for canned food and various food boxes, such as pasta noodles and crackers.

Remove Food Items From Their Packaging

One often overlooked aspect of pantry organization is keeping food in its original packaging. Whether your pantry is filled with cereal boxes, cookie containers, or peanut canisters, the original packaging is not meant to preserve food once it's opened. This typically results in food going stale before its expiration date, or even worse, leads to an infestation of bugs looking for their next meal.

When organizing your pantry, always use BPA-free airtight containers to store your food once the packaging is opened. Whether the container is made of metal, plastic, or glass, the airtight feature will not only preserve the quality of your food but also help to keep bugs out of your pantry.

Plus, food boxes are notoriously awkward to keep organized, with the various shapes and sizes. Removing your food from the original packaging can help make organizing your pantry much easier. This is especially true if you opt for a set of similar-sized containers, or better yet, stackable containers.

Labels Are Your Best Friend

Alright, so you've removed your food from the original packaging. Now, it's time to label everything! Labels are vital for helping you determine which container keeps what food. While most containers are see-through, some food items, such as sugar and flour, can be easy to mix up.

Avoid accidentally using sugar to knead your bread dough by labeling the correct containers. Opt for labels that are easy to peel off so you can re-use the container once the item inside is gone.

Another option, besides buying a label maker, is to simply use masking or washi tape to serve as labels. These less expensive options get the job done and can be easily removed when the time comes.

Utilize Door Space with a Hanging Rack

The more space you have for storage, the more organized your pantry will become. Delish recommends making every space count by utilizing a hanging rack on the back of your pantry door. Door racks have multiple tiers for storage that can almost double the size of your pantry if properly utilized. Some even have hooks that you can use to hang measuring cups or utensils from.

Don't have a pantry door? Not a problem. You can also opt for a much smaller rack that can hang on the back of cabinet doors in the kitchen. While these don't offer as much room as a door rack, you can get multiple racks to hang on as many cabinets as you see fit.

Establish a "Grab-and-Go" Station

Have a family member that seems to always destroy your pantry in the hunt for a snack? Don't let the hard work of organizing your pantry go to waste. Establish a quick, "grab-and-go" station!

One centralized snack spot eliminates the need for rifling through the pantry. Additionally, it offers a quick "grab-and-go" feature for those busy days when you barely have time to eat. Just grab a snack on your way out. Another added benefit of such a station is that it makes it much easier to keep track of when you're running low on certain snacks.

Place Soon-to-Expire Items in The Front

Purging your pantry of expired food items is one of the first steps of effective kitchen organization. However, for those items that are on the verge of expiring, keeping them front and center makes for good practice. Don't let those items go to waste. If you employ a rack system for food, this tip could mean always placing new items in the back and shifting the older items to the front, which is exactly what The Organized Home advises.

Create a Custom DIY Chip-Clip Rack

Chances are, like any other house in America, your pantry is full of bags of chips. Whether opened or unopened, these poofy bags end up getting in the way and taking up valuable cabinet space. Fortunately, there is a solution!

Practical Whimsy Designs offers a step-by-step guide for creating your own custom DIY chip-clip rack that is made from a wood board and spring clamps. While you can design and paint the rack any way you like, the idea is the same. Such a rack offers space to clip your bags of chips to the outside of your cabinets.

Not only will a DIY chip-clip rack help clear up space in your pantry, but it also offers the added ability of preserving the freshness of the chips in opened bags. Additionally, the rack will make it easier to tell when you're running low on a certain type of chip.

Lazy Susans Can Come in Handy

A Lazy Susan is a nifty little invention that spins around in one spot. Incorporating such a device into your pantry is a great way to up your organization game. Store these bad boys in your pantry cabinets and keep items such as spices, condiments, tea sweeteners, and sugars on them. Since these devices spin around, it makes it much easier to find the items you are looking for. Easy peasy!

Install a Dry-Erase Board for Keeping Track of Groceries

How many times have you gone grocery shopping only to realize you forgot to get something? Gone are those days when you install a dry-erase or whiteboard in your kitchen. Keep this board next to your pantry and when you run out of an item, write it down as a reminder to pick up prior to your next grocery run. These boards can also help you keep track of ingredients on hand for meal planning.

Don't Fill Up Every Inch of Space

While it may be tempting to completely max out the space in your pantry, it's best to leave room to grow. You never know when the next big snowstorm is coming, which means stocking up on extra supplies. Or, perhaps a holiday is on its way, or even a pandemic.

Whatever the situation, leaving extra space is a great tip for long-term organization. Designate an empty bin or shelf for those "rainy-day" supplies. Otherwise, your pantry will re-clutter during those situations, wasting all the effort you took with organizing it in the first place.

Conclusion

While most people know the basics of pantry organization, the best-kept secrets above offer a leg up in the organization game. Better organize your pantry by employing a multi-tier rack system, removing food from its original packaging, and keeping empty space for emergency situations.

Additionally, adding organizational accessories, such as a door rack, dry-erase board, Lazy Susan, and DIY chip-clip racks can help you stay organized. One of the most important parts of your household, an organized pantry means an organized home!

Sources

Laundry Room Ideas for Small Spaces

neil@closetstoadore.com (Neil Rohrbacker) — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 19:33:06 GMT

Does your laundry room feel cramped? Most laundry areas are small to begin with, and having piles of clothing and linens within that space doesn't help either. Are you seeking some ideas to optimize this area of your home?

Maximize space in your tiny laundry room by using the following tools:

Rolling Carts
Cubbies
Hanging Rods
Cabinets
Pull-Down Drying Racks
A Clean Countertop
Command Hooks
Ironing Station
Bookshelves

Keep reading to understand how each suggestion will make your laundry room space feel larger, even if it's on the smaller side.

Use a Rolling Cart

A rolling cart is a great tool to use if you have a lot of items in your laundry room. Thanks to its wheels, you can pull the cart anywhere you need it. Depending on your washer and dryer setup, you might be able to slide the cart in between the two machines. Then, the cart can hold your detergent, dryer sheets, bleach, and more.

Are your washer and dryer not laid out like that? That’s fine. You can place the cart in a corner near the washer. That way, you can grab your detergent and bleach with ease instead of reaching for them on a high shelf.

Experiment With Cubbies

If a cart isn't your style, try some cubbies instead. You can take the items you have stored on shelves and organize them into cubbies in a way that suits your needs. They're also helpful with clearing up valuable floor space.

Install Hanging Rods

Hanging rods will help keep your clothes and hangers organized. Plus, your floors will stay clear and the tops of your machines will remain clutter-free. Hanging rods are also great for drying your more delicate items that can't handle the normal drying cycle. At the same time, keep track of pieces that need to be ironed.

Invest in Cabinets

Cabinets are useful for holding a number of items that tend to get lost in the laundry war. Sink-base cabinets can hold bleach, fabric softener, stain remover, and liquid detergent for your washing needs. Floating cabinets, on the other hand, can hold neatly folded towels and linens.

Install a Pull-Down Drying Rack

Some of your clothing isn't meant to be put inside the dryer. The best option may be to let them air dry. But in a small space like your laundry room, that may not be so easy. A solution to that problem is to invest in a pull-down drying rack, either wall-mounted or suspended from hooks. Choose whichever layout works best for your laundry room.

Clean Up Countertop Space

If you have any type of countertop space in your laundry room, it's probably filled to the brim with miscellaneous items. Not only does it make the space feel more cluttered, but it also might make finding certain items quite difficult. Better Homes & Gardens suggests that you go through any piled-up mess, and find a place for each item you come across.

Use Command Hooks

Command hooks are just as useful as pull-down drying racks. The right hooks are made to be strong enough to hold around seven pounds. So if you just finished drying something kind of heavy, such as a hoodie sweatshirt, you can hang it on the command hook and it'll stay in place.

You can use them for more than just clothing, too. If you have multiple hooks, use them to store additional laundry bags and perhaps some cleaning equipment as well. Again, the key is to maximize space and create efficiency.

Install a Foldable Ironing Station

One of the headaches of drying clothes is ensuring that pesky wrinkles are not left behind. Remedy that problem with a foldable ironing board. Try folding it against the wall or door and keep additional tools nearby, including the iron & power cord. Having extra hangers will be convenient as well.

Use Bookshelves

Bookshelves are a simple and convenient solution for laundry rooms with little space. Plus, they don't take up too much room. Pick a bookshelf in a color that matches your laundry room. That'll give the entire room added style.

Conclusion

Having a small laundry space can be annoying if you have a lot of stuff, but investing in a few basic items will make it feel more spacious. A little style never hurts either! You'll find some of these items convenient for every area of your house, not just the laundry room.

Sources

https://www.bhg.com/rooms/laundry-room/12-secrets-to-cut-laundry-room-clutter/

How to Set-Up a Garage Sale

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 14:02:54 GMT

Looking for a great way to make some extra money on the side? Or maybe you are looking to finally get rid of that pile of junk in the corner of your garage? No matter the reason, garage sales are a tried and true method for selling unused items and turning a quick profit.

If you are a newbie to the world of yard sales, do not fear. For an effective garage sale, simply follow these steps:

Get garage sale ready:
Clean out your closets
Organize your items in advance
Set a date
Advertise your garage sale
Make signs
Utilize social media
Channel your inner "salesperson"
Strategically position your items
Fair pricing
Have change on hand
Learn how to haggle

Dive in below to learn how to better set up your next garage sale and earn that money. Cha-ching!

Get Garage Sale Ready

If your house is filled with piles of junk, then you are well on your way to your next garage sale. However, if you are not quite there yet, then you will want to start here:

Clean Out Your Closets

Sounds simple enough, right? Go through your closets, all of them. Nothing is off-limits. Decorations from your kid's first birthday? Put those in the pile. That blouse you bought years ago that you swore you would wear one day? Add it to the pile as well.

Go through your cabinets and drawers, looking for anything and everything. If you do not wear it or use it often, or if you have completely forgotten about it, then it more than likely needs to go.

Organize Your Items in Advance

Once you have a nice big pile or multiple piles of items to sell, it's time to start sorting everything. You will need to sort your items into three main categories- keep, sell, and trash. The goal at this stage is to focus on throwing away all the useless junk, finding a home for the things you wish to keep, and setting aside everything you want to sell.

One important thing to remember is that while you may consider something junk, potential garage sale customers may see it as treasure. Unless an item is truly broken beyond repair, you may still be able to sell it.

Set The Date

Yard sales are typically most effective on the weekends, which means Saturdays and Sundays are your best bet. If you have a free weekend, why not start on Saturday and try to sell everything remaining on Sunday?

You will also want to set the time as well. The earlier you start, the cooler the temperature. Also, many would-be garage sale customers are early risers.

Here's a good tip to remember : Consider scheduling your garage sale on the first weekend of the month, since most people receive their paychecks around that time.

Advertise Your Garage Sale

You don't need to get fancy and take out an expensive ad to advertise your garage sale. There are tons of free & affordable methods you can use instead.

Make Signs

Perhaps the most used method to advertise yard sales are those classic homemade signs that you've probably seen at busy intersections on the weekends. The most effective signs consist of bright poster boards with large, easy-to-read lettering. You will definitely want to include an arrow that points towards your garage sale location.

It's best if you pre-plan the placement of the signs to better angle the arrows. If you have time, make a quick dry run from your nearest intersection to your home and take note of the posts and street poles you plan on placing your signs.

Utilize Social Media

As The Spruce points out, in today's day and age, another effective form of advertisement is to utilize social media. For example, make a post on your neighborhood Facebook page or download "garage sale finder apps." If you go down the social media route, it's best if you make your posts a few days in advance.

Channel Your Inner "Salesperson"

Alright, the big day is finally here. It's time to put out your items and get ready to sell, sell, sell!

Position Your Stuff Effectively

Before your sale begins, you will want to get up early and start setting up your items. Like any good retail business, location is key. Make sure to position your most attractive inventory closer to the street to draw in more customers. Put the less attractive items towards the back.

It also wouldn't hurt to organize your items into sections. For instance, have one section for clothing and another for home decor. This way, people looking for specific items can head towards the section they are interested in browsing.

Fair Pricing

The Money Crashers make a good point when it comes to pricing items. Time is money, so think about which items need to be priced individually versus in a bundle. The less effort shoppers have to go through to find their desired treasures, the easier it will be for you to meet your sales goal.

Above all else, resist the urge to "overprice" your items. Pick fair prices based on the condition of each item.

Have Change on Hand

An often overlooked aspect of garage sales is the need for change. Have some smaller bills on hand to make change for your customers. You should probably even have some coins as well, such as quarters, dimes, and nickels. As you sell more and more, your reserve of smaller bills will build up. But, you don't want to miss a sale in the beginning because you couldn't break some change.

Learn How to Haggle

While not entirely necessary, the ability to haggle during a garage sale will go a long way. After all, yard sale customers are notorious for haggling. When a customer starts to negotiate, let them negotiate. However, you must stick to your guns when you feel the price is getting too low. You are trying to turn a profit!

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips to help you during your garage sale.

Get Family Involved

Have younger kids with nothing to do on a Saturday morning? Have them help set up the yard sale and keep an eye on the business. You can even have them set up a lemonade stand to sell drinks to your customers.

Be Safe

Most yard sale customers are well-meaning people looking for a good deal. However, since you are inviting strangers to your front lawn, remain cautious. Lock your doors and windows, don't let anybody inside your house, and keep your money in a designated spot at all times.

Optimize Your Garage Storage for the Sale

Keeping a well-organized garage can help you in all aspects of your yard sale. First, it'll make it easier to find and organize items to sell. Plus, your yard sale will look more attractive to potential customers. Finally, with additional items gone, you can invest in more durable options for storage such as cabinets, Slatwall , and perhaps a workbench.

Conclusion

Setting up an effective garage sale is as easy as cleaning out your closets, advertising your sale, and channeling your inner "salesperson." If you follow the steps above, then you will be well on your way to de-cluttering your home and making that extra money!

Sources

A Step-by-Step Guide for Pantry Pest Prevention

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 15:58:19 GMT

Discovering that your kitchen pantry has been overrun by pests is reviling! You got rid of the offending culprits, but you want to prevent future recurrences. How do you keep pests out of your kitchen pantry for good?

