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by Rachel Lyon, Editorial Director for The House Designers®
Well-thought-out closet, storage, and organizational systems can make a huge difference and maximize the space in your new home. People gravitate toward house plans with built-ins detailed in the blueprints, without realizing that any design can be outfitted with the shelves, hutches, cubbies, hanging space, and benches of their choice. If you’re in the market for great closet systems or other storage solutions, check out some of these ideas and think about how you can transform the usability of your space before moving in!
Focus on Functionality
It’s easy to get caught up in all the possibilities, but remember that custom organizational systems should be customized to you! For example, if you prefer hanging your clothes to prevent wrinkles, don’t get distracted by pretty drawer door styles and invest in more than you need. If you have a lot of jewelry, why not keep your dresser or countertop clear and opt for a special jewelry drawer that organizes all your pieces seamlessly? If you have a very outdoorsy family, you should probably give priority to creating a great mudroom. Take stock of your needs and consider your budget—it's ideal to have all your interior organizational systems installed before you move in, so everything has a place to go. Think about all the areas you've been short on storage in previous homes, and plan to optimize them for organizational efficiency this time.
Every household is different, but there are also so many ways to optimize a home, so you will find solutions that work for you. We’ve seen some pretty nifty built-ins before, like pull-out drawers for cabinets so you don't have to reach deep for what you need, and pet nooks incorporated into entry wall units for family members who always wait at the door. If you have a unique request, bring it up with an organization expert—you may be surprised by what’s possible!
Place for Convenience
It’s easy to stay organized when your home is laid out to facilitate it. Start by figuring out where household organization lacks—perhaps shoes end up all over the place, you’ve lost a living or dining room chair to a pile of coats, or the kids just can’t keep all their toys off the floor. These are common problems that can be fixed by putting cubbies and a hanging rod or hooks by the most-used entrance, and ensuring that every member of the family can reach their share of shelves, drawers, hangers, etc. Stuff like this is simple, but often overlooked in the building and planning process. Keep it in mind!
When it comes to your personal wardrobe, the same rules apply. What good is a beautiful closet system if you have difficulty reaching high rods, or you’re afraid of low drawers becoming a tripping hazard? Look at the possibilities, talk to a designer, and come up with a closet layout that works for you. This is especially important for people who plan to age in place, because you want to make sure your house remains safe and comfortable over the years. Universal design can help make that happen, and it’s always a good idea for resale, anyway. After having a really good closet, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Decide on Style
As diverse as organizational systems can be built, they can be finished. Of course, builds with similar functionality can also vary widely depending on how they’re executed. For example, shelves and drawers can have the usual built-in look with a surrounding frame, or they can be installed in a sleek “floating” system that appears to hang in the air. There’s also a wide world of materials and finishes to consider, running the full gamut of styles. Your built-ins can complement your architecture as well as personal preferences, so you don’t have to settle for basic systems that don’t do anything for your interior design. Not only will you love the final picture, but it’ll prove a great investment by increasing your home’s value.
Don’t forget to optimize your closets, laundry room, mudroom, and pantry until you move in and find them lacking! And if you’ve dreamed of a beautiful built-in entertainment center, wall storage, or library shelving, you can plan those at the same time! ClosetMaid® allows you to create custom organizational systems for all around the house, in all sorts of styles and with innovative features to ensure efficient use of space. Start with a professional design request today to see what they can do for you!