The simplest answer is to deal with it once and then put it where it belongs, make a decision right away.  The most common cause of not having anywhere to put it comes from procrastination, things get put off, they stack up and before you know it,  it is an overwhelming pile that has taken on a life of it’s own.

The point is not to overwhelm, but to resolve, so pick one or two problem areas to begin with.  Examine what it is about each area that is causing you the most grief and decide what you are going to do and then do it.  I know this sounds simplistic and easier said than done, but the truth is that  it won’t be easy as breaking old habits will be necessary.

In everything we do there needs to be a starting point and unfortunately the best place to start is always within ourselves.  If we don’t, it doesn’t matter how many shelves there are because over time those shelves will become just as cluttered and unmanageable.

I hope this helps you as you continue your quest for organization.

Keep Organizing

Door Centered:

No hanging available on either side wall for the first 2 to three feet when 24″ depth is not provided.

Door Off-set:

Hanging may not be available on both side walls, but a combination of shelves and  hanging could work.

Door completely to one side:

Door uses the first 3 feet of side wall for swing radius.

Along with the consideration of door placement you should also keep in mind the placement of things like windows, switches, electrical boxes, attic access, vents, etc.  If you don’t plan the placement of these items  they could impact the  closet design and dictate where things need to be placed or how much space you can use for specific sections.

I know that this is “just a closet” but think of how much more you will enjoy it if it is done correctly.

Keep Organizing

Reach-in Closets:

• A minimum of 24″ depth (finished) is required in order for clothing to hang properly.

Walk-in Closets (24″ minimum clear passage aisle):

Dimensions (Depths front to rear):

• 60″ or greater allows for an in-swing door plus hanging on rear wall.

Widths (side to side):

• 60″  allows shelving along one wall and hanging on the opposite wall (with proper placement of door).
• 72″  allows hanging along both side walls
• 132″ (11 feet) is minimum for reasonable center island.

Heights:

• 42″    minimum for single short hang, box & luggage storage
• 66″    minimum for long hang
• 84″    minimum for double hanging
• 126″  minimum for some triple hanging options

Hope this helps.

Keep Organizing

What do I need to have a place for?

Does it need to be within arm’s reach, or can it be put away?

What supplies will help me stay organized?

How can I label clearly so I remember the organizers’ functions?

Is this the easiest way, or is there a simpler way to do the same thing?

Do I like the way my system looks and functions?

How will I remind myself to use my new system until it becomes a habit?

Hope this will help and I’ll talk to you next week.

 The best things to keep in drawers are things like socks and undergarments, stuff you don’t put on a shelf so what do you do with the folded items that this particular person still didn’t like to see in the open.  Shelves with doors.  This can be done in several ways. You can organize your entire closet in order to incorporate this, you can build a wardrobe type unit with shelves, or you can purchase many different kinds of shelving units in many different price ranges from various retailers.  The things to remember are that you don’t need the shelves any deeper than 14″ – 16″, when an item is properly folded it takes up 12″, this means that your shelf widths should be in 12″ increments. Hope this helps.

Keep Organizing,
Gordon Dilling

If these are familiar words try this.  Take fifteen minutes at the end of the day, pick one area and invest that fifteen minutes to do something in that one area, for example straighten up the counter, wash the dishes, pickup some toys or even clean that toilet.  If you have children make a game out of it and get them involved.  If you have 2 children that fifteen minutes all of a sudden translates into 45 (or 60 if you can pry your spouse from the TV).  I know that kids aren’t as effective as you are, but you are teaching them a good habit and beginning to develop one yourself.  Remember you don’t have to do everything at once, you just have to start.

While we may not like to admit it, being disorganized is one of the sneakiest causes of stress in our lives.  It is not big, but for many of us it is always there.  It is something we all struggle with to one degree or another.  I can’t think of many people that I have spoken with about this that say they have it all under control, but I can think of many people that wish they had a better handle on things.

This brings us to the purpose of this website.  I hope that I can share with you some of the things I have learned over the years and things I am continuing to learn to become better organized.  Each week I will be posting an organizational tip that I hope will help you in your own quest to get rid of that stress causing monster, disorganization.

The tips I will be sharing will come from my personal experience, the experience of others or from books I have read.   And if you have anything to share, please do so.  That being said, lets jump in feet first and help one another get organized!

Gordon Dilling, CEO Calgary Custom Closets