The majority of people will find they use their coat closets to store a number of different things as well as coats. This can become rather unorganized and muddled as time goes on. It will become more and more jumbled over time and can leave you wanting to tidy it but wondering how. It will just mount up until there is no longer any room left to store anything and the task of cleaning it up will seem impossible. The following are some tips on how to lessen the hassle and get started on completing this task.
To start, look at the storage space and write down all of the features you dislike about it. You may, for instance, be completely frustrated with a disorderly pile of footwear. A Mount Everest like this guarantees that the search for a matching pair will be an aggravating and time-wasting process. Do you generally stow damp boots and/or galoshes in your closet? If so, your coats run the risk of picking up mildew, not to mention the stubborn scent that goes with it. Perhaps there are opaque drawers made of plastic or another material in your closet that obscure your view of what they contain and the purpose of these items in this space.
Lots of us have heavy coats or jackets that occupy extra room; if your ceilings are high, you can add another layer of hanging storage for these or other items. Consider purchasing an inexpensive hanger “grabber”–a long, adjustable pole designed to help you reach items hanging on the upper level of your closet. The grabber is easy to use and gives you access to those high places, potentially increasing your storage area twofold.
A storage area that contains many short jackets and coats, or kids’ outerwear, can probably accommodate an extra bar on which to hang these items, even if the the ceiling is only the average eight-foot height. If you need less room for coats but more room for accessories, a bar on either side of the closet may help you store items such as handbags, footwear other than boots, throws, and scarves. This will free up space in the back of the closet for drawers, shelves, or other storage devices. Reusable grocery or tote bags as well as other items that tend to accumulate on the floor can be hung on handy hooks.
It’s perfectly fine to have drawers in your closet–just make sure they’re constructed of a transparent material like clear plastic or acrylic so that you can instantly see what they contain. Keep like objects such as gloves or mittens from getting separated by keeping them in bins or baskets. Vacuum storage bags are a lifesaver when you need to stow bulky items like blankets or quilts in limited space. Simply use your vacuum cleaner to suck the air out, and watch your down comforter shrink to a third of its original size!
You can avoid wet shoes or coats making your coat closet smell by using cedar coat hangers. It may feel like a huge task but once your coat closet is clean and tidy it will be one big load off your mind.
To read more articles on coat hangers, check out plastic coat hanger and space saving hangers.