Here are some quick and easy steps to follow:

Keep Your Pantry Clean
Use What You Buy
Only Purchase Food With Undamaged Packaging
Store Loose Food and Snacks in Airtight Containers

With these tips, your kitchen pantry can stay spick and span so you don’t have to deal with the horrors of earwigs, moths, ants, or beetles! Keep reading for actionable steps to take today.

Keep Your Pantry Clean

You just went through the upsetting experience of removing insects from your kitchen. Before you put everything right back where it came from all over again, take the time to give your pantry a deep cleaning up and down, inside, and out.

Wipe down every shelf, every corner, and every crevice. Products with vinegar as the main ingredient will ward off insects like ants, says HGTV , as the tiny, multi-legged bugs detest the bitter smell.

Gnats, on the other hand, are attracted to vinegar. You can combine it with dish soap to make a gnat-killing trap should a few bugs fly into your home. Set the trap on your kitchen counter so the gnats can’t get anywhere near your pantry.

Clean your counters once every three months moving forward.

Use What You Buy

This tip might sound obvious, but it’s so important in maintaining the bug-free status of your kitchen pantry. The rule to follow here is that the first thing that goes in your pantry should be the first to be eaten.

The less time food spends in your pantry, the better. That’s doubly true once you open the packaging. Make sure that you and your family get into a habit of properly sealing opened packages and closing the pantry doors when not in use.

Since you just spent the time cleaning out your pantry, research the best organizers for storing canned goods, boxes, packages, wine bottles, and bags of food.

Only Purchase Food With Undamaged Packaging

If you had bugs in your kitchen pantry, clearly you wondered how they got in. More than likely, the insects hitched a ride onto the food you bought while it was still in your grocery store shopping cart.

The grocery products that bugs are most attracted to include "cured meats, tea, powdered milk, spices, dried fruits, chocolate, nuts, seeds, and cereal products", notes the University of Minnesota Extension .

If you’re buying those items, you need to thoroughly inspect them at both the grocery store and at home. While you’re standing under the bright fluorescent lights of the candy or pasta aisle, look closely at every package. Turn each product over so you can see it from all sides.

Is the box torn anywhere? Does the bag look ripped or like it’s about to tear? Do you see any small holes? Even teeny-tiny openings can be large enough for insects like ants to enter, and then it’s all downhill from there.

When you bring your food home, give it a once-over again. Not all pantry pests are easy to detect with the naked eye, but if they are and they’re skittering across your food, you’ll certainly notice them.

Rather than flick the bugs off, you’re better off going back to the grocery store, explaining the situation, and seeing if you can get a refund. If there’s one bug in your food, you have no idea how many more could be hiding in the box or package!

Store Loose Food and Snacks in Airtight Containers

Although pantry pests are little, they’re mighty. They’re not always deterred by foil, paper, and cardboard. If an insect eats through these materials–which many will–then they’ve created an entry into your food where there was none before. Thus, your pest problem could begin all over again.

When bringing home any of the snacks that most attract pests, transfer them to food storage containers. It doesn’t matter so much if the containers are made of plastic, metal, or glass. Just make sure they have airtight lids.

Conclusion

It’s very distressing to find pests roaming around in your food packages. Once they’re gone, maintaining a pantry cleaning regimen every three months is one of your best defenses against pests. You also want to check food packaging, both at the grocery store and at home, and buy some airtight food containers for nuts and seeds, cereals, and other loose food. Good luck!

Sources

Items to Avoid Storing in Your Garage

Wed, 26 May 2021 14:05:12 GMT

For many households, the garage becomes a catchall storage space for belongings that have no place else to go. While it’s acceptable to keep some items such as sports equipment, tools, and gardening supplies in your garage, some objects are just not suitable.

Why can’t certain items be stored in your custom garage ? There are three main reasons:

Extreme weather -Unless your garage is climate-controlled, temperatures will fluctuate depending on the seasons, and the moisture levels will change. In Northern states, such as New Jersey, you never know from one season to the next what to expect. Especially in winter, you may only experience a few flurries or have to shovel your way out of 4 feet of snow. Other times, you could be wearing shorts in March. It’s up to Mother Nature.
Vermin - Rodents, pests, and animals love to find new places to hide, and some items in your garage fit the bill.
Hazardous materials - Anything flammable like cleaning chemicals or propane gas is unsafe to store in your garage. If the materials ignite, a fire or explosion could occur.

Before you start reorganizing your garage, pull up a chair and check out what items should not be stored in that area of a home.

Firewood

Keeping firewood in your garage during the winter seems like a good idea to avoid trips outside in the cold weather. Unfortunately, firewood attracts pests, and you will bring them into your home along with the wood. Keep firewood outdoors in an open area at least 20 feet away from your home. Cover with a tarp.

Propane Tanks

Having an extra propane tank available if you run low is convenient, but the gas is a significant fire hazard if stored in your garage. When mixed with air, propane becomes flammable. If the tank leaks, a single spark from your car’s ignition or power tool can set your garage on fire. Always keep propane tanks outside, as far away from your home as possible.

Hazardous Materials

As with propane, hazardous materials such as fertilizer, weed killer, and antifreeze can leak and ignite a fire or explosion as well. Keep dangerous materials in a locked basement or an insulated shed. If you have hazardous chemicals you no longer need, dispose of them properly.

Canned Food

High heat and humidity will absolutely spoil canned and nonperishable food. When the extreme cold weather arrives, your food will freeze, which may not be so bad.

However, when the temperature drops, the food thaws and may spoil. Always store canned goods either in your pantry or another temperature-controlled space. Family Handyman notes that the temperature should always be "between 50 and 70 degrees."

Refrigerators

Having a backup refrigerator in the garage sounds like a fantastic idea until you see your energy bill. As Bob Vila points out, when the temperature in your garage is over 78 degrees, your fridge will have to work overtime to combat constantly changing heat and humidity levels, ultimately resulting in astronomical energy bills.

Cold temperatures are not any kinder to your refrigerator. Despite the insulated doors, low temperatures will freeze the contents, reducing the quality of your food. So, if you live up North and aren’t sure whether Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow, play it safe and don’t keep a spare fridge in your garage.

Wine

Changing temperatures cause wine corks to expand and contract, allowing air to get into the bottles and altering the taste. Keep wine inside your home, either in a wine refrigerator or cabinet.

Electronics

If you have an extra television or computer, do not leave it in the garage. The severe temperatures will cause permanent damage. Instead, bring them inside or drop them off at a local charity.

Cardboard Boxes

When storing items in your garage, stick to plastic containers with sealed lids and recycle cardboard. Humidity dampens cardboard, which in turn, attracts bugs, rodents, and other unappealing critters.

Old Photos and Important Documents

Moisture and extreme temperatures damage photos and documents, causing them to stick together, fade, grow mold, and rip. Always keep important documents inside your home. For photos, keep them in a special protective container or go digital and transfer them to your computer.

Paint

Extreme temperatures will alter the consistency of paint, especially latex-based paint. In addition, metal paint cans kept on a cement floor rust quickly in warmer temperatures. If the paint smells sour or has thickened, get rid of it. To dispose of paint correctly, you need to turn it into a solid. To do so, Real Simple suggests mixing cat litter with paint and allowing the concoction to dry for an hour. To store paint safely, find a spot in your home where you can keep it at room temperature.

Pet Food

If you buy pet food in bulk, rodents and bugs will chew through the bags and the food. Move the pet food to your pantry or another space in your home. Also, transfer the food into airtight containers.

Clothing

Fabrics left in a garage are likely to be damaged either by mold or pests. To avoid this from happening, store your clothes in a spare closet, under your bed, or even in breathable storage bins.

Wood Furniture

Extreme heat and humidity will warp wooden furniture, including tables, chairs, and bed frames. If you do not have space in your home for furniture, rent a climate-controlled storage unit.

Books

Not only will humidity cause the pages to stick together, but insects will likely eat through the paper and bindings. To protect them, store your books inside in a temperature-controlled environment.

Organize Your Garage

Now that you know what items not to store in your garage, you’ll have plenty of space to store acceptable items - including your vehicle! To help you get started, Getting the Garage Organized for the New Year offers a plan to optimize your space and keep everything organized.

Conclusion

When you need extra storage space, your garage is the perfect spot for items such as bicycles, sports equipment, tools, and car supplies. On the other hand, some items are not suitable to keep there because they require a temperature-controlled environment, are flammable, or attract rodents and pests. Use this article to help determine what can stay in your garage and what needs to be moved elsewhere.

Sources

Six Creative Ideas to Makeover Your Small Home Office

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 20:53:33 GMT

Like other parts of your Harding Township, NJ home, your home office space needs updating on occasion. If you have a small office, makeover ideas might be hard to come by. What are some ideas that can help you spruce up your work area?

There are many things you can do to make your small home office look and feel updated. Some makeover ideas include:

Adding a Chalkboard Wall
Bringing in Color
Creative Desk Concepts
Adding Light
Putting in Art
Repurposing Areas for New Office Space

Read on to find out how these ideas can revitalize your small workspace.

Add a Chalkboard Wall

Ready to spruce up your office? Then you might want to start with a way to organize your daily tasks. Try painting a wall or part of a wall with chalkboard paint. It will give you a reusable surface to jot down notes without putting holes in your wall for a dry erase board. It also gives you a spot where you can create your own art and change it when you want something new.

Before you begin your chalk wall journey, you need to do a few things to prepare your wall. According to Housebeautiful.com , start by checking the wall texture. Walls with texture won’t make a good chalkboard. If the spot you want to use isn’t level, use sandpaper and sand down bumps to make it smooth and even.

Chalkboard paint is available in most home improvement stores. Black is the most common color. However, it is far from the only color. You can get chalk paint in a multitude of colors. If you don’t see something you like, you can get some acrylic paint in your favorite hue and add some grout to it. Mix the paint and grout well before applying to the wall.

Bring in Color With Accessories

You can easily makeover your office by adding some color to it, and not worry about repainting the entire space. Instead, choose a few accessories to breathe new life into the area.

Choose colors that you like, not necessarily colors that are trendy or ‘hot’ for this season. It helps keep your office’s look from feeling dated when those colors go out of style. You want colors that make you feel calm and focused. Don’t choose anything you’d find distracting.

Don’t be afraid to get creative. If you want to add just a little color, choose a few accessories that work for you.

Throw Rugs
Lamp
Office Chair
Vase
Bookends

If you want to add some color but don’t have extra space for accessories, consider revamping the pieces you already have. Add colorful contact paper to the front of your desk drawers or desktop. Repaint your filing cabinet or bookcase to add that desired pop of color. It may take a little more time to create the look you want, but it’ll be worth it in the end.

Rethink Your Desk

The desk is often the focal point of any office area. It is the one piece of furniture you will use daily. While you need something that will work well for you, if your space is small, you might want to think outside the box in terms of your work surface.

Small offices often prohibit a larger workspace. Executive desks and bigger l-shaped desks may not be feasible in your small area. Instead, consider using a small writing desk to hold your laptop or other writing materials. You could also use a secretary desk where the front drops down when you are ready to use it. When you don’t need to work, you can close up the desk to save some space.

If you are looking for more ways to save some space while updating your office look, consider a wall-mounted desk. As suggested by HGTV.com , you can make your own that folds up when you’re not using it and accent it with different decorative panels.

If you want a little more surface space, but don’t want the hassle of opening and closing a desk, there are other wall-mounted options. You can secure desktops to the wall to give you a larger work area. Doing this could allow you to create an l-shaped desk in the corner of your office. Attaching the desk to the wall frees up some floor space and may give you space underneath to add drawers for extra storage.

Add Some Light

A dark workspace can make it difficult to complete any task. It also makes a small office look even smaller. Add some extra lighting to refresh your office’s drab look. A decorative lamp on your desk can give you the light you need while also adding a touch of texture and color to your space. If you have a small desk, you may consider a slender floor lamp that will add some accent and light without taking up much floor room.

Another option is to add a wall-mounted light fixture over your desk. You don’t have to be an electrician or hire a professional to add a wall light. There are many decorative, battery-operated wall lamps available.

Put In Some Art

When making over your small home office, don’t be afraid to update your artwork. Decorative images can make you feel more motivated to work.

You don’t have to pick something trendy. Like with adding color, you want pieces that speak to you. If you like carved masks, put some on the walls. If you prefer motivational sayings, print out your favorites on decorative card stock and add them around your work area.

When hanging your art, you can use command strips to keep from damaging the walls with nails. These strips will make it easy to change out art when you are ready for something new.

Repurpose a Different Area for Your Office

Not everyone can have a dedicated room, no matter how small, for their home office. When you’re ready to makeover your space, you may want to look at surrounding areas that you can repurpose as an office.

If your home has a built-in desk in the kitchen, you can use this area as a makeshift office. If there are shelves or cabinets above the desk, take advantage of them! Use the storage overhead to organize your office supplies. If the cabinets have doors, you may consider removing one or two doors and using those shelves to add some décor to your space.

As an alternative, take a corner of your dining room or bedroom to make a new, cozy work spot. If possible, spruce up an area near a window. It will give you natural light, which can make any space feel a little bigger.

Some people opt to move their work desk to the bedroom. You can place the desk on a nearby wall or at the foot of the bed and then decorate that section of your room to make it feel separate. Having the office in your bedroom makes it easy to roll out of bed and work when the day begins. The downside is the lack of segregation between work and relaxation.

Conclusion

Having a fresh new home office space can make it easier to sit and work. Adding a chalkboard wall allows you to add to-do lists and a spot for your kids to add some art of their own. To refresh your office, add light, color, and inspiring artwork. Don’t be afraid to rethink both your desk and the space you are using as an office.

Sources

How to Optimize Wall Space in a Garage

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 15:56:34 GMT

A clean and well-organized garage looks larger and more appealing, adds extra value to your home, and creates a special place that you and your Closter, NJ family can utilize fully for a wide range of activities.

Get the most out of your home and optimize your wall space to create a ship-shape and stunning custom garage for your entire household to enjoy. Here are a few bright ideas to help you maximize the appeal of your abode:

Declutter - don’t be afraid to throw things away!
Built-ins add value
Use racks creatively
Garage cabinets are a must-have
Utilize your overhead space
Employ mobile work areas and fold-away tables for extra versatility
While it might be tempting, don’t put things on the floor

There’s no mystery here - it’s actually easy to get your garage-Mahal looking like a palace with these incredibly simple tips. Read on for more info on optimizing your space and manifesting your dream custom garage!

