I Hired A Yelp-Famous Closet Organizer — And Was Shocked By The Results

The author recounts her personal struggle with an overflowing and disorganized closet, a common issue stemming from sentimental attachment to clothing and an aversion to parting with items. Her closet had become a chaotic space, making the daily task of getting dressed a frustrating ordeal. Despite her husband's suggestions to declutter, the emotional weight of the task felt overwhelming, preventing her from creating a neat, organized space. This challenge led her to seek the expertise of Rachel Rosenthal, a professional organizer and founder of Rachel & Company. Rosenthal's approach to closet organization is detailed through four key steps, emphasizing not just physical tidiness but also the emotional and practical aspects of decluttering. The first step, "Be Compassionate with Yourself," highlights the emotional component of decluttering. Rosenthal advises against tying self-worth to the tidiness of one's space and encourages self-grace during the organizing process. She emphasizes that organization is a tool to simplify life, not a reflection of personal value, which was a crucial insight for the author who felt overwhelmed by the project. The second step, "Sort Smart," focuses on practical decision-making for each clothing item. The core questions to ask are: When was the last time this was worn? Was it within the past year? Why not? Do I love it? Do I feel good wearing it? This process helped the author confront her changing body image and preferences, realizing that many old clothes no longer suited her current style or made her feel good. This systematic approach allowed her to identify items that truly deserved a place in her wardrobe versus those held onto out of habit or sentimentality. "Think About Your Space and Habits" is the third step, advocating for personalized organization systems. Rosenthal clarifies that effective organization isn't about perfectly color-coordinated displays but rather about creating systems that align with individual routines and the physical constraints of the space. For the author, this meant addressing her narrow closet with high shelves by relocating everyday shoes to accessible shelves and using bins for infrequently worn items on higher shelves, making the space functional despite her height. The final step, "Put Clothes Back with Purpose," underscores the importance of arranging clothes based on frequency of use and outfit assembly routines. The most frequently worn items should be the easiest to access. This involved hanging dresses, blouses, and jumpsuits centrally, while folding jeans and pants on shelves with dividers to prevent them from toppling. This simple reorganization created space for daily essentials like belts and zip-up jackets, significantly reducing the time and stress associated with getting ready. The author reports that her closet remains organized, acknowledging that while not every item unworn in the past year was discarded, sentimental pieces like her grandmother's coat are respectfully stored, demonstrating a balanced approach to organization that honors personal memories. #ProfessionalOrganizer #ClosetOrganization #DeclutteringTips #HomeOrganization #StorageSolutions #EmotionalDecluttering #WardrobeManagement #RachelRosenthal

The author discusses a common problem of an overflowing and disorganized closet, particularly in smaller living spaces like a Brooklyn apartment. Despite the apartment being larger than typical New York City dwellings, the closet space in the bedroom is limited, leading to a constant struggle to find room for clothes and accessories. The author has often resorted to shoving items onto the top shelf, indicating a clear need for effective storage solutions. The core of the article revolves around the discovery and positive impact of the Real Simple x At Home 12-Pocket Hanging Closet Organizer. The organizer, priced at $18, is presented as a game-changer for enhancing closet functionality. Its design, featuring 12 compartments, is particularly beneficial for segregating smaller items that are frequently needed, such as underwear, socks, and bras. This dedicated storage for small articles frees up valuable hanger space for larger garments like shirts and allows the top shelf to be used exclusively for pants, thereby optimizing the entire closet layout. The clear pockets are highlighted as a significant advantage, enabling quick identification of items and reducing the time spent searching for specific pieces each morning. This feature is especially useful for streamlining the daily routine and minimizing morning rush. Further benefits of the hanging organizer include its double-sided design, which effectively doubles the storage capacity without occupying additional physical footprint within the closet. The use of breathable mesh for its construction suggests considerations for garment ventilation and preservation. The ease of installation is another key selling point, as the organizer can be readily hung even in already packed closets, indicating its compact and adaptable nature. The author emphasizes that this solution helps overcome the previous feeling of battling through a "haystack of clothes" and allows for a more organized and efficient selection of outfits. Overall, the article portrays the 12-pocket hanging closet organizer as a simple, affordable, and highly effective tool for maximizing storage in confined closet spaces. It transforms a chaotic storage area into a well-ordered system, making daily dressing a more efficient and less stressful experience. The author's personal endorsement underscores the practical advantages of this specific product within the broader context of home organization, particularly for individuals dealing with limited storage and a desire for a more functional wardrobe. #ClosetOrganization #HomeStorage #SmallSpaceSolutions #WardrobeManagement #HomeDecor

