Closets: Managing & Creating Storage
Closets are tricky spaces. We legitimately need them, but we easily misuse them. It is just too convenient to open the door, throw in a pile of “stuff to do something with later”, and walk away. Then you have to go through that “stuff to do something with” pile to find the vacuum. But you can’t get the vacuum back in the closet with out moving and tossing items around. And the cycle continues — until the closet is a total disaster.
It happens to all of us.
Closets are really part of a larger storage strategy, and while this post is about closets, it is also about that larger strategy for managing and creating a total storage solution. For specific tips about closets, please click here.
My mantra when it comes to storage is that every item I bring into my home must be managed, and the time I spend managing an item, is time I cannot spend doing something I probably love more.
Managing Storage
The most important principle when it comes to managing closets, is that the more you have, the more you have to store. This is an adaptation of a value my grandma taught me. She always said, “The more you have, the more you have to worry about.” The older I get, the more I accumulate (for myself and my kid) the more I appreciate her wisdom.
Another principle that guides me is the idea that if an item serves more than one purpose, it is more worthy of storage than a single use item. For instance, coats that have a shell and an inner part still take up only one hanger. Instant Pot makes an electric pressure cooker that is also an air fryer. I tend to look for items like these when I am shopping.
A third principle is that small spaces require creativity and flexibility in their use. For example, walls and doors can be used to store items. If you need storage, and you don’t have it, you can attach a command hook to the wall and put a bag on the hook with the items you need to store. Slim baskets can be attached to a door for storage. You could find a Murphy table, bed or desk that would free up space when you are not using that piece of furniture.
Creating Storage
If you are like me and you live in a small space, then the closets you have probably don’t cut it. Here are some quick and easy tips for creating storage where there otherwise is none:
Ottomans - benches and squares - These are a great example of items that serve more than one purpose. An ottoman can be used as a table, a bench, a foot rest, AND many of them open for storage. For example, a storage ottoman could be used instead of a coffee table. It serves three purposes - foot rest, table, and storage.
Hooks - Hooks are a great way to get things up off the floor quickly. If you need a bag or a coat up off the floor, why not hook it to the wall? I always start with a Command Hook that can be easily removed and replaced, and later. If I still need a hook in the spot, I screw one into the wall.
Open closets - Rather than enclose all of your storage, let your storage shine! Attach a clothing rod to the wall, and hello open closet. The best part of the open closet is that it helps you stay organized because you see it all the time.
Built ins
Faux - By combining a series of bookcases, storage shelves, and floating wall shelves, it is pretty easy to create a faux built in. I use three different sized Ikea Kallax units with a storage bench and floating shelves to create book and toy storage.
Permanent - When you are ready to commit to permanent storage area, then you can bring in a builder to customize a storage solution for you. I find that starting with something temporary is usually the best practice. It is great to know how you will actually use the space before you commit to permanent, and probably, expensive storage solutions.
Whether you decide to use an ottoman, purchase an item with multiple functions, or create a work space using a Murphy desk, be sure that you are really interested in managing what you bring into your home. Be sure that managing the item won’t take away from time doing things that you love.
