CLOSET GOALS

Smart design tips for a tidy & functional storage space

Baskets, chests and armoires are some of the earliest versions of closets, dating back to Roman times. As industrialization happened across the world, people had greater access to more affordable goods and needed spaces in which to store them. In the 19th century, Americans established the closet as we know it — its own space built directly into the wall. These were small, usually the size of the door that opened into it.

Today, we are accustomed to larger fitted and walk-in closets in bedrooms. The standard size for a walk-in closet is typically 5 to 7 feet wide and 7 to 11 feet long. Larger luxury closets may range from 10 to 14 feet wide and up to 12 to 18 feet long. Modern Americans need (and expect) large closets. Closet size can even be a factor in a home purchase. According to a national survey by ClosetMaid in 2016, the average number of pieces in an American woman’s closet was 103, with 30 percent of it unwearable or never worn. The average male owns 74-84 articles of clothing.

Whether you have a modest-sized closet or a luxurious walk-in, investing some time in its organization will result in a tidy and functional space that will bring you pleasure and save you time when getting dressed. Spring is the perfect time to tackle a closet project, and it need not be a daunting task. Dealing with the contents first will allow you to address the structure second. Simple modifications with smart storage systems can help the overall flow of your closet. Professionals can also help customize closets and optimize structure by building shelves or installing drawers, essentially retrofitting an old closet.

The contents
The first step to any organization project is decluttering. Either pull everything out or go through every item in your closet and ask: 

• Does this fit? 
• Do I wear this regularly? 
• Does this suit my current style? 
• Is it in good condition? 

Divide your items into three categories: keep, donate and discard. Take a cue from Marie Kondo: if it no longer sparks joy, it’s time to let it go. Likewise, if you haven’t worn it in years, it’s time to part ways. For donation tips, click here. If you share a closet with a spouse, it is advisable to do this together. People have different reasons for hanging on to things. You might make an assumption about that frayed button-down shirt that has sentimental value in your partner’s eye. 

The second step is to categorize and group in ways that make sense to you. Some simple groups are tops, (blouses and T-shirts), bottoms (jeans and trousers), skirts, dresses, outwear and accessories. Some people like to take it a step further and implement a color-coding system starting with light colors and gradually moving to darker shades. 

The structure
The easiest way to immediately transform a closet? Invest in coordinating hangers; they eliminate visual clutter in your closet and help save space. Velvet hangers, in particular, are super slim and take up half the room their bulky wooden and plastic counterparts do. 

Next up, maximize your space with smart storage solutions. For example, use vertical space by installing wire shelving to store folded clothes or sweaters. Use hanging organizers for shoes. Drawer dividers keep things like socks, lingerie and accessories neatly separated. Hooks and pegs are good for belts and bags. If you have a lot of short items like shirts and skirts, an extra hanging rod will double your space. Conversely, if you have primarily longer pieces and double hanging rods, remove the bottom one. 

If you need to customize your closet further, look for a reputable closet organization company and schedule a consult. A closet designer will visit your home, measure the space, discuss your needs and produce a design. The system is then installed by professionals and comes with a warranty. 

Toler Insulating, a locally owned and operated insulation company in Lynchburg and Central Virginia offers closet design. Heading up this division of the company, Anders Sunwall uses CAD (computer-aided design) to create digital designs from a customer’s closet specifications in just a few hours. He uses top industry suppliers like Rubbermaid, a company that sells adjustable and custom closet systems. Sunwall does renovations on closets, particularly for empty nesters who want to turn a bedroom into a closet. However, the majority of his business is with new builds in Lynchburg. 

Sunwall and the clients are able to create spaces that offer cost-effective ways to achieve goals and create unique features like an island wardrobe. He, himself, has an organized closet, and his wife has her clothing color-coordinated. “An organized closet really helps life in the mornings. You can find what you need and keep on rolling,” he says. 

Once your closet is decluttered and organized, it will benefit from ongoing but quick maintenance. Spend a few minutes each week tidying up and putting things back in their designated spots. With the changing of the seasons, review your wardrobe, and make sure everything you have in there is still something you like and use. ✦