I am not a naturally organized person. I am, however, a natural shopper. And being a prolific, talented shopper means that, when you have a problem, you are fairly certain that there is a solution out there somewhere that can be yours, for a price. When my penchant for buying stuff collided with my lack of organizational skills, what resulted was an overflow of adorable, decorative boxes, bins, baskets, and other organizers of all sorts. However, it wasn’t until recently that I decided to start using some of the stuff that I have spent half a lifetime accumulating. And guess what? They work! My professional organizer friend Ingrid Timbs once told me that she doesn’t recommend that her clients go shopping before they start organizing, because most people already have enough containers and organizers in their home to get the job done. In the unlikely event that you don’t have enough of these cute-but-practical organizational aids, or if, like me, you are always looking for something else to buy, here are a few of the things that have helped transform my closets from chaotic to merely messy. : )
Heavy duty decorative cardboard suitcases, hatboxes, and bins: Long ago, I bought an assortment of beautiful damask hatboxes and suitcases for my daughter Lola’s room, but only recently have I started to use them. Now, in addition to looking lovely, they offer much-needed storage in a room crammed with clothes. The various sizes have been put to good use holding tights, ballet clothes, socks and leggings, and one larger pink leather box holds all of her PJs. (These are the things I don’t bother to fold, by the way, but I will save that for a future blog about household shortcuts!) In Eva’s room, two beautiful wooden boxes hold PJs and bathing suits, and decorative wire baskets on the shelf of her closet hold everything from socks to underwear. Not only are these solutions decorative, but they are really practical, and can dramatically increase the amount of storage you have in your room.
Real Simple Slimline Hangers, $29.9/50: I am going to replace all of the plastic hangers in my closet with these, instead. They flocked, velvety fabric is gentler on clothing and keeps it from slipping off, and they won’t break like plastic hangers can. Plus, their slim profile means you can fit more clothes in your closet! I just bought some in a children’s size, as well.
Spring Loaded Dresser Drawer Divider, $19.99: These simple dividers work wonders to corral smaller items, like socks and underwear, keeping everything in its place.
Cedar Blocks, $7.99/20: These sweet-smelling wooden blocks naturally absorb moisture and repel insects. I like to spray some Lavender Cedar spray on them to make the whole closet smell fresh!
Hanger Organizer, $29.99: To help curtail the mess of tangled hangers cluttering my closet floor, I bought a plastic hanger organizer, which is a real eyesore. This one is much sleeker looking, and keeps all those stray hangers in place in the closet or laundry room.
6. Telescoping Garment Hook, $11.99/Closet Ladder, $89.95: If you are petite, like me, you are going to need a way to access higher hanging items. I have a beautiful, but bulky wooden step ladder. This one is nice looking but more streamlined and portable. If you don’t have the room for a ladder, or don’t want one, this telescoping rod is a great option.
7. Handbag Holder, $8.99: If, like me, your closet contains several smaller handbags that you don’t use all that often, then this is a great solution. It keeps bags neat, upright and dust free, and lets you scan your colleciton with a quick glance.
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