Closet Organization Tips & Tricks from Closet Works Blog 2017

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Closet Organization Tips & Tricks Blog Posts From 2017

Dec. 27 2017

Closet Lighting Ideas

Understanding the ABCs of Closet Lighting: Closet lighting is an often overlooked area of space management and storage design. However, adding this feature to your closet can make the difference between a space that is dark and gloomy versus one that literally shines with beauty and functionality.

Dec. 18 2017

How to Plan a Closet Remodel

Closet Remodeling Ideas: Plan your perfect closet around your individual needs by considering the following wardrobe questions, and then carefully measuring your available space to determine how best to incorporate your personal storage requirements into your closet remodel.

Dec. 11 2017

How to Store Wine & Maintain Its Quality

Proper storage can be summed up with a few key points that are simple and easy to remember. The essential elements of good wine storage can be easily remembered by the acronym B.O.T.T.L.E. — Block Oxygen, Temperature, Time, Light, and Evaporation.

Dec. 04 2017

The Secrets of How to Store Shoes

Make Them Last Longer & Grow Your Footware Collection! No matter how many shoes you have, the bottom line is that you probably want them to last as long as possible. Having built a lot of shoes storage over the years, we can give you some great tips on footware storage and strategies that will help you get the most out of your own shoe collection.

Nov. 27 2017

How to Store Baked Goods

Plan Your Holiday Baking Marathon With These Storage Tips! If you are planning on doing a lot of baking for the holidays so that you can be ready with an abundance of goodies on a moments notice, you'll need to store your surplus so that it lasts through the season. Different types of treats need different storage techniques. Learn the tricks of the trade to ensure that your cookies, cakes and other baked goods always taste just like they just came out of the oven.

Nov. 20 2017

Bedroom Storage Ideas

Make the Most of Your Sleeping Quarters with These Organizing Ideas for Small Bedrooms & Challenging Spaces! Bedrooms should feel peaceful and tranquil. That means getting rid of the clutter and organizing what is left to create a serene and peceful environment for sleeping. Less furniture in the room will make the space seem larger, but at what cost to storage? How do we come up with enough room to store all of our possessions? These clever storage ideas will help you increase overall storage while making the most of your bedroom space.

Nov. 13 2017

How to Organize a Craft Room

Craft Room Ideas That Will Inspire Your Passion to Create: With the children home from school and the holidays quickly approaching, many more households will find themselves engaged in craft projects with the kids. Furthermore, large numbers of adults have turned to arts and crafts as a way to relax and fullfill their own inner creativity. Being able to present a personalized gift to loved ones is always a treasure that cannot be matched by factory made purchases. One thing is certain. Whether you're into painting, sculpting, sewing, scrapbooking, sketching, building birdhouses, models, or just need a space to wrap presents, a designated craft area will enhance your ability to follow your passion.

Nov. 07 2017

How to Organize Shoes and Purses

Storage Solutions for Shoes and Purses: It's easy for shoes and bags to pile up over the years and many people find themselves stuck in a storage rut when it comes to organizing them. If you find yourself with a surplus of shoes and bags but lacking in space, Closet Works is here to offer plenty of storage ideas from quick DIY answers, helpful closet accessories, and installations of your very own show-stopping organization systems.

Oct. 30 2017

The Gift of Organization

Something Everyone Can Use, but Few Think of Buying for Themselves: Have you ever felt that the holidays seem to arrive earlier and earlier every year? Store windows featuring seasonal displays for the Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/New Year's season will dominate our streets and communities for the next couple of months, sending out constant reminders that it is time to get started on your holiday shopping spree. You may succumb to feeling overwhelming pressure due to the stress and expense of trying to find the perfect gift for each and every one of your loved ones. Luckily, finding that awesome gift that everyone can use, is affordable, and would never occur to most people to buy for themselves isn't as hard as you think. The gift of organization comes in a wide array of price points to meet all budgets and, chances are, everyone on your list could benefit from time gained through organized storage solutions.

