connecticut-closets-and-garages

Garage Cabinet Care Made Easy: What to Do and What to Avoid

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 15:51:24 GMT

When you are as particular as I am about the way your garage looks and functions, garage cabinets serve as the anchor for the whole setup. They keep everything out of sight and make it easier to find what I need when I am working on projects. Overall, they really give the space a finished, purposeful, and professional feel. However, I have learned that even the best cabinets only stay that way if you understand how to protect them from the unique conditions in a garage environment.

The truth is, garage cabinets live a harder life than the ones in your kitchen or bathroom. They face temperature swings, humidity, heavier loads, and sometimes direct exposure to dust or chemicals. If you want them to last and still look great, you have to know how to care for them.

Over the years, I have developed simple habits that protect my investment and keep my garage cabinets looking like they were installed yesterday.

Understanding different garage cabinet types
Proven practices for long-lasting garage cabinets
Costly garage cabinet mistakes to avoid
Seasonal care for year-round cabinet protection
Knowing when to repair or replace your cabinets

In the sections ahead, I will walk you through each of these points so you can protect your garage cabinets, avoid costly mistakes, and make sure they serve you well for many years to come.

Understanding Different Garage Cabinet Types

I have learned that understanding exactly what you have and what it is made from is the first step toward taking care of it properly. Treating every cabinet the same is like washing silk and denim together. Different materials react differently to wear, moisture, and temperature changes.

Metal: Built for strength, these cabinets can carry heavy loads and resist dents or impacts. However, if the finish chips or scratches, rust can set in quickly, so applying touch-up paint or protective coatings is essential.
Wood and MDF: Warm and customizable, but highly vulnerable to moisture and humidity. A humid summer or small leak can warp a panel beyond repair, making regular inspections and sealing treatments crucial.
Laminate or Melamine: Affordable and easy to clean with a protective coating that resists stains and scratches. Edges can chip if knocked repeatedly, leaving the core exposed to moisture and potential swelling.
Stainless Steel: Excellent for high-moisture areas and heavy-duty use, stainless steel resists corrosion well. It can, however, show fingerprints and smudges easily, so routine cleaning is necessary to keep it looking polished.
 Powder-Coated Finishes: Adds durability and chemical resistance to metal cabinets while providing a clean, modern appearance. This coating also offers improved scratch protection, but it still benefits from gentle cleaning to maintain its finish.

Proven Practices for Long-Lasting Garage Cabinets

From my experience, it is easier to keep cabinets looking great than it is to fix them after neglect. These habits have kept mine in peak condition:

Clean Regularly: Wipe down surfaces with mild soap and water to remove dirt and dust buildup. Dry all areas completely afterward to prevent moisture from damaging edges, hinges, or finishes.
Inspect Hinges and Hardware: Check every couple of months for loose screws, sagging doors, or worn parts. Early adjustments keep doors aligned and prevent long-term damage to the cabinet frame.
Use Shelf Liners: Place liners on shelves to catch spills before they reach the cabinet surface. They are especially useful for storing automotive fluids, paints, or cleaners that could stain or corrode surfaces.
Organize Contents: Group similar items together and distribute weight evenly across shelves. This not only keeps the space functional but also prevents shelves from bowing under excessive weight.
Control Humidity: Use a small de humidifier in damp climates to protect wood, laminate, or metal finishes. Position cabinets away from leaky pipes, garage doors, or areas where water can pool.

Costly Garage Cabinet Mistakes to Avoid

I have seen beautiful garage cabinets ruined in less than a year because of these preventable errors:

Using Harsh Chemicals: Cleaners containing bleach, ammonia, or abrasives can strip finishes and damage materials. Instead, opt for gentle, non-abrasive cleaning solutions that protect the cabinet’s surface.
Overloading Shelves: Ignoring weight limits can cause shelves to warp, sag, or even collapse. Distribute heavy tools or supplies across multiple shelves to avoid structural stress.
Ignoring Minor Issues: Loose hinges or slightly warped doors may seem like small problems but can worsen over time. Addressing these early can prevent the need for costly repairs later.
Exposing Cabinets to the Elements: Rain, snow, or direct sunlight can damage wood-based cabinets and corrode metal. If placement near a door or window is unavoidable, invest in weatherproofing measures.
Improper Storage of Hazardous Materials: Storing unsealed chemicals or solvents can cause corrosion and staining inside cabinets. Always use sealed containers or trays to protect both the cabinet and its contents .

Seasonal Care for Year-Round Cabinet Protection

Seasonal changes bring new challenges for garage cabinets. Adjusting care routines ensures they remain functional and damage-free all year.

Spring Cleaning: Remove all contents and clean every surface inside and out to remove dust and debris. Take the time to reorganize based on what you actually use, discarding unnecessary items.
Summer Check: Inspect for humidity-related damage, such as swelling, warping, or rust spots. Consider applying protective sealants or rust inhibitors to extend cabinet life.
Fall Inspection: Look for pests like insects or rodents that may seek shelter inside cabinets. Seal entry points and set deterrents to prevent infestations.
Winter Moisture Control: Monitor for condensation buildup inside cabinets that can lead to mold or mildew. Use moisture absorbers to keep the interior dry and safe for storage.
Year-End Reset: Do a final cleaning and reorganization before the new year begins. This prevents clutter from building up and keeps your storage system efficient.

Knowing When to Repair or Replace Your Cabinets

Even with great care, cabinets eventually wear out. These are signs it is time for repairs or replacements :

Structural Damage: Cracks, sagging shelves, or unstable frames compromise the safety and usability of your cabinets. If the structure cannot securely hold your items, repairs or replacement should be done immediately to avoid accidents.
Persistent Mold or Rust: When cleaning and treatments fail to remove these issues, they can continue to spread and weaken materials. At this stage, replacement is often the most cost-effective and safest option.
Broken Locks or Doors: Locks that do not secure or doors that no longer open and close properly can limit functionality. Repairs may solve the problem temporarily, but recurring issues can signal that a full replacement is the better long-term solution.
Severe Finish Damage: Deep scratches, peeling laminate, or chipped paint expose the core material to moisture and wear. Once the surface layer is compromised, deterioration can accelerate quickly.
Storage Needs Have Changed: If your layout no longer suits your tools, equipment, or hobbies, it may be time for a redesign. Upgrading to modular, wall-mounted systems can give you flexibility and better use of space in the future.

Conclusion

For me, taking care of garage cabinets is just part of taking pride in my home. They are an investment in organization, efficiency, and safety. With the right habits, they can stay functional and great-looking for years. A few small steps like cleaning, inspecting, or organizing pay off in a big way. If you love your garage setup, treat it well, and it will keep working for you every single day.

Budget-Friendly Garage Cabinet Upgrades That Add Value to Your Home

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 18:22:14 GMT

I’m not someone who renovates just to impress potential buyers. I care way more about function and keeping things clean. What I’ve learned is that the garage is one of those rare spaces where practical upgrades also add real value. When I invested in budget-friendly improvements for my garage cabinets , the space instantly felt more usable, more organized, and more appealing overall.

These are the garage cabinet upgrades I made (and still swear by) that added real use and a little market value without breaking the budget:

Add modular cabinet systems
Replace or upgrade cabinet doors
Install open shelving for a custom look
Use DIY paint or veneer wraps
Add storage accessories
Upgrade hardware for a modern finish
Add LED lighting inside or under cabinets
Maximize vertical space

If you’re like me and love the thrill of a smart upgrade that doesn’t blow your budget, keep reading.

Add Modular Cabinet Systems

When I first started organizing my garage, I assumed a full custom cabinet setup would be out of reach. But then I found modular systems, and it was a total game changer. I could start small and build over time. No pressure, no huge upfront investment.

Flexibility for Changing Needs: I began with just a base cabinet and a wall unit. Later, I added matching uppers and a tall utility cabinet—all from the same system. My projects grew, and my storage grew with them.
Scalability Without Guesswork: I didn’t have to commit to a whole-room layout upfront. Starting with the essentials meant I could test what worked and then invest more when I knew exactly what I needed.
Easy Replacement or Reconfiguration: When I reorganized my garage layout a year later, I didn’t need to start over. I just moved the modular pieces to new zones. No damage, no regrets.

Replace or Upgrade Cabinet Doors

One of my favorite hacks: swapping cabinet doors. It sounds simple, but the visual difference is huge. I used to have these flat, dented gray fronts that made everything look dated. Replacing them with sleek white thermofoil doors? Instantly elevated.

You don’t need custom wood panels. I’ve learned that MDF or thermofoil finishes offer a polished look at a fraction of the cost. They’re easy to clean, resist moisture, and hold up surprisingly well to garage wear and tear. Sometimes all a cabinet needs is a facelift.

Install Open Shelving for a Custom Look

At first, I was hesitant to mix open shelving with closed cabinets. Would it look mismatched? Would it collect dust? But once I tried it, I never looked back. It made my garage feel more open and less boxy, and let me show off a little order in the chaos.

I used open shelves to store the things I use constantly: gloves, drill, dog treats, my go-to wrench set. It’s part display, part utility, and it works. Adding just two shelves above my workbench gave me visual breathing room while keeping everything I need close at hand.

Use DIY Paint or Veneer Wraps

I’m no pro painter, but I do know the power of color. A fresh coat of paint took my older garage cabinets from “meh” to modern. I used a matte charcoal on the base units and left the uppers white for contrast. It looked intentional and didn’t cost more than a Saturday and a couple of cans of paint.

If painting feels like too much, peel-and-stick veneer wraps are another solid option. I’ve used them in small doses (like just the drawer faces) to create a two-tone effect without replacing anything. It’s quick and forgiving. Surprisingly, it’s even fun to apply.

Add Storage Accessories

Once the bones of the garage were in place, it was time to fine-tune. From my experience, this is where function meets fun because accessories let you get really specific with how you work.

Hooks Inside Cabinet Doors: Slim storage for hand tools, utility scissors, and anything you want accessible but tucked away.
Bins for Loose Hardware: I’ve created a simple system for keeping nails, screws, and fasteners contained and easy to grab.
Drawer Organizers: Defined sections in cabinet drawers prevent the chaos of tangled tools and mystery cords.
Magnetic Strips: I use these to cleanly display and store metal tools without crowding my work surface.
Clear Labels: You need instant clarity on what goes where, especially when you’re in the middle of a project. Clear labels are perfect for that.

Upgrade Hardware for a Modern Finish

I didn’t expect this one to make such a difference. Swapping out old cabinet handles for matte black pulls took less than an hour, but it completely refreshed the space. No tools or paint—just a quick, easy update that gave the cabinets a clean, modern edge. And the best part is that hardware isn’t expensive. You can find great-looking options in 5-packs or 10-packs, ideal for a budget-conscious refresh.

Add LED Lighting Inside or Under Cabinets

I didn’t realize how dark my garage cabinets were until I added lighting. Suddenly, I wasn’t squinting to find screws in the back corner. I could actually see what I owned and where it belonged.

I used stick-on LED lights with motion sensors. No hardwiring. No electrician. They were affordable, bright, and made the space feel way more high-end. I even put a strip under one wall cabinet above my workbench. Now that zone has task lighting, and it looks intentional.

Maximize Vertical Space

When I ran out of floor space, I looked up. And that’s when everything clicked. Most of us underuse the vertical zone in our garages, but garage cabinets are designed to make the most of it. It just takes a little creativity.

Upper Wall Cabinets: For me, this truly was the secret to a functional garage. You get extra storage above eye level for overflow gear, backups, or anything seasonal. They’re an absolute must-have.
Stacked Cabinet Systems: They’re compact in height without wasting corners or over-extending your footprint.
Wall-Mounted Bins: Looking for lightweight storage that clears the floor? I use these to keep essentials close.

Conclusion

I’ve always believed that a smart, tidy garage adds serious value to a home, but what I’ve discovered is that you don’t need a giant budget to make it happen. Garage cabinets are the foundation, but with a few strategic upgrades—some paint, new handles, smart storage solutions, and a little lighting—you can make the space feel fresh and ready for anything. From one organized mind to another: the effort pays off!

Learn How Epoxy Garage Flooring Adds Value to Your Home

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 18:42:28 GMT

Most people upgrade their kitchens or bathrooms when they want to increase home value—but you know what space people overlook way too often? It’s definitely the garage, and I used to think the same way. It used to be a space where the junk landed—paint cans, sports gear, and all those mysterious bags of “stuff” I didn’t want to deal with. But that all changed the moment I coated the concrete with clean, glossy epoxy garage flooring .

Not only did my garage finally look like part of my home with new, high-quality flooring—it felt like it added real value. So, I want to share what I’ve learned firsthand about epoxy garage flooring—and how it quietly became one of the smartest home upgrades I’ve ever made. Here’s what I’ve found:

What is epoxy garage flooring?
Curb appeal starts at the garage
Practical benefits of epoxy finishes
ROI: How epoxy flooring adds value
Why professional installation matters
Bonus tip: Combine with custom garage storage

A lot of times, the best home upgrades aren’t the flashiest ones—they’re the ones that make everyday living smoother, cleaner, and so much better. Here’s what you need to know:

What Is Epoxy Garage Flooring?

If you’ve never seen epoxy in person, imagine this: your concrete floor, but smooth, sealed, gleaming, and completely transformed.

Epoxy is a durable resin-based coating that bonds directly to your garage’s concrete slab. Once cured, it forms a hard, plastic-like surface that resists stains, moisture, and wear. Here’s what the process usually looks like:

Step 1: Deep surface prep (grinding or acid etching the concrete)
Step 2: Application of primer and base coat
Step 3: Optional color flakes or metallic effects
Step 4: Durable topcoat for shine and protection

Now, I tried a DIY epoxy kit once before going pro. Let me save you the heartache—it’s not the same. What I ended up with was patchy coverage, bubbling, and peeling within a year. Professional epoxy flooring is entirely different, and the results speak for themselves.

