Figuring out how to organize your beautiful Tahoe closet can be almost as daunting as deciding to (finally) commit yourself to the task. No matter how big or small your closet is, there just never seems to be enough room to fit every single jacket, t-shirt, and pair of snow bootsd you’ve collected over the years. This may be a signal it’s time for a full-on closet purge, but it may just mean that you’re not utilizing the space you have to its full potential. Here are some tips:
Four Key Areas Every Organized Closet Should Have
A smart closet addresses four key areas: hanging clothes, folded pieces, shoes, and accessories. Determine the setup that will work best for you, and be realistic about the square footage you have… work within these guidelines.
Consider the Closet Doors
Hinged full-swing or bifold doors give full access, whereas dual-hung sliding doors prevent access to the center. If every inch counts, consider replacing sliding doors with hinged ones or doors that slide all the way open on a rail (like a barn door).
Add an Extra Clothing Rod
If your closet ceiling height is at least 7 1/2 feet, you have room for two rods (one hung about three or four feet above the other), which can maximize space. A clothing rod should hang at least 42 inches above the floor so that clothes don’t drag. Position the rod at least a foot from the back wall, if possible. There should be at least 3 inches beyond the ends of your hangers.
The low rod can hold skirts and pants; an eye-level pole can hold dresses and tops. If you can, leave breathing room between garments—at least 1/4 inch, if possible, with fabrics barely grazing one another. Again, seasonality and frequency of use can be a big factor in delegating space: That taffeta evening gown in the roomy garment bag may have to be stored somewhere else.
Pro Tip: Make sure to measure your space precisely (to the nearest sixteenth of an inch) before buying rods, shelving units, or other hardware.
Make the Most of Your Shelves
Leave some space in your closet for shelves, which are crucial for holding sweaters and delicate knits (or any clothing that will stretch out of shape on a hanger), accessories (totes, purses), storage boxes, and shoes. Shelves should be open and not deeper than 14 inches, so you never have to dig through a pile to find what you’re looking for. Inexpensive bookshelves work, too. They’re not as deep as you might like, but consider turning your shirts sideways. (These really helped with my husband’s massive t-shirt inventory!)
Change out your light fixtures
Updating the light in your closet will make you happy every time you use it. We installed a beautiful new mini spot fixture in ours. Suddenly, the closet is so much larger. You can now SEE everything! (and, truthfully, you will feel like your closet is your own personal boutique!)
Know this:
Doing these things will make life easier for you, and the mundane tasks of laundry and dressing will now be more pleasant. If you plan on selling your beautiful Tahoe home, just think of how appealing it will also be to a potential buyer! Everyone appreciates a nice, orderly closet!
(Courtesy of RealSimple.com)
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