Summer Inspiration - Custom Closet Solutions To Suit Your Needs

Summer can be the ideal time to organize your closets. When it's hot and humid outside and your hiding inside your home in the air conditioned coolness, why not tackle a drawer or closet that has gotten out of control? 

Perhaps you have a closet that always seems out of control no matter how you try to keep it organized? Cookie cutter closet systems can't always rise to the challenge. Consider a custom closet organization solution from Closets For Life. Designed specifically to meet your needs, a custom closet will make staying organized as easy and pleasant as a summer breeze!

This advice doesn't just apply to closets, from garages to kitchen pantries to home offices, a custom storage solution from Closets For Life will help keep all areas of your home organized.

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Do you have a closet in need of some organization 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 for all of your organizational needs including closets, garages, offices, Murphy Beds, wine cellars and more.

Whatever your organization need, Closets for Life will come out to your house for a free in-home consultation and help design an organization solution that perfectly fits your needs.

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.

Get Organized for Summer!

Temperatures are rising, the sun is shining just a bit longer each evening and kids are wrapping up the school year. Summer is almost here!  Here are a few tips for starting off your summer organized and ready to enjoy every sunshine-filled day.



Here is a helpful idea for keeping on top of the messes while kids are home over the summer months.
SUMMER ROUTINES

Make sure your deck is BBQ ready with these tips from Bob Vila.
BBQ READY DECK

Check out these great ideas from Scholastic on fun ways to keep your kid's mind engaged and learning through the summer months.
SUMMER LEARNING

Before it gets too warm, it's time to make sure you're home is ready for hot weather. Read these tips for checking your home's heat and air-conditioning system
AIR CONDITIONING TIPS

School is drawing to a close.  Now is a great time to finally organize your child's school papers, photo and memories.  One of the blogs we follow, Delightful Order, has a wonderfully easy solution for keeping these materials organized.
SCHOOL MEMORIES

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Is organizing a closet or area of your home on your summer bucket list?  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 closets, garages, offices, wine cellars and more.

Whatever your organization need, Closets for Life will come out to your house for a free home consultation to help you design an organization solution that perfectly fits your needs.

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.

What To Look For When Hiring a Contractor

We recently received a review on Angie's List that did a wonderful job of explaining exactly what made this particular client so happy with the work we did.  He wrote,

"Working with Rick and Closets for Life was exactly as the other reviewers had stated.  He was extremely professional, punctual, did great work, and was so easy to work with.  He always followed up, arrived on time, and set the right expectations.  I find that many times people who own their own businesses in this field can either be really good at their craft or really good at communication, but not both.  Rick is the exception.  He is flexible, great at communicating, checks in with you, and does great work.  Not only did he think of absolutely everything, he also made some additional suggestions on the mudroom that really tied everything together.  It is no surprise that he is rated so highly.  Both Rick and the other guy he brought with him seem like genuinely great people who are extremely talented in what they do.   I also have a concern with hiring anyone I don't know and letting them in my house, but with Rick there are absolutely no concerns.  If I need any additional work done, I will definitely be using him again.  He is without a doubt the best contractor I have ever used."

This got us to thinking, what makes a great contractor?  Many times when hiring a contractor for a project, people will decide on price alone, picking whomever had the lowest bid.  While a low price may initially seem like a great deciding factor, ultimately, what will determine your happiness with a project is your experience working with the contractor and the end product.  If you paid less but found your contractor hard to work with and the end result less than you hoped for, a lower price tag won't make up for it.

What should you look for when deciding on a contractor then?  Here are 4 tips on selecting and working with a qualified contractor compiled from US News, This Old House and Houzz.com.

Check credentials and disciplinary history

According to US News, you should look for a contractor who has been in business for a while, someone who is licensed and registered (every state has different rules; check yours on contractors-license.org or ask your local building inspector), has insurance (liability; worker’s comp), and has a solid reputation. Make sure that they also have a clean bill of health from the Better Business Bureau and from your state’s consumer protection agency. 

We also recommend checking for reviews on respected online websites such as Angie's List and Houzz.com.

Do Phone Interviews
Once you've assembled a list, This Old House recommends that you make a quick call to each of your prospects and ask them the following questions:

• Do they take on projects of your size, type?

• For bigger projects, are they willing to provide financial references, from suppliers or banks?

• Can they give you a list of previous clients?

• How many other projects would they have going at the same time?

