Apps for Home Organization

As a custom organization company, we are all about bringing organization to people's lives.  So, we appreciate any tool that makes organization easier.  There are thousands of apps out there for your smart phone or tablet but did you know there are apps that can help you stay organized?  Read on to find out how you can turn your phone into a powerful home organization tool.

Closet Organization Apps
Do you hate the morning struggle to figure out what to wear that day?  Check out this article from Huffington Post that highlights several apps to help you plan your wardrobe for the week, inventory your outfits and more.  There is even an app, Pose, that allows you to become a fashion blogger yourself by uploading photos of your favorite outfits and see what other fashionistas across the globe are wearing.  It's like Houzz for fashion!

Kitchen Organization Apps
If your goal this winter is to be better about meal planning then check out apps reviewed by the I'm An Organizing Junkie blog.  Only have ketchup, olives, left over chicken and an onion in your fridge?  No problem! The AllRecipes Dinner Spinner app will give you dinner recipe suggestions based on the ingredients you have on hand. 

Home Organization Apps
Looking for inspiration and tools to keep your home organized?  We particularly like one of the apps featured on the SiliconANGLE blog.  The 52 Organizing Mission app gives you 52 organizing missions that can be completed in 30 minutes each to help you organize your work and home life.

Also, the How Things Work blog provides 10 iPad apps for home organization that cover just about everywhere in the house.

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Inspired by all of these great tools to help you stay organized?  One of the most powerful organizational tools for anywhere in the home is a great storage system.  You'll be amazed at the difference a custom organization system by Closets For Life will make in your life.

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

Closets For Life is a custom organization company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Locally owned and operated, Closets For Life works with homeowners as well as designers, builders, remodelers and architects to create innovative solutions for all organizational needs including closets, garages, wine cellars, kitchens, home offices, Murphy beds and more.

'Organizing' Your Lawn and Garden For Winter

Here in Minnesota, the leaves are beginning to change as the beautiful season of Fall is upon us.  Along with changing leaf colors and cooler temps, Fall brings a chance for us to 'organize' our lawn and gardens to ensure a successful lawn and garden for next spring.

While most of the organization Closets For Life does happens inside the home or garage, we are always happy to encourage organization in all areas of life.  That is why we are bringing to you today some helpful links on preparing your yard for winter.  Happy fall and happy organizing everyone!


Helpful Links to Information on Preparing Your Yard and Garden for Winter

From the Minnesota State Horticulture Society, their article on getting your garden ready for winter has some unique ideas (like planting spinach now for an early spring crop) that we haven't seen before.
Link to Minnesota State Horticulture Society Article

Star Tribune's 'Digging In' feature writer, Deb Brown, provides some simple steps for getting your lawn ready for winter including when to fertilize your lawn and mulch perennials.
Link to Star Tribune Article

This article from the University of Minnesota Extension Services talks about how to protect your trees and shrubs from winter damage.
University of Minnesota Extension Link

A task not to be forgotten is getting your lawn mower ready for winter.  This link from Consumer Reports features a step by step video on winterizing your lawn mower.
Link to Consumer Reports Video

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Closets For Life is a custom organization company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Locally owned and operated, Closets For Life works with homeowners as well as designers, builders, remodelers and architects to create innovative solutions for all organizational needs including closets, garages, wine cellars, kitchens, home offices, Murphy beds and more.  Contact Closets For Life for a free in-home consultation by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com. You can also visit our website at www.closetsforlife.com.

Best Wedding Gift Ever

As you may know from our previous posts, Closets For Life is a locally owned family business.  Owner Rick Lyrek started the company 8 years ago so that he could have more flexibility with his family time and it has been common for his kids to help out on a job.  So, when Rick's oldest son was married this summer, there was really no question on what Rick and his wife, Shari should get the newly married couple.  Did you guess it yet?

While the newlyweds were on their honeymoon, Rick and his wife, Shari, installed a custom closet organization system as a surprise gift to the couple.  The newlywed's second floor master bedroom in their charming yet older home lacked a walk-in closet, so Rick transformed an adjoining room into a spacious and organized walk-in closet. The newlyweds were overjoyed when they arrived home to see the room transformed into a spacious walk-in closet space. 

While this was a particularly fitting gift for Rick to give his son and new daughter-in-law, it really is a wonderful idea for any parent looking for a wedding gift idea for their soon to be married son or daughter.  A custom closet is sure to be a huge hit with the newlyweds and appreciated for many years to come.

Whether you plan it as a surprise or have the couple work with us to design the space, the gift of a custom closet is guaranteed to be the most useful and appreciated gift they receive!

If you are interested in giving a newlywed couple the gift of a custom closet, contact Rick Lyrek at 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.

