Closet makeovers are quickly becoming one of my favorite things to do for clients--mainly because I think it has an under-appreciated impact on everyone's day and they immediately see a positive change. If you start your day struggling to find things in your closet and you end your work day by tripping over shoes (and can't to shut the door) that's TWO times it's robbed you of time and maybe even joy. Here's what I've discovered after a couple of makeovers of my own.
The Fashion Closet at Goop Headquarters |
1. Closets are worth investing in -- even if it's slowly over time. Plastic storage drawers are public enemy number 1. Not only are they hideous, but they slide when you try to open the drawer...they create limited visibility and they're super bulky. Opt for clear trays or bins you can reach in easily.
2. Don't Fall for the Hype -- Those square cube units with square bins are in my opinion SUPER misleading with their usefulness. Not only do their contents often remain a mystery (regardless of if they're labeled or not) but once you pull one neatly folded shirt out it seems the rest come with it. If they're overstuffed that bin isn't going back in it's cubby...it's going on your closet floor (am I right?)
3. Can you reach it? -- My biggest thing is identifying the thing you wear the most and putting it within arms reach. The items I access most (jeans and T-shirts) were inaccessible in a pile that wouldn't fit in the plastic drawers while my dressier clothes that I wear maybe twice a month were always getting in my way.
After moving my wardrobe wasn't something I focused on immediately and I let it ride an entire year. Seasonal transitions left my closet in a constant state of confusion. As I've pared down my clothing items I'm left with even fewer things I need to "hang" so I was ready to commit to shelving over rod room.
DOUBLE YIKES. This mess was keeping me from getting things put away and I had had enough.
I have priced most closet units from Closetmaid and Ikea and as beautiful as they are I simply don't have the budget for a $300 closet upgrade (which I still think is totally worth it). I headed to Target to see what my options were. I immediately found the dreaded cubes (not interested), the hanging fabric shelf things (why do they still make those?) and a few tiny shelves like the shoe risers I already own. Defeated and annoyed I still hadn't found a solution so I turned down the aisle and walked right into the solution! Target has a White MDF bookshelf that is almost IDENTICAL to most of the Closetmaid shelving systems--and it was only $30.
I bought that baby and set her up immediately. This unit is 71" tall and serious vertical storage. After gutting my closet I then proceeded to locate every under-utilized clear storage bin and organized to my heart's content. I re-used a hanging rod from a previous project and made an effort to use organizers I already owned. I'm a big fan of Target's shoe risers...they're stackable as well and create space for three rows of about four pairs of shoes.
A few safety/use disclaimers. Anchor this unit properly to the wall of your closet to avoid wiggling and tipping, especially if you're attaching a rod to the side. It's certainly not as heavy duty and the finish isn't perfect--but it's $30. Think of the possibilities! Stack two together for more shelf storage, line the backs with wallpaper, add seasonal storage bins on top, or add hooks to the side for bags!
I typically use the Kondo method for folding and storing clothes. If you aren't familiar I recommend this book!
This transformation took almost no time at all and immediately remedied my storage issues! All-in I only spent $40 (I bought two more clear trays). Here are some highlights to remember when working on your closet upgrade:
1. Empty entirely
You cannot organize and install storage systems effectively working around the clutter.
2. Install safely (use wall anchors and secure in studs)
Ensure you aren't woken in the middle of the night by a falling clothes rod but installing secure hardware.
3. Sort Before Returning and Organizing
Use the opportunity to sort through seasonal items that should be stored elsewhere and donate items you no longer need.
I hope this inspired you to tackle this problem area ! Have questions or closet hacks of your own you want to share? Leave me a comment in the section below!
xo Lindsey Crafter
Some Helpful Items (affiliate links)
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