• How long have they worked with their subcontractors?

The answers to these questions will reveal the company's availability, reliability, how much attention they'll be able to give your project and how smoothly the work will go.

Communication is key

The single most important factor in choosing a contractor is how well you communicate. All things being equal, it's better to spend more and get someone you're comfortable with.  Think about whether you feel comfortable with their personality, background, methods, and communication skills.  All three sources recommend meeting with the contractors in person to discuss your end goals for the project, your vision and your timeline.  A great contractor should listen to your ideas and make suggestions without being pushy or dismissive.  

Put it in writing
Every project should have a contract, no matter the size of the estimated work. Contracts ensure that if a dispute arises, it can be dealt with in a timely manner.  If a contractor is unwilling to commit to a price on a contract or a specified timeline, do not choose them. This opens the door for mysterious charges that arise mid-project or delays.

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We hope you have found this article helpful.  If you are interested in a reliable contractor for your  next custom organization project, please contact Rick Lyrek at Closets For Life for your free in-home consultation.Closets For Life can be reached by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com.  You can also visit our 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, mud rooms, craft rooms, kitchens, garages, home offices, Murphy beds, wine cellars and more.

Quick FAQs About Sustainable Design (aka Green Homes)

Gaining in popularity is the concept of Sustainable Design and green homes.  More citizens are embracing the idea of making changes to their life that support a more sustainable future.  Not surprisingly, they want their homes to reflect this commitment. 

While many share this commitment, not everyone can afford or wants to move neighborhoods into a new sustainable designed home.  Going green doesn't have to involve big costs. For those who are looking for ways to lessen the environmental impact of their home through smaller, more manageable, remodeling projects we suggest you begin with your closets (well, we are a custom organization company after all!). 

Below are some quick FAQs about Sustainable Design and how we at Closets For Life are helping to lessen our impact on the environment.  We represent just one example of how green design can be incorporated into your home in smaller, manageable ways. Once you begin to look, you will find eco-friendly options offered by many local companies who share your commitment to our planet.

What is Sustainable Design?
Sustainable Design and Green practices are designed to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment by:

• Efficiently using energy, water, and other resources
• Protecting occupant health and improving employee productivity
• Reducing waste, pollution and environmental degradation

What are some simple changes I can make to make my home more eco-friendly?
There are many easy and affordable steps you can take to lessen your home's environment impact especially when it comes to consuming less energy.  Installing a programmable thermostat, incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and planting a tree near your house for shade are just a few. 

You mentioned that my closet can be a great place to make sustainable choices. Why?
As we mentioned earlier, sustainable options are available everywhere, including your closets. All custom organization projects by Closets For Life can be built using Roseburg Skyblend particle board. Roseburg SkyBlend is a specified green particleboard panel that is manufactured by Roseburg . It is SCS and EP certified to be 100% pre-consumer recycled wood fiber particle board and has no Urea Formaldehyde added during the manufacturing process.

In addition, Closets For Life uses Interscapes Inc. to manufacture our cabinets and shelving. Interscapes, established in 1987, is a full service architectural woodworking firm serving general contractors throughout the upper Midwest. Closets For Life, along with Interscapes, is lessening its impact on the environment by recycling 99% of the waste it produces. We are saving 1820 cubic yards of waste per year. This waste no longer ends up in landfills. Instead, it is now being shredded and ground up for use as animal bedding. You can view a video about Interscapes green manufacturing practices by clicking here.

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We hope you have found this article helpful.  If you are interested in learning how to incorporate sustainable design into your next custom organization project, please contact Rick Lyrek at Closets For Life for your free in-home consultation.Closets For Life can be reached by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com.  You can also visit our 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, mud rooms, craft rooms, kitchens, garages, home offices, Murphy beds, wine cellars and more.

2015 Trends for Home and Organization

It's hard to believe but we are just few days away from 2015!   Whether you want to get ahead of the curve or are just looking to make interesting talk at the water cooler, here are some of the home trends in design, color and organization to expect in 2015.

2015 Pantone Color of the Year
Pantone announces its 2015 color of the year.  Drum roll please......!

How to Use the Pantone Color of the Year
Now that you know the 2015 Pantone of the Year (oops! better go back and find out what it is), check out this article on Houzz.com, about how to use the color in your home.