Closets For Life is a custom organization company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Locally owned and operated, Closets For Life works with homeowners as well as designers, builders, remodelers and architects to create innovative solutions for all organizational needs including closets, garages, wine cellars, kitchens, home offices, Murphy beds and more.

Ideas for a Better Coat Closet

If you are the owner of a home built before 1980 or a condo, chances are you have an entry way coat closet rather than a mudroom for storing your outerwear, shoes and so on. 

It is also likely that you wish your coat closet was about 5 times larger that it is.  That is not surprising.  The coat closet is often the dumping station for everything when we get home and the last stop when trying to get out the door.  Because of the coat closet's integral role in our daily lives, organization is vital.  Who wants to be greeted with chaos when you get home?  Or worse, who wants to spend an extra 10 minutes looking for a pair of gloves when trying to leave?

While you may think expanding your coat closet space is the only answer, we have some great tips for maximizing the potential of your existing closet space.

Use Your Space Wisely-

In no other area of your home can a custom organization system have a bigger impact than a coat closet.  A custom design is tailored to fit your specific needs.  Another great benefit to a custom system is the design options offered.  Thinking beyond the traditional closet design of a closet rod at eye height with a shelf above it will have a truly transformational impact on your closet's storage potential and organizational upkeep.  Custom features like shoe racks, pull out drawers and cubbies will not only increase storage space but help keep your closet organized and it's appearance tidy.

Don't Ask Your Coat Closet For More Than It Can Give
Even with a custom organization system, there are limits to what your closet can hold.  Trying to cram too much into your coat closet will only make it harder to keep organized.  Store out of season gear somewhere else and switch it out when the seasons change.  Also, analyze whether each item in your coat closet really needs to be there.  Does it have to do with entering or leaving your home?  If not, move it somewhere else that makes more sense.  For example, coats and gloves belong in a coat closet but bulky sports equipment is probably better off stored in the garage where it can easily be loaded into your vehicle.

There's No Better Medicine than Prevention
What is good for the body is also good for our closets.  Give your coat closet a bi-annual closet check-up.  At least twice a year, take everything out of your coat closet and assess your belonging to clear out items that are no longer used or belong somewhere else.  After your assessment, reorganize your items as you put them back in.  We recommend doing this when switching out seasonal gear.

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Interested in a custom organization system for your coat closet?  Contact Closets For Life for a free in-home consultation by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com. You can also visit our website at www.closetsforlife.com.

Closets For Life is a custom organization company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Locally owned and operated, Closets For Life works with homeowners as well as designers, builders, remodelers and architects to create innovative solutions for all organizational needs including closets, garages, wine cellars, kitchens, home offices, Murphy beds and more.











  

Father's Day Gift Ideas Dad Will Actually Love

Father's Day.  A day synonymous with ties, specialty tools rarely used and grill accessories.  Before you consider another year of giving the same old gift, let us suggest a few truly out of the ordinary gift ideas that are sure to be a huge hit with dad

Organization for the Garage
The garage is dad's domain, why not give him something he can really use and appreciate like custom storage for his garage?  Whether you go with simple shelving or built in cabinets, this gift will make Dad smile every time he enters the garage.

Closet Custom Organization or Closets Accessories
Hey, this is the 21st century and closets aren't just for moms anymore.  Surprise dad with a design for a new custom closet where there is actually room for his clothes.  If a custom closet is too much, how about a great closet accessory like a pull out tie or belt rack?  Closet accessories are easy to install and can make a big impact on your closet's storage potential.

Custom Wine Cellar
Whether dad is a fine connoisseur of wine or just enjoys an occasional glass, a custom wine cellar is a great gift for dad.  Wine cellars are convenient and, because they enable dad to buy wine by the case, a wine cellar will save dad money in the long run.  No room for a walk-in wine cellar?  No problem!  You just need somewhere that is out of direct sunlight, away from any amount of vibration and in the coolest part of your house. Add wine racks and, ta-da!, dad has a wine cellar!

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We hope you have found these ideas helpful. While not the traditional gifts associated with Father's Day, these gifts are sure to surprise dad and put a smile on his face.

Closets For Life is a custom organization company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Locally owned and operated by a dad, Rick Lyrek, Closets For Life works with homeowners as well as designers, builders, remodelers and architects to create innovative solutions (and great Father's Day gifts) for all organizational needs including closets, garages, wine cellars, kitchens, home offices, Murphy beds and more.

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



 

A Craft Closet...Where Creativity Gets Organized

Custom Craft Closet by Closets For Life

Are your wrapping supplies in a jumbled heap, your scrap booking materials overflowing in a bin or your sewing machine relegated to the back of a bedroom closet?  Anyone who loves to scrapbook, paint, sew or wrap gifts knows how difficult in can be to find a spot to store all of your materials. 