Curb Appeal Starts at the Garage

Here’s something no one told me until I sold my last house: buyers look very closely at your garage. And if it's grimy and stained, they notice. When I had the epoxy flooring done, it was like the entire space leveled up. Sleek, polished floors made everything feel intentional—like the garage wasn’t an afterthought, but a feature.

Guests have commented and my neighbor even asked for a referral. It’s proof that the visual impact is very real. So, if you're upgrading your home’s interior, don't stop at closets or cabinetry. The garage is a major square-footage opportunity just waiting to be beautified.

Practical Benefits of Epoxy Finishes

While epoxy looks high-end, what really sold me was the functionality. Here’s just a sample of the benefits I’ve personally discovered with epoxy garage flooring:

Durability: I’m not gentle with my garage. I drag toolboxes, store my mower, and let the kids rollerblade in there. Still today? I don’t see a single chip or scuff.
Easy Maintenance: All it takes to keep this flooring looking great is a quick sweep and mop. No scrubbing oil out of concrete ever again.
Stain & Spill Resistance: From gas to paint to muddy boots—it all wipes up without drama. It even resists harsh chemicals.
Slip Resistance: I upgraded to a textured topcoat, and it makes a big difference on rainy days or when snow melts off the car.
Custom Look: I chose a neutral gray with a subtle flake—clean but not sterile. You can go as bold or minimalist as you like. I’ve even seen metallic epoxies that look like marble.

ROI: How Epoxy Flooring Adds Value to Your Home

We all want home upgrades that pull their weight, right? Well, epoxy garage flooring does just that. It blends form and function, which makes it super attractive to buyers. And even if you're not selling anytime soon, it increases perceived value—meaning your home simply feels more polished and pulled together.

It’s an upgrade that shows you’ve taken care of the home—right down to the last square foot. And in today’s market, attention to detail matters.

Why Professional Installation Matters

I’ve done plenty of DIY over the years. But epoxy flooring? That’s not where you want to cut corners. A professional installer knows how to:

Properly prep your floor so the epoxy bonds.
Apply even coats for a seamless finish.
Cure everything correctly for long-term durability.

I learned the hard way that without proper prep, the epoxy won’t stick. It’ll bubble, peel, or just wear down unevenly. The pros get it right the first time. And honestly? Watching my garage transform in a single day while I did nothing was a pretty sweet bonus.

Combine With Custom Garage Storage

What’s a gorgeous garage floor without the organization to match? Once the epoxy was installed, I couldn’t not invest in some storage. It would’ve felt like putting granite countertops in a cluttered kitchen. Here’s what made a difference for me:

Wall-mounted cabinets for tools, car supplies, and cleaning gear
Tall cabinets for sports equipment and seasonal storage
Workstation zones with drawers and shelves
Overhead racks for bins and less-used items

The combination of epoxy flooring plus sleek cabinets turned my garage into one of my favorite rooms in the house. And yes, I said room—because it finally feels like one.

Conclusion

Dreaming of a true garage transformation? With professional epoxy garage flooring, you get durability, easy maintenance, added value, and that satisfying “wow” factor every time you walk in. If you're like me—someone who spends time in the garage and cares about making smart investments for your home—this one’s a no-brainer. Start with the floor, then add storage when you’re ready. Most importantly, have fun building a value-adding space you’re finally proud of.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day With a Garage Cabinet Makeover

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 19:37:49 GMT

February is all about love, but what about the spaces we often neglect, like our garage cabinets ? While we’re busy buying chocolates and planning romantic dinners, our garages sit in a state of organized chaos (or, let’s be honest, just chaos). If your garage has become a black hole for tools, sports gear, and forgotten DIY projects, it’s time to show it some love.

As a professional garage organizer, I’ve seen it all: piles of forgotten tools, decades-old paint cans, and mountains of holiday decorations. The good news is that a garage refresh doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are the “love-ly” steps I recommend when pampering your garage:

Perform a love audit
Start with a clean slate
Create a system that works
Make it a long-term commitment

A well-organized garage is a great way to show yourself and your family some love this Valentine’s Day. Keep reading for my best tips on how to get the job done.

Perform a Love Audit

Before we can organize, we need to declutter. Think of this as a “love audit” for your garage. Only the things you truly need and use should stay.

Take everything out of your garage cabinets. This might feel like a lot of work, but it’s the best way to get a clear picture of what you own. Many people are surprised to find duplicate items, forgotten projects, or things they didn’t even realize were taking up space.
Sort your items into four piles: Keep, Donate, Sell, and Trash. Be realistic about what you actually use. If you haven’t touched something in years, it’s probably time to let it go. Items in good condition can be donated or sold, while anything broken or unusable should go straight to the trash.
Be brutally honest about what stays. Unused power tools, old sports gear, and half-empty paint cans are common clutter culprits. If something hasn’t served a purpose in the last year, chances are you won’t miss it. Keeping only what you truly need will make organizing much easier.

Start With a Clean Slate

Now that you’ve cleared the clutter, it’s time for a fresh start. A clean and refreshed space will set the stage for your newly organized garage.

Wipe down garage cabinet interiors, doors, and shelves. Over time, dust, dirt, and cobwebs can build up inside your cabinets, making them less appealing and more of a hassle to use. A damp cloth and a mild cleaner can make them look and feel brand new.
Sweep and mop the garage floor. Garages tend to collect a lot of dust, dirt, and debris, especially if cars, bikes, and outdoor gear are stored inside. Taking a few extra minutes to sweep and mop will make the space feel fresher and more inviting.
Check for signs of rust, pests, or damaged storage bins. Moisture and temperature changes can take a toll on metal tools and storage containers. If you notice rust, pests, or cracks in your bins, replace or repair them as needed to keep your garage in top shape.

Create a System That Works

Just like people have different love languages, we all have different organizing styles. The key is to find a system that works for you and your household.

The Minimalist : Keep only the essentials and store them in neatly labeled bins within the cabinets. If you prefer a clutter-free environment, this approach is for you. Keeping only what you use regularly and tucking it away in simple storage solutions will keep your garage feeling clean and open.
The Visual Organizer : Use clear bins, pegboards, and open shelving to keep items in sight. If you need to see what you have at a glance, opt for transparent containers and pegboards or slatwall for tools. This system works well for people who find that “out of sight” means “out of mind.”
The Categorizer : Group items by type, such as tools, holiday decorations, and sports equipment. This method works well for families who need a structured approach to garage organization. Designate specific zones for different categories so that everyone knows where things belong.

Depending on your organizing style, these are some of the best ways I’ve found to store items:

Stackable bins are a great way to maximize vertical space. Instead of cluttering the garage floor with loose items, stack bins neatly to make the most of every inch. Label them clearly so you can quickly find what you need without digging through multiple containers.
Magnetic strips are perfect for keeping small tools handy. Install a strip inside a cabinet or along a wall to hold screwdrivers, wrenches, and other metal tools. This keeps them within easy reach and prevents them from getting lost in drawers.
Hooks inside garage cabinet doors add extra storage for smaller items. Use them for things like extension cords, gloves, or gardening tools. This simple trick makes use of unused space and keeps frequently used items easily accessible without adding visual clutter.

Make It a Long-Term Commitment

Now that your garage is organized, the real challenge is keeping it that way. A few simple habits will help maintain your hard work.

Monthly check-ins will keep clutter from creeping back into your garage cabinets. Set aside just 10 minutes once a month to tidy up, put things back in their place, and make sure everything is still working for your needs. This small habit can prevent a big mess from piling up again.
Label everything so you and your family can easily find what you need. When bins and shelves are marked, there’s no guessing where things belong. This not only saves time but also encourages everyone in the household to keep things organized.
The “return-to-home” rule ensures everything goes back to its designated spot after use. Whether it’s a tool, a bike helmet, or a can of motor oil, make sure it gets put away properly. When everyone follows this simple rule, the garage stays neat without much effort.
Get the whole family involved in maintaining the organization system. If everyone knows where things go and follows the same system, it’s much easier to keep the garage in order. Make organizing a team effort rather than a one-person job.

Conclusion

A well-organized garage isn’t just nice to look at. It saves time, reduces stress, and makes your home function better. This Valentine’s Day, you’ve given your garage a much-needed refresh, and now you can enjoy the rewards of a tidy, efficient space. Who knew garage cabinets could be part of the season of love?

Achieve Effortless Holiday Cleanup With Garage Cabinets

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 16:56:39 GMT

The holiday season brings a unique storage challenge as our homes fill with festive decorations, seasonal items, and cherished traditions. From strings of twinkling lights to bulky winter gear and mountains of gift-wrapping supplies, finding adequate storage space can feel like an overwhelming task. After years of helping homeowners optimize their garage storage, I've learned that thoughtful planning before the holiday rush is key to maintaining order and peace of mind.

A well-organized garage cabinet system can be the cornerstone of stress-free holiday storage, creating dedicated spaces that keep seasonal items protected and accessible. Let's open the door to the world of organized holiday storage.

Maximizing seasonal storage with garage cabinets
Prioritizing accessibility for frequently used items
Customizing storage with adjustable shelves and drawers
Simplifying organization with labels
Utilizing vertical space for optimal storage
Maintaining a clean and tidy cabinet space
Adding a festive touch to your garage cabinets
Establishing a post-holiday cleanup routine

By implementing these strategies, you'll be well on your way to achieving effortless holiday cleanup. So, let's dive in and explore how garage cabinets can transform your holiday storage game!

Maximizing Seasonal Storage with Garage Cabinets

Garage cabinets offer an excellent solution for storing seasonal items and keeping your garage organized during and after the holidays. You can use cabinets to store a variety of items, such as:

Holiday decorations (trees, lights, ornaments)
Winter gear (coats, boots, gloves)
Gift-wrapping supplies

To make the most of your cabinet space, consider using clear bins, labeled boxes, or stackable containers. This will allow you to easily identify and access items when needed during the holiday season.

Prioritizing Accessibility for Frequently Used Items

One of the key benefits of using garage cabinets for holiday storage is the ability to keep frequently used items easily accessible. This simplifies the cleanup process and saves time when you need to retrieve items quickly.

Use pull-out shelves or baskets for quick retrieval of items that need to be used often during the season, like wrapping supplies, seasonal cleaning products, or tools. Arrange cabinets so that items used more frequently are in easy-to-reach spots while items used less often can be stored on higher shelves or in the back.

By prioritizing accessibility, you'll prevent the need to search through cluttered areas during the busy holiday season.

Customizing Storage with Adjustable Shelves and Drawers

Garage cabinets with adjustable shelves and drawers provide flexibility for storing items of different sizes and shapes. This customization allows you to make the most of your cabinet space without feeling overcrowded or messy.

Use adjustable shelving to store large, bulky holiday items, such as decorations and winter clothing. Dedicate smaller drawers for items like wrapping paper, tape, and scissors.

By tailoring your cabinet storage to your specific needs, you'll create a more efficient and organized holiday storage system.

Simplifying Organization with Labels

Labeling is a simple yet effective way to keep your holiday items organized and easily identifiable, especially when it's time to put them away after the season. Consider implementing the following labeling strategies:

Use color-coded labels to distinguish between different categories of holiday gear.
Apply specific names for holiday items (e.g., "Christmas Tree Lights," "Hanukkah Decorations," etc.).
Try clear plastic containers that will let you see what’s inside, so it’s easy to find what you’re looking for.

By clearly labeling your bins, shelves, and drawers, you'll save time and frustration when it's time to decorate next year or clean up after the holidays.

Utilizing Vertical Space for Optimal Storage

Tall garage cabinets are an excellent way to maximize storage by utilizing vertical space, which is often underused. Install taller cabinets for long-term storage of holiday items or infrequently used seasonal gear. Reserve lower cabinet space for items that need to be accessed regularly.

By taking advantage of vertical space, you'll prevent holiday clutter from spilling onto the garage floor and maintain a clean and spacious environment.

Maintaining a Clean and Tidy Cabinet Space

Regular maintenance and cleaning of your garage cabinets are essential to prevent dust, dirt, or moisture buildup, especially after storing holiday items. Wipe down shelves and interior surfaces to keep them clean and free from debris. Check for any signs of wear or damage to cabinet doors, hinges, or locks.

By incorporating regular maintenance into your routine, you'll ensure that your cabinets continue to function well and look neat, making holiday cleanup easier and less stressful.

Adding a Festive Touch to Your Garage Cabinets

Who says garage cabinets have to be purely functional? Incorporate seasonal design elements into your cabinet design to make them aesthetically pleasing for the holiday season. Consider adding decorative touches such as festive drawer pulls. Good Housekeeping outlines an easy method for making your own door or drawer pulls.

Seasonal liners can also help create a more welcoming and festive space while ensuring your garage cabinets remain an organized space and protecting your seasonal belongings.

Establishing a Post-Holiday Cleanup Routine

Once the holidays are over, it's essential to have a plan in place for returning your garage to its organized state. Set aside time to put everything back in its designated storage place within your garage cabinets. This is also an excellent opportunity to re-evaluate your storage needs and make any necessary adjustments for the upcoming year.

By establishing a regular "post-holiday" cleanup routine, you'll start the new year with a clean, organized garage that's ready for whatever the future holds.

Conclusion

Investing in garage cabinets and implementing an organized storage system is the key to achieving effortless holiday cleanup. By maximizing your storage space, prioritizing accessibility, customizing your cabinets, and maintaining a clean environment, you'll streamline your post-holiday cleanup process and save time and energy. Remember, a well-organized garage space provides benefits that will last after the holiday season is over. By taking the time to plan and optimize your storage, you'll create a functional and inviting space that you can enjoy all year round.

Source

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/craft-ideas/how-to/a17812/fabric-covered-drawer-pull/

Managing Outdoor Clutter With Garage Cabinets

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 17:29:26 GMT

Outdoor clutter can easily get out of hand. From gardening tools, sports equipment, and bicycles to seasonal decorations, outdoor gear, and even leftover construction materials, the mess builds up before you know it. Often, we find ourselves cramming these items into any available corner of the garage or backyard. But instead of dealing with the stress of searching for misplaced tools or tripping over boxes, why not use a smarter solution? This is where garage cabinets come in. Garage cabinets offer an organized, streamlined approach to managing outdoor clutter, giving you a designated place for everything while freeing up much-needed space..

