CLOSETS

Storing personal possessions can be traced back before the Ancient Egyptians. In those days, because of nomadic their lifestyles a chest as it was easy to carry around. Today, we use closets for our storage needs and it has become indispensable to our modern lifestyle.

Many of us complain that we do not have enough storage or none at all. However your closets are performing, they should be able to yield more space with careful planning and space saving tricks.

Closet Systems Today’s closet organisers can transform the space into a unique and workable area that is suited to your needs. They consist of sets of shelves, hooks, racks, boxes and storage bins that would transform the chaos of any closet. Organisers are available in several sizes, styles and designs and accessories.

A good closet organizer can double or triple your space by shortening the clothing rack, raising it to make room for a second rack below or adding shelves on one side of the closet. Some closet organizers include built in storage bins that slide in and out like drawers. Placing the shoe rack below the double hung clothing rack is a good way to utilise the area.

When buying an organizer keep in mind the type of clothes you have and how much you may have.

Do you have lots of shoes, hats, handbags, jeans etc? Make sure to design in storage space for these items. Your system should be customized to the type of clothing and accessories that you own.

Assessing Your Needs First things first, get rid of stuff that you do not need or use. After you have done this, the next step will be to determine how much space you would need. The basic closet and clothing dimensions can help overcome any anxiety in deciding your needs.

Spatial requirements: Long dress 69 in.

Regular dress 45 in.

Skirt 35 in.

Trousers (cuff hung) 44 in.

Trousers (double hung) 30 in.

Blouses and shirts 28 – 30 in.

Women’s suits 29 in.

Men’s suits 38 in.

Ties 27 in.

Hanging shoe bag 36 in.

Organisation Here are some ideas to help manage the space.

Begin with a starter kit of at least 30 sturdy plastic hangers or 60 if two people share the closet. Also, get sturdy skirt and pants hangers in addition to the 30 hangers. Invest in an expandable shoe rack and tie rack if necessary.

Finishing touches Install new hooks on the closet wall to hang belts, umbrellas and handbags. Purses and hats can be stored on closet shelves if you do not have cubbyholes for them.

Tips • Add a second rod to the closet.

• Outside your closet install a hook or pull out rod for hanging dry cleaning and for planning outfits.

• Utilise the back of the door with a shoe rack that holds 12 pairs of shoes along with purses on the hooks below.

• Plastic pull out shoeboxes can also be used for storing underwear.

• Shelf dividers help to keep shelves and drawers neat.

• String shower curtain rings on hangers to hold scarves and belts.

• A shoe bag can also be used for holding stockings and socks.

• Ice cube trays can be used for storing jewelry.

• Create a second shelf by cutting a board to fit and support it on both ends with two sturdy boxes.

• Use furniture creatively. Store items in the dining room hutch or credenza.