How to free up your closet?
Article taken off goodhousekeeping.com
Free Up Closet Space
When it comes to closets, those in the bedroom usually get all the love. But the ones that store linens, outerwear, and housewares need attention, too. Here's how to organize them so you can find anything with ease.
Neat Tweaks
Shape up three problem zones
1. The Linen Closet
It can go from orderly to out of sorts fast
Start at the top Put clean out-of-season covers out of sight on the top shelf. But don't stash them in their original plastic packaging--it prevents the fabric from "breathing" and can lead to mildew. Just fold, or cinch in a cotton or mesh drawstring laundry bag (about $5 at home stores) to keep them tidy without trapping moisture.
Straighten out the shelves Try clip-on shelf dividers (about $8 for two), to keep stacks from toppling; bins to hold overflow toiletries or toilet paper; and adhesive labels for shelf edges. To make linen piles even less jumble-prone, here's how to fold:
Towels GHRI's linen gurus fold theirs into thirds. Why? They fit better in the closet and look nicer when put out. Organize by set rather than by type, so they'll be grab-and-go. (Place washcloths flat on top or folded in a bin to the side so they won't get lost.)
Sheets Place the flat and fitted ones, folded, inside the pillowcases to save space. To keep sets' sizes straight, color-code the tags with a permanent-marker dot and group accordingly as they come out of the wash.
2. The Broom Closet
A.k.a. "the junk closet," it could use more method, less madness
Tame long-handled mopsand brooms Use a holder like Oxo's Expandable Wall-Mounted Organizer ($20; oxo.com), or hang them between the pegs in a peg rack. Another idea: Repurpose a tall, narrow hamper or trash can.
Corral cleaning products Use a milk crate, a storage cube, or an empty bucket. Casabella's bucket and add-on caddy ($17 for both; casabella.com) nest together for storage.
Don't lose your tools Put hammers and the like in an inexpensive toolbox, or use shoeboxes or plastic bins. Clear containers can hold spare lightbulbs, extension cords, etc., so you can more easily spot what you've got.
Leave the vac for last Be sure to allow enough space for it, but wheel it in there at the end for easier access.
3. The Coat Closet
Storage is often lacking, and weather-wet items can't just be stuck back in
Change how you hang For space savings and less hanger slippage (read: no coats heaped on the floor), try slim-yet-sturdy flocked Huggable Hangers (above, $30 for 30; hsn.com).
Don't waste door space Install a shoe rack like Elfa's two-pair, screw-on model ($10; containerstore.com) on the door to hold wet, muddy pairs. Over-door hooks handle hats, scarves, guests' coats, etc.--even damp ones.
clos.et/ n./ It means "private enclosed room," but these three types are visited often. The #1 rule: Make your most-used items easiest to get
What to Purge
Towels & Sheets
On laundry day, take a hard look at what's left in the linen closet (and may have been lingering for years). Then repurpose it as rags or press cloths, stash in the car for padding cargo or cleaning spills, or donate to an animal shelter for use as pet bedding.
Housewares
Consider whether space hogs (the ironing board) should really be in the broom closet. Combustibles (like propane) or potential noxious-gas emitters (like paints or solvents) shouldn't even be in the house. As you use tools and cleaners, donate or properly dispose of superfluous multiples.
Coats
New rule: Two coats per person stay in the entryway closet. All others should go to respective bedrooms or the "overflow" closet (usually the guest room's) or be donated.