Three Home Trends to Expect in 2015
Predicting 2015 lifestyle trends based on popular pins, here are three home trends Pinterest anticipates will take off in the coming year.

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If you are interested in learning how Closets For Life can help you bring organization to your life, contact us by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com for a free in-home consultation. We will come out to your home to discuss your needs, assess your existing space and then design a custom organization solution designed specifically for you.

Closets For Life is a custom organization company that works with residential clients as well as designers, builders and architects to create innovative storage solutions for all organizational needs including kitchens, pantries, closets, offices, garages, laundry rooms, wine cellars and Murphy beds. Closets For Life is a family owned and operated business.

Visit our website at www.closetsforlife.com to learn more.

The Ultimate Compliment...A Repeat Customer!

The ultimate compliment that can be made in a customer service oriented business is a repeat customer.  When a client is so happy with the outcome of a project that they ask you to come back to do another then you know you exceeded expectations. While we do have a good number of repeat customers, we have one that stands out from the crowd having asked us to return for four projects across two homes!  She is a spectacular lady and we feel honored to have worked with her on four very unique projects.  We recently interviewed Gail.  Read on to learn about Gail and what keeps her coming back to Closets For Life!

Closets For Life: First, tell us a little about yourself!
I retired 6 years ago and now work part-time for my husband's Real Estate Appraisal business.  Together we have 6 children and going on 8 grandchildren.  Our family keeps us busy but we also love to golf.

Closets For Life: How did you first hear about Closets For Life?
We initially wanted to install a Murphy Bed and I found his information online.  We previously lived in Apple Valley and wanted someone close. 

Closets For Life: If you could describe Rick Lyrek and Closets For Life using three words, what would they be?
Professional, Visionary, Satisfaction!!

Closets For Life: What has been you experience working with Closets For Life?
It has been wonderful.  It is a "small town" feel for me.  I love that when I have an idea, he helps me with the design.  It is really exciting for me!  To have created something instead of buying it in a store is so much more rewarding.

Also, we had water in our basement this past year and had to have the Murphy Bed and Desk un-installed and re-installed due to carpet replacement.  Rick came out and took care of everything.  He made a difficult situation very easy. 

Closets For Life: You have had Rick out to do four projects in your home!  Can you briefly describe each project?  Which project was your favorite?

The first project was a Murphy Bed and  separate area for a desk. I was working 1/2 time at home and we wanted the extra bed for out of town guests. It made perfect use of our space. (This is my favorite!).


The second project was a shelf unit.  I had previously had an inexpensive shelf unit for pictures.  It was across from the Murphy Bed and I wanted something that held pictures on top shelves and drawers on the bottom so when we had family stay over they could use the drawers for their clothes.  I could not find anything like this in a store or online.  I just love it.

The third project was the entertainment system under the TV.

The fourth project was in the lower level bathroom.  It is so small and I had a storage container to hold towels, which stuck out and got in the way when you got our of the shower.  My husband thought of putting in a shelving unit that was installed into the wall and came out a few inches into the bathroom.  I emailed Rick and he came out and designed it, adding drawers on the bottom!  It is so unique and everyone who sees it loves it.

Closets For Life: You had Rick build an entertainment system unit.  Why did you choose to have something custom built rather than just purchase something in a store?
I measured what dimensions I wanted under our flat screen TV and looked for days online and could not find anything I wanted.  I wanted slots for our receiver, sound system and Wii and drawers below for  storage.  There was nothing! So, I sent Rick an email.  He came out and we talked about what my plans were.  He made the drawings, made adjustments and I loved it! 

When you are going to invest in furniture, you might as well get it the way you want it.  He has so many options for the designs, color, etc. 

Closets For Life: What is your next planned home project? 
We may do another Murphy bed!

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If you are interesting in learning how Closets For Life can help you bring organization to your life, contact us by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com for a free in-home consultation. We will come out to your home to discuss your needs, assess your existing space and then design a custom organization solution designed specifically for you.

Closets For Life is a custom organization company that works with residential clients as well as designers, builders and architects to create innovative storage solutions for all organizational needs including kitchens, pantries, closets, offices, garages, laundry rooms, wine cellars and Murphy beds. Closets For Life is a family owned and operated business.

 

Visit our website at www.closetsforlife.com to learn more.