Keep, Toss, Sell, Donate

Cleaning the garage might sound like a boring chore, but it’s the first step to establishing a successful storage routine. Style blog 21 Oak recommends full participation by all of the residents of your home - many hands make short work. Remove your cars and create four zones - one each for keeping, tossing, selling, and donating. At the end of the day, you’ll clearly see what needs to be safely stored in your new garage, tossed out with the trash, sent to your favorite charity, or sold for a pretty penny.

Built-In Magic

Consider boosting the value of your home by adding some creative and highly adaptable built-in storage solutions. Frequently used in retail and merchandising displays, Slatwall racks are easy to install, visually appealing, and long-lasting. They're also extremely versatile to whatever configuration you need to use to optimize your wall space.

Rack, Not Ruin

Your garage probably contains a vast multitude of tools, gardening implements, auto supplies, seasonal decorations, sports equipment, and everything else under the sun. It’s crucial to corral these necessary yet awkward items for both appearance and safety.

Wall racks come in a huge array of styles, but one of the most important ones that you will need is a yard tool organizer. This will keep your brooms, rakes, and shovels neatly organized and unable to fall on unsuspecting family members. Supported or wall-mounted racks are also stellar for holding bikes, ski's, storage baskets - practically whatever you want!

Sturdy Storage

Another key component of a beautifully organized garage is well-built cabinetry. Stout interior shelves and cabinet doors with stylish, weather-resistant finishes will add substantial value to your custom garage makeover. Be sure that your cabinetry is wall-mounted and securely anchored.

Inside, use clear plastic or wooden storage bins to keep small items tidy and out of the way. If you choose metal cabinetry, attach magnetic hooks and tins to help store small tools, bolts, and craft supplies. Sturdy cabinets also offer extra protection for your belongings.

Look Up

An often-overlooked but vital storage area is right over your head. Maximize your vertical space with unique overhead solutions. Lifestyle guide Dea Vita suggests some additional ideas like hanging racks from the ceiling for items like play equipment, paddleboards, or kayaks that will keep them snug and out of the way.

Secure rubberized bins to the top of the wall for out-of-the-way storage of seasonal items you only need once a year. Custom sliding bins can be added directly over where your cars are usually parked for additional storage. Using the full amount of vertical space available in your garage means even more ability to organize your stuff.

Keep It Moving

Two of the hottest new trends today are mobile workstations and fold-away worktables. A workbench on wheels can be put against the wall for more open space and brought out when you need organization on the go. Your custom garage design could also incorporate a large folding table with sturdy, weight-bearing legs that come out when you need them, but can be securely fastened to the wall when not, giving you more space for working on your vintage auto or large craft project.

The Floor is Lava

You might think it wouldn’t be terrible to just set a few things on the floor, but down that path lies danger! Storing things directly on the floor automatically makes your garage space look cluttered and in disarray. Also, objects lurking about have a bigger chance of accidentally getting broken, stepped on, or driven over. Even awkward sports equipment, bicycles, and hefty tools can be stored up on the walls on brackets or hooks, giving you more space for your favorite activities and plenty of room for your vehicles.

Conclusion

With these handy tips and tricks and a little ingenuity, you’ll be able to optimize wall space and flawlessly organize your garage like a pro. It’ll look great, feel even better, add value to your home, and make your neighbors jealous!

Sources

Home Organization & Decluttering Tips

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 20:18:44 GMT

You want control over your home and stop letting items have power over you. Where your sanctuary from the world started off organized and clutter-free, it has now become a breeding ground for chaos. You no longer have a place for everything. It’s starting to stress you out. So how do you organize and declutter your Far Hills, NJ home?

There are numerous home organization and decluttering tips found on the internet. The best way to start getting a handle on things is to do it room by room. Start with the kitchen and then move on to the bedroom, living room, bathroom, and office. Focusing on one area allows you to feel a sense of completion before moving on to the next.

Eager to start decluttering and organizing your home? Of course you are! Read on to learn more tips on how to organize each room. Stick around to the end and find out a few things you shouldn’t do as you begin the task of gaining control over your items.

Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the places where you probably spend a lot of time. Because of this, your counters are probably cluttered with vast amounts of junk that doesn’t belong in there. To organize effectively, start by focusing on these problem areas.

Clear Counters

Go through your kitchen and remove everything off the counters and tables. Relocate items back to their appropriate places. By removing misplaced items, you can regain control over the room and make it feel more organized.

Make Room in Cabinets and Pantries

Once the counters are cleared, you can start emptying and reorganizing your cabinets and pantry. Organizers such as a door rack for the back of the door and lazy susans can make finding stuff easier. Rollout racks in lower cabinets help you to organize your pots and pans.

In the pantry, organize your dried goods such as flour and oatmeal by putting them into containers. Plastic or glass containers help to keep the contents fresh and keep out pests. The see-through canisters make it easy for you to see what you have as well.

Don’t Forget the Wall Space

Frequently used items need storage that is easily accessible. Use the wall to store and display your oven mitts and potholders. Putting them out makes them easy to grab when you need them and adds homey décor to your kitchen when the day is done.

Pots and pans can also take up valuable space in your cabinets. Pot racks or even a pegboard with S hooks can give you much-needed storage and keep all of your pots within reach while cooking.

Some hanging storage space isn’t technically on the wall, but still an excellent way to free up cabinet and counter space. You can use the under cabinet spaces for storage. By putting hooks underneath your cabinets, you can hang your favorite coffee mugs beside your coffee pot. Attach a magnetic rack , as suggested by Home Beautiful, to your refrigerator to hang paper towels, serving utensils, and more.

Bedroom

Decluttering the bedroom is a little different than working in the kitchen. While items from around the house might find their way into your private sanctuary, it is not as common as more public spaces like the kitchen or the living room. Once the foreign objects return to their homes, it’s time to bring order to your world.

Under the Bed

Bedrooms, like any room in a house, have finite space. You’ve planned the layout of your room to be easy to navigate and maintain. If you’re like most people, your detailed plan works for a while, and then things get out of control because your room isn’t as big as you need it to be. Instead of cramming things into the corners, look down below for some added space.

Many people forget that under the bed is a spacious place to store items that you don’t use regularly. Using containers designed for under the bed, you can rotate your wardrobe from summer to winter and not have an overcrowded closet. It’s also an excellent place to store extra blankets and pillows. Don’t have a lot of space on your closet floor? Add shoes to the containers to keep them clean and out of sight until you need them.

Store containers of holiday decorations under your bed. There are durable container options for ornaments, wallpaper, ribbons, and bows, so you can put these things away after the holidays are done.

In the Closet

Bedroom closets are often overlooked when it comes time to declutter and organize. It is the one space in the house where many throw things inside and close the door. There is no thought to what to do when it comes time to find anything.

Rotate your wardrobe to free up space in your drawers and on the hanging rods. You’ll be better able to find the top you’re looking for if there is room to slide garments away from one another. You can use bins to put them under the bed if you need an extra place to store them.

When rotating clothes, take time to donate or toss anything that doesn’t fit, that you don’t wear anymore, or is damaged beyond repair. It’ll give you the excuse to buy some new clothes and keep your wardrobe up to date.

Kids’ closets can be especially difficult to organize. Not only are they growing constantly, but their tastes also seem to change almost daily. To conquer the kids’ mess, check out How Do I Keep My Kids’ Clothes Organized?

Living Room

The living room is the spot where your family comes together to watch TV, play games, and just relax. As a result, it becomes cluttered and disorganized reasonably quickly. End tables and coffee tables become a magnet for items that don’t belong in the living room. Movies and toys don’t get put away as they should. So, instead of being a nice place to relax as a family, it becomes a living nightmare.

Double Purpose Furniture

One way to help tame the clutter is to use dual-purpose furniture. Ottomans and benches that have hidden storage inside can give you a place to put lap blankets and magazines, so they don’t get left all over the room.

Cubby storage can double as an entertainment unit and a place for the kids to put their toys. Each child can have one or two bins with their names on them so they can pick up their things at the end of the evening. You can put a DVD player and video game machines on top and hang your television on the wall above.

Back to Home Bin

In space near the entrance to your living room, keep a basket. When you’re straightening, toss items that don’t belong in the living room in the bin. Take it with you as you leave the room and return the items to their proper spots. The basket helps keep down on the clutter from other rooms and gives you an easy-to-carry container, so you don’t have to make multiple trips.

Bathroom

Most bathrooms don’t have the storage space necessary to keep the room clutter-free and organized. Start decluttering by going through your bath products and get rid of anything that is expired. Then move on to organizing your counters and drawers to make things easy to find.

Don’t Be Afraid of Under the Sink

Under the bathroom sink is usually the designated spot for bathroom cleaning supplies. However, that space has so many more storage uses. If you have traditional cabinets, add bins to hold cleaning supplies away from other items. You can then store hair styling tools such as hair dryers and curling irons in containers of their own. This way, they stay neat and cords don’t get tangled. It also frees up some space in your drawers.

For open under sink areas, still use containers to help organize larger items and bathroom cleaners. Then use any remaining space to keep towels or cosmetics.

Move Towels Into the Bathroom

Some homes don’t have a linen closet within easy reach of the bathroom. For better efficiency, bring the towels into the bathroom. You can use baskets for storage and add a little décor to the room.

Office

Having a home office is something many people require. They need a space to spread out and do their work without taking up the kitchen table. But like all places that you spend a lot of time, it can quickly become cluttered.

The Rule of Three

Bookcases are for more than just storing your books. They work as a way to display your favorite decorations. Remember though, when showing items around your room, adhere to the rule of three -no more than three non-book items on a shelf. It keeps the case from becoming over-cluttered. It also reduces the number of things to clean and relocate should you need the shelf for books.

Space to Grow

To keep your office from looking cluttered, leave some space to grow. Don’t jam every bookcase and cover every surface with decorations. Keep your work surface sparsely decorated so that you can work without things getting in the way.

Bonus Tip: Do’s & Don’ts When Decluttering & Organizing

Decluttering and organizing is a great way to make your home feel like a calming sanctuary. You don’t want to get in over your head when starting the process. Apartmenttherapy.com suggests a few things you should not do when you start decluttering.

Buying Storage Before Beginning : Clean out your space and then determine which containers you need. You can always buy more, but you don’t want to declutter only to have empty boxes cluttering things up yet again.
Doing Too Much at Once : Don’t try to tackle the entire house in one day. Choose a room and start there. It will be less frustrating this way.
Not Finishing Every Task : Sorting items into keep, dump, and donate is a great way to start. Once you have things sorted, follow through. Put the tossed items in the trash and take donation items to the charity organization of your choice. Don’t let them linger.

Conclusion

When decluttering and organizing, make sure you go through each room one at a time. It will take more than a day to organize your home from start to finish. In the kitchen, don’t be afraid to go up and in the bedroom, remember under the bed is an excellent place to start. Give your closets some breathing room by rotating out your seasonal clothing. In the bathroom, utilize under the sink for large items. In your home office, remember to give yourself space to grow.

Sources

How to Make a Small Home Look Twice as Big

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 16:45:09 GMT

Small homes tend to have a bad reputation. With less square footage, compact houses give inhabitants the sense that they’re less functional, comfortable, and welcoming, all of which hurts the appeal and resale value.

Fortunately, there are several borderline brilliant tactics that you can use to make a small home appear larger and more organized:

Control your home’s clutter.
Make good use of your closets and pantries.
Use some pro tips for home decor.
Furnish your home with the right pieces.

The difference between cozy and cramped can be razor-thin. Particularly when you live in a smaller home, remember that less is more: Less items, clutter, and chaos. Keep reading to find out how you can make your home look dramatically bigger with some simple home organization design and furniture choices.

Control Your Clutter for Better Home Organization

Nothing shrinks the appearance of your home like tables, counters and furniture, overflowing with excess items. In addition to giving your home a sense of chaos, these overstuffed surfaces send the signal that your space is too small to hold many items.

Not surprisingly, experts agree that you need a solid strategy for reducing the number of items you own if you live in a smaller space. Instead of owning duplicates of items, choose high-quality products designed to last. Martha Stewart also recommends reframing the decluttering process by thinking about it as “editing” rather than “purging.” This paradigm shift asks you to consider your items at a holistic level by considering how they fit in with your identity and how you want to live. This can dramatically help you cut down on clutter that’s taking over your home.

Even if you don’t necessarily have too many items, your organizational style may be hurting your home’s sense of order and free space. If you’re like many homeowners, you probably haven’t consciously made an effort to give every item a “home,” which only allows the disorganization to persist.

When everyday items don’t have a dedicated storage spot, they’re never in the same place when you need them again and you have no idea where to put them when you’re done using them. This all contributes to a frustrating, chaotic environment that is the antithesis of home organization.

Martha Stewart also recommends against the use of too much open shelving in compact homes. Although trendy today, open shelving essentially puts all of your home items on display. For books, vases, and plants, this is a nice touch. However, routine office equipment and home supplies don’t necessarily make the best display items, particularly when they’re littering each and every shelf.

Treat Your Closets and Pantries with Respect

For too many homeowners, their closets, pantries, and other storage spaces have become the landfill of their home. Anything without a home (see above point) gets tossed in without any rhyme or reason. Before long, the area has become a tangled mess of random items that have transformed some of the most valuable real estate in your home into a disaster zone.

How does this make your home look smaller? If you abuse your closets and storage spaces, you’ll have less space to store away items and get them out of your rooms, meaning all of your possessions will be permanently on display. Plus, treating these spots as the default dumping ground allows you to push off discarding, donating, or selling your unused items.

As a result, these extraneous products sit in your home and continue to eat up square footage long after they’ve worn out their welcome. HGTV explains that a big barrier to closet organization is allowing in items that have no business being there, so make sure to kick out anything that doesn’t belong. For example, this could include paperwork and office equipment in a bedroom closet meant to store clothes.

Don’t know where to start to tame your closet chaos? Check out Five Tips for Organizing Your Master Bedroom Closet .

