An Article… By: Gordon Whitlock

Talk with any architect or builder about what homeowners say they want most and you’ll find out – it’s MORE storage. There just never seems to be enough of it! This can be especially true for people moving to our area from those parts of the country that have full sized basements.

They’ve become accustomed to having a space that provides that extra storage that everyone wants. Here, with most homes on a concrete slab, storage needs to be maximized neatly and efficiently.

If you’re selling a home, organizing and improving your storage space can boost your bottom line by making your house more attractive to buyers. If you’re buying a home, it’s a perfect time to get your life organized by making the most of the storage in your new digs.

Most people start with their closets. And, the best way to start is to take a good long honest look at the shape your closet is in. If your clothes are wrinkled and hard to find, if your shoes are strewn all the over the floor, and if you stumble upon a hidden Christmas present from last year while looking for your bathing suit, it may be time to call in a professional. A good space-planner will provide you with practical tips to organize your life as well as discuss the newest products that can help. Professional organizers understand the value of keeping your home clutter free.

When you can find what you want when you want it – you’re less stressed. Getting to work on time is easier and getting the kids ready for school is much less hectic. Plus, one of the biggest rewards of good storage organization is simply having more time to do the things you want to do.

Here are some tips that will improve your organization no matter the number of closets in your home:

• Empty your closet completely and assess what you use and don’t use. Be honest and practical. Keep a box for charity handy. If you haven’t Worn something in a couple of years, maybe it’s best to let someone else start enjoying it.

• Recycle wire hangers with your dry cleaners and invest in wood or padded hangers that keep your clothes looking sharp and provide the opportunity to hang multiple items.

• Use baskets to organize loose items like caps, purses, or pairs of socks. Just a couple of wicker baskets can dramatically enhance your storage space.

• Sort clothing and other items by the season in which you use them. Then, keep the items you need for the current season in the most accessible area. Rotating clothes in and out this way really saves time, cuts clutter, and keeps your wardrobe fresh.

• Be sure your shelving and hanging rods are adjustable. This allows flexibility when adding clothes to your wardrobe as well as adjusting for size with growing children. At first, if tackling your storage issues seems like a tough chore, just take it step-by-step. It can be a fun process, especially when you rediscover clothes you haven’t seen in a while. With a little patience, and possibly with some help from Atlantic Coast Closets, you’ll get there. And, when you’re organized, you just feel better!

Written by Atlantic Coast Closets’ Owner, Gordon Whitlock