What if we told you that the perfect solution might be right down your hallway?  Organization, convenience and work space for all your supplies can be had by converting an underutilized closet in your home into a craft station.  

The true key to the successful transformation from a plain closet to a craft haven is smart design.  A custom closet organization system designed specifically for your space and needs will transform an everyday closet into the craft station of your dreams complete with drawers and shelves for storage and a desk to work at.  The best part is that when you are done, you can simply shut the closet door and, ta-da!, it is out of sight!
 
If you are inspired to transform a closet in your home into a craft haven, contact Closets For Life for a free in-home consultation.   We will come to your home to meet with you and discuss your space.   After our meeting, we will design a custom storage solution tailored specifically to meet your needs and budget.  Closets For Life can be reached by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com.

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

Why We Love Angie's List and You Should Too

At Closets For Life, we love an informed customer.  Angie's List, a consumer driven review site, is a great tool for homeowners to evaluate companies based on actual service experiences.  Companies cannot pay to be be on Angie's List and all reviews are from real clients, not anonymous users.

Okay, Angie's List is great for you, but why do we love it?  Angie's List members reward companies that provide excellent customer service with great reviews and an 'A' rating.  With over 20 positive reviews and an overall 'A' rating on Angie's List, homeowners can easily see what makes us better than our competition and that makes us happy!

Closets For Life has an overall rating of 'A' on Angie's List. 

Here are just a few of our customer reviews on Angie's List.

 

Review from Deb in Apple Valley on 4/4/2013

Rick from Closets For Life made the best use of every bit of space we have available in the closet. . . . We couldn't be happier with the results or with Rick himself.  I highly recommend this company for custom closets.

 

Review from Steve in Mpls on 5/1/2013

Closets for Life owner, Rick, came out to my home and discussed my requirements for a walk-in closet.   It was obvious from his 3D drawings that he really listened to my preferences as he designed the space, not to mention he turned around the rendering in less than 2 days. . . . The closet was installed 2 weeks after Rick received the signed agreement, just as he had committed.  I quoted two companies for this work and, in my opinion, Rick's design was FAR superior.   He really listened and came up with something that perfectly fits the space - even though the room is not a perfect rectangle.  The entire process was easy and timely, and Rick delivered on all of his commitments.  Closets for Life definitely exceeded my expectations. Thank you Rick!

 

Review from Barbara in Andover on 11/3/2012

Rick was very helpful throughout the process.  He completed an initial design.  He modified the design until I was completely happy with the plan.  The install was perfect.  Rick was very pleasant, clean and willing to make sure I was 100% satisfied.

 

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

 

For a free in-home consultation on your next project, contact Closets For Life by phone at 952-484-04165 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com.  You can also visit the Closets For Life website at www.closetsforlife.com.



 



 



Mud Room + Spring = Happy Homeowner

Spring is why mudrooms were invented.

Springtime's melting snow and ample rain results in dirt, water and mud inevitably making its way into your home.  Here is where a mud room comes to save the day.  Mudrooms are meant as a barrier between outdoors and indoors.  An area where dirt and outdoor gear is contained, keeping the rest of your home clean.

The single most important element a mudroom should have is ample storage space that is smartly designed.  Without proper storage in a mudroom, muddy shoes will still get thrown on top of each other, sports equipment will still cause clutter and jackets will still be crammed in.   Make sure your mud room has storage designed to meet your needs.

Lockers, shoe racks, double rods and benches with hidden storage are just some of the options available.  Take into consideration both your current and future needs when considering different components.  If you have kids, open lockers spaces with built in drawers are a good option.  If your family in actively involved in sports, consider storage options that can house these items. 

Have a small mudroom or no mudroom at all?  Don't despair!  A custom designed organization piece can be designed to fit within your entry closet or as a free standing unit.  A wide selection of finishes, colors and textures are available to allow an organization piece to blend in with the existing space.

This spring, see if your mud room is making you happy and keeping your home clean.  If not, contact Closets For Life for a free in-home consultation.  We will come to your home to discuss your mud room space and your needs and goals.  After our meeting, we will design a custom storage solution tailored specifically to meet your needs and budget.  Closets For Life can be reached by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com. 

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

Get to Know Our Manufacturer, Interscapes Architectural Woodwork

One great advantage of choosing Closets For Life is that all of our custom designs are professionally constructed locally here in Minneapolis by our manufacturing partner, Interscapes Architectural Woodwork, Inc.  Interscapes is owned and operated by Ron Lyrek, the brother of Closets For Life owner, Rick Lyrek.   This truly is a family passion!