Be Discerning With Your Home Decor

One surprising trick to maximize the look and feel of a room is to pay attention to lighting. Dark rooms tend to feel cramped, while even compact rooms with generous lighting give the impression of ample space. Fortunately, designers have some tricks for you to boost a room’s brightness even if your access to windows and light sources is limited.

According to HGTV , designers recommend incorporating “oversized mirrors” to “reflect light and make spaces seem larger” by positioning them behind lamps. Instead of stopping at the wall, that backside lighting is reflected back into the room.

Like lighting, your home’s interior color palette can dramatically alter the sense of space. Business Insider points out that the best color scheme for smaller homes involves lighter hues. Light-colored walls open up a room and give the impression of ample space. Darker colors, on the other hand, tend to make rooms feel smaller by giving a dungeon-like impression that the walls are closing in on you.

When you cloak the walls of an already tiny room in dark colors, it exaggerates the small area. No matter how popular a dark tone may be, opt for lighter colors if your room’s square footage is on the smaller side.

Consider Your Furniture Carefully

For a variety of reasons, your furniture choices can make or break the appearance of your room’s square footage. To maximize a small home’s floor plan, you must pick appropriately sized furniture. Huge, bulky couches, tables, and bookshelves can overwhelm compact spaces. Instead, opt for pieces of furniture that are in proportion to the dimensions you’re working with. Remember, a California king bed will shrink even a decent-sized bedroom, so keep that in mind when you’re furnishing your compact home.

Exercise restraint when decorating and furnishing your home. You need to maintain a discerning eye when deciding on what your home really needs to be functional and comfortable. Bob Villa notes that you should avoid the temptation to incorporate entire sets of furniture, even if they hold sentimental value. Instead, opt for pieces that are scaled and sized to fit your space and lifestyle.

Even your furniture design style can help influence the sense of space in a room. Business Insider mentions opting for furniture pieces that have legs to give the “illusion” of more open area throughout your room. For example, choose a television stand that sits on legs instead of a bulkier piece that is a one-panel, solid block extending to the floor. The exposed legs on the furniture will create negative space, making even cramped corners feel less confining.

Conclusion

Even if you live in a relatively small home, you have numerous options to make it appear much larger. In some cases, your options include maximizing the storage space you already have, but you can also make clever design and decor choices that open up an area and imbue it with a sense of airiness. The only limits to your home’s feel and functionality are your imagination and work ethic.

Does it take a little more effort, self-control, and consideration to keep compact spaces clean? Absolutely, but the results are undeniably worth it. Your environment plays a tremendous role in your day-to-day happiness, so why wouldn’t you take control of it? If you’re like most Morristown, N.J, homeowners spending the bulk of your time in your house these days, you can’t overstate the importance of a neat, organized home that creates a welcoming sense of calm.

Sources

Top Five Tips for Preventing Pests in Your Closets

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 15:43:12 GMT

For people who want to ensure all of their possessions have a place while adding instant resale value to their home, a custom closet offers the ideal solution. However, you’re not the only one who wants to spend a lot of time in your fabulous new closets. Unfortunately, due to the dark and cool conditions, closets are havens for pesky pests.

If uninvited guests are taking up residency in your custom closets, try using these five simple tips to solve your pest problem, including:

Knowing What Pests to Look Out For
Vacuuming Every Inch of Your Closets
Wiping Out Pest Habitats with Deep Cleaning
Using Dried Lavender
Using Cedar

Below, you'll gain a better understanding of how to keep your custom closets pest-free.

1. Knowing What Pests to Look Out For

It’s important to educate yourself on common household pests in your area, so you’ll never be surprised. Cockroaches, ants, and silverfish are just some examples of pests common in many homes, including those in New Jersey. If you have experienced a pest problem in your custom closets, don’t fret. You can easily get rid of these intruders and create a safe, clean environment to stash your items.

2. Vacuum Every Inch of Your Closets

One of the simplest ways to rid your closets of pests is to stay on top of cleaning. If you notice droppings or catch a glimpse of a bug, be sure to thoroughly vacuum every inch of your closet.

Not only does vacuuming get rid of dirt, dust, and debris, but it can also remove the pests themselves.

It’s important to vacuum every nook and cranny of your closets, including corners, drawers, and shelves.

3. Wiping Out Pest Habitats with Deep Cleaning

After you’ve vacuumed out your custom closets, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and deep clean your space to get rid of squatters for good.

Many pests, including cockroaches and silverfish, enjoy dark, damp environments. This is why it’s critical to ensure that your closets stay dry. Never throw damp clothes into a closet corner. Additionally, investing in a humidifier or a small fan can help circulate the air and wipe out moisture.

Other critters, such as mice and ants, are attracted to food crumbs. Mice will also create nests out of old clothes. To dissuade these intruders from living in your closets, always properly hang or store clean clothing in drawers. Remember, the more organized and clean your closets are, the less likely pests will find a place to hide. To learn more about closet organization, check out Six Effortless Steps to Organizing Your Custom Closets by Innovative Home Storage .

4. Using Dried Lavender

Not only does lavender add a pleasant aroma to your closets, but it also wards off insects including moths, flies, and fleas. According to Gardeningchannel.com , there are a couple of different ways you can use lavender in your closets, including:

Making small sachets of dried lavender to put in drawers and corners
Spraying a DIY lavender solution on your clothes
Using a lavender essential oil diffuser in your closets

5. Using Cedar

Another natural pest repellent that you can use in your custom closets is cedar. Homesguide.sfgate.com notes that because cedar emits aromatic acids that pests loathe, it’s a great addition to any closet. Try spraying some cedar oil around your closets or place cedar blocks in them to fend off pests from the get-go. Be careful when spraying the oil, as cedar has the ability to stain clothing.

Conclusion

A pest problem is nothing to fear. With some deep cleaning and natural remedies, you can clear out unwanted guests from your closets in no time. Just remember to stay on top of cleaning in order to dissuade bugs from ever coming back.

Sources

Five Secrets to Safeguard Your Custom Closets from Mold

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 21:30:28 GMT

Are you overlooking the corners and edges of your closet? You should probably take a second look at that “set it and forget it” philosophy when it comes to this low-profile space. Closet mold typically collects in your carpeting, drywall, and in hidden areas.

This kind of mold thrives in dark, damp, and humid environments and is one of the few problems that you might smell (or even feel) before ever spotting it.

You can prevent dangerous mold in your custom closets with a few clear-cut pointers:

Frequently check for leaks and evidence of water damage.
Make sure your closet has proper natural light and ventilation.
Use a dehumidifier in your home.
Only put away completely dry clothes, shoes, and other accessories.
Clean your closets regularly with tea tree oil or vinegar.

In this article, you’ll discover five reliable ways to keep grimy and hazardous mold from taking over your custom closets.

Check For Water Damage Issues

Continually keep an eye out for indicators of water damage and leaks in your closet. Mold needs a formula of condensation and humidity to survive. By checking for water spots on the ceiling or in the drywall, you’ll be able to tell if you might have a problem.

For a quick solution, Hunker.com recommends wrapping leaky pipes with insulation to block escaping moisture that would lead to mold growth.

Provide Natural Light and Ventilation Within Your Closets

Mold has a tendency to favor dark and cramped spaces. By providing natural sunlight and air to your closets, you implement the first line of defense against mold growth.

Keep your closets well-ventilated and don’t leave the doors completely shut unless your closet is attached to your bathroom.

Use a Dehumidifier for Humid Areas

According to Global Healing, your home should stay within a suggested humidity level that ranges from 30-50%. If humidity poses a problem in your home, consider buying a dehumidifier to keep in your closet.

It’ll reduce moisture in your home while maintaining an optimal humidity level.

Avoid Storing Damp Fabrics and Linens

Affordable Custom Closets & Garages notes in Six Effortless Tips for Fresh Smelling Custom Closets that mold loves to thrive in dewy and muggy areas, which can also lead to foul smells. You should always check to make sure your clothes and accessories are completely dry before putting them away. While hot to the touch, even clothes that are fresh out of the drier can retain moisture.

You may also periodically air out your closet-stored belongings to check for any issues due to condensation buildup and improper cleaning.

Regularly Clean Your Closets with Tea Tree Oil or Vinegar

Ensuring that your closets stay clean is the first and best defense against mold growth. Clean your closets often with a rag dipped in a diluted vinegar or tea tree oil solution. Global Healing touts tea tree oil as a natural fungicide , so using it in small amounts will keep mold from growing.

Vinegar slows down mold growth and kills viruses and bacteria. They’re both environmentally friendly options that’ll keep you and your family safe.

Conclusion

Mold smells, easily spreads out of control and can be detrimental to your health. It hides in the back of your closets, making it hard to see and once you’ve centered in on the issue, it might be too late. If you see any mold-infested clothes, you should bag and trash them immediately.

Always keep an eye out for evidence of water damage and protect your belongings by regularly deep cleaning your closets. Make sure your clothes are dried thoroughly before you hang them with the rest of your items.

While a dehumidifier can benefit you in extreme cases of humidity, giving your closet space natural light and clean, dry air will help you control your custom closet’s environment, keeping it mold-free for years to come.

Sources

How These 8 Accessories Contribute to a Clutter Free Garage

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 18:26:14 GMT

Did you know that over 57% of folks with a two-car garage don’t have enough room to park both cars inside? That’s because instead of tossing stuff you don’t use or need, you store the items in your garage. From old sports equipment that the kids have outgrown to tools that your family hasn’t touched in 10 years, your garage can become a graveyard of items that become forgotten about.

You can easily and efficiently declutter your custom garage with the following accessories:

Garage Cabinets
Garage Workbenches
Wall Racks
Overhead Storage Units
Garage Wall Panels
Garage Storage Hooks
Baskets
Specialized Storage Units

If you want to declutter and organize your garage to make it an awesome man cave or to simply have room to store both vehicles, check out these ten accessories that lend a hand to a clean and well kept custom garage .

Garage Cabinets

In order to tidy up your garage, you shouldn’t leave piles of junk on the floor. Every item should have a designated home. Spruce things up by installing sturdy and secure garage cabinets to your walls. Wall-mounted garage cabinets allow you to safely store all of your possessions while keeping them safe from water or chemicals that could possibly accumulate on the floor.

When selecting garage cabinets, opt for ones that can bear a lot of weight in order to make the most use of your vertical space. Thankfully, the cabinets offered by Closets to Adore can stand up to 100 pounds of weight per shelf! This makes them the perfect cabinets for stashing away all of your items.

Best of all, the 100% steel hardware resists rusting and corrosion and the beautiful finishes are fade- and moisture-resistant. This guarantees that you’ll have an aesthetically pleasing garage for many years to come.

Garage Workbenches

If you use your garage to work on gadgets and gizmos, you may have built up a pretty hefty collection of tools over time. Instead of having your tools strewn all about your garage floors, give them a place to call home by investing in a handy-dandy garage workbench. The perfect place to keep all of your hardware and tools, a garage workbench can also function as a workstation. This allows you to work on all of your projects in one, thoroughly organized area of your custom garage.

Wall Racks

In order to free up valuable space on your floor, consider utilizing the blank vertical space inside your garage’s perimeter. This will definitely allow you the room to fit your second car inside of the garage! Additionally, if you want to use your garage space as a space to entertain, wall racks are the perfect solution to your cluttered garage problem.

Closets to Adore offers both slatwall and gridwall wall racks to make the most of every inch of real estate in your garage. They can hold a myriad of bins, accessories, hooks, and bins to safely and seamlessly stow all of your possessions.

Additionally, you can reconfigure which items are stored on your wall racks anytime. There’s never a need to pay for a system upgrade.

Overhead Storage

Have you ever looked up at your garage overhead and wondered if it was possible to make use of all of that extra space? Well, now there is! Overhead racks maximize your garage’s functionality and are the ideal place to store bikes, seasonal clothing, holiday lawn decorations, and so much more.

Garage Wall Panels

Are you guilty of leaving tools, sport equipment, and other items strewn across your garage floor? A garage wall panel may be the answer to your organization needs. Available in a wide array of colors to match any garage’s interior and your personal style preferences, Closets to Adore’s custom garage wall panels are both efficient and aesthetically pleasing.

Garage Storage Hooks

From hanging gardening tools and cleaning equipment to sporting goods and snow shovels, Closets to Adore’s custom garage storage hooks are the perfect companion to garage wall panels or wall racks. These robust hooks can safely and effectively store just about anything to free up much-needed ground space in your garage.

Garage Baskets

Looking to get rid of those unsightly boxes that house all of your smaller possessions? Opt for some custom garage baskets that you can effortlessly hang on your panel or rack. Crafted to be sturdy enough to hold numerous items, garage baskets put all of your most used items in plain view so that you can effortlessly grab them and go when needed.

Specialized Storage Units

From paper towel holders to hose pipe holders, specialized storage units can tidy up even the most unique products in your garage so that every item has its own home.

Welcome to Your Next-Level Garage

If you want to rediscover the joys of having an organized and spacious garage to complete your projects or entertain in, think about these 10 accessories to enhance your custom garage today.

Sources

https://realtytimes.com/advicefromtheexpert/item/1028424-how-to-declutter-garage?rtmpage=MotherofClean

7 Clever Ways to Deodorize Your Foul Smelling Closet

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 14:40:44 GMT

Whoever said that your custom closet has to smell bad just because it has all your clothes in it? Whether your closet smells extremely gross and you know you don't have a mold problem or you just want your closet to smell a lot nicer, then this article will help you! The seven methods mentioned below are meant to help make your closet smell a lot nicer. That doesn't necessarily mean that it will solve the root cause of the smell, so be sure that it's not a mildew issue or something behind the scenes that requires further attention.

Important note: To get the most out of this article, it is highly encouraged that you apply a minimum of three of these methods for best results, regardless of how smelly your closet might seem.

Keep reading on to learn more about the root causes of foul smelling closets and how you can deodorize them using a few, simple household items.

What Causes Bad Smells in a Closet?

As mentioned in the section above, mold and mildew can have the strongest scent out of anything else. Older houses tend to have more of a prominent smell as a result of mold and mildew. Wet towels, swimsuits, and ski suits carry moisture with them and it's easy to accidentally place these on wooden shelves in a poorly ventilated closet. Once you know that your smelly closet isn't a severe mold problem, then consider some of the other sources of closet odors:

Storing dirty clothes in a closet

Most people do this for good reason. No one wants a dirty clothes basket lying around their bedroom for everyone to see when they walk in. Fortunately, you can continue to store dirty clothes in your closet as long as you apply some of the methods in this article.

