Folded Items
Wire closet organizers look nice and streamline walk-in closet storage, and they are also a good way to let clothes breathe. Ventilated shelves allow clothes to air out so they are less likely to harbor mold and pests. Many wire shelving systems offer snap-on shelf dividers that let you sort clothes more thoroughly. Remember to sort like with like, and keep stacks of clothes below 1-foot in height to ensure they don’t topple over.
Hamper Solutions
Where there are clean clothes, dirty ones are usually nearby—and likely in a jumble on the floor. Make walk-in closet organization and laundry day easier by adding a hamper inside your walk-in closet. Choose a portable hamper with handles or wheels, or free up floor space with an over-the-door design. A divided laundry bag allows you to presort items before washday.
Storing Shoes
Did you know that the average woman owns 40 pairs of shoes? Before deciding how to store your shoes, take a meticulous inventory of what you have. There are many shoe storage options for walk-in closets—from small cubbies to spacious pullout shelves. Keeping shoes visible, sorted, and easy to access encourages an efficient morning and cleanup routine. Slender shoes, such as flats and flip-flops, can fit two in a cubby. Tall boots can sit atop high shelves when out of season and on boot trays on the floor when worn frequently. A tall, glass-front cabinet pairs shoes in one convenient place that’s easy to see. Acrylic shoeboxes achieve a similar effect and can be stacked on shelves or on the floor. Over-the-door and hanging shoe organizers are great ways to free up floor space and enlist vertical storage.
Accessories Ideas
Accessories come in all shapes and sizes, calling for a personalized storage system to accommodate every little thing. If your closet is also your dressing area, create a small vanity with a mirror for a mini grooming station, and place a jewelry tree or jewelry box on top to ease your morning dressing routine. Drawer organizers are another jewelry storage idea if you feel more comfortable keeping items out of sight. Purses can hang neatly on hooks and hangers, and small clutches fit perfectly in shoe cubbies. Place seasonal items such as scarves, gloves, and hats in lidded bins. Adhesive storage labels take closet organization to the next level and cut down on search time.
Choosing a Closet System
A custom closet system, available at local home improvement centers, is an easy way to update a typical 8x10-foot master closet—and it can be installed in a weekend or less. Choose from a selection of drawers, clothes rods, shelves, and shoe storage to make the most of your closet space. Customizable accessories, such as modular drawer dividers, can help you further organize your walk-in closet. Consider adding a small charging station to your walk-in closet so that cell phones, music players, and tablets can recharge overnight.
Closet Lighting
Good lighting is often overlooked when planning a closet makeover, but it’s an important feature to consider in clothing closets so you can see colors accurately. Look for a ceiling-mount light that will provide extra illumination in walk-in closets. Lamps and closet windows are also great lighting options. If your walk-in closet has a window, install a light-blocking shade for privacy and to prevent clothing items from fading.