Let’s jump into the world of garage cabinets. In this article, we’ll discuss:

Why Outdoor Clutter Builds Up

How Garage Cabinets Help Manage Outdoor Clutter

Best Types of Garage Cabinets for Outdoor Storage

Organizing Tips for Using Garage Cabinets Effectively

Benefits of Garage Cabinets for Long-Term Storag e

In this blog post, I’ll show you how to manage outdoor clutter with durable, versatile garage cabinets. From preventing clutter build-up to choosing the right type of cabinet for your storage needs, I’ll walk you through the process of transforming your garage from a chaotic space to a clutter-free zone

Why Outdoor Clutter Builds Up

If you’ve ever found yourself shoving outdoor furniture cushions, garden tools, and kids' bikes into random corners of your garage, you’re not alone. Outdoor clutter builds up for several reasons, and often, it’s because we lack proper storage solutions.

Seasonal items, like gardening tools, lawnmowers, snow shovels, and even pool toys, dominate space when they’re not used. During summer, you’re likely to pull out bikes and sports gear, while in winter, snow blowers and holiday decorations come out of hibernation. But where do these items go when they're not in use? Too often, they end up scattered in the garage or outdoors, making it hard to maintain order.

Additionally, when there’s no designated space for these items, the clutter starts to pile up. A tool that was used for one small project gets tossed on a shelf, while outdoor cushions from last summer sit in the corner, gathering dust. It’s tough to keep everything organized without a clear system in place. This is where garage cabinets make all the difference.

How Garage Cabinets Help Manage Outdoor Clutter

Garage cabinets provide a designated space for all your outdoor tools, gear, and supplies, making it easier to keep everything organized and accessible. With garage cabinets, you can categorize and store your outdoor equipment in a way that allows you to quickly find what you need, when you need it. Instead of rummaging through piles of clutter, everything is neatly organized behind closed doors.

One of the biggest advantages of garage cabinets is their ability to protect your items from dust, weather, and damage. Outdoor gear, like garden tools and power equipment, can be expensive to replace, and exposure to the elements can cause wear and tear over time. Cabinets keep these items safe and secure, extending their lifespan.

Moreover, garage cabinets come in different configurations to suit your needs. Whether you need tall cabinets for storing shovels and rakes or shelving units for organizing smaller items, like plant food and pruning shears, there’s a cabinet option that will work for you. The ability to customize the type and arrangement of cabinets ensures that you can maximize your space and store your items in a way that makes sense for your daily routine.

Best Types of Garage Cabinets for Outdoor Storage

When it comes to selecting the best garage cabinets for your outdoor storage needs, there are several options to choose from. Each type of cabinet serves a different purpose, so it’s important to match the cabinet style with your storage requirements.

Tall Cabinets: These are ideal for storing long-handled tools, like rakes, shovels, and brooms. They can also accommodate larger outdoor items, like sports gear, folding chairs, or even bicycles.

Overhead Cabinets: Perfect for stashing seasonal items that you don’t use often, such as holiday decorations, camping gear, or pool equipment. Overhead cabinets free up valuable floor space and are great for keeping things out of the way when not in use.

Shelving Cabinets: These are versatile and great for organizing smaller items, like garden tools, gloves, fertilizers, and cleaning supplies. They make it easy to keep things within reach while maintaining a tidy appearance.

Lockable Cabinets: If you have expensive or hazardous items, like power tools, chemicals, or equipment, that you want to keep secure, lockable cabinets are an excellent choice. They provide an extra layer of protection for items that require it.

When it comes to hazardous chemicals, don’t just store them out of sight or lock them up and forget about them. StaySafe.org explains that common dangerous chemicals, like motor oil, antifreeze, and pesticides, become more harmful over time as they degrade, so keep an eye on expiration dates.

Organizing Tips for Using Garage Cabinets Effectively

Once you’ve chosen your garage cabinets, the next step is to organize them efficiently. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your new storage system:

1. Group Similar Items Together: Store gardening tools in one cabinet, sports gear in another. This way, you can easily locate what you need without searching through multiple cabinets.

2. Label Shelves or Bins: Use clear labels to mark where different items are stored. This will make it easier to return items to their rightful place and help others in your household find things quickly.

3. Keep Frequently Used Items Accessible: Place items you use regularly, like garden shears or a football, at eye level or within easy reach. Store less frequently used items higher up or towards the back of the cabinets.

4. Maximize Vertical Space: Use hooks or pegboards inside your cabinets for hanging smaller tools or accessories. This frees up shelf space for bulkier items.

5. Rotate Seasonal Items: As the seasons change, rotate your items accordingly. Bring winter tools, like snow shovels, to the front during colder months, and swap them out for summer gear when the weather warms up.

Benefits of Garage Cabinets for Long-Term Storage

Investing in garage cabinets not only helps you tackle your current clutter but also offers long-term benefits. Here’s why garage cabinets are a smart solution for managing outdoor items:

Garage cabinets protect your outdoor gear from moisture, dust, and rust, helping to preserve the condition of your tools and equipment for years to come. They keep your garage and outdoor areas looking clean and organized, boosting the overall appeal of your space. Additionally, an organized, functional garage adds value to your home. High-quality cabinets are built to last, making them a durable investment that continues to pay off.

Conclusion

Garage cabinets are a practical and effective way to manage outdoor clutter, offering long-term solutions that keep your space organized, clean, and efficient. By providing designated storage for everything from gardening tools to sports gear, these cabinets ensure that your garage remains clutter-free and that your outdoor items are protected from damage. If you’re tired of battling outdoor clutter, it’s time to take action—invest in garage cabinets, and enjoy the benefits of a tidy, well-organized space.

Source

https://staysafe.org/home-safety/garage-safety-storing-hazardous-materials/

Expert Tips to Tackle Stains & Damage in Epoxy Garage Flooring

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 14:57:22 GMT

Garage floors take a real beating. From oil spills to rust marks, your garage floor endures it all daily. As a garage organization expert, I've seen every type of stain and damage imaginable. Many homeowners underestimate the importance of maintaining their garage floors, but it's not just about looks—it's crucial for the longevity of your epoxy garage flooring and the overall health of your garage space.

Let's explore some expert strategies to keep your garage floor in top condition. In this article, we'll cover:

Understanding Different Types of Garage Floor Stains
General Cleaning Tips for Garage Floors
Step-by-Step Cleaning Methods for Specific Stains
Addressing Damage on Garage Floors
DIY vs. Professional Cleaning

At Connecticut Closets, we're passionate about creating functional and beautiful spaces throughout your home—including your garage. With years of experience in garage organization and maintenance, we can help you tackle even the toughest floor stains and damage.

We're about to share some valuable tips and tricks for effectively cleaning and repairing your garage floor. Whether you're dealing with stubborn oil stains, unsightly rust marks, or pesky cracks, keep reading to discover how you can maintain your garage floor like a pro.

Understanding Different Types of Garage Floor Stains

Before we dive into cleaning methods, it's essential to recognize the common culprits that can mar your garage floor's appearance:

Oil and Grease Stains
These are perhaps the most frequent offenders in any garage. Vehicle leaks and spills can quickly leave dark, unsightly marks on your floor. If left untreated, they can penetrate the surface and become increasingly difficult to remove.
Rust Stains Metal
Objects left on a damp garage floor can lead to rust formation. These orange-brown stains are not only unattractive but can also be challenging to eliminate if not addressed promptly.
Mold and Mildew
Poor ventilation and moisture accumulation create the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. These can not only stain your floor but also pose health risks if left unchecked. The EPA says mold can cause attacks in people who have asthma, as well as irritating the skin, eyes, nose, throat, and even lungs.
Paint and Chemical Spills
From DIY projects gone awry to accidental spills, dried paint and chemicals can be stubborn adversaries when it comes to cleaning your garage floor.

General Cleaning Tips for Garage Floors

Regular Sweeping and Dusting
Prevention is key when it comes to maintaining your epoxy garage flooring. Regular sweeping and dusting remove abrasive particles that can scratch the surface and create areas where stains can more easily set in. I recommend a soft-bristled broom or a dust mop for daily maintenance.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Products
Not all cleaners are created equal, and using the wrong product can do more harm than good. For general cleaning, a pH-neutral cleaner is your best bet. For oil stains, a degreaser is essential, while rust stains may require a specialized rust remover. Always read labels carefully, and test products on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Safety Precautions
When dealing with strong cleaning agents, safety should be your top priority. Always wear protective gloves, eye protection, and a mask when necessary. Ensure proper ventilation in your garage while cleaning to avoid inhaling fumes.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Methods for Specific Stains

Removing Oil and Grease Stains

Materials Needed:

Cat Litter or Sawdust
Baking Soda
Degreaser
Stiff-bristled Brush
Hot Water
Clean Cloth

Cleaning Process:

Blot up excess oil with cat litter or sawdust.
Sweep up the absorbent material after 15-20 minutes.
Sprinkle baking soda over the stain. It should sit for at least a few hours or overnight.
Sweep up the baking soda, and apply a degreaser.
Scrub the area with a stiff-bristled brush.
Rinse thoroughly with hot water, and wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Treating Rust Stains

Materials Needed:

Lemon Juice or White Vinegar
Commercial Rust Remover (for stubborn stains)
Scrub Brush
Clean Cloth

Cleaning Process:

Pour lemon juice or white vinegar directly onto the rust stain.
Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Scrub the area vigorously with a brush.
Rinse with clean water and dry.
For persistent stains, repeat the process, or use a commercial rust remover following the manufacturer's instructions.

Eliminating Mold and Mildew

Materials Needed:

Bleach or specialized mold cleaner
Water
Spray Bottle
Scrub Brush
Clean Cloth

Cleaning Process:

In a bottle with a sprayer, mix one part bleach and four parts water.
Spray the bleach and water solution on the affected area.
Let it sit for 15 minutes.
Scrub the area with a brush to remove mold and mildew.
Rinse with clean water. Dry the area completely.
Improve ventilation to prevent future growth.

Handling Paint and Chemical Spills

Materials Needed:

Paint Thinner or Acetone (for paint)
Appropriate Solvent for Specific Chemicals
Putty Knife or Scraper
Clean Cloth

Cleaning Process:

For dried paint, apply paint thinner or acetone to soften it.
Once softened, gently scrape away the paint with a putty knife.
For chemical spills, use an appropriate solvent based on the specific chemical.
Work in a well-ventilated area, and wear gear that protects you from skin exposure and inhalation.
Rinse the area thoroughly, and dry completely.

Addressing Damage on Garage Floors

Repairing Cracks and Chips

Materials Needed:

Epoxy Filler or Concrete Patching Compound
Putty Knife
Sandpaper

Repair Process:

Clean the damaged area thoroughly, and let it dry.
Apply epoxy filler or patching compound with a putty knife.
Smooth the surface, and allow it to cure according to the product instructions.
Once cured, sand the repaired area to blend with the surrounding floor.

Preventing Future Damage

Sealant Application:
Applying a high-quality sealant to your epoxy garage flooring can provide an extra layer of protection against stains and damage. This is especially important in high-traffic areas or spots prone to spills.

Regular Maintenance:
Implement a regular cleaning schedule, and conduct periodic inspections of your garage floor. Address any issues as soon as you can. When flooring problems are left to fester, they can get worse with time.

DIY vs. Professional Cleaning

DIY Cleaning:

For most day-to-day stains and minor repairs, DIY methods can be highly effective. The techniques outlined above should help you tackle common issues without breaking the bank.

When to Hire Professionals:

Consider professional help for:

Extensive damage to your epoxy coating
Deep-set stains that resist DIY removal methods
Large-scale restoration projects
Application of new epoxy coatings or sealants

In conclusion, maintaining clean and damage-free epoxy garage flooring requires diligence and the right approach. By understanding the types of stains you're dealing with and using the appropriate cleaning methods, you can keep your garage floor looking pristine for years to come. Remember, regular maintenance is key to preventing major issues down the line. If you find yourself overwhelmed or facing particularly stubborn problems, don't hesitate to reach out to professionals, like Connecticut Closets, for expert assistance.

Garage Makeover Magic from Connecticut Closets

Ready to revitalize your garage floor? Don't let stains and damage hold you back! Contact Connecticut Closets today for a free consultation, and discover how we can transform your space into a pristine, long-lasting epoxy garage flooring masterpiece.

Source

https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-and-health

Top Tips for Maintaining High-Performance Garage Flooring

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 21:05:22 GMT

Your garage floor endures a lot. From parked cars to dropped tools, it faces constant wear and tear. Taking steps to keep your garage flooring in top condition is crucial. By following my simple care and maintenance tips, you can extend the lifespan of your high-performance garage flooring and keep it looking great for years to come.

Here are some key practices to keep your garage floor in prime condition:

Regular cleaning is key.
Conquer spills swiftly.
Protect your floor from heavy objects.
Mind your tires.
Welcome natural light and ventilation.
Consider applying a floor sealer.
Preventative maintenance is essential.

Now that you know the steps that go into this, it’s time to dive into the details.

Regular Cleaning is Key

As the pros at Bob Vila point out, the garage is a space of untapped potential in our homes. With that said, upkeep is vital for any garage flooring setup. This might seem like a no-brainer, but regular cleaning is essential for removing dirt, debris, and grime that can scratch and damage your garage floor's surface.

Sweeping is a great first line of defense. Aim to sweep your garage floor at least once a week, or more often if your garage sees a lot of traffic. For tougher messes, I suggest using a mop with a mild detergent solution. Avoid harsh chemicals that can break down the sealant on your garage flooring. Look for cleaners specifically designed for your floor type for optimal results.

Conquer Spills Swiftly

Don't let spills become a permanent fixture on your garage floor. Act quickly to contain and clean up any spills, especially those from oil, grease, or other chemicals. Leaving spills can stain your garage flooring and compromise its integrity.