A Dream of a Wine Cellar

We recently had professional photos taken of a home wine cellar project we completed for a homeowner in Minnetonka, Minnesota.  It was a beautiful space and, frankly, the photos we took with our standard camera just couldn't capture the beauty of the space.  With a bottle capacity of over 900 bottles, beautiful mahogany racking with a wheat stain finish, a reclaimed wood ceiling and floor, a beautiful arch entrance and a wine tasting area featuring custom brick work and a rustic wood beamed ceiling, this truly is a dream wine cellar. 

So, we asked our good friend and talented photographer, Mark Ehlen of Ehlen Creative Communications, to come out a photograph the project (click here to see another project of ours he photographed).  Stocked with wine bottles provided by Parley Lake Winery in Waconia, Minnesota, the photos are stunning and we couldn't be happier for the homeowner and more proud of our work. To view the complete set of photos from the photo shoot, visit our Houzz project page here.

Thank you to the homeowners who so generously allowed us to come in and photograph their home, to Mark Ehlen for his outstanding photography and to Parley Lake Winery for providing their award winning, locally grown wine for the photo shoot.

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Whether you are interested in wine racks or a building complete wine cellar, Closets for Life will come out to your house for a free home consultation to help you design a wine cellar that perfectly fits your needs.

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, closets, pantries, garages, home offices and more.

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.

Quick FAQs About Universal Design and Organization

Universal Design...What is it?

You may have read or heard about Universal Design somewhere in passing.  Once un-familiar, the concept of universal design is growing in popularity among homeowners, remodelers and designers.  While on a grander scale the idea of Universal Design can be applied in designing a new home or remodeling, Universal Design can also be applied on a smaller scale and also to custom organization. 

Below are some quick FAQs about Universal Design.

What is Universal Design?

Universal Design involves designing products and spaces so that they can be used by the widest range of people possible. Universal Design evolved from Accessible Design, a design process that addresses the needs of people with disabilities 

I am not elderly or disabled.  Why should I care about Universal Design?

The smart part about Universal Design is that it's not blatant or done with a disregard for aesthetics. Everyone can use Universal Design!  It doesn't matter if you are young or old, short, tall, healthy or ill, someone with a disability or an athlete. With Universal Design, everyone can enjoy a home that will be there for all its inhabitants even when their needs change.

What are some examples of Universal Design?

Some examples of common Universal Design features when designing a new home are wide doorways and hallways, no-step entries, extra floor space and thresholds that are flush with the floor (think showers).  Type 'Universal Design'  into your search on Houzz and you'll see many principals of Universal Design in application of home designs.

I am not building a home so how does Universal Design apply to me?

Even if you are not designing or remodeling a home there are smaller, but equally as impactful, ways to incorporate Universal Design to benefit everyone in a household.  For example, good lighting helps people with poor vision but really helps everyone see better.  Installing lever door handles and rocker light switches are great for people with poor hand strength but others like them too.

How does Universal Design apply to organization?

Custom organization at its core is about making items easier to access.  However, there are several products that specifically accommodate Universal Design and handicap accessible applications. 

For example, pull out kitchen shelves make reaching objects in kitchen cabinets easier.  Everyone in a home will love not having to reach and dig in the back of a cabinet for an item, but for an elderly person or someone is a wheelchair, it is truly necessary.

There are also several closet accessories tailored to Universal Design.  A great example is a pull down closet rod that allows you to bring clothing out and down for easy access while still utilizing the higher area for storage.  It is adjustable from 34” to 50”.

If you are interested in discussing how to incorporate Universal Design concepts into your next custom home organization project, contact Rick Lyrek at Closets For Life for your free in-home consultation. Closets For Life can be reached by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com. You can also visit our website at www.closetsforlife.com.

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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, mud rooms, craft rooms, kitchens, garages, home offices, Murphy beds, wine cellars and more.

Show Your Shoes Some Love...Shoe Organization Ideas

For those of us who love shoes, our love has a tendency to result in a lot of clutter!  A great shoe collection can overwhelm your closet...unless you find a way show your shoes some love.

Today, we bring to you 46 inspiring shoe organizations ideas from HGTV and Houzz plus photos of some shoe organization ideas we have designed for our clients.  No matter what the size of your shoe collection or closet, there is a perfect solution out there just for you!

Houzz - 21 Great Ways to Store Your Shoes      
HGTV - 25 Ways to Store Shoes in Your Closet

 

Show your shoes some love and 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 your needs and budget. Closets For Life can be reached by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com.  You can also visit our website at www.closetsforlife.com.