This article details the process of identifying and testing the best closet kits available on the market. Faced with the overwhelming number of choices, including various hanging rods, drawers, shelves, bins, and material options like metal or wood, as well as installation methods (freestanding or wall-mounted), a structured approach was adopted to streamline the selection process. Eight different closet kits were acquired and installed in personal homes by a dedicated team. Each kit underwent rigorous daily use and evaluation based on several criteria: setup complexity, design effectiveness, overall durability, ease of use, and value for money. The objective was to provide comprehensive recommendations that cater to diverse needs while ensuring an organized and efficient closet space. The testing methodology involved practical, hands-on installation by team members, some of whom were more experienced in DIY projects than others, highlighting the varying installation times, which ranged from under an hour to over four hours. The need for additional tools, such as drills, levels, and screwdrivers, was also assessed. Post-installation, the kits were used in everyday life, and feedback was collected on their long-term performance. Emphasis was placed on how well each kit transformed a disorganized space into an efficient and aesthetically pleasing one. The team also examined the structural integrity of the kits, their capacity to hold various items without sagging or breaking, and the smoothness of moving parts like drawers and adjustable shelves. Value was determined by weighing the cost against the benefits and overall user satisfaction. Several top recommendations emerged from this testing process. The ClosetMaid SuiteSymphony Closet System was chosen as the 'Best Overall' due to its balance of contemporary aesthetics, functionality, and mid-range price, offering both hanging space and smooth-gliding drawers. For those on a tighter budget, the Brightroom Wire Closet System from Target was selected as the 'Best Budget' option, praised for its tool-free assembly, freestanding nature, and customizable shelf heights. The Rebrilliant Olivie Closet System earned 'Best Freestanding' honors for its elevated design, solid shelving, and ease of assembly, making it suitable for renters. The Rubbermaid Configurations Closet Kits were recognized as 'Best Modular' for their flexibility, durable metal components, and easy adjustability, suitable for evolving storage needs. The IKEA Aurdal Wardrobe Combination was dubbed 'Best Custom' for its extensive configurability, allowing users to design their own systems online before self-assembly, catering to non-traditional closet spaces. Specialized recommendations included the Easy Track Solid Shelving Wood Closet System for 'Small Closets,' commended for its slim design and robust organization despite some assembly challenges. The ClosetMaid Impressions Closet System, highlighted as 'Best for Walk-In Closets,' was lauded for its attractive design, smooth gliding drawers, and significant aesthetic improvement, despite some minor inconsistencies in materials and challenging instructions. Finally, The Container Store Elfa Reach-In Classic System was chosen as 'Best for Reach-In Closets' for its visually clean, contemporary metal construction, expansive hanging capacity, and modular design, though it presented some initial issues with missing parts and drawer stability when heavily loaded. Across all selections, the importance of accurate measurements, understanding installation requirements, and considering desired organizational options—including shelving, rods, drawers, and customization—was underscored to ensure a successful closet transformation. #ClosetOrganization #HomeImprovement #DIYProjects #StorageSolutions #InteriorDesign #ProductReview #ModularClosets #SpaceSaving #HomeDecor

This article shares 13 expert tips from professional closet organizers to help individuals effectively clean out and organize their closets. The advice aims to transform daunting closet organization tasks into manageable and even enjoyable projects, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. The foundational principle emphasizes grouping similar items together, such as shirts with shirts and pants with pants, to create a logical system that simplifies finding and returning items. The article highlights the flexibility of shelving, suggesting that if at least 12 inches of space exists between shelves, an additional shelf can be incorporated for increased storage. It encourages customizing shelving to suit specific needs, such as adjusting shelf height for tall boots or for stacks of folded clothing to prevent toppling. Another key strategy involves storing items based on their frequency of use, placing less-used items, like an air mattress, on higher shelves or at the back of the closet to ensure frequently used items are easily accessible. Categorization is presented as crucial for maintaining an organized closet. This involves hanging clothes by type (tops, pants, dresses) and then color-coding within each category. Breaking down categories by season is also recommended, allowing out-of-season clothing to be stored elsewhere. To elevate the closet's ambiance, incorporating decorative elements like a rug or even a small chandelier can transform it into a more respected and aesthetically pleasing space, encouraging better maintenance. Uniformity in storage solutions, such as matching hangers, shoe boxes, and containers, is advised to reduce visual clutter and motivate consistent organization. The article also suggests having extra hangers readily available for new purchases or dry-cleaned items. The concept of an 'expandable' closet is introduced, encouraging the use of nearby nooks, wall space, or under-the-bed storage for items that do not fit within the main closet area. Creating designated 'stations' or zones within the closet for specific item categories, like shoes, accessories, or gym clothes, helps streamline the retrieval and return process. Using drawer and shelf dividers, along with closet rod organizers, can further enhance these zones. The article draws an analogy between a closet and a house, designating eye-level areas as the 'main floor' for everyday items and upper shelves as the 'attic' for infrequently used belongings. To facilitate access to higher shelves, keeping a slim stepladder or stool within the closet is recommended. For households with children, the article advises creating accessible systems, such as double hanging rods and labeled bins in cubbies, to empower kids to manage their own clothes. This approach aims to teach organizational skills early. To prevent clutter accumulation, the article suggests maintaining an ongoing donation basket. Anytime an item no longer feels right, it can be immediately placed in the basket, which is then donated once full. This proactive approach helps keep wardrobes fresh and current. Finally, the article emphasizes thinking vertically to maximize storage, particularly in smaller spaces. Utilizing often-overlooked areas like the back of a closet door, the floor, empty walls, or unused spaces between shelves can create hidden storage. Solutions such as over-the-door units, modular shoe shelves, and hat hooks are suggested to efficiently use every square inch of space. #ClosetOrganization #HomeOrganizing #StorageSolutions #DeclutteringTips #SpaceMaximization #ProfessionalOrganizerSecrets #WardrobeManagement #HomeDecor #FunctionalDesign