Find peace and contentment by taking control of your space and belongings.
Not sure where to hang that new sweater, how to separate clothes for different seasons or how to display frequently worn shoes in the closet?
“They are not uncommon problems,” says Charlette Heyer, owner of Organize that Space. “But they are a recipe for a chaotic closet.”
According to Heyer, disorganization happens gradually over an extended period of time, and it is often the result of delayed decision- making.
“The longer you delay dealing with clutter or accumulation, the more draining it becomes as you dread the decision of what to do with it all,” she says. “An organizational plan puts you back into the driver’s seat and allows you to regain control of your space and belongings.”
As a professional closet designer, Heyer has the knowhow to maximize space in a way that is both aesthetically pleasing as well as highly functional. From large closets ripe with options to even the smallest of closets, all can benefit from space organization. In fact, Heyer says small closets require an excellent use of space and organization.
“In most cases, a professional closet designer can turn your wish list into a can-do list, providing you with a pleasant place to begin and end your day,” she says.
The most basic organizational principles apply to closets: storing similar items together, having a place for everything and putting everything in its designated space. The most functional closet will have adequate hanging space, and most of that space will be for double hanging. A minimal amount of space be allotted for longer hanging items such as dresses and coats. While maximizing the amount of hanging space, Heyer cautions homeowners not to ignore the versatility and functionality of shelving. Storing frequently used items on shelves between shoulder and knee height keeps them in sight and easily accessible.
Higher, harder-to-reach areas are perfectly suited for out-of-season or less frequently used items.
“A good closet design balances hanging and shelf space needs efficiently and effectively,” she says. “A good basic closet design helps with organization by providing an appropriate place for everything.”
Once a closet has an efficient design, Heyer says additional features can add even more function and ease to the space. Things such as drawers, baskets, belt and tie racks and telescoping rods are common and useful additions. Other higher-end upgrades include convenience items such as a built-in ironing board, pull-down wardrobe rails, slide-out pant racks and a three-way mirror or aesthetically pleasing finishes such as glass doors or crown molding.
Although a basic reach-in closet can cost anywhere from $450 to $1,000, and a basic walk-
in closet can range from $550 to $2,500, Heyer says that such an investment means more than being able to easily locate that favorite sweater or pair of jeans.
“An organized space brings a quiet calmness, which can permeate into other areas of life, providing a peaceful yet confident enjoyment of the home and life,” she says.