 

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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, mud rooms, craft rooms, kitchens, garages, home offices, Murphy beds, wine cellars and more.

 

 





Craft Closet Inspiration

We noticed the other week that one of the most popular photos we have on our Pinterest and Houzz pages is of a closet we helped a homeowner transform into a craft storage and work area.

We wrote about this popular photo in a previous blog titled A Craft Closet...Where Creativity Gets Organized.  The blog explained how organization, convenience and work space for all your supplies can be had by converting an underutilized closet in your home into a craft station.  Most homeowners love an idea that is economical yet impactful and which is probably why it is our #1 re-pinned/re-posted photo on both Houzz and Pinterest! 

Because of this, we thought homeowners might like to see other examples of closet craft stations. So we created a board on our Pinterest site titled 'Craft Closet Inspiration'.  Click here to see more real life examples of closets that have been transformed into a craft storage and/or work area.

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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.
   

Home Trends to Consider in 2014 for your Closet

A closet is just a closet, right?  Not necessarily.  Spaces designed to serve multiple purposes is a current home trend for 2014 and closets are an under-appreciated consideration to achieving this goal.  Think creatively when considering your needs for your home; your answer might just be waiting in your closet.  Here are just a few examples of recent Closets for Life projects that transformed closets into other uses.

Have you always dreamed of having a wrapping or craft station?  We recently transformed a client's under utilized closet into the craft and wrapping station she has always dreamed of. 

 

 

Do you wish your office had more storage for files and supplies?  A custom design featuring shelves and drawers will keep everything organized and, better yet, out of site.

This client's multi-purpose mud room and laundry room lacked easily accessible shelving and counter space for folding. Installation of a cabinet unit and shelving in a closet space gave the homeowners exactly what they wanted without disrupting the flow of the room.

 

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If you are interesting in seeing how Closets For Life can help you transform your closets, contact us by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com for a free in-home consultation. We will come out to your home to discuss your needs, assess your existing space and then design a custom organization solution designed specifically for you.

Closets For Life is a custom organization company that works with residential clients as well as designers, builders and architects to create innovative storage solutions for all organizational needs including kitchens, pantries, closets, offices, garages, laundry rooms, wine cellars and Murphy beds. Closets For Life is a family owned and operated business. Visit our website at www.closetsforlife.com.

Project Ideas for a Better Organized Kitchen

Chances are you spend a lot of time in your kitchen.  Kitchens are the key gathering area in a home; a home base for family, the place people gather at a party, where homework and mail gets dropped.  All this activity means the opportunities to improve your kitchens flow and functionality are numerous. 

From small steps like organizing a junk drawer to bigger changes like adding pull out shelving in your cabinets, improvements in your kitchen will have a big impact on your use of the space.  Intrigued?  Below are links to some kitchen project ideas big and small.


How to organize your junk drawer in 30 minutes.
http://personalorganizing.about.com/od/automobile/a/JunkDrawerOrganization.htm

Do it yourself kitchen storage solutions from one of our favorite magazines, The Family Handyman.
http://www.familyhandyman.com/kitchen/storage/kitchen-storage-solutions-pantry-storage-tips-cabinet-organization-tips/view-all#step2

Thinking of adding a pantry or changing the organization of your pantry? This link features great photos of kitchen pantries of all layout and sizes.
http://removeandreplace.com/2013/07/21/31-kitchen-pantry-organization-ideas/

This link from Better Homes and Gardens features great storage ideas for appliances.
http://www.bhg.com/kitchen/storage/organization/

Love the look of your cabinets but not their functionality?  Read how installing pull out shelves to existing cabinets can have a big impact.
http://closetsforlife.blogspot.com/2012/06/behind-cupboard-kitchen-makeover-pull.html

We hope you have found these ideas helpful in creating a more efficient kitchen.  If you are interesting in seeing how Closets For Life can help you create a more organized kitchen space, contact us by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com for a free in-home consultation. We will come out to your home to discuss your needs, assess your existing space and then design a custom organization solution designed specifically for you.

Closets For Life is a custom organization company that works with residential clients as well as designers, builders and architects to create innovative storage solutions for all organizational needs including kitchens, pantries, closets, offices, garages, laundry rooms, wine cellars and Murphy beds. Closets For Life is a family owned and operated business. Visit our website at www.closetsforlife.com.

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.



 

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.

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.