For oil spills, use a degreaser specifically formulated for your garage floor type. I recommend blotting up any excess liquid with absorbent cloths or kitty litter. Once the spill is contained, clean the area thoroughly with a mild detergent solution and rinse well.

Protect Your Floor From Heavy Objects

Distribute the weight of heavy objects like tool boxes or appliances across a larger surface area to prevent them from denting or cracking your garage flooring. You can use wide, sturdy mats designed to distribute weight evenly. Look for mats made from a durable material like recycled rubber that can withstand heavy loads.

Mind Your Tires

Hot tires can damage your garage floor over time, especially if they're tracking in chemicals, oil, or debris from the road. Take it from me: Letting your car cool down for a few minutes before parking it in the garage can help to minimize this risk. You can also place floor mats under the tires of your parked car to catch any drips or leaks.

Welcome Natural Light and Ventilation

Whenever possible, I suggest you open your garage door to allow natural light and ventilation to circulate. This will help to reduce moisture buildup and prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can damage your garage flooring.

Consider Applying a Floor Sealer

A high-quality floor sealer can add an extra layer of protection to your garage flooring, making it more resistant to stains, scratches, and chemicals. Be sure to choose a sealer that's compatible with your specific type of garage flooring. Applying a floor sealer is a great way to enhance the longevity and appearance of your garage floor.

Preventative Maintenance Is Essential

Conclusion

By following my simple tips, you can ensure that your high-performance garage flooring remains attractive and functional for years to come. A well-maintained garage floor not only looks good, but it also protects your investment and makes your garage a more enjoyable space. Regular cleaning, spill mitigation, and strategic use of protective measures will go a long way in keeping your garage floor in top condition.

Book Your Free Consultation Now

For more information on high-performance garage flooring options and expert installation services, contact Connecticut Closets & Garages today! We're happy to help you create a durable and stylish garage floor that meets your needs.

Source

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/garage-floor-options/

Give Your Floors the Ultimate Upgrade With Swisstrax Flooring

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 14:43:38 GMT

From hardwood to tile to epoxy, I've seen it all. But there's one product that continues to impress me time and time again with its unbeatable combination of style, durability, and functionality: Swisstrax flooring . If you're looking to transform your space with a high-performance, low-maintenance flooring solution, look no further than Swisstrax. This innovative Swiss-engineered system is taking the world by storm, and for good reason.

Let me walk you through the multitude of benefits that make Swisstrax the ultimate flooring choice.

Unrivaled Strength and Resilience
Endless Customization Options
Effortless Installation and Maintenance
Uncompromising Comfort and Safety

Unrivaled Strength and Resilience

One of the standout features of Swisstrax flooring is its exceptional durability. Whether it's heavy machinery rolling over the tiles or sharp tools being dropped, Swisstrax can take a serious beating without cracking, denting, or showing any signs of wear and tear. The secret lies in the unique ribbed surface design, which evenly distributes weight across the tiles, preventing any isolated pressure points.

But Swisstrax isn't just tough—it's also designed to handle the harshest environments. The tiles are completely impervious to moisture, chemicals, oils, and other corrosive substances that would quickly degrade traditional flooring materials. I've seen Swisstrax floors endure chemical spills, salt, and even battery acid without so much as a stain or discoloration.

Endless Customization Options

Another aspect that sets Swisstrax apart is its incredible versatility and customization potential. These modular tiles can be easily installed in any space, no matter the size or shape, thanks to their interlocking design.

The real beauty of Swisstrax lies in its vast array of color and finish options. With many standard colors to choose from, including classic neutrals like black, gray, and tan, as well as bold hues like red, blue, and green, the possibilities for creating unique designs are endless. You can even mix and match colors to create custom patterns, borders, or logos, adding a personalized touch to your floors.

Effortless Installation and Maintenance

One of the things I appreciate most about Swisstrax is how incredibly user-friendly it is. Unlike traditional flooring options that require extensive preparation, messy adhesives, and lengthy curing times, Swisstrax tiles simply snap together like a giant puzzle.

This not only makes installation a breeze but also allows for easy replacement of individual tiles if needed. No more ripping up entire sections of flooring—with Swisstrax, you can simply lift and replace the damaged tile, saving time and money. If you move, you can simply lift up the tiles and take the whole floor with you.

Maintenance is equally hassle-free. The seamless surface of Swisstrax means there are no grout lines or crevices for dirt, grime, and debris to accumulate. A simple sweep or occasional damp mop is usually all it takes to keep these floors looking spotless. Hunker provides a comprehensive guide to sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping rubber floor tiles so you can keep them looking clean and new no matter how much use they get.

Uncompromising Comfort and Safety

While Swisstrax excels in durability and aesthetics, it also prioritizes comfort and safety. The unique ribbed surface design provides excellent traction, minimizes slips and falls, even when wet or oily. This makes it an ideal choice for areas prone to moisture, such as garages, workshops, or commercial kitchens.

But the benefits don't stop there. Swisstrax also offers superior sound and thermal insulation compared to traditional concrete or epoxy floors. This translates to a more comfortable working environment with reduced noise levels and consistent temperatures, no matter the season.

For those concerned about ergonomics, Swisstrax offers specialized tiles designed to provide cushioned support for extended periods of standing or working. These anti-fatigue tiles can help alleviate discomfort and reduce the risk of strain or injury, making them a popular choice for manufacturing facilities, commercial kitchens, and other demanding work environments.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, investing in Swisstrax flooring is a decision you won't regret. Not only does it add a sleek, modern aesthetic to any space, but it also offers unparalleled durability, versatility, and ease of maintenance. Whether you're outfitting a high-end residential garage, a commercial showroom, or an industrial facility, Swisstrax has a solution to meet your needs. With its endless customization options, robust construction, and low-maintenance design, Swisstrax truly delivers the ultimate in form and function.

So, if you're ready to take your floors to the next level, look no further than Swisstrax. Trust me, once you experience the beauty, performance, and practicality of these modular tiles, you'll never want to go back to traditional flooring options again.

Source

https://www.hunker.com/13722400/how-to-clean-rubber-flooring

Use Every Inch of Space With These Garage Cabinet Tips

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 21:10:12 GMT

Staring at my once chaotic garage, the transformation into a neatly organized space felt like a personal victory. The journey from cluttered to streamlined wasn't easy, but the effort was well worth it. Through trial and error, I discovered that the secret sauce to an orderly space lay in the strategic use of garage cabinets . After learning some valuable lessons, here are my top tips to help you maximize every square inch of your garage with the right cabinet solutions:

Assess your needs before buying
Go vertical
Incorporate customizable shelving
Consider depth and accessibility
Use the doors
Integrate a workbench
Label everything
Consider the environment
Put safety first

Here's how to use garage cabinets to maximize your storage options and keep your garage neat and tidy.

Assess Your Needs

Before I even started shopping for cabinets, I took a hard look at what I needed to store. This might seem like an obvious step, but it's easy to overlook. I listed everything from tools and gardening equipment to sports gear and holiday decorations. Understanding what you need to store helps you choose cabinets with the right size and features, like lockable doors for valuable tools or tall spaces for lawn equipment.

Go Vertical

One of the first lessons I learned was the value of vertical space. Tall cabinets that reach nearly to the ceiling can store a surprising amount of stuff. I installed tall cabinets where possible, and they’re perfect for storing items I use less frequently. It’s a useful strategy for freeing up floor space and making the garage feel bigger.

Incorporate Customizable Shelving

Investing in cabinets with adjustable shelving was a game-changer for me. The ability to rearrange the shelves to accommodate items of different sizes has allowed me to maximize every inch of space within the cabinets. It’s a flexible solution that adapts to my changing storage needs, whether I’m stowing away summer camping gear or organizing winter sports equipment.

Consider Depth and Accessibility

Depth is an important factor that I initially overlooked. Deep cabinets might seem like a good idea because they hold more, but if they’re too deep, items can get lost at the back. I found that a mix of shallow and deep cabinets works best. Shallow shelves keep everything in sight and within easy reach, while deeper cabinets store bulkier items.

Use the Doors

The insides of cabinet doors are prime real estate for additional storage. I added hooks and racks on mine for hanging smaller tools, garden supplies, and even sports equipment. This tip alone has made a significant difference in how I organize and access the items I use regularly.

Integrate a Workbench

My workbench is central to my garage's layout, so integrating cabinets underneath was a natural step. This not only provided me with easy access to tools and supplies but also took advantage of space that would otherwise go unused. Choosing cabinets that fit seamlessly under the workbench created a streamlined look and multiplied my storage options.

Label Everything

As my collection of cabinets grew, so did the challenge of remembering where everything was stored. Labeling the cabinets and drawers was a simple yet effective solution. Now, finding a specific tool or piece of equipment is quick and hassle-free, saving me time and frustration.

Consider the Environment

Garages are subject to more temperature fluctuations and moisture than the inside of your home. I learned to select cabinets made of materials that can withstand these conditions, like high-quality wood cabinets with moisture- and scratch-resistant laminate finishes. I can count on my cabinets withstanding the elements, so they’ll look and function perfectly for years to come.

Put Safety First

Finally, safety was a major consideration, especially since I store chemicals and paint in my garage. I chose cabinets with locking mechanisms to keep hazardous materials out of reach of children and pets. Also, just to be on the safe side, This Old House recommends keeping a fire extinguisher on hand in your garage. Mount it in an easy-to-access spot and make sure it carries an ABC rating, so it’s effective in the event of electrical, oil, or wood fires.

Conclusion

Organizing a garage can feel like a monumental task, but with the right approach and smart use of cabinets, it’s entirely achievable. These tips have transformed my garage from a chaotic catchall into a well-organized space that supports my hobbies and storage needs.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to improve your existing setup, remember that the goal is to create a space that works for you. With a little planning and creativity, you can use every inch of your garage effectively.

Source

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/garages/21018117/read-this-before-you-organize-your-garage

Explore Little-Known but Effective Hacks to Organizing Your Custom Closet

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 13:59:47 GMT

We all love the idea of a perfectly organized custom closet , with clothes neatly arranged by type, color, and season. Shoes smartly lined up along the floor, sweaters folded just so. But let's be honest - most of us will never achieve such a Pinterest-worthy order. Instead, our custom closets often erupt into disaster zones, crammed with an odd mix of worn favorites we can't bear to toss and impulse purchases that seemed clever in the moment. Overwhelmed, we shove things wherever there's an empty spot just to force the door closed. Sound familiar?

But friends, with some clever unconventional tricks, you can transform closet chaos into functional organization. These creative hacks have totally changed my custom walk-in and can work for you too.

Assessing the current state
Creative storage solutions
Rules for avoiding future messes
Periodic purging & editing
Ongoing maintenance

Assessing the Current State

First things first: Pictures and words are your friends when trying to make sense of a messy closet. Getting a visual lay of the land helps you formulate a strategy. Ask yourself: What's causing the most headaches here?

Before strategizing, visually analyze the space:

Take photos of the whole closet and problem areas from multiple angles.
Study images and make notes about what works vs. what doesn't.
Identify main pain points like overcrowding, mixing clothing categories, etc.

Getting a visual lay of the land helps formulate a master plan. Once you ID the key issues, you can start troubleshooting.

Creative Storage Solutions

To begin with, divide and conquer with unexpected storage solutions. If you're short on traditional shelving or drawers, get creative.

Double hanging capacity
Add a second tension rod below the existing closet rod.
Categorize with dollar store bins
Use tall, slim laundry baskets to neatly corral scarves, workout wear, PJs, etc.
Maximize wall space
Mount a wooden ladder horizontally to store shoes.
Use vertical metal microwave racks underneath for sandals, heels, and flats.
Keep handy fabric bins for quick cleanup
Toss items when trying looks to easily put back later.

Rules for Avoiding Future Messes

Never return an item to your closet without asking yourself, "Does this have a home?" If yes, put it there immediately. If not, create a home before hanging it up. This applies to new purchases too.

Give every item a designated home spot
Create a spot before hanging up something new.
Deal with new additions immediately
Carve out a location so items don't get lost.

Periodic Purging & Editing

Pare down periodically with a reverse shopping trip. This is when you try on every item in your closet, keeping only pieces you feel fantastic in that fit your current lifestyle. Bag up clothes that are outdated, worn-out, or don't flatter your figure, and donate them so someone else can enjoy them.

I know, this process can be a bit painful. But maintaining a curated closet of beloved items you actually wear makes getting ready infinitely less stressful. Clearing space allows your existing clothes to breathe, so you can see (and choose from) what you own.

Try on every article
Keep only pieces you feel great in and wear currently.
Bag up ill-fitting, outdated items to donate.
Editing minimizes wardrobe stress
Choosing from curated favorites you actually wear is easier.
Clearing space allows clothes to breathe.

Ongoing Maintenance

My last hack is perhaps the simplest but most powerful: Make tidying up super-fast. Install multiple laundry hampers or bins around your closet. After wearing an item, toss it directly into the dirty bin.

Invest in velvet hangers so items slide effortlessly into place. Martha Stewart explains that velvet hangers are slimmer, leaving more room in the closet, but also textured, which prevents clothes from slipping off the hanger. Use shelf dividers, fabric boxes, and other easy-ID storage solutions so everything has a dedicated home.

Hampers and bins make quick tidy-up stations
With multiple containers to toss worn items in, it’s easy to keep items off the floor.
Velvet hangers for smooth sliding of your hanging clothes
Shelf dividers and storage cubes help you easily find item homes

Conclusion

With these hacks, achieving the perfect custom closet doesn’t have to be a huge ordeal. Little touches here and there really do make a difference. I hope you'll give some of these unconventional ideas a try the next time chaos strikes. With some concerted effort, your closet can stay neat long-term!

Source

https://www.marthastewart.com/8130435/wood-velvet-hangers

The Big Impact of Small Custom Closets in Maximizing Space and Home Organization

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 21:47:28 GMT

It’s all too easy to assume you won’t be able to get any use out of your small custom closets , but even the smallest closets can help you make the most out of your home. With the right strategies in place, you can optimize any closet in your home. From storing out-of-season clothes elsewhere to adding additional hanging rods, making use of closet accessories, and more, we’ve got the tips you need to get the most use out of your smaller closets.

