Organization Systems June 21, 2009

When asked what the best closet system is, my answer is always “the one that works best for your space, stuff, and budget.”  However, I love the Elfa systems that The Container Store sells.  They are easy to assemble, easily transformed, movable from house to house and space to space (with minor adjustments).  Although they are not the cheapest option on the market they rival very expensive custom made closet units.

Take note, The Container Store usually offers discounts a few times a year on these items.

Simply visit www.thecontainerstore.com and type in Elfa.  An Elfa specialist can even help you design your space via telephone or in store.

Here are elfa shelves in use at a local school bookstore we organized.

This is the lower half of a freestanding elfa unit we installed at a local school bookstore.

You Can Only Hope to Contain it! June 18, 2009

A great way to store your items in your home is to put them into totes.  I love the variety that Sterilite offers.  Rubbermaid also makes a great tote.  Take a look at their selection here:

http://www.sterilite.com/

They are sold at just about every box store, and are generally inexpensive.  When purchasing a tote, make sure its not too large.  Conventional wisdom makes you want to buy the biggest tote available to get as much stuff in it as possible.  Keep in mind that totes are heavy when full.

A few other tips: Try to purchase clear totes so you can see the contents, and if possible, buy totes with wheels for easy movement.

Totes are great for consolidating like items.

Totes are also great for giving a standard shape to irregularly shaped items.

Hang It Up June 16, 2009

One of the biggest changes you can make to your closet is to add wooden hangers.  They allow every item to hang at one height, so you can clearly see each item and it has room to hang and fall appropriately.  Wooden hangers come in all shapes and sizes.  Although once expensive, they are now available at discount, wholesale, and big box stores.  Simply make sure to purchase enough hangers to complete your project and be sure to account for any new clothes you may acquire.

http://thecontainerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?CATID=78257&PRODID=59711

Wooden hangers give any closet an uniform look.

Get Lazy! June 14, 2009

I love lazy susans!  They are great as they give you a visual of just about anything you own…cleaning products, spices, small boxes of food, cans, bath products etc.  They come in a variety of sizes and can be purchased at discount stores (check dollar stores), and big box stores.

Lazy susans are great for seeing everything you own.

Rise Above the Clutter June 11, 2009

Everyone has canned goods in their cabinets or pantry.  The cans in the back are rarely seen, and many people end up buying canned goods that they already own.  Use a shelf riser like this one to make sure you can always see what you own.   If you see it, you will use it!

http://thecontainerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?searchId=19775523&itemIndex=1&CATID=185&PRODID=60290

Here is what they look like in action.

Shelf risers are great for seeing cans and bottles in your pantry.

Rise and Shine! June 9, 2009

Looking to find more space in your home?  Look down!  Try bed risers!

Bed risers boost up the height of your bed just enough to gain some valuable storage space underneath.  Remember to put items into totes before you put them under the bed.  I prefer the underbed totes with wheels, which makes it easy for you to pull them out and access your belongings easily.  However, any totes will work just fine.  Totes also keep your belongings dust-free and ready to use.

Searching for bed risers online will yield a number of results.

Good old fashioned…shoe boxes June 7, 2009

One of my favorite products is actually an old product with a new twist—the shoe box.  Back in the day these were cardboard boxes that came free with the purchase of a pair of shoes.  Today, these plastic boxes are available at discount stores for less than a buck each.  They can be used for small toys (like the ones you step on all the time!), art supplies, baking/cake decorating supplies, you name it!  Oh yeah, and of course shoes!!

http://thecontainerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?searchId=19775523&itemIndex=1&CATID=185&PRODID=60290

Over Door Storage June 7, 2009

A great way to use often wasted space is to add an over the door shoe organizer such as the one seen here:

http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?CATID=155&PRODID=59766

These can be used to house office/art/school supplies, small toys, accessories, and of course— shoes.  Make sure you purchase one with clear pockets so you can see the contents.  These are available for as little as $5 at big box stores.

This one here whipped a bathroom linen closet into shape in no time!

An over-the-door shoe holder can hold more than shoes!