Before starting any organizing project, we like to look at inspiring images of similar spaces (so that we'll be extra motivated to get the task underway). Next to office nooks, we think pics of organized closets are the cat's meow.
We're ashamed to admit that since moving into our new pad, we just got around to color coordinating our closet. Mainly because it takes all of around 5 minutes to accomplish and saves tons of time when attempting to locate an article of clothing. It's also essential to keep everything looking streamlined and neat with a closet full of identical hangers. We really like the skinny, black velvet kind (found here) which maximizes every inch of space in a teeny closet. And don't let zero closet space deter you from having a proper place to hang your clothes. DIY a branch or incorporate a clothes rack into your homes decor.
(Images: 1. Flickr member EricaJoy licensed for use under Creative Commons, 2. 10 Tips For Maximizing Closet Space, 3, 10, 20 Ways To Organize Your Bedroom Closet, 4. No Closet? Try A Clothing Rack, 5. 9 Essentials for the Ultimate Clothes Closet, 6, 9, Open Closets In Small Spaces 7. Real Life Organized Closets, 8. Uniform Hangers)
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I couldn't have sworn #8 was my closet. After closer inspection I realized that no AT did not break into my apartment to take a picture of my closet, but I do own at least 4 of the shirts pictured, and the rest are very very similar.
huh. why did i never think of purchasing thinner hangers to fit more clothes into my tiny closet?
thank you!
help! I wear all black, but I want an organized closet. I've tried by type (sweaters all together, dresses all together) and by amount of wear (coats in the back, formals in the next to back, normal stuff up front) but my closet still looks like a bomb went off. Any advice?
Thank you for posting these images. I have been thinking about organizing the closet so many months now and I always found an excuse not to do it. This post is was exactly what I needed to motivate me to start the enormous task. Thank you.
I am an organizational nut. And finally we are installing extra shelves in out closets and it is amazing how much can fit into a small closet when used properly.
@alysaaria: Have switched to using just one type of hanger, or 2 at most. You'd be suprise you cleaned up a closet looks when all the hangers are the same. I suggest the Hopa hangers from ikea if you have one in your area: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90160051
They are thin so don't take up alot of space, and are made of solid wood.
Is it wrong that I love pictures of organized closets more than living rooms? These are fabulous!
@Jose A - that is because men have only a few choices for shirts! every time my boyfriend comes home with a new shirt I go to his closet and say YOU HAVE 30 SHIRTS JUST LIKE THAT!! they are all long/short sleeve multi colored plaid. men have that, polos, solid button downs, and atrocious ed hardy & ed hardy look-a-likes.
I'm totally with zazzu....I'd love to see a closet tour section. Hee!
We got our closet custom done from Container Store a few years back. I'm not gonna lie, it was an investment. But it took out master "Side Slither-In" closet to a true "Walk-In" closet, if you get my drift.
Of all the things we've done to the house over the years, that's hands down the most practical functional and peace-inducing. Knowing where everything is and having a space for everything from my jewelry to the husband's shoes is just.....totally worth every penny.
Oops, swap our for out, please.
Getting rid of things is a big part of organizing closets. Even if you get rid of stuff every season, taking EVERYTHING out of your closets every few years and being militant about getting rid of things dislodges a surprising amount of "stuff." Even if you adhere to the "wear it within X years or thrift it" rule, there's all this "but it is wonderful" or "it will be valuable" stuff that lives on. Get rid of it and then organize. You'd be amazed how much better things end up.
And systems like Elfa are worth investing in bit by bit - they make whatever space you have SO much more usable.
No one's closet looks like #1. That's just there to make us all feel bad.
Agreeing 110% with Taureg "Get rid of it and then organize."
We get caught up in the "oh, what IF I want to wear it again" thing and cost ourselves a lot of wasted space and energy. I think in all my closet clean outs in my life, I've only regretted getting rid of one item. I can live with that vs the clutter I'd have otherwise.
You also make a good point about getting the Elfa components a bit at a time. We did the closet in one swoop, but added to it later. And it's totally worth waiting until their annual sale in January when it's 25% off.