Once you’re ready to maximize the space in your small custom closets, you should:

Store your out-of-season clothes elsewhere
Add in additional hanging rods
Make use of closet accessories
Optimize out-of-reach places
Make the most out of other bedroom storage options

Now that we know what goes into optimizing smaller closets, let’s get into the details and see the big impact this can have in your life.

Store Your Out-Of-Season Clothes Elsewhere

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is to keep out-of-season clothing in their closet, in the process taking up valuable storage space which could be better optimized. It’s best to set a reminder on your phone at the beginning of each season to do a thorough sweep for out-of-season clothes.

Once you’ve identified garments you won’t be wearing for months, be sure to clean them, fold them neatly, and put them in secure storage, such as a plastic bin or tub. That way, you’ll have plenty of space for the clothes you are wearing.

Add In Additional Hanging Rods

One of the simplest ways to get the most use out of your custom closet system is to add in additional hanging rods. With this one simple and cost-effective move, you’ll be able to effectively double your available storage space for hanging clothes.

Want to make things even more efficient? Add in a valet rod so you can set out your outfit ahead of time for each day. This way, you’ll be able to put minutes back into your day and hours back into your year.

Make Use of Closet Accessories

One common mistake homeowners make is assuming closet clutter is their fault and they can’t do anything about it. More often than not, though, mess in the closet comes down to a lack of organizers and accessories and has less to do with the person themselves.

Maybe you’re always struggling to find your jewelry. In that case, you can put in specialty jewelry organizers. Or maybe you’re tired of digging through drawers to find accessories. If so, wall-mounted hooks and shelving units can help.

Optimize Out-Of-Reach Places

It’s relatively easy to optimize the shelves and spaces in your closet that you get a lot of regular use out of, but you might not put as much thought into optimizing out-of-reach places, such as your top shelf. But this could be the life hack you need.

Once you’ve identified items which need to stay in your custom closet throughout the year but don’t get much use, you can revamp your top shelf to squeeze as much use as possible out of every square inch of room.

Make the Most Out of Other Bedroom Storage Options

As the pros at Better Homes & Gardens point out, you’ll want to do your best to properly contain items not just in your closet itself but throughout your bedroom. So much of clutter comes down to not having the proper organizers in place or storing things properly.

By optimizing the storage options throughout your bedroom, you’ll be able to make more room for items that might otherwise just be shoved somewhere in your closet and take up space which could be put to better use.

Conclusion

Even the smallest of closets can pack a punch and make your daily life far easier. By trying these tips and getting a little creative in your approach, you should be able to see the big impact of small custom closets in your home.

Sources

https://www.bhg.com/how-to-maximize-closet-space-7094386

How to Make the Most of Underutilized Spaces in Your Small Custom Closet

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 18:09:28 GMT

Having a small custom closet doesn't mean you have to compromise on storage space and organization. With a little creativity and some clever techniques, you can make the most of every inch of room.

Follow these 10 tips to find and maximize the hidden and underutilized spaces in your small custom closet:

Evaluate and purge your wardrobe
Use vertical space to your advantage
Install hooks and pegs
Use specialty hangers
Opt for adjustable shelving
Install under-shelf baskets
Invest in clear storage containers
Roll, don’t fold
Create zones and organize clothing by category
Use the floor space

Read on to discover unique tips for maximizing space, reducing clutter, and organizing effortlessly in your compact closet oasis.

Evaluate and Purge Your Wardrobe

Before diving into the world of space-saving hacks, start by taking a critical look at your belongings. It's time to declutter! Remove items you no longer need, use, or love. This initial step will create more space and set the stage for efficient organization. Donate, sell, or recycle items that no longer serve a purpose in your life.

Use Vertical Space to Your Advantage

Small closets often suffer from underutilized vertical space. Install additional shelves or cubbies above your existing storage areas. According to The Spruce , the space on the shelf above the clothing rod can be an excellent spot for storing items like seasonal clothing, accessories, or even shoe boxes. A specialty hanging organizer with pockets can also be a great solution for storing small items like scarves, belts, and socks.

Install Hooks and Pegs

Hooks and pegs are your best friends when it comes to saving space in a small closet. Install them on the back of the closet door or on the inside walls. They can hold bags, hats, jewelry, and other accessories that might otherwise clutter up your shelves and hanging rods. Also, make sure to attach a sturdy hook to the back of your closet door. It’s the perfect spot for a hanging shoe organizer—a must-have closet accessory that keeps footwear off the floor.

Use Specialty Hangers

Invest in specialty hangers designed to maximize space and organization. Slimline hangers take up less space than traditional hangers, allowing you to fit more clothing onto your hanging rod. Hangers with multiple tiers can hold pants and skirts together, freeing up space for additional garments.

Opt for Adjustable Shelving

Customization is key when you’re dealing with a small closet. Consider installing adjustable shelving units that can be moved up or down as needed. This flexibility allows you to adapt your closet to the changing seasons and your evolving storage needs.

Install Under-Shelf Baskets

Don't overlook the space beneath your shelves. Attach under-shelf baskets to store items like handbags, shoes, or folded sweaters. These baskets make use of often-neglected space and keep your closet looking tidy.

Invest in Clear Storage Containers

Clear storage containers serve two purposes: They keep your belongings organized and visible, and they stack neatly on top of each other. Use these containers for items like shoes, accessories, and out-of-season clothing. This way, you can quickly identify the contents without needing to open each box.

Roll, Don't Fold

When dealing with limited drawer space, consider rolling your clothing instead of folding it. Rolled clothes take up less space and are easier to access. This technique is particularly useful for items like t-shirts, workout clothes, and pajamas.

Create Zones and Organize Clothing by Category

Divide your closet into specific zones based on the types of items you store. For example, designate a section for work attire, another for casual wear, and one for formal clothing. This approach makes it easier to find what you need, reducing the chances of creating a mess while searching for a particular item.

Use the Floor Space

Don't forget about the floor! If you have some extra floor space in your closet, consider adding small storage bins or baskets to hold shoes, bags, or other accessories. Hanging shoe organizers that attach to the closet rod can also be a great way to store shoes without taking up precious floor space.

Conclusion

Just because your custom closet may be small, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice organization and functionality. By implementing every tip detailed above, you can maximize every inch of space, reduce clutter, and create an effortlessly organized closet oasis. With a little effort and creative thinking, you’ll make the most of your space in a way that reflects your style and makes your everyday life easier.

Source

https://www.thespruce.com/maximizing-small-closet-storage-space-2648423

Try These Small Changes to Make a Big Impact on Your Custom Closets

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 17:21:51 GMT

Custom closets are a useful part of any well-organized home. However, the thought of a complete closet overhaul can be daunting and time-consuming. The good news is that you don't have to undertake a massive project to make a significant difference in your closet's functionality.

By implementing a few simple changes, you can transform your custom closets into organized, efficient spaces that enhance your daily routine.

Declutter and donate
Use smart storage solutions
Revamp your lighting
Purchase new hangers
Display stylish accessories

In this article, we will explore some small yet impactful changes that you can start making today to revamp your closets without the need for a complete overhaul.

Declutter and Donate

The first step towards achieving a more organized custom closet is decluttering. Begin by removing all items from your closet and carefully sorting through them. Take this opportunity to assess the belongings you truly need and love.

Set aside the items that no longer serve you, whether they are outdated, worn out, or simply unused. Consider donating these items to a local charity or giving them to someone who could benefit from them. Decluttering will create more space in your closet and make it easier to find what you need.

Use Smart Storage Solutions

Maximize the storage potential of your custom closets by incorporating smart storage solutions. Use hanging organizers, shoe racks, and drawer dividers to optimize space and keep items neatly arranged.

Install hooks on the inside of the closet doors to hang accessories like belts, scarves, or jewelry. The organizing pros at Better Homes & Gardens recommend using a variety of storage solutions to avoid a cluttered look.

Consider investing in stackable storage bins or clear plastic containers to store seasonal items or lesser-used belongings. Label these containers for easy identification. Using harder-to-reach spaces for items you don’t often use such as the top shelf or the floor can provide additional storage options.

Revamp Your Lighting

Improve the visibility in your custom closets by incorporating some fresh new lighting. Proper lighting helps you see your clothing and accessories clearly, making it easier to coordinate outfits and locate specific items.

Install LED lights or battery-operated tap lights inside your closet to illuminate the space effectively. Opt for cool white or daylight bulbs to mimic natural lighting, making colors appear more accurate.

Purchase New Hangers

Replace mismatched hangers with a new set that not only looks great but also helps protect your clothing. Wooden or velvet hangers offer a sleek and uniform look while preventing clothes from slipping off.

Hangers with clips are ideal for hanging skirts or pants so they remain wrinkle-free and organized. Consider investing in slim-line hangers to maximize space and give your closet a more open appearance.

Display Stylish Accessories

Transform your custom closet into an inspiring space by incorporating a few display elements. Showcase your favorite accessories, such as hats, handbags, or jewelry, using decorative hooks or stands.

Add a full-length mirror to create a functional dressing area within your closet. Use open shelves or display cases to exhibit your shoe collection or folded clothes. By treating your closet as a stylish space, you'll find yourself looking forward to selecting outfits each day.

Conclusion

Revamping your custom closets doesn't always require a full-scale overhaul. By implementing these small changes, you can make a big impact on your closet's organization and functionality.

Decluttering, using smart storage solutions, incorporating proper lighting, investing in functional hangers, and adding display elements can transform your custom closets into spaces that are not only practical but also aesthetically pleasing.

Start making these changes today and enjoy the benefits of a more organized and inspiring closet experience.

Sources

https://www.bhg.com/decorating/closets/walk-in/small-walk-in-closet-design-ideas/

Spring Clean Your Custom Closets With These Tips

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 12:33:34 GMT

Your c ustom closet is probably one of the most closed-off parts of your home, so even if your home isn’t generally dusty and musty, the closet could be getting that way if it hasn’t been cleaned in a while. It could also be crowded with items that need to be purged. Now is the perfect time to spruce it up, since you’re likely spring-cleaning the rest of the home, too.

Here are some ways to tidy up your custom closets this spring:

Stage the Scene for Success
Get Everything Out
Store Seasonal Items Correctly
Make a Plan for Unwanted Items

Take a look at some top tips for spring cleaning your closet this season.

Stage the Scene for Success

Cleaning out your entire closet is a big job. It’s no wonder people usually do it once a season at most (and for some people, it’s once a year or not at all). Doing it all in one session is a big undertaking. If you’re planning to take on the challenge, take a few minutes to set yourself up for success first.

Does music help keep you motivated and moving? Put on your favorite playlist and crank up the volume. Are you someone who relies on caffeine? Make a pot of coffee and put it on the warmer so it’s ready when you need a refill – you could be doing this for a while.

Speaking of which, you may want to make yourself a sandwich or some grab-and-go snacks ahead of time – if the food is already ready when you need a lunch break, you won’t get distracted by prepping the food, doing the dishes, cleaning up the kitchen, and other tasks that will keep you away from your closet.

Basically, do whatever you can ahead of time to keep yourself in the zone and motivated as long as you need to be to get your spring closet cleaning done.

Get Everything Out

It’s been some time since you cleaned the closet, so go ahead and take everything out of it. Use the bed and other surfaces in your room to hold clothes and accessories. This gives you complete access to the empty closet so you can dust shelves, wash walls, and vacuum floors. This is your chance to get rid of dust, dirt, grime, unpleasant odors, and anything else that is difficult to reach or clean with all your clothes and accessories in the way.

This also helps ensure that you keep your motivation to finish your custom closet cleaning in one day. If your clothes are covering your bed, you can’t give up and go to sleep until you’re finished.

Store Seasonal Items Correctly

Winter is over and the weather is warming up. That means you can get your bulky winter clothes out of your way and store them somewhere else for the spring and summer. You want to make sure they’re stored correctly so they aren’t damaged by the time you need them again.

Don’t store soiled clothes before washing – that just invites pests. What’s more, when you wash clothes that are to be stored, make sure they’re completely dry before storing, or you’re likely to wind up with moldy winter clothes by next year. Store your items in plastic bins with lids or vacuum-sealed bags instead of cardboard, as cardboard can also attract pests.

Wait until the last minute to seal and store the clothes you’re packing away for winter. As you’re putting things away, you may decide to make last-minute changes – packing away a few more pairs of jeans, or pulling a sweater out of the winter clothes in case you need one for a cold movie theater, for example.

Make a Plan for Unwanted Items

Before you put your clothes back into your newly cleaned closet, you should purge the items you don’t want to keep. Get rid of clothes that don’t fit, that are damaged, or that you just don’t like or wear anymore. It’s a good idea to make a plan for what to do with these clothes so they don’t sit there cluttering up some other area of your home.

There are a lot of ways to get rid of unwanted clothes, from donating them to charity shops to selling them on eBay to cutting them up for rags. Something that you may not know is that even clothes that are too stained or damaged to be eligible for resale or donation don’t need to be thrown out. If you don’t want the bother of trying to do something with them yourself, like making cleaning rags or composting, there are textile recycling centers that will take them. SMART can help you locate the recycling resources closest to you.

Conclusion

Spring cleaning is a big job, but you can do it with the right plan. Make sure to get yourself ready and motivated for the big chore, clear everything out so you can deep clean the closet space, understand the best practices for storing seasonal clothes, and make a plan for your unwanted items.

Source

https://www.smartasn.org/where-to-recycle/

Defeat Odors in Your Custom Closet System Once and For All

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 15:13:59 GMT

A bad-smelling closet is no one’s idea of fun, but it may not just be unpleasant – it may end up being an embarrassment. If your closet smells bad, the clothes in the closet can pick up the scent. Then, when you wear those clothes, the scent ends up on you. You don’t want to let that happen! Your custom closet system could smell funky for various reasons, but the important thing is to get rid of it as quickly as you can.

