fountaingraphics.com

Are you thinking about converting a spare closet for extra storage? You should be aware of all the options you have for installing storage closet systems. You can choose from thousands of different bins, shelves, and boxes.

Before you begin, you’ll need to decide whether form, function, or a combination of the two are most important to you. If you don’t care whether your closet looks glamorous or coordinated, you have more options. You could choose from canvas totes, plastic tubs, or rolling bins.

Rubbermaid makes an amazing selection of plastic totes and bins that you can use in your closet storage. They range in size from small food storage containers, which are also great for hardware and craft supplies, to giant totes that are large enough for your biggest storage needs, like holiday decorations and patio furniture cushions.

The best thing to do with the large bins is to place them on the floor beneath the wall mounted shelves. You can then fill up the shelves themselves with bins of assorted sizes.

One of the keys to good closet storage systems is to clearly label everything. When each tub, bin, and tote is clearly labeled, you’ll always know what’s inside.

You should keep all similar items together, and you should be able to tell at a glance what’s in any box. A label maker gives you an easy way to do this, and you can peel the labels off and change them later if necessary.

Alternatively, a permanent marker is a quick way to label storage, as is taping a piece of paper with the contents to the side (front) of the bin.

Clear or translucent bins are the favorite of most professional organizers, because labeling no longer has to be so detailed with these. When you can see the contents, you’re even more organized, and you save yourself more time.

Rubbermaid also has a good selection of clear bins you can use as part of your closet storage systems as well. You can also find specialty storage items for your closet too, designed to hold things such as gift wrap, hobby supplies, and craft items.

Want to give your closet a makeover? The best way to do it is to invest in some closet cabinets. These custom-installed cabinets are usually designed by an employee working for a company that makes or sells the system.

A measuring specialist or the designer will stop by your house to measure your entire closet. Then they’ll return to their office so that they can design a closet that best suits your needs.

You can expect a small fee for the designs themselves, but the final cost of the overall product usually covers the installation.

You’ll have dozens of options when it comes to closet cabinetry systems. But you’ll also have flat shelf space as well as hanging space for your long and short garments.

Shoe options include flat or tilted shelves, and sometimes special gliding racks. Hanging will be installed at the perfect height, and extra space will be utilized with shelving.

Drawers are often included as part of the design, too. The closet designer should work with you, asking questions to determine exactly what you need in your space.

However, there’s one thing you should know: Installing closet cabinets will make your small area feel even smaller. You can get around this drawback by installing more lighting.

While some closet designers will be able to handle this, you may need to handle it yourself or hire an electrician. Be sure to bring up this issue with your closet designer and discuss it.

Closet cabinets come in a variety of materials and finishes. From melamine to hardwood and white to walnut, you have the choice of many different looks.

Don’t forget to buy new hangers to complement the brand new look of your closet. If you don’t, your snazzy closet system could look a little odd with those pastel hangers from high school.

Once you and your closet designer agree on a design, you can schedule the installation.

Be sure to ask the designer if you will be expected to empty your own closet, or if that is included as part of the installation process. You will love your new closet cabinets!