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This $35 Amazon Find Adds Closet Shelves Where There Aren’t Any
The article details a comprehensive closet organization project undertaken by Hallie Gould, an editor in chief, in her Greenpoint, Brooklyn, apartment. Gould, who possesses three closets in her New York City residence—two in the bedroom and one in the hallway—faced common urban space challenges: tall, deep, and narrow closets that made her extensive collection of shoes and jeans difficult to access and store efficiently. The primary objective was to optimize these spaces to ensure everything was visible and easily reachable.
To address these organizational hurdles, Gould enlisted the expertise of Jeni Aron, a professional organizer based in New York City. Aron was discovered through Yelp’s Request a Quote feature, which facilitates connections between individuals and local professionals for various tasks, including budgeting and scheduling. Aron’s initial assessment revealed that Gould’s sweaters on the upper shelves were inaccessible, indicating a lack of understanding regarding the inventory stored in those areas. The reorganization process began with clearing out all items from Gould’s two bedroom closets, followed by a strategic planning phase.
The first step involved decluttering, where Aron helped Gould identify items to keep, discard, or donate. Items in poor condition, duplicates, or rarely worn pieces were prioritized for removal. Aron facilitated donations to Housing Works and GranruMarket, a local Brooklyn secondhand shop, emphasizing the importance of coordinating transportation for large quantities of donated items, a common challenge for city residents without personal vehicles.
Following the decluttering, Aron stressed the critical importance of meticulous measurement. Given the limited and often uniquely sized closet spaces in urban environments, precise measurements are essential to maximize every inch and prevent the purchase of unnecessary organizing products that could exacerbate clutter. Aron advised against buying organizational tools before thoroughly assessing the existing space and inventory.
The organizational strategy also included a re-categorization of Gould’s wardrobe. Previously, dresses were stored in one closet and separates in another, which proved inefficient for daily dressing. Aron helped Gould divide her clothing into two main categories: everyday wear and dressy/whimsical attire. This reclassification was based on Gould’s shopping habits, where she primarily purchased items for specific occasions (weddings, vacations, theme parties) and wore a select few pieces regularly. This realization was deemed crucial for future shopping decisions.
Innovative products were introduced to enhance storage. For instance, ClosetMaid risers, an affordable solution costing $17, were used to transform previously underutilized top shelves into functional storage for sweaters and sneakers, making them visible and accessible. Additionally, an under-$15 Whitmor Double Closet Rod, a renter-friendly, tool-free chrome rod, was installed in the jeans closet to create a tiered hanging system. This effectively utilized vertical space and eliminated the issue of messy jean piles. For shoe storage, a streamlined, pocketed over-the-door shoe organizer, priced at $12 on Amazon, replaced a bulkier, door-obstructing version. Frequently worn shoes were placed on the door for easy access, while special occasion footwear was stored on higher shelves, accessible with a step ladder.
The immediate impact of the professional organization was significant and lasting. Gould felt inspired to extend the organizational principles to other areas of her apartment, including her jewelry, makeup, and hall closet, describing the transformation as giving her belongings a “grown-up home.” This project highlights effective strategies and affordable products for maximizing storage and accessibility in small, urban closet spaces.
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