There are three things you should do if you're noticing that your custom closet is smelling not-so-fresh:

Remove the Source
Neutralize the Odors
Add a Fresh Scent

Take a look at the steps for successfully getting rid of odors in your custom closet system for good.

Remove the Source

First things first – you need to find and get rid of the source of the smell. Sometimes the source is obvious. A little digging might reveal dirty laundry that fell behind the hamper and has gotten overripe since it was forgotten or a piece of food that was dropped unseen on the floor. Eliminate the source, and the worst of the smell will probably go with it.

What can you do if you can’t find the source, or if you do find it but the scent is still lingering? In either case, the only answer is to clean the closet. Either there’s something in there that you haven’t found, or the source is more nebulous – for example, you may have put clothing away while it was still wet and that created a musty, mildewy scent. Pull everything out of the closet, vacuum the floors, clean the walls, and wash any clothes that carry the smell.

Neutralize the Odors

You can neutralize odors in a few different ways. You can buy an odor-neutralizing spray – look for something that eliminates odors rather than covering them up with a different fragrance. If you don’t like sprays or chemicals, there are a few ways to eliminate odors more naturally. When cleaning the closet, use white vinegar on the walls and floor. The vinegar smell will fade as it dries, and it will take odors with it.

Another option is to use baking soda or activated charcoal. Both substances work similarly. Put the charcoal or baking soda into a bowl or ventilated container and put it in the closet. The materials will absorb the odors, leaving the closet without a smell. You can throw out the baking soda when the job is done. If you’re using charcoal, you can reactivate it so it can be reused by putting it in the sun for a few hours. Primal Survivor suggests storing charcoal you’re not using in its original packaging or in Mylar bags or mason jars to extend its life.

Add a Fresh Scent

It may not be enough just to get rid of the odors. Sometimes a closet may not have a foul odor, but it can smell flat or stale. What you need is a fresh, pleasant scent. Depending on what kind of smell you want and how strong you want it to be, there are a few ways to add a great fragrance to your closet.

You can soak tissues or cotton balls in essential oils and store them on closet shelves and surfaces. This can be a good choice because it allows you to spread the scent around the space instead of confining it to one part of the closet. Dryer sheets are another good option. Stick them in drawers, on shelves, and even in coat pockets. If you’re crafty, you may want to consider making your own sachets with something like cedarwood or fresh lavender.

If you’re looking for a mild, clean scent, consider storing unwrapped bars of soap in the closet. Put the soap on a piece of wax paper or in a container so it doesn’t leave any residue on surfaces, and make sure no clothing is touching the soap. Scented candles can serve a similar purpose – lighting them in the closet may not be the safest choice, but even an unlit scented candle can give off enough of its fragrance to refresh the air in a closet.

Conclusion

A foul odor in the closet isn’t a problem that you should ignore. Find and get rid of the source of the odor and plan on cleaning the closet out while you’re at it. User odor-neutralizing substances to get rid of any trace of the unwanted smells. Then use your favorite method to add a new, fresh scent to your custom closet system.

Source

https://www.primalsurvivor.net/does-charcoal-go-bad/

Making the Most Out of Your Small Custom Closets

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 14:22:12 GMT

A beautiful closet can seem out of reach when you don’t have a lot of real estate to work with in the first place. But even so, you shouldn’t disqualify yourself just out of the gate by comparing your closet to something you might see on Pinterest or Instagram.

Even a small custom closet holds the potential for a total storage overhaul, and you can make something that’s just as worthy of showing off on social media.

If you’d like to make the most out of your small custom closet, here are the steps that you should take:

Weed out any items that don’t belong.
Take advantage vertical space.
Get creative with wall-mounted options.
Remember that sliding racks are your friend.
Consolidate and make use of organizers.

Let’s take a closer look at what goes into maximizing potential in custom closets, no matter the size or shape.

Weed Out Any Items That Don’t Belong

This might seem a bit obvious, but it bears mentioning since you’d be surprised by just how many out of place items might make their way into your closet over the months and years. If left unchecked, even the nicest custom closets can become overloaded.

You might make this easier on yourself at the start by going through everything you have and moving items to other areas of the house where appropriate. You can also maximize available space by putting away out of season clothing.

Take Advantage of Vertical Space

As you can see from this Martha Stewart post, even the pros advocate for going vertical when you’re dealing with small custom closets. You might not have enough room to put in wide dressers, but you could implement stackable cubbies and other options that take advantage of your closet’s verticality.

You can even put in double hanging racks to make sure that you don’t have to sacrifice any room for hanging clothes like jackets and pants.

Get Creative With Wall-Mounted Options

When you’re dealing with smaller custom closets, you’ll quickly find out that every square inch of space counts. One of the most under-used areas of any closet - small or not - is its wall space. You’d be surprised by how much you can fit on wall-mounted shelves or even wall hooks.

Instead of taking up folding space with ties, scarves, and belts, for example, you could easily put all of these things up on wall hooks and free up entire shelves’ worth of room for other clothes.

Remember That Sliding Racks Are Your Friend

Believe it or not, you can get a lot of use out of sliding rack systems, especially if you’re working with a smaller footprint in your closet. At knee level and below, sliding racks give you the opportunity to pack in more items without having to sacrifice walkable floor space.

You can also get creative and put in swinging rack systems if you have a lot of jewelry. You could even make use of a sliding shoe rack if you’re struggling to find a place for all your shoes.

Consolidate and Make Use of Organizers

When in doubt, ready-made organizing tools can make even the most cramped custom closets feel spacious and tidy. Along with special wall organizers like wall-mounted shelves and hooks, you can also make use of the space on your closet door itself.

If you’re like many homeowners, your closet door is an untapped resource and is left bare while shelves and cabinets inside your closet do all the heavy lifting. Closet door organizers free up this valuable space for you by hooking onto the top of the door and adding pouches, bins, or shelves for you to put even more things away.

Conclusion

When you’re working with a small custom closet, it can easily feel like you’re out of storage options, but size doesn’t have to be a barrier to entry. By putting these tips into practice, you should be able to fit much more into even the smallest of custom closets!

Sources

https://www.marthastewart.com/2124194/minimal-storage-space-clothes-organizing-tips

How Can a Custom Closet Provide So Much Space?

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 15:47:13 GMT

When it comes to maximizing the space in your closet, it’s all about optimizing what you have and using every available square inch of room. Custom closets are designed with this principle in mind.

You might look at your current closet and think there’s no way installing a new custom closet could increase your available storage space, but that’s just not the case. We’re going to explore clever ways that custom closets can provide more room for you in your home.

Custom closets provide so much space by doing these important things:

They take advantage of verticality with double hanging rods.
Custom drawers and cabinets give you more to work with.
Shoe racks help you organize and free up floor space.
Hooks and racks give you more room for your clothes.
Wall storage is far more optimized in a custom closet.

Now that we’ve got an idea of how custom closets provide more space, let’s get into the specifics and see how you can take advantage.

They Take Advantage of Verticality With Double Hanging Rods

As Martha Stewart notes , a closet without a proper organization strategy will quickly become overrun with mess and clutter. One clever way to help alleviate this problem is by installing double hanging rods.

In one simple step, this will double your available hanging storage, giving you the opportunity to separate clothes by season, use, or just about any other category you can think of. This will help alleviate some of the strain with both folding and long-term storage for you.

Custom Drawers and Cabinets Give You More to Work With

Let’s face it: most standard closets are not equipped with everything a modern homeowner needs to keep their space in order. Your original closet drawers and cabinets might not cut it, but custom ones can.

Designed with space optimization in mind, these tools can work wonders in giving you back space that you didn’t even know you had in your closet. With more folding storage, you can even bring garments back into rotation that had been sitting it out for months.

Shoe Racks Help You Organize and Free up Floor Space

When your closet floor is cluttered, it can feel almost impossible to get anything in the space organized. One of the biggest culprits for a disorganized closet floor is a large shoe collection. Shoes can pile up fast, and without a system in place, you’ll be left wondering what to do.

Shoe racks solve this problem by using verticality to their advantage. Instead of spreading all your pairs along the surface of the floor, you can stack them in nice racks that will give your closet an elegant look and make it easy to find the pair you’re looking for in a pinch.

Hooks and Racks Give You More Room for Your Clothes

You’d be surprised by how much room ties and scarves take up in the average closet. If you were to take all of them out of your closet today, you’d likely have enough room for another shelf’s worth of garments.

This is especially obvious for those who hang them up on their hanging rod, as they’re losing hanging space that could be used for extra outfits. Dedicated hooks and racks give you this space back while still offering a home for all of your ties and scarves.

Wall Storage Is Far More Optimized in a Custom Closet

Your walls offer a treasure trove of storage space, but most standard closets don’t take advantage of this valuable real estate. To help with this, you can opt to have wall hooks installed as well as wall-mounted shelving units.

When used together, these will give you a great deal of storage space back that you can then use to bring in more garments or other items.

Conclusion

If you’re looking at your current closet space and scratching your head as to how you might be able to fit more in with a custom closet, you’re not alone. But these super simple ideas can make even the smallest closet footprint accommodate a much larger custom closet.

Sources

https://www.marthastewart.com/274465/a-call-to-order-maximizing-your-closet-s

Streamline Your Morning Routine With a Custom Closet System

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 13:17:02 GMT

If you often struggle to get ready in the morning and end up running late, it might be time to look into installing a custom closet system . While that might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to saving time, it can make a huge difference.

The right closet system can help you know exactly where everything is, streamlining your morning routine and putting minutes back in your day.

Here are just some of the ways that a custom closet system can streamline your morning routine:

You’ll have a designated place for all your shoes.
A valet rod can help you prepare tomorrow’s outfit.
You’ll have the room to keep work clothes separate.
You can make use of a convenient clothes hamper.
With a walk-in closet, you’ll have a space just for you.

Now that you understand some of the ways a custom closet system can help, let’s dive into the specifics of how you can make one of these systems work for you.

You’ll Have a Designated Place for All Your Shoes

According to Martha Stewart , having the right system in place will help you maintain order and tidiness in your closet and, by extension, your home. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to install a custom shoe rack in your closet.

Shoes are often the last things people consider before leaving the house, and a custom shoe rack can make it easier to choose the right pair to match your outfit.

A Valet Rod Can Help You Prepare Tomorrow’s Outfit

If deciding on an outfit is always a struggle for you, a valet rod might be just the thing you need. With this organization solution, you can take your time the night before and pick out the exact outfit you’d like to wear the next day.

The valet rod will give you a designated area to hang that outfit apart from the rest of your clothes, making it super simple to just grab the outfit and get ready first thing in the morning.

You’ll Have the Room to Keep Work Clothes Separate

Untidiness is the bane of any morning routine, and that’s why it helps to have different hanging rods, drawers, and cabinets to separate your clothes by type. For instance, you can section off one part of your closet for work clothes while the other half is reserved for casual garments.

This way, you can immediately take away half of the closet space and narrow down your search with ease.

You Can Make Use of a Convenient Clothes Hamper

Once you’re back home and done with running errands for the day, you need a dependable place to store your dirty clothes. While it’s important to have a system in place for your morning routine, it’s just as important to keep your closet floor from getting overwhelmed with piles of garments.

If floor space is a particular concern for you here, you can even opt for a clothes hamper that’s set onto a sliding rack system. That way, you can slide out your hamper when you need it and then slide it back in place to keep it out of your way.

With a Walk-in Closet, You’ll Have a Space Just for You

When you’re getting ready for the day, chances are you’re not the only one in your home doing so. Depending on your family size, it can be especially chaotic with everyone trying to use the bathroom. But with a new custom closet system, that problem goes away.

With a walk-in closet, for instance, you’ll have the space to walk around and pick out your clothes, and you can even install a mirror to get ready without even needing the bathroom at all.

Conclusion

If mornings are often synonymous with stress for you, it might be time to invest in your closet space. Not only can installing a custom closet system give you a beautiful and optimized place to get your day started, but it can also put minutes back in your day and hours back in your year.

Sources

https://www.marthastewart.com/8266143/best-closet-organization-ideas

Can Custom Closets Work in Narrow Spaces?

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 15:33:24 GMT

Many homeowners assume that because the closet space they have to work with is awkward, they don’t have many options when it comes to customizability. The fact is there are plenty of ways to make even the most non-ideal space work for you.

By investing in some novel storage systems (and getting a little creative in your approach), you can have a custom closet that’s optimized, spacious, and beautiful.

Here are just some of the many ways that custom closets can work in even the most unusual places:

You can take advantage of verticality.
You’ll be able to double your storage space.
Custom drawers can negate a low ceiling.
Double hanging rods give you more to work with.
Sloped ceilings don’t have to be an issue.
When in doubt, door organizers help.

Now that we know custom closets can work even in challenging spaces, let’s dive into how they work.

You Can Take Advantage of Verticality

If you have a closet that’s a bit too narrow but has plenty of vertical space, you can take advantage of that while designing and installing your custom closet system. Open shelving will keep everything you need at arms’ reach and allow you to sort by how often you wear or use each garment or item.

Or, if you prefer, you can put your hanging rod a bit higher on the wall and incorporate a complex drawer and cabinet solution for the lower half of your closet.

You’ll Be Able to Double Your Storage Space

As the experts at Better Homes & Gardens note , a good closet system is crucial for any closet, but especially one that’s situated in an awkward area. If you’re looking to maximize your storage space, you can invest in rack systems for drawers as well as your clothes hamper.

A sliding rack system is especially handy for a clothes hamper, as that will free up a considerable amount of floor space for you to use however you see fit.

Custom Drawers Can Negate a Low Ceiling

In situations where your ceiling is on the lower side, you can invest in a drawer system to solve the problem. You can customize the drawer width to ensure that you’ll be able to fold as many garments as possible.

You can also opt for floor cubbies to store items that you might not use daily but still need regular access to.

Double Hanging Rods Give You More to Work With

Another way to take advantage of an awkward space is to install double hanging rods in your custom closet. This solution is ideal for anyone who has plenty of garments to hang but not enough space to hang them.

