Spring is for cleaning—and organizing! One of the biggest requests we receive from clients post-installation is tips on organizing their new closet, cabinets or storage solutions. Fortunately, we’ve worked through a lot of these kinks during the design phase, customizing hooks, drawers, shelves, and cabinets to fit each client’s individual needs.
But our expertise doesn’t end once we install a project! Our team of experienced professionals is here to help guide you all the way to the end. So here are five tips for organizing your new space, whether it’s a closet, pantry, mudroom, laundry room, garage or office!
Declutter
Before you start putting your belongings into your custom closet, cabinets, or storage area, we recommend siphoning through everything to decide what you absolutely want to keep and what you may no longer need. Whether you employ the Marie Kondo “does it spark joy” method or simply ask yourself whether you’ve used that particular item in the past year, reducing the number of items that go into a storage area always helps improve function.
Place Everything
A place for everything, and everything in its place. Now that you’ve pared down your items, we recommend placing everything before buying any additional accessories like bins and baskets that haven’t already been pre-determined. In a mudroom, for example, you may decide you want a bin with a sloped front to go at the top of your cubby after seeing what items need to be stored there. Things that are used everyday—like dog leashes and hats—need to be easily accessible. You don’t want to be constantly pulling down a basket to get out the contents if you could just reach up into the bin instead.
Add in Decorative Storage
Now that everything is placed, it’s time to add in any decorative storage that you need in the form of bins, baskets, or organizers. For pantries, we recommend clear storage containers so that everything remains in view and is easy to grab. For closets, we suggest velvet hangers, as they’re equally functional (clothes actually stay on the hangars!) and attractive. For other areas, keep in mind how often you need to access something to determine the type of bin or basket that may work best. And of course, we always recommend choosing something attractive!
Don’t Get Lazy
Kudos for prioritizing storage solutions in your home! But your job isn’t done. Make sure you find a place for every new item you bring into the house and avoid catchall areas where items can clutter up. For example, we don’t recommend placing empty baskets in a corner of your new kitchen for keys and other pocket items as they end up turning into a clutter trap. It’s better to put items back where they belong as they come into the house. We know, easier said than done. But we believe in you!
Keep Going
Now that you’ve solved a storage problem for one area of your house, it’s time to keep going! Think about how much better your life functions and how much of a weight has been lifted since you prioritized organization in your home. Hold onto that feeling, tackling one area at a time. One of the biggest storage trends we’re loving right now is Murphy beds. They’re the perfect solution for maximizing an extra room—be it home office or play room—providing a bed for out-of-town guests that can be conveniently tucked away when not in use. What’s next on your storage solution list?
Contact us today to schedule your next in-home consultation!
