Articles

De-clutter your Closet

Story by Judy Colbert
Southern Maryland: This is Living

When your closet looks like it has been hit by the tail end of a hurricane and you need an archaeologist to find what you want to wear or even find both shoes of a pair, it's time to get organized. The same goes for your garage, pantry, children's room, wine collection, and office.

Closets are an easy target and probably provide the most satisfaction after you've completed the job. According to Dennis Stotlemeyer of the Closet Factory in Waldorf, once your closets have been re-organized it is much easier just getting dressed in the morning. "You may save enough time to sleep another forty winks," he says.

The easiest way to begin re-vamping your closet space is to completely empty it. Clear off your bed and then make piles of items you want to keep, things that need mending, and another for items that you know you'll wear some time, but you don't know when and you can't possibly do without. A last stack is for clothing that you have never worn, will never wear, and that other people can use. Don't get sidetracked by mending things or filing some papers you found stashed on a shelf. Just put items in piles to be tended to after you've finished putting your clothing back in your newly designed closet.

The next step is to clean and measure your closet.

Now, take a break and visit a home building supply store for storage and closet supplies. There are many closet organizers to choose from offering a variety of set-ups. They are generally not too difficult to install. Make sure to consider what your needs are as the specifics of your wardrobe may dictate other special containers, two-level hanging poles, and drawers. If you are a shoe person consider the many options available for shoe storage so that they no longer take up all the floor space on the closet floor. Get hooks for belts and a rack for scarves or ties. If you have a huge closet and dozens of suits or dresses, you may even want a motorized conveyor, like the ones you see at the dry cleaners. For a nice touch, you may even decide to install paneling for a decorator look or a cedar lining to prevent moth damage.

After your clothing inventory, you may decide to tear out existing shelving and clothing racks. Then, install your new hardware. Place the clothing by categories with the most frequently used items in the front. Use the two-level hanging poles for shirts/blouses on top and jackets/skirts on the bottom. Use a shelf unit for hats and purses. Out of season clothing should go in the back of the closet or in another location-another closet, the attic, or a storage room.

Give the items that are in good condition to such charities as Dress for Success, Good Will or Salvation Army. Things that aren't in great condition can go to a day care center or school for dressing up playtime. Out of fashion clothing can go to a costume store or theater group.

Of course, if you would rather just leave all of the work to the experts then you can call Dennis Stotlemyer at the Closet Factory in Waldorf. The designers at Closet Factory spend an hour or two determining what you need and what you want things to look like when the job is completed. About three or four weeks after your initial meeting, installers will return to your home to complete the project in one to three days. Although the franchise is called the Closet Factory, they can create a solution to any storage problem you have, from office space for your new computer to a wine cabinet to show off and preserve your valuable collection. Stotlemyer offers a variety of finishes, but he doesn't like solid wood. "It can be a problem. It has a great tendency to cup, bow, and warp, so it can be a problem installing it. And, then, six months later when the weather is humid, it changes again," he says.

It isn't too hard to get your closet and storage space organized and once you do, whether you do it yourself or hire someone else to, you will be glad you did.