Keeping Dirty Shoes in a closet

Shoes track dirt, mud, sand, moisture, and every other element associated with the outdoors. The last thing you want is for this to be absorbed in the carpet floor. People also don’t wash their shoes, so odors from your feet and socks remain constantly potent wherever you store them.

Poor ventilation

AC vents don't always have the nicest smells either, especially in an old house or in an extremely humid area. Circulating air in an old house can cause an unappealing odor smell all on its own. Try to avoid packing clothes on hangers tightly together, as this also contributes to poor closet circulation.

1. Clean Your Dirty Clothes Basket/Hamper

Yes! This means actually cleaning your dirty clothes basket and not just the clothes inside of them! They actually absorb all the odors of the dirty clothes you put in them. Most people have a fabric that coats their actual baskets. Wash this linen if you can remove it.

If you can't remove the linen from your dirty clothes basket, then there are a few ways to remove its odor:

Rub the inside and outside layer with a disinfectant wipe.
Spray air freshener on it and rub it around with a stiff brush.

2. Use the Dryer Sheet Method

Most people don't realize the other potential uses a dryer sheet can have on their homes! Instead of using them just for drying your clothes, strategically placing them throughout your custom closets can work wonders for removing closet odors. Drape a dryer sheet over your shoe rack, clothing shelves, and over the ledge where you hang shirts. They will naturally emit the clean linen smell that you get after your clothes are done tumbling in the dryer.

Avoid putting dryer sheets over air vents. While this does increase the fragrance of the room and circulates the smell, try not to overdo this if you use your closets often. The scent from these sheets isn't dangerous, but it's also not ideal to breathe in. Instead, consider getting essential oils or a more organic form of air freshener for the closet.

3. Put Herbs in Cotton Bags and Store

Try to find a small cotton bag lying around that you don’t use. If you have some leftover herbs in your kitchen that you know you’re not going to use like thyme, parsley, oregano, or mint, put them in the bag and store them in your closet. Instead of discarding the root of these herbs, use them as a natural deodorizer!

For best results, rub the herbs between the palms of your hands to give them a bit of friction. This activates their scent and it out even more. The herbs will naturally release odor preventing fragrances that will work wonders in the long run.

4. Use The Bar Soap Method

Find a fragrant scented bar of soap. If you have an unopened box, any soap bar will do as well. You can use any size no smaller than a 1 x 1 inch bar of soap for this to work well. Wrap the soap in the thinnest cloth or fabric that you can find and place it in each of the drawers of which you want to remove a foul odor.

Keep them in there the whole time and let them tumble around as you reach in and grab clothes throughout the next month.

5. Scent Your Hangers

As mentioned earlier, wooden hangers retain more scent over time while wire ones retain virtually no smell. Spray all of your wooden hangers with air freshener, cologne, or even perfume if desired!

Hang your most used clothes on these scented wooden hangers so they always smell great! Activewear would be the most applicable because these are the clothes that tend to create the most potent odors.

6. Consider Using Essential Oils

Perhaps the most natural way to reduce odors in your custom closet is to create a dedicated space for some essential oils. Bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lemongrass, lime, mandarin, orange, and tangerine are the best options. Simply put them in an old diffuser or purchase them in this form and let them work for you. If you really want to streamline this process, a diffuser that naturally releases the scent in a controlled manner is the best option (deodorizing your closet won’t feel like a chore if you can automate this process).

7. Make Your Own Natural Air Freshener

This trick is actually a lot easier to do than it initially sounds. There are a ton of custom ways to go about this, but here’s the easiest and most common option:

Take an empty 4oz spray bottle and fill it with distilled water ¾ of the way
Add 40 drops of your favorite essential oil, perfume, or cologne
Spray the bottle a couple of times a day initially until the smell is more noticeable

It’s ideal to use an unused bottle diffuser, but if you don’t want to purchase your own, then you can use an old one from a perfume bottle and thoroughly clean it out.

If All Else Fails...

There are two additional things you can do if you really need to remove odors from your closet. The two methods listed below should be applied if you think you've tried everything else and just need to do a hard reset on your closet space.

For best results, it's recommended that you first completely empty out your closet space of all clothes and shoes and disinfect the shelves before you do these two things:

8. Use Activated Charcoal

This compound has medical uses, but get it in a solid form in the shape of a bar of soap. Store it in your closet for six hours, then put all your clothes back in it. Continue to have the charcoal in your closet for a few days and notice if the odor changes. Charcoal has the ability to absorb mold spores and purify the air. Use the Bar Soap Method on this one, but use the charcoal instead and see if that yields desirable results.

9. Put baking soda in a couple of socks and place the socks in the smelliest shoes you own

They will completely freshen up the shoes if you keep them in your closet. Smelly shoes often are the reason that your clothes smell musty in the first place.

Conclusion

In short, remember to try to apply at least three of these methods. One solution alone might do the trick, but if you really want long lasting fragrance in your closet, then be sure to use whatever tips you found valuable in this article. It’s really easy to reduce the odors coming from your closet. Most people don’t take a second to think about ways to reduce closet odors, but now that the quick fixes have been made aware to you, you’re less likely to have to deal with foul smelling closets ever again.

Sources

How a Custom Closet Can Add Resale Value to Your Home

Thu, 14 May 2020 13:12:40 GMT

When it comes to upgrading your home in a smart way, so that you make the best choice for future resale value, many homeowners are fairly cautious about what they spend their hard-earned money on.

A custom closet not only adds resale value to your home, it is a smart and efficient upgrade that gets used every day. When considering home upgrades for resale, making your decision based on usefulness, price and design will help you choose which projects are worth it. Custom closets throughout your home impress homebuyers and are a great additional perk when someone is seeking a new place to live. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the benefits of a custom-built closet for the duration of time you stay in your home!

Even if you are not thinking about selling your home anytime soon, it is always beneficial to consider what types of upgrades you may want to make to ease your daily life, make your household run more efficiently, and boost the aesthetic appearance of your home - all while adding resale value. As with most home improvement projects, evaluating the cost, benefits, and usefulness of a home upgrade is an important first step. Custom closets are worth the time and money spent when it comes to becoming the organized homeowner you desire to be. Not only will you be able to enjoy the extra space a closet system adds to your home, when you become ready to sell your home, a custom closet is aesthetically pleasing in photographs for your listing and will help it stand out from other homes that do not offer the same.

Read on to learn more about how custom closets add resale value to your home and will ultimately contribute to selling your home even quicker!

Three Rules to Follow For Home Upgrades That Add Resale Value to Your Home

Does the upgrade benefit your life? Is the price worth it? Will the design match the aesthetic appearance of the home and add shine to your listing photos and showings? Ask yourself these three questions when deciding to make home improvements with resale value in mind. When getting a home ready to sell, most homeowners focus on curb appeal (landscaping), repairs that need to be made, and aesthetic appearance of the interior.

The kitchen, bathroom, laundry room , and master bedroom of your home are some of the first places a buyer will want to check out when attending a viewing. When custom closets and organization systems are added into these spaces, it enhances the appeal of your home to buyers because they can easily imagine how their own personal belongings will fit into the areas. Plus, there is nothing quite like buying a home that already has extra storage and space! Custom closets show great during open houses and home tours - you will notice that your real estate agent will make a big deal of showcasing these areas in their listing presentations and will make sure to point them out during home showings.

Does a Custom Closet Upgrade Benefit Your Everyday Life?

The short answer is, yes! Custom closets can save you time, hassle, and add ease into your daily life by creating a space that has all the tools to help you stay organized. A little organization goes a long way in saving you time everyday and custom closet systems add more than a little extra organization! Whether you have a large family and need to be able to get your kids dressed quickly in the mornings or you're a working business professional, who is on the grind without a lot of extra time, closet organization systems can be customized to fit your specific needs and help keep your everyday routines running smoothly.

Over the past few years, Marie Kondo has become the guru in home organization and her “spark joy” approach to getting and staying organized inspired people across the world to clear out clutter and get organized. One of her methods for keeping tidy involves placing things within view and in plain sight. This allows you to know what you own, exactly where it is located, and how many or how much of something you have. This method for organization is said to bring ease and efficiency into your daily routine. Nothing quite opens up your space like built-ins for your master closet, kitchen pantry, or kids closets. Adding custom hanging rods, shelves, hooks and folding stations will keep things tidy and within sight, so you won’t be digging through the pile on your closet floor for the belt that matches the shoes you have on that day.

Custom closets will bring added benefit to your life and help you keep a tight running shift in your home. The organization systems that are installed will allow you to enjoy extra space, but they will also add time to your life because you will know right where everything is located. So, does a custom closet upgrade benefit your everyday life? Yes! And it will benefit the resale value of your home as well!

Is the Price of a Custom Closet Worth It?

As with any home-improvement project, custom closet design and installation will take some extra money in order to implement the system into your home properly. The question of whether or not the price of a custom closet is worth it regarding home resale may weigh on your mind before moving forward with a custom closet install. Visit Closets to Adore to learn more about the overall value of custom closets . Experts in the real estate business agree that purchasers will pay more for a home that offers extra storage and the feeling of more space.

Adding custom closets into your home is an investment that will pay off in the long-run. According to Forbes magazine , custom closets with additional storage not only boost the value of your home but can help it sell faster. Custom closets can potentially get you a signed contract more quickly and in a competitive real estate market, any feature that stands out from other homes is going to help you get the price you want. In addition to adding value to your home’s sell price, organization systems help save you time and as the saying goes, “time is money”.

Will a Custom Closet Add Aesthetic Value to Your Home During Resale?

Absolutely! Not only can you design your custom closets to match the rest of your home, you can showcase all the additional space it creates in your listing photos when the time comes to sell your house. A custom closet install is so much more than a few extra racks or shelves for storage. Closet designers implement your color scheme, choice of pulls for drawers, custom folding table tops, and more. From the hardware for your drawers and cabinets to the material, color, and style - custom closet systems can be built to match the rest of your home for a more streamlined, aesthetically pleasing design that seamlessly pulls your home together.

Adding Custom Closets to Increase the Resale Value of Your Home

Real estate professionals agree that extra storage and organization systems are one of the items on every buyers want list. Built-in storage systems such as custom kitchen pantries and closets allow buyers to see that there is room for their belongings and a great way to keep them organized. The first thing any homeowner selling their home should do is clear out clutter and get their personal items organized - there is not much that will turn a homebuyer away quicker than thinking there is just not enough space.

Investing in custom closets throughout your home will help to increase the ease of your daily routine, add aesthetic appeal to your home and over time you will find that the cost is worth it, especially when your home stands out above the rest because you made smart choices in home improvement projects that added additional storage space!

Sources

What Is the Best Material for a Custom Closet?

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 17:41:06 GMT

You’ve saved up for months, maybe even years to have your own custom closet . Finally, after all this time, your dreams are going to come true. You’ve moved to the planning stages of the project, but before you can proceed, you need to answer one very important question. That is, what is the best material for a custom closet ?

The three most popular custom closet materials are:

Melamine
Wood
Wire

In this article, we’ll talk in-depth about the pros and cons of each material as well as price and longevity. By the time you’re done reading, you can decide which is the most ideal custom closet material for you.

The Best Custom Closet Materials

Memphis Garage & Closets talked about custom closet materials and the difference between DIY and custom closets on their blog. Custom closets are beneficial in that they improve your home’s curb appeal. You can also ensure your closets are designed just the way you want them.

Now, as you choose between melamine, wood, or wire closets, you’ll need to know more about each of the materials. Let’s dive right in.

Melamine

What Is It?

Melamine is a type of organic chemical compound that comprises nitrogen and cyanamide. It’s typically found in dinnerware such as plates and cups, but the material is a common choice for custom closets as well. It’s more attractive than plywood and has a finish that’s similar to plastic laminate.

Cost

According to the Family Handyman , a closet organizer made of melamine is about $250, but again that number could very well vary.

Pros

Melamine is a great material to consider for your custom closet for several reasons.

It can help improve your home’s value because it looks that good. It doesn’t warp, nor should it crack, peel, or stain. Melamine is available in a wide range of colors, so your closet can match your vision perfectly.

Cons

Compared to plywood, melamine tends to cost more, so make sure you budget accordingly.

Also, although melamine may come in many colors, the one you’ll find most often is white. You can paint melamine a different hue if you really want to. However, you must buy a laminate wood or melamine primer and apply it at least twice before you can begin painting.

Wood

What Is It?

Wooden custom closets are another option. You can use wood for the base of the closet itself, the shelves, or even both. When it comes to shelving materials, many homeowners consider plywood, as it tends to resist warping.

Plywood has multiple wooden layers glued into one solid piece. This may be as many as five layers with alternating grain directions so each layer is quite strong.

Medium-density fiberboard or MDF also appears in many custom closets. This sheet wood comes in 4x8 planks, but you can always request that it be resized, depending on your preferences.

If you’d prefer an even sturdier type of wood, softwoods are yet another good choice for closet shelving. Cedar and oak are especially known for their resiliency.

Cost

Wood prices can vary wildly depending on the type you choose.

Pros

Wood is incredibly versatile, with nearly countless types. Whether you like hardwoods or softwoods or even something in between, you can create a custom closet your way. Should the wood not come in a color that’s preferable to you, you can always paint or stain it.

The durability of wood is another selling point. Sturdy wooden closets can hold a lot of weight without bending or warping, giving you confidence in your closet.

Cons

Wooden closets can get expensive quickly depending on the type of wood you choose, especially compared to the more reliably priced melamine. MDF may sometimes sag, so make sure you don’t use this material for your closet shelves. If you must, then don’t put anything heavy on MDF shelves.

Plywood, although stronger than MDF, may require reinforcements, especially when used for closet shelving.

Wire

What Is It?

From melamine and wood to metal, wire makes for another great custom closet material. The simplicity of wire shelves gives your closet a clean look. You can even get wire baskets or organizers to keep your newly-designed closets neat and tidy. The gaps in the wire let you see what’s in the baskets and organizers, so you grab only what you need when getting ready in the morning.

