Treat your itsy-bitsy closet like a secret bonus room by taking the time to maximize every inch of space.
Follow these tips to transform and organize the closets throughout your home.
Bedroom closets
The bedroom closet can be the most susceptible to clutter since we use it so often. Investing in an organized system in this area can pay off in huge dividends with a positive frame of mind each morning.
Here's what you can do to declutter:
Spend an afternoon going through closets and getting rid of anything you haven't worn in the last 12 months
Install your own DIY shelves to create custom organization for your needs
When possible, use dressers for garments that don't need to be hung in a closet
Create a simple but elegant storage system by purchasing your preferred boxes or bins and neatly labeling them
Consult a closet organizer to install a custom closet system
Hallway closet
While many fill the hallway closet with spare blankets and miscellaneous items, the potential to create a specialized storage area is limitless. Consider your needs and strategize the best way to organize your items.
Here are a few options for that unused space:
Craft/hobby storage: Enjoy scrapbooking? Holiday shopping? Store supplies, books and scissors on the top shelf in a variety of bins, with the next devoted to gift wrap, tape and ribbon.
Garment station: Near the laundry room? Set up a “garment station” with a fold-out ironing board, iron and spray starch and a closet rod for clothes.
Toy central: Located near a child's bedroom? Store and rotate toys, books and decor. Your son or daughter might enjoy having just a few possessions out at one time. The room will stay neater, and toys will last longer.
School supplies: Need an area for your teens’ sports, drama or choir gear and supplies? Consider creating a “school supplies and activities” storage area. Inside the door, mount a dry-erase calendar and pen to maintain everyone's schedule. Convert this closet into an area to store band and sports equipment, as well as school staples like pencils or lined notebook paper on a top shelf.
Bathroom closet
Is your bathroom closet cluttered with a lot of products you no longer use?
Consider updating it with these organizational tricks:
Create a spa-like atmosphere: Clear the clutter. Store a fluffy bathrobe and luxurious towels. Sure, you’ll still store your toilet paper here, but make room for pampering supplies like bath salts, body lotions and your favorite shampoo and conditioner.
Add a few “hotel” touches: Make sure you store a couple of new toothbrushes, toothpaste and other supplies for houseguests. Choose from a variety of containers, such as wicker baskets, to display the items when guests arrive.
Keep cleaning supplies handy: On the closet floor, place a shower caddy filled with bathroom cleaning supplies. Include glass cleaner, tile and bath cleanser, brushes and wipes. It will be easier to keep the bathroom tidy and clean.
Being smart about your closet space will ensure you keep those tiny closets organized, no matter the need.
Editor's note: This is an updated version of an article that was originally posted on Aug. 9, 2011.
