Closet Organizing 101

One question that I am asked repeatedly is “Are closet organizers worth installing?” My answer is always an emphatic…”yes”!! This is especially the case when space is at a premium.

Let’s face it, when downsizing it’s hard to fit 40 years of living in the same home into 800 square feet. Typically this is what happens when a person or couple moves into assisted living. With that in mind, it’s imperative to maximize every inch of available space.

With the explosion of do-it-yourself projects, closet installation has become much easier. The hardest part is to decide which closet organizer best suits your lifestyle and overall needs. Type in ‘closet organizer’ on the net and you’ll be inundated with information and selection. My Mom always used the KISS (Keep it Simple Stupid) method, and by golly she was right! I’m a big fan of a product that is of good quality, has simple instructions that ultimately creates fabulous results.

Personally, I am a big fan of Rubbermaid as they offer a vast array of closet organizing systems for every budget. Rubbermaid’s selection ranges from portable to elaborate luxury wood systems. My clients have told me that they prefer the ‘Configurations’ line as it’s affordable and can customize to their unique needs. I’m a gal that does my homework and have found the complete Configurations system at Canadian Tire for $139.00 - $179.00. The other great thing about Configurations is that you can add accessories or reconfigure the whole system within minutes.

Everything that you will need to complete the project consists of a level, drill, drill bits, pencil, measuring tape, screwdriver and hammer. If you don’t have those items available or are physically unable to complete the project yourself, hire a professional to complete the installation for you. The whole system should be installed within 1-1.5 hours.

Small piece of advice…make sure you measure your current closet space before heading to the store. Rubbermaid manufactures several systems for different closet sizes. Oh, and don’t forget to remove the present system before starting your project. Good luck and love your new closet!