You can also add specialty shelves like those that sit at an angle to accommodate footwear.

Cost

The pricing of your wire closet will depend on how complex you want to go.

Pros

Wire is very lightweight, so if you want to reorganize your closet or even start again from scratch, you can avoid lots of heavy lifting. Also, you may spend less money on wire compared to wood and melamine.

Cons

The biggest downside to wire closets are the gaps from one piece of wire to the other. It absolutely does depend on the type of wire you get, but sometimes these gaps are quite spacious. You have to be careful about what you put in a wire closet, as smaller, slimmer items can slip right through the gaps and fall to the floor.

How Do You Choose the Custom Closet Material for You?

Now that we’ve explained the perks and downsides of melamine, wood, and wire closets, how do you narrow down your choices? Here are some factors to keep in mind.

Looks

What have you always envisioned for your custom closet ? If you close your eyes, you can see it, right? Is it a wood closet? A wire one? All three of the closet materials we talked about are attractive in their own ways, but one will undoubtedly jump out at you as the best looking.

Durability

Besides looks, you have to consider durability as well. After all, if a closet only looks good but begins sagging when you fill it with clothes, shoes, or accessories, then you won’t have it for very long. You need a strong material that can stand up to your daily closet use.

Cost

Going hand in hand with durability is the project price. The pricing examples we used above, for example, are for per shelf or per piece while others are for the whole closet system.

You’ve had a budget for your closet project for a while. Use that as your guide.

Conclusion

Three materials are preferable for custom closets : melamine, wood, or wire. You can even combine elements of all three if you find a style that is preferable! Best of luck with designing your dream closet.

Organizing Your Office for Working at Home

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 14:56:36 GMT

Working from home has become more and more common in recent weeks, and home workers are likely to become even more numerous as businesses that previously required their employees to come into work find new ways to manage and support remote workers. But working from home can be a big adjustment for those who are new to it.

Creating a dedicated space for work inside the home can be a big help for many home workers. When you have a home office or other work-only space, you can train your brain to go into work-mode when you enter that space, and this can help increase concentration and focus, aiding in productivity. It also helps to have a space that others in the house don’t use and can respect as your work-only space. If you’re creating a new home office space or anticipate that you’ll be using an existing home office space more frequently now than you did previously, take a look at some organization tips that can help you optimize that space so that you get the most out of it.

Set Up a Printing Station

A printer can take up a lot of valuable real estate on your desk. What’s more, it can be disruptive – printing has become quieter than it used to be, but home printers still make noise. You can save space and minimize distraction by setting up a printer station away from your desk.

If your home office has a closet, this could be an ideal place to add some shelves and create a hidden printer station. All you need to do is add some shelving. Use this to store both your printer and your printing supplies, like additional paper and replacement ink. You’ll have a cleaner desk and less disruption during your workday, and you’ll have an accessible way to get to your printed documents when you need them.

Use Drawer Organizers

No matter how neatly you place items into your desk or cabinet drawers, they’ll become a jumbled mess as you open and close them and rummage around in them on a daily basis unless you set up some physical barriers to prevent this from occurring. You probably have drawer organizers in your kitchen drawers – plastic bins that keep the spoons, forks, and knives in different compartments so that they don’t end up all in the same disorganized heap. You should do the same for your home office drawers.

You can find drawer organizers in most office supply stores and department stores. Make sure to measure your drawers before you go shopping so that you can choose organizes that fit the space that you have available, and choose one that will give you compartments for your pencils, pens, highlighters, paper clips, tape, and other essential items.

Get a Desk File

No matter how many binders you make or file cabinets you have, there will always be papers that defy immediate organization. Documents that are part of a work in progress, reference documents that you need to have handy on a regular basis, and letters or other communications that you don’t need to keep permanently, but are keeping on hand until you respond to or act on them, are some of the types of papers that end up littering home office desks.

A desk file is the simple and convenient answer to this problem. A small desk file will give you three to five slots for papers, perfect for the documents that you need at your desk, at least for now, but don’t necessarily want spread all over your desk. It’s an old-school solution, but there’s a reason why desk files are still a commonly-purchased desk accessory – they work.

Install Cubbies

Remote working isn’t always all papers and computer files. Perhaps you have products that need to be packaged and shipped out or prototypes that need to be stored until they can be used. Maybe your job requires the use of tools that don’t necessarily fit into desk drawers and that you don’t need to have over all of the other surfaces in the room.

Cubbies make excellent storage space for items that are larger than ordinary office items or that are oddly shaped and don’t fit neatly onto shelves or desktops. Like additional shelving, cubbies can also be installed in closets, so they don’t have to be immediately visible when you walk into the room or get in the way of the rest of your home office aesthetic. Talk to your professional home office organizer to learn more about the options available.

Don’t Forget to Decorate

Just because your home office is a workspace doesn’t mean that it can’t be attractive and inspiring. Bare walls and clutter that’s found its way in from other rooms in your home can inhibit your creative and productive energy and get in the way of your workflow. Take the time to make sure that your office is clean and decorated in a way that improves your ability to work – and that won’t embarrass you as a background during a video meeting.

If your home office space has become a dumping ground for clutter cleaned out of other rooms, make use of your closet space in order to de-clutter. With a customized closet , you can make room for boxes, bins, or bags that are currently preventing you from moving freely around the room or that make your office look less like an office and more like a storage unit. The addition of shelves, racks, rods, hanging baskets, and other closet accessories can go a long way toward creating closet storage space that you previously didn’t think was available to you.

Your Closets to Adore home office designer can help by creating a work area and storage system that will help you be more productive while working at home. Contact us today to learn more about our custom home office products and designs.

Getting the Garage Organized for the New Year

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 16:44:31 GMT

‘Tis the season for making new year’s resolutions, and if you are like many, you are striving to get organized this year. The biggest storage area most of us have is the garage, and it’s very common to have so many items in the garage that it’s hard to find room to park the car. Even if you do park in the garage, you might have to squeeze past storage totes, bicycles, and sawhorses or tables set up with various projects. Getting the garage organized doesn’t have to become one of those abandoned resolutions. Read on to learn about how you can take control of your garage clutter, find a place for everything you need to store in the space, and stop feeling embarrassed when you open your garage door and see your neighbors in front of your driveway.

Make Your Plan

Before you do anything, you need to make a plan. Are you going to organize your garage yourself or call in professional garage organizers ? What kind of garage accessories do you need? Think about the types of items you have in your garage and how you want to keep them organized.

Garage cabinets of various sizes and shapes are great for keeping your belongings protected from dust, insects, and other elements that are common in garages.
Wall storage (slatwall, for example) gives you the option of hanging various items and holders on the wall.
Specific holders like one for your ladder, one for paint cans, one for aerosol cans, and so on can help you keep the floor space clear.

You might not know quite yet how many items you need to store. You might not even know exactly what you have if it’s been a while since you last organized the garage! But making a loose plan now will help you later because you’ll already have a partial vision in mind.

Call in Reinforcements to Empty the Garage

The hardest part of organizing the garage is often emptying it out in the first place. This is time-consuming, and many hands make light work. Choose a day or a weekend that does not have rain, snow, or freezing weather in the forecast. The spring is often the best time for this type of project, though it could be done anytime as long as the skies are clear. Invite friends over to empty your garage. Feed them lunch in return. With several strong friends, you can probably accomplish this within a couple of hours, depending on how much you have stored in the garage.

Having one person directing where to put items or moving them him- or herself into sections that make sense is also helpful. Boxes and totes with items to go through should be placed in one area. Furniture should have its own area, as should tools. You might be surprised by what you find, so create more categories as needed.

Give the garage a good sweep when everything is out. You could also hose it out and scrub it with a deck brush if it’s particularly dirty.

Make Piles for Donations, a Yard Sale, and Trash

The best way to accomplish this task is to make quick decisions. If you tend to be sentimental, having a ruthless friend or two can help you get through the process efficiently. For every item you pick up, ask yourself when the last time you used it was. If it’s been over a year, decide whether it should be donated, sold, or trashed.

Have boxes available to put donation items in immediately. By the time you are done cleaning out the garage, you should be stacking those boxes in your car with the plan to drop them off at your favorite thrift shop within the next couple of days. Keeping them around longer than that is just asking for the items to move back into your garage.

If you will really have a yard sale within the next couple of months, you can box up those items and stack them in one corner of the garage (a front corner is easiest). If you doubt it, just donate those items as well. The amount of money you might get for them is not worth having them take up excess space in your garage.

Take Advantage of Your Wall Space

Shelves (preferably mounted on the wall), a slatwall system, and garage cabinets are all good options for holding items along the perimeter of the garage. Try to keep things off of the center of the floor, because that is where you are going to be parking your vehicle(s). Keep as many items as possible tightly against the wall but off of the floor. This will protect them from moisture and most insect infestations.

Use the Space Overhead

For items like bicycles and bins filled with seasonal items, consider overhead storage. Many people forget about their ceilings when it comes to storage space. Overhead racks should be installed so they don’t interfere with your garage door. Your professional garage organizer will be able to do this easily. If you are doing it yourself, be mindful of where the garage door goes and avoid that area.

Put in a Work Area

If you like to work on projects in your garage, a workbench is a great addition. It will hold your tools and also provide you with a clear, flat surface. Even if you aren’t particularly drawn to projects, you might be surprised at how useful a workbench in the garage really is. Look at the different options available to add to your storage space.

Organizing your garage is a big job. If you need some help, Closets to Adore is a full-service garage organization company in Northern New Jersey. Get in touch with us for a free consultation and design appointment. We have everything you need for the garage of your dreams, so call today!

How Do I Keep My Kids’ Clothes Organized?

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 17:32:08 GMT

If you have ever struggled with your own closet organization, chances are good that you’ve also struggled with keeping your children’s closets and clothing organized. Kids tend to have challenging closets for several reasons: First, they often can’t put items away by themselves in a standard closet. Another reason is that children might try on several outfits before deciding what to wear, dropping the rejected items on the floor in the process. Finally, young people often lack the attention span and desire required to keep their closets nice and neat. If you are looking for tips on how to keep children’s clothing organized, you are in the right place. Keep reading!

Be Realistic About What Your Children Can Handle

Even adults can struggle with keeping their clothing organized, so it’s natural that children will, too. Nobody would expect a toddler to keep his or her clothing in good order, but when kids get to be around elementary school-aged, that tends to change. The reality is that young children (and often even older children) can have a hard time not only understanding how to keep their items neat and tidy but also following through once they understand the basics.

There is also the matter of physical abilities, namely height and small motor skills. A small child cannot usually reach the hanging rod in a standard closet. They also might not be able to manipulate items onto a hanger or fold them properly. This leads to clothes falling on the floor and being stuffed into drawers without folding, so they end up wrinkled and messy-looking. This is understandably frustrating for parents! It can help to keep in mind that kids might need help with these skills for quite a few years. The good news is that you can take a few steps to make learning easier.

Give Them Fewer Choices About What to Wear

One problem that children and adults alike tend to have is owning too many items of clothing. Think about your wardrobe: It is said that most of us only wear about 20 percent of what is hanging in our closets. We wear what is comfortable, what goes together with other pieces, and what looks good. Children often have their own criteria for what they will wear. One child might wear only leggings and t-shirts while another insists on wearing only button-down shirts and jeans. Other children might wear a wide variety of clothing (often in humorous combinations).

Limiting the options your child has at any given time can help keep the clothing organized. First, take out anything that is seasonally inappropriate. This can minimize the chances of your child coming out wearing a heavy wool sweater, shorts, and sandals. Also, be sure to remove anything that has already been outgrown. You’ll need to comb through at least seasonally, since kids grow very quickly. You have probably had the experience of informing your child that the pants he or she is wearing are three sizes too small. You can head this off by removing these items regularly.

Finally, keep in mind that everything that fits your child and is seasonally appropriate does not necessarily have to be in his or her closet at the same time. Feel free to rotate items, especially if your child tends to try on a lot of different outfits or gets frustrated with a large number of items. You might even choose to put only one week’s worth of clothing in the closet or drawers at a time, particularly if your child is young and has trouble making (or sticking to) decisions about what to wear.

Have Kid-Friendly Closet Components Installed

Your child’s closet is likely small and your child is also small. Choosing components that both fit in the space and are easy for your child to access can be the key to success. Some ideas could include a lower hanging rod, shelves for folded clothes, shelves with cubbies built in, drawers in the closet, hooks on the walls, and so on. These components make it easier for your child to put clothing away without help (or with less help than they would need if they had only a high hanging rod).

For more help in organizing a small closet , we can recommend Tips for Organizing a Small Closet , written by Closet Decor & More , a custom closet organizer located in South Florida.

Look at Closet Organization as an Important Life Lesson

While it can be frustrating to help your child get his or her clothing in order, particularly if they are naturally a bit messy, it’s important to look at this as a lesson that will be beneficial for the rest of his or her life. Organization is important in all things: school, work, relationships, keeping a house in order, paying bills, and more. While you might not see the long-term importance of teaching your five-year-old to keep their things neat and organized, it really will be helpful later! When that same child is 12 years old and can whip an unkempt room into shape without your help, you will see the fruits of your labors.

Contact a Professional Closet Organizer

If you live in Northern New Jersey and you are not sure what to do about your child’s closet or clothing storage, contact Closets to Adore . We work with homeowners in your area to develop unique storage solutions. All of our children’s closets are adjustable, which means that if we install a closet for your preschooler, he or she will still be able to use it when they’re in high school. It all begins with a free consultation. Contact us now to get started on your journey toward more organized closets in your child’s room.

5 Tips for Organizing Your Master Bedroom Closet in Englewood, NJ

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 15:08:36 GMT

When you open your master bedroom closet , do you have the urge to simply slam the door closed? If you are struggling with closet organization in your Englewood, New Jersey, home, you are not alone. If you have a small closet in the master bedroom, you might have trouble finding room for all of your clothing in addition to your partner’s, if applicable. Even if you have a large walk-in closet , it’s easy for the space to get overrun with various items that are not stored properly. This can lead to frustration on literally a daily basis. At Closets to Adore, our professional closet organizers have five great tips for you to use to organize your master bedroom closet (and keep it that way).

