Modular Shelves

If you've got a closet that's ready to explode, and you're not ready to upgrade to a higher square footage, then you've only got one choice, and that's to make some choices in what goes in your closets. Furthermore, often small closets already have shelves built-in, or simply not enough space for pre-made organizers.

Do we give up and let clutter have its way with us? Never.

It's simply time to make some choices. Economics says that when there's only so much space, there's only so much that can go in that space. Clutter is nothing more than a deferred choice that needs to be made.

• Choose
Step back, take a deep breath, and make some decisions. What do you currently use this closet for? What would it be ideal for? If it's near or in the bathroom, it's probably for towels or other bathroom supplies. A closet in the hallway might be for knick-knacks or linens. What goes in it is up to you, but you have to decide the best use of your space.

• Purge
Purging is often in order. Do you have clothes you haven't worn for years? Do you have videos that no one watches? Baby blankets, but no more babies? Take them out and pass them on. Sell them. Take them to Goodwill. Let someone else enjoy them, instead of gathering dust and disintegrating in your closet.

• Take it slow
If your closets are really stuffed, start small. Clean off one shelf until it's completely bare. Revel for a moment in the possibilities of the empty space. Does it make you nervous? Space is good; don't fear the empty space. You'll fill it soon enough.

Now, put back only those items that go in that space, then put away everything else, and relax. You're finished. The rest of the closet can be done the same way, as you have time...one area at a time.

• Don't backpedal
Resist the urge to cram other things in that space just because there's room for more stuff. Consider the aesthetics of how it looks as well as what's there.

• Keep the floor free
Psychologically, it helps to keep some floor space open if possible. Clutter stress can be created by the sight of lots of small items like shoes or loose papers. You could use a hanging shoe caddy on the door (only if the door still closes with it on) or a freestanding shelf or basket for shoes if you like to toss and run and don't own many shoes. Modular drawers small enough to allow clothes to hang can be used for sweaters and other clothes that need to be folded.

• Hooks and hangars
Belts and small purses or ties work great on hooks. Even hangars can sometimes work great for this purpose.

• Purpose-based organizing
You can specify certain areas for each kind of item, such as underwear, tops and bottoms. Perhaps you might organize according to your clothes and your partner's clothes, his and hers, or by color or purpose.

Once you start organizing clothes this way, be careful not to go into organizational overload. If your system doesn't work for you and the other people that live with you, it doesn't work. Keep experimenting until you come up with something that provides peace of mind for you and everybody.

Closets are not meant to be the catch-all garbage dumps of the house. Store things strategically, and make the most of your small closet space.

Modular Shelves