Interscapes has been in business for 26 years serving general contractors throughout the upper Midwest.  Their motto, “Serving Others’’, is really what they are all about.  A talented pool of employees provide timely service and quality results.  In addition to custom cabinetry for our projects, they also specialize in other areas such as reception desks, display cases and other high quality speciality woodwork items.

Interscapes has a great track record of serving the community and a proven environmental commitment to reducing their foot print on the planet.  Offering green product lines, recycling most of their waste including shredding all wood, paper and cardboard waste for use as animal bedding and utilizing green energy practices within their building are just a few of the ways they demonstrate their commitment to the environment.

We feel privileged to work with a company whose values and work standards match so closely to ours.  If you would like to find out more about Interscapes Architectural Woodwork, check out their website at http://www.interscapes2.us/.

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

Contact Closets For Life today for a free in-home consultation for your project. We can be reached by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com.

3D Project Drawings Come Alive

Change is good!  Especially new changes to the Closets For Life website designed to help homeowners.  The change we speak of is the addition of a new page on our website titled, '3D Drawings Come Alive'.  The page features 3D CAD drawings of real Closets For Life projects paired with a photo of the completed project.

3D CAD drawings are a valuable tool for homeowners beginning a home remodel process.  Seeing a detailed drawing ensures that what the contractor envisions is exactly what the homeowner envisions, making sure both parties are on the same page and that the project will meet a home owner's goals.  Because we believe an informed customer is a happy customer, we provide 3D CAD drawings for all projects.

3D CAD Drawing

Completed Project

Above is just one of the many projects highlighted on our new page.  Click here to view all the project drawings and photos featured.

Contact Closets For Life today for a free in-home consultation for your project.  We can be reached by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com.
  
Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Closets For Life is a custom organization company that works with residential clients as well as designers, builders, remodelers and architects to create innovative solutions for all organizational needs including closets, kitchens, garages, home offices, Murphy beds, wine cellars and more.

Three Tips for Falling Back in Love with your Closet

Has your 'relationship' with your closet deteriorated over time? Perhaps once perfectly organized by color with ample space to spare, is your closet now jumbled, overfilled and unorganized?

 

This Valentine's Day, rekindle your relationship with your closet.  Here are 3 tips to help you fall back in love with your closet and keep the spark alive.

Tip #1:  Declutter
Every closet (and relationship) has its limits.  You simply cannot keep adding clothes every season with out clearing it out on occasion.  Every 6 months, go through your closet and clean out items you no longer use.  If you can't bear to part with them yet, box them up and revisit them in 6 months when it's time to declutter again.  If you haven't missed it, chances are you don't need it.

Tip #2: Accessorize
Sometimes all you need to rekindle a relationship is a little change to spice things up.  Adding an accessory or two to your closet can make your closet feel new and interesting again.  There are many great closet accessories available that are designed to maximize the storage potential of your closet.  Pull out belt and tie organizers, pull down closet rods and pant organizers are just the beginning. 

Tip #3:  Know When to Call it Quits
Although it is hard to face, sometimes you have to know when it is time to call it quits.  Your closet simply might not be able to meet your needs in its present state.  If this is the case, it is probably time to consider a closet organization makeover.   A custom closet organization system can truly transform your closet space into something with far more storage potential.  Even in the case of a small closet, you have many options.  A closet organization
professional can help you determine your goals and the best design to meet these goals.

We hope you have found these ideas helpful.  For more inspiration and ideas regarding your closet, check out the Closets For Life website at www.closetsforlife.com.

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

Contact Closets For Life for a free in-home consultation by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com.

Faux Stone Panels For A Wine Cellar

We recently completed a beautiful wine cellar for a customer.  What made the wine cellar really special was the faux stone paneling on the back wall.  Now, we know what you are picturing, a tacky 1970-esque brick wall that everyone can tell is fake.

Not the case.  Faux brick has benefited immensely from advances in technology and today's faux brink is realistic, lightweight, inexpensive and easy to install.  Made from polyurethane, the stone panels generally come in 7 sq. foot sections and are available in almost every stone or brick option and color you can dream of.  Check out www.fauxpanels.com to view all of the options available.

Our client chose a tan weathered old Chicago style brick panel that added instant character to the space, an outdated basement room they had us convert into a wine cellar.  Now, rather than a room that collects clutter, our client has a beautiful wine cellar that brings value to their lives and their home.  If you would like to see more photos of this project from start to finish, click here to see them on our Houzz page.


Competed Wine Cellar With Faux Brick

If a home wine cellar is in your future, Closets For Life can help. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Closets For Life is a custom organization company that works with residential clients as well as designers, builders and architects to create innovative solutions to all of your organizational needs including wine cellars of all sizes.

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.