#1 Purge What You Can

If you are dealing with an overstuffed closet, you probably already knew that going through your items and getting rid of what doesn’t make sense to keep would be our top tip. The fact is, if you have clothes and accessories that you aren’t using, then they are simply taking up room. This does not apply to items kept for sentimental reasons (such as a dress that your grandmother loved or the outfit that your newborn wore home from the hospital), but if you are saving every pair of jeans you’ve had since high school and you are over 25 years old, then something has to give.

Go through the items in your closet to decide what you will donate to someone else. It can help to have a firm friend assisting you during this task. If an item isn’t in good enough condition to pass along to someone else, contact your local thrift shops, because one or more of them might recycle old clothing that is unwearable. If you can eliminate even five or ten percent of your closet items by purging, that will open up a good chunk of storage that you can use for the items that you are using.

#2 Forget About Hanging Everything

Sometimes, people think that everything they own other than undergarments and pajamas needs to be hung in the closet. Actually, there are some items that you shouldn’t hang or that you don’t need to hang.

Sweaters. Sweaters are almost always better off being folded and placed neatly in a drawer or on a shelf. It is easy for the shoulders to get pulled out of shape on a hanger, and hanging for a long period of time can cause the whole sweater to become elongated. Folding them eliminates this concern and opens up more space on your hanging rods.
T-shirts. Because they are made from a stretchy blend, t-shirts can also become misshapen easily. This is less of an issue if you are using nice, thick hangers and your t-shirts aren’t too heavy. Still, though, they are usually better off being folded. If you have a large collection of t-shirts that you have been hanging in the closet, you might be surprised by how much space you will gain.
Jeans. Jeans usually do fine hung in the closet, but they don’t need to be. If you’re short on space, simply fold and stack them. They don’t wrinkle easily and you’ll be able to wash, dry, fold, and wear without issues.

#3 Consider Staggering Your Hanging Rods

Do you and/or your spouse wear mostly separates as opposed to long dresses? If so, think about staggering your hanging rods. Hang one about three feet below the other to take full advantage of your wall and hanging space. You can put tops on the top row and bottoms on the bottom row, or you could hang yours on the top and your partner’s on the bottom. You can also make the bottom rod shorter if you do need to accommodate some longer items such as dresses, long coats, and pants hung by their waistbands.

If you choose not to stagger your hanging rods, consider taking advantage of the space under your regular rod. You can fill that area with shelving, install shoe racks, or find some other way to use the space. Having empty space in the closet when you are struggling with organization means that the closet is not using its full potential, so look for ways to fill that space in a way that is useful and functional.

#4 Make the Most of Odd Spaces

Not every closet in Englewood is going to be a perfect square or rectangle. You might have a dormer, making the ceiling sloped or the wall slanted. Or you might have a cubbyhole access door in your closet. Some closets even have windows inside of them. Your closet might be L-shaped or have a curved wall. These challenges might throw you for a loop, but there are ways to work around these obstacles.

Brian Holland of Impeccable Closets in North Carolina has recently written an article called, Creating a beautiful and functional custom closet . He discusses the whole custom closet design process and explains what accessory options are available.

#5 Know When to Call in the Pros

If you still aren’t sure how to get your master bedroom closet as organized and functional as you’d like it, it might be time to call in a professional closet organizer. At Closets to Adore , our closet designers work with New Jersey homeowners to create customized storage spaces in every room of the home. Your master bedroom closet is a great candidate for these services no matter how large or small it may be. Contact us to schedule a free in-home consultation for a master bedroom custom closet. We’d love to show you what we can do with this area of your home!

Are Custom Closets Worth It?

Wed, 02 Oct 2019 17:38:13 GMT

You work hard and you are likely to be careful about how you spend your money. If you own a home, you know that there are some maintenance chores you have to do, like replacing faulty plumbing or having the roof repaired after a bad storm has damaged it. There are also lots of upgrades that you would like to do when you have the time and money. These might include upgrading your landscaping or replacing your kitchen counters to improve the design. Another upgrade that many homeowners choose is to have custom closets installed in various rooms of the home.

As with any home improvement project, it is important to evaluate whether custom closets are worth the time and money invested. Will custom closets help you and your family improve your daily routines? Could they possibly save you money over time? What about in the future, when the time comes to put your house on the market? We have answered some of these questions below to help you decide whether custom closets are worth it for you.

Can Custom Closets Change Your Daily Routine?

Think about how your day usually unfolds for yourself and your family. Is it simple for you to get yourself dressed and ready for the day in the morning, or do you struggle with looking for an outfit, finding the shoes that match, ironing a shirt that was crushed in your closet, and so on? If you have children, do they get themselves ready for school, if they are old enough? Can they find their shoes and backpacks without your help?

Think about the end of the day. Is it simple for you to prepare a nutritious meal at dinner time, or do you have to waste time lugging small appliances out of the cabinets and searching for ingredients that you know you have somewhere? Is your laundry caught up and easy to put away? How do your children’s bedrooms look when you tuck them into bed at night?

If you struggle in any of these areas due to disorganization, know that you are not alone. Every day, we work with New Jersey homeowners who have a hard time keeping on top of these daily tasks. A custom closet , whether it is a walk-in closet , a children’s closet, a kitchen pantry, or even a small linen closet, gives you the space you need to store items neatly and properly. You will be able to find what you need in the morning and so will your children. A well-organized kitchen pantry provides plenty of space to store your small appliances, paper goods, canned goods, and so on. Stop losing ingredients, shoes, and accessories once and for all.

Can Custom Closets Save You Money?

You know that you will need to invest some of your money into your home if you have custom closets installed, but did you know that they can end up saving you money over time? First and foremost, you will stop having to replace items that are broken or damaged from improper storage. You’ve undoubtedly had the experience of pulling a shirt out of a too-tight closet and hearing a button ping across the floor. Glass jars of food stacked in a cabinet will be completely wasted if they fall onto the tile floor, and this can end up costing you plenty if you end up needing to go to the emergency room for stitches afterward! Having a place to store these items correctly will minimize this type of loss (and pain!).

One often overlooked benefit of having a neat and tidy home is the money you will save on convenience services. If your kitchen and pantry are neat and tidy and you know that you have the ingredients on hand that you need for your favorite meals, you will likely spend less on takeout. Similarly, if everything has a place and you can easily put your belongings away, you are less likely to need to hire someone to clean the house on a regular basis because the tasks become so much more manageable.

Can Custom Closets Raise Your Home’s Value?

If you have recently purchased your home or you see yourself living there for the next 10 years, selling it might be the last thing on your mind. As a homeowner, however, all home improvements that you take on can potentially impact the value of your house. Custom closets are no exception.

Potential buyers like to see evidence that the current owners of a home they are viewing have kept up with basic maintenance and that they’ve kept it clean and in good condition. Custom storage lets buyers know that you have taken pride in your home and that cleanliness is important to you. More practically, custom closets also provide extra storage space, which is appealing to most potential buyers. If someone is between your home and a comparable home without good storage, the custom closet systems just might be what tips the scales in your favor, resulting in a bid. When the time comes, talk to a qualified real estate agent for more information on how your closets might impact your home’s sale price.

How Can You Get Started for Free?

The good news is that you can get started toward a custom closet of your own right now without spending any money. Simply contact Closets to Adore to schedule your free in-home consultation appointment. We will come and look at your space, talk about your needs and your budget, and design a custom closet system for you to consider. You’ll get a quote and can schedule when you’re ready. We are confident that you will find that custom closets are worth it. Give us a call to find out more!

Floor vs Wall mounted closets: What goes up must come down?

Thu, 06 Jun 2019 14:13:19 GMT

When it comes to closet organizers, some closet systems are wall mounted while others are floor mounted. Some manufacturers offer only wall mounted closets, others have only floor mounted, while still others offer both. Which type should you choose? Well, the answer is, as usual, it depends. First, don’t get swayed with a hardball sell one way or another just because that particular company only offers one or the other. You need to look at the merits of each, your particular situation, needs and of course design style.

OK, so what are the reasons for one vs. the other you ask, well here goes.

In this corner weighing in at 225 lbs., Wall Mounted closets:

Floor mounted sales people will always say, “Floor mounted systems never fall off the wall!” Wow, that’s sounds scary! Who wants a cabinet mounted on the wall with all sorts of shoes, clothes and the like crashing down on them? Not me! God forbid if little Toto happens to be in the room too.

OK, so out with wall mounted closets and long live the floor mount! Not so fast. Have you ever looked at your kitchen cabinets, the upper ones? You know, the ones that have hundreds of pounds of dishes, bowls, glasses, you name it, you‘ve put it up there. Sometimes even WAY up there if you have tall upper cabinets.

So, my question is, how many times have you seen those cabinets fall off the wall? Well, to be absolutely honest, I have seen one cabinet start to pull off the wall, but never one actually falling completely off the wall. It would be such an event that I am sure I would have heard that sad story if it actually happened.

What do kitchen cabinets have to do with closets you say? They are both screwed to the studs in the wall, that’s why. It really comes down to proper installation by a professional in either case. Make sure the closet company you hire has come from a reputable referral, has qualified installers, is insured, and licensed where applicable. Also, good online reviews from multiple sources.

Why else would one choose wall mounted? Some builders are in a hurry to get the project completed as quickly as possible. They will ask the closet installation company to come in before the carpet installers so that they don’t have to make all those cuts around the closet cabinetry. Ok, that sounds reasonable.

Another reason is the floating design aesthetic of the wall mounted system. In a contemporary home, wall mounted closets floating above the floor can lend itself to a more contemporary look with the right finish and hardware selection.

Lastly, a wall mount works well if you have an older home with very uneven floors which can make fitting a floor mount more challenging. One might also have floor registers, or baseboard heating, which would make installing a floor mount system cost prohibitive.

OK, so wall mounted closets are not so bad after all, but what about those floor mounted closets? They have their own set of unique qualities and we will discuss those now.

And in this corner weighing in at 243 lbs., Floor Mounted closets:

Floor mounted systems work well in both traditional and contemporary homes, especially when accented with the appropriate base and crown molding. It really gives the whole unit a nice finished look. You might not include base molding in a smaller closet, but the bigger the closet, the bigger the statement and molding makes that statement.

Many newer homes have higher than average ceiling heights (9’ and greater), which allows for use of taller closet units to take advantage of that extra space. You can even double stack closet units and get triple hang space with the addition of a wardrobe lift. This is a device which allows you to store off season clothes on the third uppermost closet pole. A very ingenious feature if you have very tall ceilings.

You have a contemporary home design theme and like the ‘floating on air’ look, but want a floor mounted system. This can be accomplished in a number of ways, such as a recessed toe kick with black molding. A good, experienced designer should be able to help you through this during the design process.

Well, lastly, a floor mounted system is resting on terra firma, so for those of you who just won’t sleep well at night knowing your closet is not installed securely on the floor, there is nothing wrong with that either. For what it’s worth, you can also be comforted to know that the latest trend is more towards floor mounted. Not right or wrong, just a trend.

I hope that I was able to shed more light on a topic that one does not think about very often, except when researching for a new custom closet. Whichever way you go, you will love your new custom closet and all the valuable space that you are now able to use.

So, in the end, maybe everything that does go up, doesn’t’ come down, and just maybe we’ve changed the laws of physics. I am not sure my high school physics teacher would agree with that, so I won’t ask him (it’ll be our little secret)..

Custom Closets Most Popular Accessories

Thu, 15 Jun 2017 19:04:25 GMT

You may have decided to get an estimate for a custom closet in your New Jersey home, or are just considering it, either way, this video will give you the skinny on the most popular accessories that people choose. Let me know what you think by “liking” it !

Show Off Your Style With These Great Walk-In Closet Ideas

Tue, 19 Jul 2016 18:56:44 GMT

Your home is a reflection of your style. You’ve carefully chosen the art for your walls, the materials used on your floors, and the type of furniture throughout your home, based on your own sense of what looks great. You let your personality shine through when decorating and designing our home. That’s part of the fun of home ownership!

Many times, decorating and interior design ends where the closed doors begin. No one is looking in your storage spaces, right? That’s not quite accurate, though! You’re certainly looking in your closets, after all. And you deserve a walk-in closet that is a joy to enter. When you see your belongings, each of which you’ve chosen for yourself, hanging in an unkempt or drab closet, it’s not an inspiring feeling. It’s time to think of ways to really spruce up this area of the home so you can feel joy and happiness when you open your closet door. Check out these ways to show off your style with these amazing walk-in closet ideas.

Luxurious Flooring

How many square feet is your walk-in closet ? These can range pretty dramatically from 25 square feet to 200 or more, but most of the time a closet is under 100 square feet, oftentimes well under that. This means that you can probably afford to splurge on truly luxurious flooring for such a small space! Whether your tastes make you think of cool marble or a gorgeous Persian rug, think about what kind of texture you’d enjoy having underfoot, then consider ordering it for your custom walk-in closet.

Plush or Elegant Seating

Do you do the stand-on-one-foot dance when you put on your socks, pantyhose or shoes? Why are you purposely becoming literally unbalanced first thing in the morning? Take a minute to sit down and put on your hosiery or footwear in a relaxed fashion! And do so on a chair, bench or other piece of furniture that you choose especially for your walk-in closet. Chances are good that space is limited, so this does not have to be anything oversized. Consider buying a beautiful ottoman or refinishing an antique chair with new upholstery. Think about what height your new chair should be, then go to flea markets, antique shops or a high-end department store to find what you are looking for.

Show Off Your Shoes

Some people simply love their shoes. Are you one of them? Maybe you have an extensive collection of footwear that you rotate over the course of a month, a season, or even a whole year. Or perhaps you have a dozen good pairs of shoes that you don’t want to relegate to boxes or the floor when you’re not wearing them. Either way, talk to your custom closet company about designing a shoe rack that will put your shoes on display. This combines function and beauty, making it the perfect fit for a custom walk-in closet.

Use Color Carefully

Look around the living areas of your home, as well as your bedroom. What colors stand out to you the most? Are they your favorites? Using color in your closet is similar to using it throughout the rest of the house, but you need to take your wardrobe into consideration. Find a color scheme that complements not only your personal sense of style, but also the colors frequently found in your outfits. In many cases, these will be be similar, but sometimes someone who loves bright colors has a job that requires them to wear navy, black and brown nearly exclusively. So you might need to think about this a bit! Add color to the walls and the flooring, of course, but also consider different finishes for the closet shelves and other components and accessories.

