Arianna explains: We just moved into this condo a few months ago and we've been spending most of our money fixing up other parts of the house, so we haven't had much funds to use on the closet. Eventually we'll paint it, add built ins, etc., but for now boxes and plastic containers keep us organized (my husband uses the other side - not shown in the pictures). The bottom plastic containers, where I keep folded clothes, are from Target, the white boxes at the top are from Ikea and the Container Store, the pink boxes are "gift boxes" from Victoria's Secret, and the scarf hanger is from Ikea.I love the idea of getting 'gift boxes' from stores that have more colorful ones and using them for cheap storage! SO well done! It's amazing what a little organization can do without spending a lot of money.
And now for the dilemma closet...
Sarah and her husband share this small 'walk in' closet connected to the master bath. As you can see from the photos, it's a bit cramped (92" wide x 44" deep), and in need of a little organization!While Arianna's closet is a great example of where to start with some ideas for Sarah, a lot of us like to see our clothes a bit more (boxes aren't for everyone!), so here are a few more thoughts...
First of all, look at where you can store pieces outside of the closet. Sarah says she has a dresser in the bedroom, so that's a great start, but it may not necessarily be the best solution. Think about a wardrobe or shelving like the photo on the right as other ways to store certain items outside of the closet that will leave you with more space inside the closet.
Take a cue from this Real Simple before & after, and see where you might be wasting space - notice how the tall dresser takes up so much room that there's no way to use the rod to hang anything? Also - PURGE!! Throw out old clothes you're not using! If you have a hard time doing this, the best solution is to take out the pieces you don't really wear and store them somewhere (under the bed?). If you haven't missed them in six months, donate 'em.
Lastly, find ways to create the type of space you need. Corners in closets are usually wasted - but notice how much shelving becomes available in the examples above when the corners, or ends of the closets are used well!?Sarah - It looks like you're either in need of a lot more space for folded clothing, or you need to start hanging more clothing. I would suggest turning one side of your closet (to the left or right wall) into shelving. You could even do a low hanging rod below some shelving for shorter items (t-shirts or pants), like these examples from House Beautiful...
Sorting items by length in your closet will also help you see where you may have space under them for more drawers, a laundry basket, shoe shelving, etc.I would also say to get to Ikea and purchase some matching storage boxes for things like scarfs, socks, and other smalls - you'll be amazing how much just having matching pieces in one color will clean a space up! Investing in special hangers for ties, skirts, and other items will also help clear up some space (I hang my skirts on one of those hangers that has multiple clips on it - HUGE space saver!)
Lastly, I would do something fun to make it feel a little more glamorous if you can! Add a small chandelier inside for lighting, swap out the white cotton drapes for something a bit more fun (and you really only need one, probably!). I know you're working with what's already in the bath - but maybe you use a fresh white shower curtain, and something bold for the doorway to really separate the spaces!
Good luck to Sarah, and to the rest of you with your wardrobe (e)scapes!!!