Oct. 23 2017

walk through closet connects bedroom to bathroom

Understanding Custom Closet Pricing

Closet Systems Come in Multiple Price Points to Fit Many Budgets: When pricing custom closets, each project is extremely individual (hence the word custom) and requires a different price. There are many factors that determine the price of a custom closet or other organization system — and several price points for any given design depending on the materials and finishes used for the construction. Always ask for a free estimate. Initial rendered drawings of your new closet/other organization system should be included without charge in the initial proposal for the project so that you can see exactly what you will be getting for your money.

Oct. 16 2017

Closet Design Tips for a Walk Through Closet

Using a Walk Through Closet to Maximize Your Storage Space: Hallways take up a lot of room in a home. Functionally, they will get you to and from one space to the next, but little else. With the rising cost per square foot of the current Chicago real estate market, it's best to make every square inch count. One strategy is to open up the hallway into an adjoining room, creating a "walk through" space that handles dual purposes.

Oct. 9 2017

Pantry Ideas & Types of Pantry Shelving Systems

Pantry Storage Systems To Take You Through the Holiday Season & Beyond: It's hard to believe that fourth quarter is here and the end of the year is fast approaching. Soon, the indoor holiday entertaining season will be upon us in full force. No matter whether you are preparing a Thanksgiving feast for 30 or hosting an intimate gathering of family and friends, food and drink is bound to be a major part of your entertainment scene. People may drop by unexpectedly. Last minute guests may be added to your dinner parties. If impromptu gatherings are part of your holiday tradition, a little planning in the pantry and some organized storage solutions can ensure that everything goes smoothly, allowing you to focus on your guests and enjoy the season to its fullest.

Oct. 2 2017

horizontal wall bed and media center system

Hidden Guest Beds for Small Spaces

The Benefits of Wall Beds, Murphy Beds & Other Guest Beds for Small Spaces: Housing prices are generally calculated on a "per square foot" basis, so being able to do more with less space offers immediate returns for the new home buyer as well as current homeowners who want to maximize what they already have before taking the plunge into a room addition or larger, more expensive home. Hidden beds make perfect guest beds for small spaces or multifunction areas in that they take up real estate only when in use. There are numerous types and brands of hidden guest beds for small spaces, but they all fall into six basic categories, each with different benefits, comfort levels and price points.

Sep. 25 2017

Closet Organization Ideas

The Pros' Secrets to Optimal Closet Design & Functionality: Most people would like a little more closet space. In this day and age, it is difficult to avoid having a lot of possessions cluttering our lives — and many people may not even want to avoid it. It can be nice to own many things that reflect our various interests, however, no one really wants to become a messy horder. In order to keep our homes chaos free, we must maintain orderly storage options that can handle all of our "stuff." In most instances, that will be the closet. Rooms rarely come with pre-optimized closet storage, but with some rearranging and new organization accessories, everyone can have more room in the closet.

Sep. 18 2017

family entertainment center for large screen TV and home theater experience

Home Media Center Solutions

The Ins and Outs of Multifunctional Home Media Furniture: As the days grow shorter and the weather turns cool, many homeowners will find themselves spending an increasing amount of time inside their homes. Indoor activities may gradually take precedence over outdoor fun as families begin to look for easy, stay-at-home entertainment options. If you like to throw parties at home with friends or family, now is a good time to take inventory of your setup. The traditional "entertainment center" or "media furniture" may play strongly in your indoor social season plans. Different types of media center configurations will offer varying entertainment options for homeowners.

Sep. 11 2017

Best Practices When Converting a Bedroom Into a Closet

There are several considerations when converting a bedroom into a closet. Poorly done and the home simply goes from a three bedroom to a two bedroom in the real estate listing. However, a well done bedroom to closet makeover will add rather than detract from the home's value. The savvy owner will keep these tips in mind in order to both maximize home value and increase storage potential.

