9 Closet Storage Tips from a Professional Organizer

We reached out to Diana Auspurger, of the Association of Closet and Storage Professionals, for her tips on closet organization.

Closet Organizing 101

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Closet Storage

Though many of us would rather keep the door closed on the subject ofcloset organization, cleaning up your act can yield abundant daily and long-term benefits. Click ahead to see nine pro tips that will help you on your way toward taming unruly storage.

thecontainerstore.com

Needs First

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Clean Closet

In closet organization, as in many other home improvement projects, planning is the most important step. Before taking the plunge, survey theclosetsyou have and decide what you wish to store in each space—crafts, hobby supplies, clothes, toys, tools or what have you.

thecontainerstore.com

Start with One Closet

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Clothes Closet

Pick one specific closet as a starting point: Consider the ways in which the closet is currently letting you down, and set a goal for what you would like to accomplish in this area.

ikea.com

Measure To Fit

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Closet Office

Get ready to measure—not just the space, but the items you’ll store in it.Measureclothing while it’s on the hanger, the height and width of containers and bins, and any special items that will require more space than average.

chiclittlehouse.blogspot.com

Use Every Space

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Storage Baskets

Make use of often-overlooked space. Addhooksor shoe bags to the backs of doors, install high shelves for out-of-season items, and use transparent or decorative bins to store items neatly and provide easy access.

marthastewart.com

One Closet at a Time

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Cleanest Closets

Remember you don’t have to revamp everything at once: This is a project you can tackle over time, spreading out the emotional and budgetary stress.

closetmaid.com

Do It Yourself

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DIY Closet Organization

Depending on the size of the job and your skills, you may feel comfortable doing all or some of it yourself. Big box stores, storage specialty shops, catalogs and the web offer a huge spectrum of storage options.

overstock.com

Free-Standing Solutions

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Sneaky Storage

认为outside of the box(or in this case the closet) with freestanding options. There’s no reason why you can’t store things outside of the conventional closet, as long as they are organized, presentable, and easy to access when needed.

thecontainerstore.com

Hire a Pro

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Professional Closet Organization

Professional closet organizers will come to your home to talk over your needs, goals, and preferences. They will also take measurements, draw up plans, and make recommendations.

rubbermaid.com

Clutter Coach

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Cleaning Clutter

If you’re truly “stufficating” in possessions you can’t seem to part with, some closet-org pros are clutter coaches who can help you shed items from your stash.

californiaclosets.com

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