While lacking . . . → Read More: Get That Mess Under Control With Closet Accessories That Organize For You]]>

While many of us dream of the type of custom closets that we see in celebrity magazines, the reality is that our budgets just will not make this dream come true. While we may not be able to push a button and watch our designer shoes circle by, the reality is that most of us simply need a good way to organize our everyday shoes and our couple of pairs of special occasion pumps.  The Internet provides a wonderful way to view closet accessories that are reasonably priced and can add a little touch of organizational glamour to our closets.

While lacking a little in the glamour department, an affordable choice in closet organizers is made by Rubbermaid, the folks who have brought great organizational items to the kitchen and pantry. Their closet accessories and organizers are called Rubbermaid Closet Configurations.  This wire based system has received an excellent rating from Consumer Reports, citing its durability and ease of installation.

Image by Twicepix. CC.

Rubbermaid Configurations come in two sizes, one that fits smaller closets in the three to six foot range, and a larger version for closets up to four feet by eight feet. What is really terrific about these systems is that there is no need for measuring or cutting shelf supports since the package provides rails and shelves that telescope.  There is even a choice in colors, basic white, titanium or nickel.

The installation process is just about as simple as it can be, a four step process, with an online video for those who are really apprehensive. Basically, all the closet owner needs to do is mount the rails for hanging items, no cutting involved as the telescoping feature makes it easy to simply overlay the shelves and adjust the width. The uprights are put in place over the hanging rail, shelves and brackets are attached and then the clothes rods are put in place.

Voila, the pieces are now in place to have a truly organized closet. The best thing is that these closet accessories can be purchased at very reasonable prices online, from $80 to $200, depending upon closet size. There are also a number of additional items that can be added to this system such as shoe racks and specific organizers for things like ties and belts.

When starting to look into all of the custom closet choices that are available, a smart shopper will save him or herself a ton of time and dollars too, if some basic pre-planning work is done ahead of time. Knowing personal storage . . . → Read More: Planning Ahead Can Save Time and Money When It Comes to Custom Closets]]> There is an old saying, nature abhors a vacuum, and anyone who owns a home can attest to this.  If there is an empty space anywhere, it will suddenly become full with all sorts of stuff. Nowhere is this truer than in closets and when the clutter becomes overwhelming, it is time to go online and look into custom closets.

When starting to look into all of the custom closet choices that are available, a smart shopper will save him or herself a ton of time and dollars too, if some basic pre-planning work is done ahead of time. Knowing personal storage needs and desires, as well as those things that make a new closet fully function will go a long way in achieving the best possible fit and function within personal budgetary constraints.

Get out the measuring tape and know exactly how much space is available. Do not forget to look at not just the horizontal floor space, but vertical space too, all of the way up to the ceiling. Capitalize on height if it is available for storing out of season items on high shelves. Consider installing another pole for hanging lesser worn garments above the main pole.

Lighting is another critical factor; you cannot wear what you cannot see. If there happens to be a window or skylight, that is great, but do bear in mind that clothing continually exposed to sunlight will fade over time.  Most will need to have some regular lighting installed and the usual one bare bulb in the center of the ceiling really does not do the job. A tip from lighting designers, make sure that the light source is in front of clothes, not behind, as this casts shadows on the very objects that the owner is searching for.

Finally, do an honest assessment of personal storage habits and the contents of the wardrobe. It is okay to admit that your personal habits will never get shoes into neat little cubbies, so do not waste money on these and instead consider some big open bins on the floor. Custom closets only work well if they are designed with the owner in mind.