Sep. 5 2017

Clever Storage Ideas For Small Bathrooms

Bathrooms are a highly trafficked space in every home. Not only are they necessary, but they are often the permanent storage spot for a lot of life's essentials — from soap to shampoo to shaving cream. So what are the best small bathroom storage ideas that will help get the most return from what is often a very small space? Try these seven clever storage solutions for tiny bathrooms in your own home to eliminate the trouble spots.

Aug. 28 2017

personalize the hardware on your cabinetry

Easy Ways to Add Personal Style to the Home

5 Easy, Inexpensive Ideas That Can Instantly Personalize Your Home: Looking to make a big change but the budget won't allow? Even small steps can make a big difference in staking a personality claim on your domain. Apply these 5 easy, inexpensive changes and instantly personalize your space.

Aug. 21 2017

Nursery Closet Organization Ideas

How to Organize a Closet for a New Baby: Gaining a new son or daughter is a major life change — a good change, a happy change — that spurs many parents to take action in order to better welcome the new baby and make the transition to a larger family unit a little easier. Every one knows parenting requires a lot of time and attention, especially for a newborn. One way to gain more effective time management over any situation is to become super organized. Whether you're setting up a nursery for the first time or you're a veteran parent, organizing the baby's closet space will help you save time and get control over the often chaotic clutter that accompanies the arrival of that new little bundle of joy.

Aug. 14 2017

Ensure academic success through organization

Get Set for a Successful School Year By Helping Your Children Get Organized

Good organization skills can increase school success and alleviate stress in school aged children. It's sad to say goodbye to the slow, leisurely pace of lazy summer days and relaxing in the backyard or at the pool — however, time moves ahead and a new school year is ready to begin! Help your kids transition and set them on the right track to a successful school year with increased organization. Organization affects learning in four key areas including following directions, learning to read, literacy and math. By following these steps, you can help increase academic performance and guide your children on the path to a winning school year.

Aug. 9 2017

Closet Works wins Best of Chicago designation for 2017

Chicago Magazine Awards Closet Works as the Best Closet Organizer Company in Chicago

Closet Works is proud to have been designated the Best Closet Organizer Company in Chicago by Chicago Magazine for 2017. We would like to thank our staff — because a company is nothing without the dedicated people who work there, striving everyday to provide the best possible product and service at the best possible price to our clients. We would also like to thank all of our customers and professional partners, without whom this award would not have been possible!

Aug. 7 2017

Velvet Lined Acrylic Jewelry Drawer Organizer and Storage System

How To Safely Organize, Protect and Store Jewelry

Jewelry is often the finishing touch to any fashion ensemble and can pull the entire look together. The right pieces will even quickly dress up a daytime work outfit for evening use. The problem is that most jewelry is small, delicate, easily lost and can be tangled or damaged if not stored properly. Try these tips to get your jewelry organized and protected so that you will be able to enjoy many years of use from each piece.

Jul. 31 2017

Ideas for Entryway and Mud Room Organization

The Drop Zone: Ideas for Entryway Organization

Who amongst us doesn't walk in the door and "dump" stuff? Be it your keys, your coat, your cell phone or the grocery bags — most people walk into their house and set something down. Eliminate the clutter of chaos-filled entrances to your home by creating "The Drop Zone". This kind of space is usually part of a "back door" mud room, other entryway that you commonly use, or possibly a master closet. There are several things to consider when setting up a winning Drop Zone in your own home. Follow these organization tips to banish entryway clutter.

Jul. 24 2017

How to fold sweaters and shirts for stacking on closet shelves

How to Fold Shirts and Sweaters for Perfect Stacking on Closet Shelves

Ever wonder how clothing stores get their stacks of shirts, pants and sweaters looking so straight and organized? You can have perfectly folded stacks of garments also if you follow these simple folding tips before adding your piles of shirts and sweaters to your own closet shelves.

Jul. 17 2017

How to Organize the Clothes in Your Closets

So, you've decided to take the plunge into a better organized lifestyle. Congratulations! There are several steps to achieving a perfectly organized closet. Follow these tips to get your perfect closet like the ones offered by professional custom closet companies.

