April 29, 2009How to Bribe Your Closet to be Your Friend

Psssst .. are you ready to learn how to ‘bribe’ your closet to be your friend? Maybe ‘bribe’ is a strong word for when you want to be ‘friends’, since what we really want to do is ‘treat’ your closet great so it can give you love and comfort in return. Hmmm, comfort from a closet? Yes!

After following these tips your “new found friend” (your closet!) will always be there for you when you need an item from it.

When closets are cluttered people tend to just drop items anywhere & everywhere; therefore THE SECRET KEY to your closet happiness is: 

having a designated area for items so that every time you open your closet you will (by habit) know where to drop, pick, pull, place, look in, or reach for your item. And it will almost feel as if your “friend” hands an item to you when you open your closet door. Here are some bribe ideas, oh .. I mean treats for your closet and YOU:

• Clothes: Sort & arrange shirts by sleeve length (from long to short) – this will make the space look & feel organized and roomier. To maximize space, buy a hanging closet rod (cost is approx. $10) so you can place clothes on the bottom of your closet.
• Shoes: Sort shoes by usage. Those used more often should be accessible, least used should be placed from your farthest reach. If your closet is too small to place a long shoe rack, I recommend that you purchase clear cubbies that stack upwards & sideways (cost is approx. $7). To keep your tall boots from drooping over, roll up an old magazine & insert it into your boots. Also, hang them if you have space in your closet.
• Bags: Hang – hang – hang! Hang all bags that have straps so the straps do not turn into octopus tentacles when you reach for the bags (long straps tend to sometimes get tangled-up with other items when not bribed (treated) with an organized plan. I suggest you use “S” hooks (sold at most local hardware) to hang on a pull-spring rod. The key is to hang the bags in a space that is viewable & accessible without having to pull one bag out and fear an avalanche (yikes!).
• Door: Maximize your door space – “INSIDE” your door. I recommend placing a garment hook (about 5″ length – approx. $9) inside your door, here you can place a few business suits for the week or pick and place the clothes you will be wearing after you shower in the morning.

Again, the key to having an organized closet is to have designated areas for all your items within your closet. Now many people may ‘know’ this, but do not implement it thereby missing out in the comforts that organization brings, so be different and treat yourself great. And, if you treat your closet with a few economical commodities and organization, it will return the favor by staying de-cluttered and organized. If you want me to take a peek into your closet or rooms to give you my suggestions go to: Analyze My Room.

About the Author: Ada Gonzalez is a professional interior decorator nationally known as the ‘Decorator for the Star in You’ because her designs focus on empowering her clients to feel better at home with economical solutions that highlight their style and comfort. She provides full interior decorating services; as well as, do-it-yourself services. Subscribe to her eZine called ‘Smart Decorating Solutions’ to receive FREE bi-weekly decorating tips at: www.adasdecoratingsolutions.com.