This solution allows you to cycle clothes out by season, color, style, or just about any other category you can think of.

Sloped Ceilings Don’t Have to Be an Issue

In situations where your ceiling slopes at an awkward angle, you can have a few separate open shelving units installed that follow the contour of the slope, in the process keeping everything within reach. That way, what once was a liability in your closet can now become an asset.

Slide-out cubbies work quite well in sloped ceilings, and you can make it even easier to remember where everything is by either using labels or committing to a color coordination system.

When in Doubt, Door Organizers Help

One of the single greatest closet organization solutions is also one of the most overlooked. Within seconds, you can hang a door organizer on the back of your closet door and free up significant space.

Many of these systems use clear pouches, so you can see where everything is and even get a bit artistic with your arrangement. As with all the other tips on this list, your personal touch will complete the picture.

Conclusion

Just because your closet is situated in an awkward space in your home doesn’t mean you need to settle for a closet you don’t love. By investing in closet organizers and arranging them to suit the unique size and shape of your closet, you’ll be able to maximize your storage space and totally revamp the area!

Sources

https://www.bhg.com/decorating/closets/top-organizing-tips-for-closets/

6 Practical Tips for Preventing Pests in Your Closet System

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 15:43:53 GMT

When you open your custom closets , you want to see your clothes, your shoes, your linens, and other goods, not pests. What do you do when pests invade your closet system? We've got six tips that are sure to help.

Here’s how to prevent pests in your closet system:

Try natural repellents
Get a clothing brush
Keep your closet neat
Vacuum often
Use vacuum-sealed bags for offseason items
Don’t put dirty clothes back in the closet

In this handy guide, you’ll learn more about the above methods for abolishing pests in your closet system before a few small bugs become a full-blown infestation. You won’t want to miss it!

Try Natural Repellents

Natural insect repellents often smell good to people, but insects tend not to like them at all. This makes them perfect for closet use: Your clothes, shoes, and accessories will pick up the fragrances, and any critters in the area will, with any luck, pack up their bags and leave.

Here is a list of natural repellents courtesy of pest control company Greenix for you to try:

Citronella for mosquitoes, flies, roaches, and ants
Peppermint for ants, beetles, fleas, flies, moths, roaches, spiders, and ticks
Clove oil for mites, aphids, thrips, armyworms, and stink bugs
Cedar for cockroaches, mosquitoes, moths, ants, and termites
Lavender oil for mosquitoes, fleas, flies, and moths
Eucalyptus for lice, spiders, flies, ants, and roaches

If you’re not sure which insects have invaded your closet systems, that’s the first order of business. Then you can use scented oils or sachets to keep the troublesome insects at bay.

Get a Clothing Brush

Do you own a clothing brush? If you answered no and your closet system is being overrun with pests, then you might want to change that. A clothing brush collects all the lint, hair, and dirt that can accumulate on clothes even when they’re clean. You simply brush the garment on its exterior side, making sure to get the front, back, and sides. Voila, your clothes will look as good as new and better. Even lower-cost items look rack-ready after being treated by a clothing brush.

Okay, so what does this have to do with insects, you ask? Well, when you comb your clothes with a clothing brush, you can crush moth larvae and eggs. According to Real Simple , the larvae that aren’t crushed will come toppling out of your clothing, where you can then collect them and dispose of them. When combing your clothing with the brush, be sure to target pockets, folds, and seams especially to ensure you remove the larvae and eggs entirely!

Keep Your Closet Neat

Think of your neat closet system as an empty park. Now imagine that each time you add to the closet, the park gets more attractions built. Soon, there’s so much to do that it’s a verifiable playground and no one wants to leave. That’s how pests feel when they come across a cluttered closet system.

For the insect species that nosh on fabric, there’s so much food here that a bug would never go hungry. Others like the warmth of fabric and will lay some eggs. More still might appreciate the darkness between all those overstuffed garments. Once you empty your closet and create an organization system that works moving forward, you’re giving pests less of a chance to propagate.

Vacuum Often

It’s not enough to keep your closet system neat, even if that will go a long way toward preventing pests. If your carpet system is also carpeted, then you need to take the time at least weekly to vacuum every corner of the closet. You’ll suck up the pests that fell from your clothes or never made it there in the first place. If any bugs were trying to eat your tasty carpet fibers, they too will be eliminated after one pass-through with the vacuum cleaner.

When you’re done cleaning up your closet, be sure to empty the vacuum bag or canister. You don’t want to allow the bugs (that could still be alive in there) a chance to escape and go right back to the closet!

Use Vacuum-Sealed Bags for Offseason Items

Are you keeping your offseason clothing, shoes, and linens in plastic buckets or, even worse, garbage bags? Well, there’s some bad news and some worse news. The bad news is that small critters can easily reach their way into a closed plastic bucket since the lid leaves an opening. The worse news is that garbage bags are easily torn to shreds by hungry critters.

What you need instead is a vacuum-sealed bag for your off-season items. The bag when pressure-sealed will create an airtight seal so that nothing can get in and nothing can get out. You won’t come back to your favorite outfits next season reeking of that terrible musty odor, nor will you have to worry about mold possibly growing on your shoes (yes, it can happen). Oh, and no pests, either!

Don’t Put Dirty Clothes Back in the Closet

If there are two things pests love, it’s dirt and sweat. Your worn clothes have both in droves, so the last place your used garments belong is back in the closet. Used means wearing anything once. Even if you only had the clothing on for several hours, that’s still enough time for dirt and skin oils to accumulate. Don’t put the item back in the closet but in your hamper or, better yet, straight in the washing machine!

Conclusion

Pests in your closet system can be a real problem, but fortunately, it’s one that you can quickly nip in the bud. The six solutions presented today will help you take back your closet from unwanted pests and preserve your items. Good luck!

Sources

What Are the Best Accessories Available for My Custom Closet?

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 14:53:56 GMT

You know that you love wearing accessories, and so does your custom closet : The organizers and accessories that are added to the hanging rods, drawers, and shelves are what bring personality and usefulness to your new storage space. There are many different accessories available for your custom closet. You won’t need all of them, but you’ll be able to choose the best ones for you.

Of course, you may stop and wonder: “just which of all these accessories are the best ones for me?” Here are some that might strike your fancy:

Presort your laundry with built-in hampers
Keep pairs of shoes together with shoe organizers
Collect belts, ties, and scarves with racks.

Take a look at the top accessories you can choose from when putting together your custom closet.

Presort Your Laundry with Built-in Hampers

Are you surprised that one of the top accessories is not for storing the clothes you’re going to wear, but for storing dirty clothes? Don’t be too shocked. If you want to keep your clothes nice, laundering them is as important as storing them properly, and that starts with storing your laundry until you’re ready to clean it.

With the right built-in hampers, you can pre-sort your laundry before you’re ready to clean it. If you don’t already separate your laundry, you should start; it’s more important than you think. According to Family Handyman , while every instance of mixing laundry won’t necessarily lead to a disaster where everything turns pink (though that can also happen), it can dull the brightness of your whites and cause other damage over time, so t’s best to avoid it. If you have built-in closet hampers that allow you to pre-sort lights and darks or separate delicates from sturdier clothes, you’re much less likely to take a risk on laundry day. Those built-in hampers could be key to saving your clothes.

Keep Pairs of Shoes Together with Shoe Organizers

Everyone needs footwear of some sort. Whether you wear work boots, heels, sandals, or all of these, you’ll definitely have shoes – and you’ve probably experienced having to search for a shoe that’s been misplaced in order to complete a pair. You may also have experienced finding a shoe under a heavy object or in some type of messy spot that’s ruined or damaged the shoe, effectively ruining the pair.

You don’t have to keep going through that, however. Shoe organizers are an important part of closet organization. They come in several forms, from shoe trees to shelves, to shoe fences, to shoe organizers that hang over closet doors. Which kind of shoe organizer you need depends on the size of your shoe collection, the types of shoes you own, and your closet. Like many choices for your custom closet, it’s very individual, but some kind of shoe organizer is a necessity.

Collect Belts, Ties, and Scarves with Racks

The types of racks that hold belts, ties, or scarves are similar. You may not need all of them, but most clothes closets are going to need at least one. Belt racks may be the most common choice – both men and women wear belts, and belts are notorious for sliding off hangers. When curled up on shelves, they often eventually uncurl, knocking off other items or sliding off the shelf themselves. They’re hard to corral! It’s understandable that a good belt rack meant to hold those items is an important accessory for many closets.

Tie racks and scarf racks are popular for similar reasons. These items are unlikely to hang on well on hangers. Because they’re soft and often smooth, scarves and ties both good at sliding off certain types of holders. When not hung, they tend to get tangled up in drawers, and ties, specifically, can end up wrinkled, which is not ideal. Racks with loops or hooks that are meant to hold these items can help.

Belt, tie, and scarf racks may be added in several different places in the closet – it’s an individual decision based on the needs of the individual and the closet’s layout. Many of these racks are installed with a sliding mechanism, so they can be pulled out to examine and choose what you’d like, then pushed back in to further save space.

Conclusion

The biggest and most obvious closet accessories that you’d think of, like additional hanging rods, shelving, and cabinetry are all important too. However, some of the most important parts of the closet are hidden gems, like hampers and various racks, or easy to overlook even when they’re in plain sight, like shoe storage. These features may be more important than you think.

Source:

https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/sort-laundry-by-color/

How to Effectively Maximize The Wall Space in Your Garage

Fri, 27 May 2022 20:40:36 GMT

Is your garage bursting at the seams? When all the bins are filled and you’ve even taken advantage of your garage ceiling to hang up ladders and other tools, it’s time to look at your garage wall space . It’s easy to get stuck and be unsure of where to start, so today we’ve got 6 simple tips that will get you started.

If you’re ready to maximize the wall space in your garage, you need to:

Start with a clean sweep.
Invest in Slatwall storage racks.
Stay flexible.
Don’t forget the corners.
Use your garage door as a wall.
Net your sports equipment.

Now let’s go more in depth on these steps and show you just how you can maximize your garage wall space.

Start with a Clean Sweep of the Garage

As with any other home improvement project, the best way to get started is to do a clean sweep of the area. While it seems like it’ll save you time to just optimize your storage and not do a massive overhaul, that would actually cost you time down the line.

It’s easy for clutter to accumulate, and that corner you haven’t looked over in a few months is probably home to more than a few things you don’t need anymore. While you’re clearing everything out, you can knock out two jobs at once by grouping your items into separate categories.

Sports equipment can go in one section, tools and appliances in another, and you can start going through cardboard boxes to consolidate and use more durable storage options, like bins or tubs.

Invest in Slatwall Storage Racks

By far the most effective way to make the most of your garage’s wall space is to invest in durable Slatwall storage racks. Not only can you store cords and small home improvement tools on them, but Slatwall racks are also great for incorporating hooks and baskets. Gone are the days when you’d accumulate junk in piles during a home improvement project. Simply hang a few bins up on Slatwall, and keep everything you need in designated compartments.

Plenty of homeowners also get mileage out of magnetic storage boards. These boards allow you to easily hang up screwdrivers, screws, nails, nuts, and bolts. That way, you can simply grab what you need when you need it and not have to worry about sharps falling to the floor.

With a nice set of tough cup hooks, you can even hang up bicycles when not in use, foldable chairs, camping supplies, and more. If you’ve got some thin bins or tubs with handholds, you can always hang them on your walls. Transparent bins work especially well for wall storage, but you can also use opaque bins so long as you properly label them all.

Stay Flexible

It’s tricky (if not impossible) to anticipate what your storage needs are going to look like a couple of months from now, let alone a few years. Tools that you depend on every day right now will wear down over time and need repair or replacing. Other specialized tools might come in handy for certain projects but then collect dust for months.

Your best safeguard against change is to make great use of flexible options. Wall storage solutions provide the greatest flexibility by far. Not only can you swap out tools and items that you’ve already hung up, but you can also readjust the hooks themselves and dramatically change the makeup of your wall storage.

You essentially have no limits here. Feel free to get creative, safe in the knowledge that if you don’t like the way something looks a week from now, you can always change it then.

Don’t Forget the Corners

Corners are a great untapped resource when it comes to garage wall storage. The easy solution is to lean your ladders and other tall implements, but feel free to get creative with this. You can also attach hooks to the wall and create a corner bin storage system all your own.

Consumer Reports identifies some opportunities for wall storage across from your car. The wall directly across from your car’s hood will tend to have the most space available for storage. You should also be able to fit a good number of items in the corners here, too. Think anything automotive: spare parts, lights, cleaning rags, and anything else you might need while working on the car.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t leverage the space on your side walls as well. It is important to keep in mind, though, that storage there will be a bit more shallow. On that deep wall and in those far corners, big cabinets and bins will work best. Narrower items will do better on the side walls.

Use Your Garage Door as a Wall

We know this tip is more than a bit unorthodox, and you should by no means be hanging anything heavy on your garage door, but some items can be stored here. Think of light but unwieldy items, like fishing poles and telescoping poles for changing light bulbs.

All you need to do is install a few hooks with some durable adhesive, and these items that would otherwise take up valuable wall space can now be safely stowed away on your garage door. You can also watch this YouTube video on how someone used a DIY method for hanging lightweight items on his garage door.

If you like the idea of taking advantage of extra space but are a little worried about using the garage door itself as a wall, you can also use the wall space between the ceiling and the top of the garage door. Of course, the caveat here is that you won’t be able to access this storage space when the garage door is open.

Net Your Sports Equipment

It’s all too easy for sports equipment to take over a garage, especially in warmer months when those items will likely be in use more. When you get back from a pickup game or a workout, it’s understandable that you’d just want to toss your equipment wherever. It’s for that reason that it’s best to lean into simple solutions.

For example, it would be difficult to stick to putting balls into designated bins once you’re done with them, but tossing them all into a net on the wall is easy. Of course, you’ll want to make sure that any nets you hang are low enough for easy access.

Conclusion

While there are a number of solutions out there for maximizing floor and ceiling storage in garages, it’s easy to forget the tremendous potential you have for maximizing your wall space. By investing in some new wall storage racks and following all of the tips on this list, you’ll be well on your way to an optimized garage in no time at all!