Jul. 10 2017

How to organize your pantry to maximize storage

How to Design & Organize a Pantry

There are a number of tips and tricks to good pantry organization. The ultimate pantry design and organizational system that is best for you will depend on a number of factors, including: the size and shape of the available space; the types and quantity of items to be stored; ergonomic factors like your height; as well as budget considerations. The constant in every pantry organization project, however, is the need to maximize storage space in a way that provides easy access and high visibility of all inventory. Follow these guidelines, and you'll be on your way to having a more efficient food/pantry storage system.

Jul. 03 2017

Organized closets reduce stress on the brain

Reduce Stress by Organizing Your Closet

Science has proven that mess equals stress. It is also a known fact that constant stress on the human brain drains a person of energy, making them tired, depressed, anxious, crabby and unproductive. It can even lead to insomnia and major health problems. Getting rid of the clutter will go a long way to eliminating stress and creating a healthier, more productive lifestyle. A good way to start is by putting everything away. For most of us, that means cleaning out and organizing our closets. It will help you relax and you may even sleep better at night.

Jun. 26 2017

Why a Custom Organized Closet Adds Value to a Home

Among new luxury home buyers, closets are a major priority. Survey results indicate that a whopping 75.9% of high end homebuyers want a luxury closet and suite as their #1 desired amenity. This indicates that the custom, organized closet is a necessity when selling in the upper end home market. Closets, however, can be a financially smart choice in any home — whether high end, middle class, or even for first time buyer housing. Custom closets can add value to all of these types of homes in several ways.

Jun. 20 2017

How to keep big closets when downsizing to a small house

Downsized Homes — But NOT Downsized Closets

Whether the kids are gone and a couple suddenly finds themselves "empty nesters," or a family realizes that they don't need all the space they thought they did, downsizing to a smaller home is a current trend in American housing. And it doesn't necessarily mean trading a house for a condo. Just take a look at the growing demand for custom "tiny houses" which have become so popular that they even managed to get their own TV show. A small house doesn't necessarily mean a small closet, however. Whether new construction or old, homeowners want and need storage space.

Jun. 13 2017

How to add closet space to an old house without closets

How to Maximize the Closet Space in a Vintage 1874 Victorian Home & Suit Modern Needs

It's easy to fall in love with a historic home or neighborhood. Historic homes have a type of charm and beauty that can't be duplicated by modern buildings. On the plus side, you get to live in a piece of history. However, there are downsides to living in a vintage home as well. One of the challenges of living in an old home is the lack of closet space found in these types of buildings. However, with a little ingenuity, storage space can be added to an older home without having to increase the overall square footage or ruin the vintage charm of the building.

Jun. 6 2017

Closet organization tips to clear closet clutter

Tips for Clearing Out Old Closet Clutter

Maintaining your closet so that it stays neatly arranged and free of clutter can be a challenge for even the most organized among us. Clearing out the surplus items you no longer use is key in keeping things tidy. Try these organizational tips for getting your wardrobe and closet into tip top shape for the summer.

Apr. 27 2017

2017 Top Shelf Award Winners.

Closet Works Sweeps the 2017 Top Shelf Awards with Five Wins

Closet Works' designers blitzed the Top Shelf Awards ceremony, taking home awards in more than half of all the categories. Closet Works garnered four first place wins and one honorable mention in the Top Shelf 2017 national competition. There is one more "People's Choice Award" to be decided by May 3rd. Closet Works has 18 of the 58 entries being considered for this award.

Jan. 17 2017

Closet Works wins the "Best of Houzz 2017" Award for Design and Service

Houzz has awarded Closet Works with the 2017 "Best Design" award and the 2017 "Best Customer Service" award.

The Best Of Houzz is awarded annually in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design award winners' work was the most popular among the more than 40 million monthly users on Houzz. Customer Service honors are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2016. Architecture and interior design photographers whose images were most popular are recognized with the Photography award. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz.