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How to Organize Closet Space for Optimal Results!

Your next challenge is to organize closet space for optimal functionality and access. You determined which storage components you need in the last step. Now let's consider how to arrange them. There is no one solution that is perfect for everyone and every space. The principles of good organizing, however, are universal and always apply.

The general rule of closet organizing is that belongings should be stored vertically according to how high on your body they are worn. Hats and scarves, for example, should be stored up high, shirts and blouses in the middle, and shoes down low. The organizers that will hold these items should therefore be placed accordingly. You can best organize closet space by following these general rules of thumb:

Items that are worn the most should be the most accessible.
Items that are rarely used should be stored in more "out of the way" places.
Don't pack your belongings too tightly. Everything should have room to breath and be easy to remove and repack.
Store like with like.

Divide your closet (in your head or on paper) into three horizontal zones. The top zone is for shelving. The middle and biggest zone is for rods, shelves and drawers. The bottom zone is for shelving and shoe organizers.

Most closets have a long horizontal shelf across the top. If the height of your closet is 8 feet or more, it is recommended that you install two shelves at the top. The very top shelf can be used to store out of season clothing and, belongings worn only on special occassions. The lower shelf is perfect for hats, handbags, scarves and gloves. Use baskets, boxes, or bins to contain and protect these items and maximize the amount that can be stored.

Next, divide your closet vertically into three additional zones (two if you have a very small closet). One zone will be needed for hanging longer items, like dresses, dress pants, and suits. The other zones can be subdivided to accomodate shirts and blouses on top and leave space for shelves and/or drawers beneath, depending on your needs.

The final horizontal zone at the bottom is normally reserved for shoe organizers, baskets, and/or self supporting drawers and shelves. If you have ony 5-6 inches of space left heightwise, place a single row of dress shoes on the floor.

You should now have a plan for how to organize closet space for optimal results. In the next step, you'll learn how to install your organizers.

Return to Closet Organizing and the next step.

Return to Organizing Toronto Home Page.

Andrew Neary
Professional Closet Organizer
http://www.Organizing-Toronto.com
Suite 1708
100 Hayden Street
Toronto, Ontario
M4Y 3C7
CANADA
(416) 570-8861
Andrew@Organizing-Toronto.com

We can help residents of Toronto and the GTA, North York, Cabbagetown, Leslieville, Forest Hill, Rosedale, the Annex, the Beach, Beaches, Oakville, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Scarborough, Downtown, Riverdale, Hillcrest, Danforth Village, High Park, Davenport, Davisville Village, East York, York, Downsview, Don Mills, Willowdale, Bridal Path, Agincourt, Rexdale, Islington, Brampton, Markham, Burlington and more to organize closet space.

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