Sources

Do Custom Closets Raise The Market Value of a Home?

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 17:56:09 GMT

As a homeowner, you’re always looking for ways to raise the market value of your home. But while many focus on renovations that will make a big and immediate impression, they often overlook the impact custom closets can have when it's time to sell.

So, do custom closets really raise the market value of a home? The short answer is yes, and here's how:

They can count as extra bedrooms.
They improve the functionality of your home.
Provides your whole house with more space.
Custom closets are visually pleasing.
A custom closet gives you a high return on investment.
Your home will be move-in ready.
They will help modernize your home.

Do you want to improve your home’s market value while also boosting its functionality? Of course you do! Take a seat and learn more about how custom closets can truly benefit your home in a variety of ways.

Custom Closets Can Count as Extra Bedrooms

Prospective home buyers are always looking for more room and extra space overall. Whether they need room to accommodate a growing family, a spare guest room for when visitors are over, or just want a spare office, you’d be hard-pressed to find a buyer who wouldn’t be attracted by the prospect of an extra bedroom. Your custom closet not only provides an important storage solution but also brings up the total number of bedrooms in your home, ultimately raising the market value as a result.

They Improve The Functionality of Your Home

Generally speaking, custom closets can hold at least double the number of items compared to a regular closet. Even if the next owner decides to use the room for something else, your decision to build it in the first place allows for improved functionality down the line. Out of all the things that could be liabilities during the house sale process, extra functionality and space will never be on that list!

It Gives Your Whole House More Space

As Better Homes & Gardens notes, one unexpected way to add value to your home is by maximizing storage. With an entire additional room, it’ll be far easier for you (and any future owner) to keep the rest of the house neat, clean, and decluttered. All of these factors have the potential of attracting buyers and raising the overall market value of your home.

Custom Closets Are Visually Pleasing

This point is immediately obvious to anyone who has seen a custom closet in person, but it bears mentioning. Prospective home buyers look beyond the bones when touring a property. Even though they’ll be bringing their own furniture, tastes, and style, buyers still want to see that your home is clean, nicely kept, and aesthetically pleasing. That first impression of beauty is enhanced by an organized custom closet . Right away, buyers will see how much effort you’ve put into your home.

A Custom Closet Gives You a High Return on Investment

Are you unsure about the cost of building custom closets and worried about the return on investment? Take it from HGTV : custom closets can increase the resale value of a home when the time comes. Put simply, custom closets help sell homes. A custom closet doesn’t just look nice, it improves functionality and is seen as a benefit that sellers are willing to pay extra for. In some instances, sellers can even see an increase in the asking price.

Your Home Will Be Move-In Ready

As a seller, you want to do everything you can to reduce the doubts a buyer might have when considering your property. One of the biggest points of concern has to do with storage. It’s hard to fall in love with a house when “cozy” feels a little more like “claustrophobic.” By building custom closets, you’ve eliminated that problem and told the seller (whether overtly or subconsciously) that this home is move-in ready.

It Will Help Modernize Your Home

Custom closets are not only seen as a luxury, but they also imbue the rest of the home with a feeling of luxury. Buyers will enthusiastically pay more for a home that feels like it’s at the cutting-edge of modern.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a simple and effective way to raise the market value of your home while maximizing your return on investment and beautifying the overall space for both you and any owner in the future, then custom closets really are the way to go. With beauty, function, and luxury combined, they're the gift that keeps on giving, from the time you move in to the day you bid farewell.

Sources

How to Organize a Messy Garage

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 14:55:50 GMT

Is it time to organize your messy garage ? This space is probably home to many types of items, such as sports equipment, tools, cleaning products, holiday decorations, and so much more. If you have gotten to the point of tossing in the towel, don’t give up!

With these simple tips, you'll be able to take an unorganized mess and turn it into a dream garage space. Your organizational to-do list should include:

Establishing a game plan
Cleaning out the clutter
Knowing what to store and what not to store
Grouping similar items
Maximizing your space effectively
Utilizing the walls for storage
Install cabinets
Have good lighting
Set up a cleaning routine

When you put these easy tips for how to organize a messy garage into use, you will soon be free of clutter.

Establish A Game Plan to Get Organized

The best place to start is with a game plan. You don’t want to organize your garage alone, so consider buying your friends or family their favorite lunch. You could make tackling the cleaning out and organizing of your garage into a game. There are lots of great ideas to help motivate both you and your team of helpers!

Clean Out The Clutter

Clutter, clutter everywhere! The next step is cleaning out clutter. According to The Spruce , you will want to start with “heavy-duty trash bags, a broom or wet/dry shop vac, and a basket for items you find that need to be organized later.”

As you go through your garage, place gently used items you want to donate into one pile, items you want to keep in another pile, and broken or unusable items into a trash pile. It’s best to put items you want to donate in your car to keep the cleaning process moving.

For items you want to keep, move them to another location so you can organize them more thoroughly later. Take all trash items out. Remember, certain products may need to be disposed of in a place other than the regular trash. Additionally, sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping the floors will ensure you have a clean space to work with.

Know What to Store and What Not to Store

Certain products and materials should not be stored in your garage for health and safety reasons. This Old House recommends never storing the following items:

Paint – The temperatures in garages can hurt the integrity of the paint so it’s better to keep it in a well-ventilated, temperature-controlled area.
Propane – All it takes is one spark to ignite a disaster! Save yourself a monumental mess and keep your propane tank somewhere outside of your home. Make sure the valve is not connected and the tank remains upright. It’s not ideal to store gasoline in your garage either.
Paper products – Why? Bugs love paper products. Instead of keeping them in the garage, store them inside a cabinet or closet within your home.
Refrigerator – It might seem like a great idea, but it will end up increasing your heating and ac bill because garages aren’t typically temperature controlled.
Pet food – You can bet that rodents and bugs will peruse fido's food if it's not stored securely.

There are many items you can easily and safely store in the garage, such as:

Holiday decorations
Sports equipment (fishing rods, golf clubs, surf boards, etc.)
Tools
Bicycles
Workbenches
Laundry folding tables
Spare folding chairs or tables
Gardening equipment

Group Similar Items

Now that you've gotten rid of clutter and cleaned up, focus on grouping similar items into categories. A good way to do this is to think about the space you have and how you envision using it. Categorize your garage based on what you like to do and what you will use it for the most.

For example, you might have a sporting equipment section, a gardening section, a tools section, and a holiday storage section. Be sure to consider the sizes and shapes of the items you will need to store. Keep nails, screws, and other smaller items together as well.

Maximize Space Effectively

Have you ever noticed how much space you actually have in your garage? Even smaller garages have unused corners. When it comes to organizing, look to your walls and ceiling. You can find overhead organization systems to store infrequently used items, such as holiday decor and camping gear. Both can be bulky and take up a lot of floor space. Mounting overhead storage racks to your ceiling not only gets these items off the floor and out of the way, but also provides a home that can be easily accessed.

For items that are hard to store, such as basketballs, soccer balls, footballs, and other round items, you can use plastic storage bins with lids. Kids’ toys like hula hoops can be stored on hooks. Gardening tools can be kept in rolling carts or bins. The sky's the limit!

Utilize The Walls for Storage

The walls of your garage are perfect for storing a ton of items. Slatwall racks, in particular, are great additions to disorganized spaces. They also allow you to hang a variety of accessories, such as bike racks, tool racks, toolbars, sports equipment racks, hooks, baskets, tilted storage bins, and more.

Using the walls for storage gets clutter off the floor, and it gives you more space to work with. You could add a laundry folding area, a workbench, or even a woodworking area. All of your tools and equipment will be accessible and easy to find. Customize your garage with the colors, materials, and products you like the best.

Most wall storage can handle a range of weights, as well, so it makes it easier to keep heavier items off the floor and neatly stored away.

Install Cabinets

Putting in sturdy cabinets will make storage simple and discreet. Organize your cabinets by categories, such as cleaning supplies, spare towels, extra light bulbs, and miscellaneous items.

You can label bins inside the cabinets for each type of item or product. For example, place all of your laundry detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets in a single bin. Thermally-fused laminate cabinets are scratch and stain-resistant, highly durable, stylish, and make excellent storage within a garage.

Have Good Lighting

It would be really frustrating to have an awesome, customized garage ready to use and not be able to see what you're doing. Having good lighting will make all the difference whether you plan to use your garage for storage, as a workshop, or for mixed-use.

The pros at The Old House note the usefulness of fluorescent fixtures with electronic ballasts. These types of lights won't flicker, cast good quality light, and can handle hot and cold temperatures.

Set Up A Cleaning Routine

Getting organized is only one part of the puzzle. Staying organized is the next part. Some tips on maintaining a consistent cleaning routine are:

Put away tools, sporting equipment, or other items after use.
Cleaning up messes as they happen or after you are done working.
Keeping up with normal sweeping or mopping as needed.
Make sure window and door seals are tight and secure.
Only storing certain items in your garage.
Performing quarterly clutter removal.

Conclusion

You might have been putting off organizing your garage, but the best time to get started is now. Begin thinking of your garage game plan, enlist the help of family and friends, and let your imagination help you get organized. You can always refer back to this article for tips and tricks to make the process smoother. Soon, your garage will be so organized that your friends might ask you for help tidying up theirs, too!

Sources

5 Tips for Organizing Your Custom Closets

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 13:55:31 GMT

Organizing your custom closets is something you'll need to do (and periodically redo) after they're installed. You adore the extra room your custom closets have afforded you, but as of late, even these remodeled spaces have begun to feel cramped.

Here are some pointers for keeping your custom closets in order:

Only keep seasonal items on display
Make use of dividers, shelves, and drawers
Categorize the contents of your closet
Don’t be afraid to donate
Go one closet at a time

Ahead, you’ll find actionable information for each of the tips above so you can banish clutter from your custom closets and make the best use of space.

Only Keep Seasonal Items on Display

You can still fondly remember when you planned and designed your custom closet. Back then, your closet felt so spacious. Now, whenever you open it up, it seems cramped. Your custom closets didn’t shrink. What happened was that you added too many items.

The first step in reorganizing your closets is to take everything out. As you begin to remove items, keep a close eye on the contents exiting. Put a limit on what will return. If it’s in the middle of summer, then you probably don’t need your cashmere sweater or wool scarf close at hand, right?

Your winter boots are hogging up an awful lot of space as well. In the winter, when you try to make room for the aforementioned bulkier and heavier-duty items, summer dresses and piles of sandals can get in the way. Put only what you need currently in your closet.

If the seasons are warmer, then store your spring and summer clothing. When the seasons change, remove your lighter clothes and add autumn and winter wear instead. Where should you put off-season clothing? There are plenty of options from baskets to vacuum-sealed bags to simply moving a portion of your wardrobe to another space.

Make Use of Dividers, Shelves, and Drawers

Storage compartments are one feature of many in your custom closet to make staying organized a snap. Your closet may also include divided shelves. These are a great solution for grouping your clothes into sections.

Jewelry trays and organizers are the perfect areas to store precious keepsakes. From brooches to necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, and everything in between, you’ll have a safe, private, and reliable spot for your heirlooms.

Hooks can be used for displaying scarves, ties, and belts. These are the kinds of thin garments that often tragically go missing, as finding them in a messy closet can be next to impossible.

Shoe organizers are another hugely reliable accessory that you’ll get a lot of use out of. Metal shoe fences keep your favorite pairs easy to see yet out of the way. The floor will be clear and your closet will look and feel as large as it did the day it was installed.

Crinkled, wrinkly pants? Not with a pants organizer in your closet! Lingerie organizers will prevent sensitive undergarments from getting jammed up and crinkled as well. Whether you use a few of these accessories or every last one, each is designed to make your closet a more organized oasis.

Categorize The Contents of Your Closet

Picture this scenario. You know you want to wear your lucky blazer to work today because you have a big presentation. You’re sure it's in your closet, although where you can’t be sure. You dig and you dig, but you can’t find it.

Frustration mounts. It’s getting later and later. You don’t want to go to work without your good luck charm, but you’re starting to think you’ll have to. These kinds of upsetting mornings can be avoided by organizing your closet. Seasonally shifting out your clothes is a good place to start, but for what’s in there, you can further streamline the process.

For example, group clothes by color. This way, if your lucky blazer is red, you’ll at least know which part of your closet to begin looking in. You can also sort your clothes by type, such as shirts, dresses, pants, skirts, sweaters, and, yes, blazers.

Don’t Be Afraid to Donate

When you inevitably clear your closet of all its contents to decide how to organize it, you’ll come across some garments or maybe a pair of shoes or a tie you’re not so crazy about anymore. You loved the item(s) when you bought it, but it hasn’t gotten any play in your wardrobe. The Spruce recommends donating clothes and shoes if you haven’t worn them in a year.

What a great rule! After all, if the item hasn’t come out of your wardrobe in the last 360+ days, what makes you think it will in the next 360, or the 360+ days after that? Another tip? Donate some of those pieces to a local charity. Donating gives you the perfect excuse to go shopping!

Go One Closet at a Time

This last tip isn’t so much about organizing, but rather, maintaining your sanity as you organize. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your organizational skills won’t be either. If you plan on organizing several closets in your home–be those bedroom closets, kids closets, or even the hall closet you rarely touch–give yourself at least a day to work on each one.

If one closet needs some serious organizational help, it’s okay to spend several days on the same closet. Be sure to finish what you started with one closet before you move on to another. If you don’t, the clutter can become overwhelming!

Conclusion

Keeping your closets in respectable, useable condition can be a challenge, but not with these tips. Be sure to go through your storage spaces twice per year and clear out what you’re not using. You’ll love how much more space you have after you're done organizing your custom closets!

Sources

https://www.thespruce.com/getting-rid-of-clothes-shoes-accessories-2648445

Thank you for visiting

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 15:44:34 GMT

Thank you for visiting our site! Here in our blog, we will be posting company news, home organization tips and more! Stay tuned.