Light It Up

Do you have just a dim overhead light fixture in your closet? That’s not enough for you to be able to see everything you have. In addition, having only an overhead light can be causing annoying shadows that limit visibility even more. Consider your options here. Wall sconces can make your closet glow with a gentle light. What about a chandelier, a hanging Tiffany-style lamp, or a halogen lamp (but replace the halogen bulbs with LEDs, which run at a much lower temperature)? Think about what type of lighting would benefit your usage of the closet, and choose from there.

Use Containers

While the typical closet has clothing rods for hanging, drawers for folding, and shelves or cubbies for stacking, you might have items that don’t really fit into these types of storage options. Take a trip to your local arts and crafts store and take a look at the many options for beautiful, whimsical or solid-colored storage boxes. These look nicer than plastic or cardboard shoeboxes and can be labeled with what’s inside. You can buy cube-shaped organizers to slide onto shelves or into cubbies, or use pretty baskets on an upper shelf. Choose something that goes along with your sense of style, whether it’s ultra-modern, minimalistic, romantic, traditional or retro.

The key to having a walk-in closet that is everything you want and more is to really think about what would make the space make you feel great about opening the doors each morning to gather your clothing and accessories. A variety of closet organizers is essential, but often, it’s those little details, like color, lighting, and displays that make the difference.

If you are ready to start the process toward a custom walk-in closet in New Jersey, please call Closets to Adore to schedule a free, no-obligation in-home consultation. We’d love to talk to you about your vision for your closet and show you the ways that we can make it happen. Call today!

3 Ways to Cure The Small Closet Problem

Thu, 26 May 2016 18:22:11 GMT

Do you have an older New Jersey home built back in the day where people only had 2 shirts and a pair of pants? Why else would someone build such a small closet ? This is a common problem when you have one of those homes with ‘character’. I tell people, “closets are like televisions, I never heard someone say it’s too big”. We all have lots of stuff to store – from shoes to shirts and everything in between. Where are we expected to fit all this stuff in an older New Jersey home with smallish closets? First off, I would suggest reading our “Closet Cleanout Guide”, and if after implementing those ideas, you still don’t have enough space, then we need to start looking at other options.

The first option which people typically employ is to utilize the closet in another bedroom. This is great if you are young with no kids, or older empty nesters. OK, maybe if the kids are under 10 or so, you can still get away with it. But after that, the little ones start putting their little foot down (especially if they are girls).

A second idea is to get some clothing racks from Amazon and use them in the basement or some other space. These rolling racks are great and can store quite a bit of clothing. This option is best for off-season storage, like winter clothes in the summer, and vice versa. You can even purchase covers that completely encase your clothes from dust, dirt, etc.

The last option is to make a custom closet where none existed before. This is a great idea if you have a bedroom that is of a decent size. In this scenario, you build out a wardrobe or shoe tower within the master bedroom. The cost to build a wardrobe is not much different than hiring a contractor to build some walls, drywall, trim, and paint. It also gives a nice custom built-in look, which is desirable.

The options available today with respect to color and styles are sure to match most decors in the typical New Jersey homes, which were predominantly traditional in style. With the addition of moldings at the base and crown at the top, these wardrobes can look like they were always part of the home. The size can be just 18” wide for a shoe tower or take up an entire wall with enclosed shelving and hanging space. The only requirement is that it will take 24” of space from the wall.

So don’t despair! You do have options when it comes to storing and organizing all those beautiful clothes, shoes, and accessories. If all else fails, just donate all the clothes you don’t like to charity and when you have freed up enough space, tell your significant other, “look, I really do have nothing to wear!”

What Does A Custom Closet Cost? A Custom Closet Breakdown

Thu, 17 Mar 2016 17:47:40 GMT

Many people often think that getting a custom closet in your New Jersey home is too expensive. “Oh, that’s for the 1%”, or “I’m not one of those reality TV stars like Kim Kardashian with 500 pair of shoes!”. Well, I got news for you, you don’t have to be rich, nor a TV star to get a closet organizer in New Jersey that can make a difference in your life.

The median home price in Morris County NJ is almost $440K, in Bergen County it’s more than $470K, that’s more than double the national average, so installing a custom closet in NJ is a very sound investment. With prices per square foot so high in New Jersey, maximizing your expensive space makes even more sense. Consider a walk-in closet that is 8×10. At a price of $200/square foot, that’s a $16,000 closet! Now, what if I told you I can make that space 60% more efficient? That’s almost $10,000 worth of optimized additional space. Now that $5,000 closet doesn’t seem so expensive does it? In fact, I would say it’s a bargain. Many of the closets we install from Morristown, NJ and Hillsborough, NJ to the shorelines of Hoboken and Englewood, New Jersey are actually under $2,000.

A typical New Jersey closet organizer system in the popular white melamine will run you about $100-150 per lineal foot of wall space. This basic system would not have any drawers or doors in it, but it would be very functional in optimizing the space for regular hang clothes likes shirts, blouses and pants, long hang dresses as well as shelving for folded items like sweaters, t-shirts and workout clothing.

If you were to add drawers, doors and other additional options you are start to be in the $150-200+ per lineal foot range. If you have enough space in your walk-in closet, then this can be very beneficial. Now you can store most of your clothing in the closet which makes getting ready in the morning mush easier and faster. It also opens up space in your bedroom if you remove the dresser. Not everyone can do this, especially with most older homes in the northern counties of New Jersey such as Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Essex, etc., are shall we say, closet challenged.

Well, with many of these older homes in Northern New Jersey outfitted with smaller reach-in style closets, one might think that maybe I don’t need to spend any money to organize such a small space. The truth is, these are the spaces that need the most help. Any reach-in closet that has a shelf and pole can be optimized to increase the storage capacity of the space. These small closet organization systems are not only very affordable, but are great bang for the buck projects in your New Jersey home. They will also go a long way when you go to sell your home in the future. CBS News has an article that lists closets as one of the Top 5 renovations that payoff. The Huffington Post also ran an article that lists organizing closets in their Top 10 Home Improvement Projects .

So, think smart when looking at your closets. I speak to some clients and they start thinking about selling their New Jersey home and it would be nice to have the closets organized. I say, put in that custom closet organizer now so you can enjoy a more organized life today! They’ll still be there when time comes to sell your home and the new homeowner will thank you when that time comes (hopefully with a higher price).

Click this link to setup a free consultation and design with one of our professional organizers .

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Downsize your stuff, Less is more!

Mon, 07 Dec 2015 17:45:36 GMT

My wife and I have been through a couple major renovations, and while they are always a struggle, we learn something new each time. One of those I would like to share with you today.

As many of you can relate, we have young children that grow up like weeds right before your eyes, and with that, comes stuff, lots of stuff. With more stuff, we need more room to store that stuff. Some stuff we like and use often, while other stuff we don’t and sits in the basement, back of a closet, or perhaps in the garage.

So, I tell a story many of you can easily relate to, and you might be saying, “So tell me something I don’t know”. Well, I’m getting there. What is new and different this time was we when we made the decision to do our second renovation, we also made the decision to move out during the construction. This was the life, and marriage, saver. I actually did listen when she said, ” I will never live through another one of these!”

We had a modest 3 bedroom (OK, 2 1/2ish on a good day), home that was filled with all sorts of stuff. It had my stuff (those roller blades are coming back, I will use them again!), her stuff (I won’t go there…), and all sorts of kids’ stuff from when they were babies till now.

We end up renting an apartment to use during the construction. It had decent closets to bring our clothes over, not all of them, but enough to get by a season at a time. After all, how many seasons could this project take?

Life in the apartment was good. We were closer to town, so we could walk for a pizza, shop at the stores, etc. It felt nice to not have to drive every time you wanted to go somewhere. It was New York City, except a million times smaller.

The other nice thing was, and this is the important part, so listen closely, we didn’t miss most of the stuff we had. Since most of the stuff we had could not make the trip to the apartment, we just had to do without. This was the “ah ha” moment. We here folklore of these moments in life from our elders, but they don’t seem come around very often.

In the apartment, I had setup the Xbox on the TV, so that was all the boys needed for leisurely weekend entertainment. I got to use the TV occasionally between the boys games of Madden 15, and my wife just took to reading more because the TV room was too cold for her. Life was not bad.

As the months dragged on, and the seasons passed (yes, our project went through ALL the seasons…), it became clearer that we really don’t need a lot to live happily. We still did all the same activities, except biking, the bikes somehow did not make the move. I missed the biking… I reminded myself to keep those bikes.

As with all projects, no matter how far past the due date you go, they actually do get completed at some point. Our anointed day finally came, and we moved back in. OK, to be 100% honest, my wife did not make the move back due to some master bathroom issues that literally ‘burst’ onto the scene at the worst possible time. She went where many woman go when things go south (no not the spa, though she would not have turned that down), to her mother’s house.

Well, the burst pipes finally got fixed, my wife moved back in, and life went on. A lot of that stuff I spoke about was given away, donated to charity, or just thrown away. The new microwave we had purchased for the apartment, which was no longer needed, was sold to one of the moving guys by my dear father-in-law for $25. He still has not given me that $25, so that’s the running joke, “where’s my $25”. I think he bought new golf balls. That is one item you can never have enough of.

We purged so much stuff, and now have so much more space because of it. The house is more organized, or is getting there anyway as we slowly unpack. We even gave away, donated, and tossed more stuff during the move back in process. Life is good. Less is more !

The life lesson I learned was that yes, you can get by with a lot less stuff then you think, and in the end, you probably won’t miss it that much. So keep that in mind the next time you clean out a closet, basement, or garage. If you haven’t used it in 5 years, you probably aren’t going to in the next 5, or ever for that matter. So give it away, donate it, or throw it out. I know, I know, those bell bottoms are coming back, I’ve heard it before.

So, in the end, with the added space due to the house expansion (3 life-sized bedrooms!), coupled with the reduction in a lot of stuff, we have so much more room…to buy more stuff! We can’t just leave this new space looking empty can we? As I type this, I think my wife is on Amazon, or is it Pottery Barn, getting more stuff. It is a never-ending battle, but as long as you have good health, a good family, and some basic necessities, less is more. Good luck.

Home renovation: Can a modern style work in my traditional home?

Fri, 16 Oct 2015 16:13:24 GMT

So you’re thinking of renovating your home, a room, or maybe just a closet? That’s both exciting, and a bit terrifying, depending on the scope of the project. I’ve been through a few major ones, and I can tell you, it takes patience, perseverance, and sometimes a referee to settle marital disputes! The good news is, your home renovation will eventually get completed, you will love it, and soon the construction headaches will be just a distant memory.

Living in the northeast, in particular New Jersey, we have predominately traditional homes, such as colonials, cape cods and ranches. Typically these homes are decorated in a traditional style to match the house, but during a renovation, this is the time to perhaps change things up style-wise.

I can say, I don’t see many modern designs in too many homes, which I find interesting. I don’t know whether this is just a “big city” thing, or people tend to be more conservative when it comes to interior design. I personally don’t tend towards the modern, but I do appreciate it when I see it. Maybe it’s because I can enjoy it without actually having to take the bold step to put it in my own home.

The good thing about a new space, whether it is a whole new room, or just a closet, it affords you the opportunity to shake things up a bit. It’s not to say one has to go whole hog with an ultra-modern look, but there are many contemporary styles that will blend very well in a traditional home.

For those of you who are too cautious there is always the ‘transitional’ look that is thrown around by the furnishing industry. This is really an updated look on traditional furniture. Sort of like training wheels for the contemporary style if you will. It’ a great look with cleaner lines with just enough traditional details to stay within your design comfort zone.

For those that are a little bolder, the contemporary look can used in closed off single rooms, such as an office , or closets . These are perfect for giving you a chance to mix it up with your unique style. A bedroom, or a closet are also prime spaces to make your style come alive. These rooms are not part of the main living area so it affords the opportunity to do something different.

Closets are very personal, as it stores our most personal belongings, our clothing. One of the biggest wish list items in a home renovation, right up there with kitchens and baths, is a bigger closet. Most of these older New Jersey homes were built with just a small closet for hanging both yours and your spouse’s stuff. Who doesn’t dream of a large walk-in closet with your clothes neatly organized and ALL your shoes on display for selection?

So, if you have a walk-in closet in your home renovation plans, and you lean towards a modern flair, then the closet is the perfect place to scratch that itch without worrying about clashing design styles. If you are lucky enough to have plans for his and her closets, then the world is your oyster, go all out on whatever design style floats your boat.

A home office is another room which can take on a different design look as they are usually cordoned off with a door for privacy. Though traditional raised panels with dark wood look great in an office, and it’s a look we all have seen with those rich mahogany paneled walls in the movies, this may be a space you spend quite a bit of time, so make it you own. A clean, lighter colored contemporary style may better suit your taste, so spread your design wings, and look into options which reflect how you want your office space designed. A different style from the main living area also lets you know your “at work” and can put you in that mindset. When looking cabinetry styles, it may be just adding modern or contemporary hardware will give you the look you’re after. It’s sometimes the subtle cues which make all the difference.

The kitchen is usually a prime target during a major renovation, and for good reason, we all hang out there! We have a party or get together; the living room and family are all clean and set up for entertaining, but everyone’s in the kitchen. I guess we all like to be near the food and drink.

So, with all the people gathering in the kitchen, it can never be too big. With kitchen’s being the big reason people either like or dislike a home, it’s not the best place to go too far off the beaten path design-wise. Unless you plan on living in the home forever, it’s best to stay with more mainstream design aesthetics in the kitchen. That’s not to say it needs to be plain vanilla with no sprinkles, far from it. A good kitchen designer goes a long way in helping you through the myriad of choices that go into a great design. I will do a whole article in the future on just this topic, so stay tuned.

So modern styles can get along in traditional homes, and give you the best of both worlds. Don’t feel handcuffed in what will and will not work. If you feel stuck in how to proceed, and you can’t afford an interior designer, than lean on the furniture or curtain stores to guide you through the process in creating a home that may be traditional, but has a modern feel to it. Good luck.