Transform your look with closet style and organization

Grand Rapids, Mich. WOTV) - Remodeling one of your most personal spaces – your closet – could be a very satisfying way to begin the New Year! Whether you just need to clear out the old or you’re considering a whole new space, take the time to think ahead and really consider what you need to store and where you want to store it. Taking a hard look at what you have will help you understand the kind of storage you need.

Step One: Designate your staging area and get ready, get set and GO! Remove everything; clothes, hangers, boxes, shoes, magazines….just clear it out. A clothing rack could be very handy so you can clearly see what you have. When done with this project, move the rack to your laundry room or the basement for more storage. Take your time; play some relaxing music, maybe have a glass of wine and just enjoy the process.

Step Two: Take inventory. Clear plastic containers are great for this step. You could use “Keep”, “Toss” and “Donate” or organize by broad categories (clothes, shoes, linens) and then divide into smaller subcategories (sweaters, winter shoes, etc.)

Step Three: Get rid of things that don’t belong in that particular closet. One of the big causes of clutter and disorganization is items that belong in the kitchen or bedrooms are found hiding in closets all over the house. This is the time to return out-of-place items to their rightful home. BUT stay focused on one closet at a time. You can do other closets another day.

Step Four: Finally, the hard part of getting rid of unwanted “stuff” has arrived. Professional organizers will tell you this is the time to make some basic rules such as: • If I haven’t worn it for a year, do I really need/want it? • Does it really fit? • Do I really need 6 jackets that look the same? • Do I really need 27 different purses? Whenever the answer is “no”, then you need to decide if you want to donate, sell on line or hold a garage sale or possibly bring to a consignment store. OR you could host a “swap it” party with friends, neighbors or co-workers. Maybe that sweater will fit a co-worker or someone who’s admired a purse would appreciate the gesture. Just remember to keep your eye on the prize – a clean and organized closet – so you don’t come home with MORE unwanted/not needed items.

Step Five: An empty closet is not necessarily a clean closet. Now is the time to wipe down the closet walls and vacuum or mop the closet floor. You may have decided to add some shelving or another hanger bar so now’s the time to do that. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a closet too. If you’ve always wanted a bright color but you’re afraid to “go public” with it, a closet could be a fun place to try the color.

Step Six: Now comes the fun part of putting everything back in its proper place. Launder or dry clean as needed so you know you’re really starting with a fresh, clean space. Get some fun colored, flocked hangers so blouses and jackets stay on the hangers and don’t fall to the floor. There are lots of creative storage solutions for sweaters, purses and shoes, too. During this process, I'll bet you'll discover new clothing combinations as well; sort of like shopping in your own closet!

Get creative, have fun and be bold. Remember, this is 4 you!

For more storage solutions and inspiring remodeling ideas check out Standale Interiors !