Give Your Stuff a “Home”
Thousands of Americans
are hiding a dirty little secret -- a messy closet.
If you’re guilty of living with constant clutter
-- whether it’s the overstuffed hall closet,
kitchen pantry or garage -- it’s time to get
organized, and there’s help. Organizing clutter
can actually lead to a more organized life. The trick
is to get rid of anything you don’t need, and
to find a permanent “home” for everything
else, according to Will Shewalter, a closet designer
for Schulte Distinctive Storage, a manufacturer of
innovative home storage and organization products.
He offers the following advice:
* Create a checklist identifying
your goals and specific tasks, whether it’s
tackling all of the sporting equipment and gardening
tools in the garage, or whipping your linen closet
into shape. This plan should include a checklist of
items that you want to keep and toss, along with a
realistic timeline to keep you on track.
* Set up storage stations and
assign various items a “home” in each
room or space you’re organizing. For example,
in the laundry room, use ventilated wire shelving
and drawer basket systems to store detergents and
fabric softeners, and to separate your lights and
darks. Look for versatile drawer basket systems like
Schulte’s Stor-Drawers, which come in many sizes
and configurations, and have the added conveniences
of solid tops and wheels.
* Clean as you make your way
from room to room. Holding onto things you don’t
need or use only creates chaos and clutter. Take inventory
and get rid of things you haven’t worn or used
in a year. Separate items into boxes marked “Trash”
and “Donate.” Keep only those items that
you need and use every day or season. Seldom-used
or seasonal items can be stowed away in the basement
or garage on a shelving system.
* Maximize space in bedroom
closets with a flexible storage system. “When
you open a closet, and everything is organized, it
immediately reduces stress and brings a sense of control
to your life,” says Shewalter. “Style
is also important to the consumer, especially those
who want their closets to blend with the rest of a
room’s décor.” Schulte offers the
freedomRail adjustable storage system in three attractive
finishes -- cherry, maple, and white with coordinating
contemporary styled hardware. The system provides
all of the beauty of a custom-built closet with the
added benefits of easy installation and adjustability.
Once the hanging rail is installed, all components
can be moved or reconfigured so you can modify your
closet as your storage needs change.
* Consider your needs in your
design. Do you need plenty of shelves for sweaters?
More shoe racks than drawers? Additional rods for
suit jackets and pants? Everyone’s needs are
different, according to Shewalter. Schulte has made
it possible to design your closet with their “Design
It Yourself” feature at www.schultestorage.com.
Simply enter your closet measurements and select from
a variety of closet designs based on your specifications.
A Parts and Price List is shown for every design created
online, so you know what your investment will be in
advance. Shewalter says upgrading your closet is not
only an investment in your home, as it increases the
value of the home when it’s time to sell, it’s
also an investment in your sanity.
* In the garage, search for
durable systems that can handle larger, heavier items
such as power tools and home improvement supplies.
Schulte offers freedomRail Garage, an adjustable storage
system featuring cabinets, shelving and a complete
line of storage accessories like tool hooks and bike
racks. The system removes everything from the floor
and enables you to safely and securely store everything
from golf clubs and camping equipment to lawn chemicals
and paint in the extra-wide GO-Boxes (Garage Organization
Boxes). And, once you’re organized, your cars
can go back into the garage.
* Eliminate unnecessary clutter
in the kitchen and pantry. Maximize cupboard space
by placing canned foods, snacks, soda and spices in
the pantry on adjustable, ventilated wire shelving.
Be sure to look for epoxy-coated shelving over vinyl
coating. Epoxy-coated shelves are more durable and
won’t discolor, chip, crack or peel. These can
be found at stores like Organized Living and Do-It-Best
Hardware stores, which carry a wide variety of organization
solutions.
