Tips for Organizing Children's Closets

Keeping your child's closet organized can be a challenge.  Getting your kids to keep any area organized can be tough and to make things harder, their closet content is constantly changing.  As adults we typically add new items to our closets slowly and other than seasonal changes, the closet structure usually stays the same.  Children on the other hand are constantly moving in a whole new set of clothes as they grow and new toys as their interests change. 

With these challenges in mind, here are some great tips to keeping their closets organized from birth to graduation.

Flexibility
Design the layout of your child's closet to be flexible.  For example, having a second closet rod positioned lower is wonderful for little kids.  It allows them to reach their day to day clothes on their own and the top bar can still be used for dress clothes or out of season clothes.  As they get older and taller, this second bar can be removed, if needed, to make room for other storage options.

Drawers Instead of Open Shelves
A lot of people will tell you to install lots of open shelves in your child's closet.  The idea is that shelves are easier for kids to access and folding is quicker and easier than hanging.  This is almost always accompanied by a photo of a child's closet featuring perfectly folded and arranged shirts and pants.  Perhaps your children are capable of this but my children's idea of folding is no where near that perfect meaning those open shelves will look messy and disorganized!

Save yourself that battle and instead install pull out drawers or a drawer unit in your child's closet.  You will still enjoy the advantages of folded clothes and easy access and, when closed, the drawers will keep the closet looking clean and organized.

Up, Up and Away with Out of Season or Too Big Clothing
Store out of season and too big clothing in bins on the top shelf of your child's closet.  Putting them in bins on the top shelf means they are within easy reach when its time to pull them out.  However, make sure you are not storing huge bins on the top shelf.  Opt for medium to smaller sized bins instead.  They are easier to get down and fit better on the shelf.  They are also less of a hazard.  You never know what kids are going to get into and you wouldn't want a huge bin being pulled down and falling on a child.

Under the Bed - Prime Realty
If you feel like your child doesn't have enough space in their closet, think about utilizing the space under their bed.  Bins that are just the right height to slide under the bed can be used to store shoes, toys, socks.  They are a perfect kid level storage spot.

Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Closets For Life is a custom closet company that works with residential clients as well as designers, builders, remodelers and architects to create innovative solutions for all of your organizational needs including closets, garages, Murphy beds, offices and wine cellars.

For a free in-home consultation, contact Closets For Life by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com. You can also visit our website at www.closetsforlife.com.

Shawnessy Schwartz
Closets for Life Aficionado

3D Closet Drawings So Real You Might Try To Grab For a Hanger



3D CAD Drawing of a Walk-in Closet

A couple from Minnetonka recently had us come out to their home for a free in-home consultation for their master bedroom walk-in closet.  When we met, the couple had a pretty firm grasp of what organization components they wanted on each of three walls. 

As with all of our free in-home consultations, the following day we sent the couple detailed 3D drawings of the proposed closet design along with the price quote.  The detailed 3D CAD drawing included a design of the whole room and a breakdown of drawings that showed the components on each wall.

We asked the couple to hang each separate drawing on the appropriate wall for a couple of days to see how they felt the flow would work.  The couple was very certain that they liked the design as is but agreed to hang the drawings up and get back to us.

Two days later, the couple called to say that they had three changes based on looking at the drawings as they were using the closet.  For example, they decided they wanted the pull-out tie hanger at the front of the closet rather than the back after realizing the husband frequently tries on a few ties before deciding on one and it would be less steps to hang them back up if they are closer to the front.

Ultimately, hanging the 3D CAD designs up resulted in a better flowing closet and a happier client.  Our 3D CAD design drawings are just one of the many reasons to have Closets For Life come to your home for a free in-home custom organization consultation.  We will listen to your needs and then design a custom solution that you can see in detail beforehand.  No surprises, just great results.

Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Closets For Life is a custom closet company that works with residential clients as well as designers, builders, remodelers and architects to create innovative solutions for all of your organizational needs including closet, garage and office organization systems, Murphy beds and wine cellars.

For your free in-home consultation, contact Closets For Life by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com. You can also visit our website at www.closetsforlife.com.

Shawnessy Schwartz
Closets for Life Aficionado

Things to Consider When Designing a Custom Closet Organization System

Frustration!  You can't take another day of walking into your overstuffed closet with sweaters on the top shelf falling on you and dress shirts wrinkled from being crammed in too tight.  You have always wanted a custom closet organization system and you are ready to make the first step. 

Overstuffed Closet

You pick up the phone to schedule an in-home consultation......but STOP!   Wait....did we say 'stop'? 

Yes, we did.

It is great that you are ready to take charge of your closet.  However, before you have your in-home consultation, take just a little time to stare at your closet and think.  Not only will this help your in-home consultation go smoother, it will also help ensure that you end up with a custom closet system that is exactly what you needed.  Here is a short list of factors to think about when planning your custom closet organization system.

Current Needs
Look at your closet and determine what needs are most important for this closet.  Perhaps you have a lot of accessories like ties and belts that need a designated space or maybe your love for shoes has taken over your closet floor.  You will most likely have several designated priorities and it is helpful to have them listed out for your consultation so nothing is overlooked.

Future Needs
It is fairly easy to look at a closet and figure out what you need right now.  A trickier but equally as important consideration is what your future needs will be.  Giving yourself just enough shoe rack space for your current pairs of shoes is fine for now but what about when you come home with those new boots you just couldn't pass up?  Make sure you are looking forward with your design goals.

Flexibility
When designing a custom organization system, make sure to consider options that allow you to change things up.  You might decide that you need more shelves for your summer clothes and less shelves for your winter clothes.  Ask for a design that allows you this flexibility.

Style
The list of material and finish options for your custom closet organization system is endless.  Wood, melamine, color and texture options....you name it and it is out there.  Take some time before your consultation to look around for photos of finished custom closets.  Figuring out what you like beforehand will mean you won't end up seeing a picture of something you love a week after your closet organization is completed.  

Reach-In Custom Closet Organization System

Now you are ready for your in-home consultation!  A good custom closet consultant will help you determine the best design to meet your organization needs.  However, taking some time beforehand to contemplate your own goals will really make a difference in ensuring you are overjoyed with your new closet.

Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Closets For Life is a custom closet company that works with residential clients as well as designers, builders, remodelers and architects to create innovative solutions for all of your organizational needs including Murphy beds, closet and office organization systems and wine cellars.

For your free in-home consultation, contact Closets For Life by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com. You can also visit our website at www.closetsforlife.com.

Shawnessy Schwartz
Closets for Life Aficionado