The holidays make having a wrapping paper storage system in place not only convenient and easy to have, but can also save you a lot of precious time that’s always in short demand as the holidays come near. But what really works? What actually keeps you organized? How do you decide amongst the hundreds of wrapping paper storage systems out there?

With so many choices out there and plenty of products ranging in all types of sizes and functionality, deciding on the right kind really depends on your own individual needs. While a lot of the standard wrapping paper storage totes seem like they would do the job, many people find that they often end up not being large enough or don’t store the paper as well as they’d like. But since a surplus of paper is likely to happen, and you don’t want to get it ruined by just tossing it in a closet somewhere, you’ll definitely want to make sure that it’s properly stored.

The first thing to do is really think about how often you wrap presents and what kind of paper you use. If you commonly use big rolls of paper for example, you’ll want something that can accommodate the length.

Another often overlooked thing that you will want to think about are gift bags.  If you’re a fan of keeping gift bags and reusing them because it is not only good for the environment but helps you save money as well, then obviously you’ll want to make sure you accomodate for some space for those types of things as well. Gift bags can be a little more trickier to store, because they often come in different shapes and sizes. Most wrapping paper containers don’t really accomodate for gift bags, so it’s something else to consider when picking something.

Before buying anything, the best thing to do is to take a tape measure and actually measure the length of your longest sheet of wrapping paper. While they often come in standard dimensions of 36″ or 42″ you never really know how long it will actually be.

The next thing you’ll want to consider is whether or not the container  needs to be crush resistant and where you will actually keep your storage boxes for wrapping paper. If you keep them in a place where other things will be stacked on them or they might otherwise get smashed, it’s important to make sure that you factor in whether the box will do a good job at actually protecting everything or not! On the other hand, if the items will be stored on a shelf or not anywhere they might get crushed, you could likely use a cardboard or other container.

Another thing to consider is keeping all of your gift wrapping supplies together in one place. Keeping scissors, bows, ribbons, gift tags, and everything else makes it handy for wrapping presents and keeps you even more organized. When you’re in a time crunch playing Santa or running late for a birthday party, having everything well organized in one easy to reach place works out great.

Here are a couple of organizers you might want to check out:

Hanging Gift Wrap/Bag Organizers

As far as storage goes, you can’t get much better than something that takes up no less space that a coat in your closet. These two products, made by Jakari offer just that. You can get the Gift Bag Organizer Here and the Gift Wrap Organizer Here. These are perfect for small collections/light duty uses, but may not be sturdy enough for everybody.

Clear Storage Gift Wrap Box

Depending on what type of gift wrap container you need, a simple and clear plastic box can often work plenty well. They are great for stacking, and see through helps you know exactly how much you have and what type is in each box. This can be especially helpful if you have a large collection and want to separate the different types, such as Christmas paper in one and Birthday Paper in the other. You can get the one pictured above here.

While gift wrap storage containers will vary depending on your individual needs, these two ideas will help you keep your space clean and clear of clutter!

Post from: Closet Organization Tips

A shoe storage bench can be the perfect thing to get organized and make more space in your closet to get organized – if you know how to do it right. We share our top picks on the different benches available as well as some tips on how to get the results you want on a budget.

It’s not uncommon for many people to have problems finding space for all of their shoes. Afterall, unless you are a complete minimalist who lives in a place that has the same sunny weather day in and day out, it’s pretty natural to have at least three or four pairs of shoes. And if you’re a fashionista, then you may have even more trouble managing your pairs of shoes because you’ve likely collected more pairs that you can even wear in one week.

We love shoe storage benches for a few reasons. For starters, they are much more attractive then most different solutions you see such as racks that go on doors or the bottom of your closet floor. A bench for storing shoes can easily be placed in a hallway near the door, which is way more practical for anyone who wears shoes and needs them to be accessible when you’re on your way out of your home.  Not only does a storage shoe bench reduce the chaos in trying to get ready to leave your house and find the right pair of footwear to wear, you can also free up a ton of space in your closet which can be used for other things or help you organize it better.

First, here are some important things to consider before you even start shopping to buy a shoe bench:

1. Where are you going to put it? You definitely want to have a place planned out for where you are going to keep it. It’s very much like buying any other piece of furniture in your home, so planning is essential.  You’ll want to make sure you take into account how it might affect doorways,  hallway room, or corners – especially if you’ve got children who may accidentally run into it.

2. How Many Shoes Does it Need to Hold? If you are living alone, chances are you can get by with it holding a smaller amount than if you’ve got a family of five with each member of the family having their own footwear to stash away. Some units are surprisingly small, holding only a couple of pairs while others can hold several pairs. While the amount of space you have available is one thing, knowing how much storage you will actually get out of the allotted space you have is just as equally important. You want to get the most storage in the least amount of space as possible in most cases.

3. What is Your Budget? It would be wonderful if we all had the luxury of being able to buy anything we want whenever we want without worrying about the cost. But, most of us probably need to work within some sort of budget, so it’s important to think about that as well. Some cloth shoe storage cabinets are only $30 – but a sturdy solid wood piece may cost you several hundred dollars in contrast. So, you’ll definitely want to think about what it will cost so you can find the best deal.

4. Is there a particular style that you like? There’s all kinds of great styles available out there. Whether you’re looking for a pine bench or want a solid mahogany one, you’re going to be able to find it. In most cases it is good to think about how the color will match and blend in with its surroundings – you wouldn’t want a contemporary stainless steel bench if the rest of your home is in traditional decor. Since it’s likely the bench you want is something you’ll be using for a long time, try to make sure the design and style is something that will match the rest of your house.

5. Open or Closed Shelves? There are advantages to open storage benches for shoes and there are also advantages to shoe storage benches with doors. If it has no doors but open shelving, then the shoes will all be very easily accessible and probably three times as likely to be actually placed there when you are done wearing them. (If you have kids, start them as early as possible to get them into the habit of putting their shoes away in the right place!) The biggest perk of having doors is obviously no one will ever know that you are storing all the shoes in there! It will just seem like an ordinary piece of furniture instead of a mini closet of sorts to hold all of your things.

Now that you have some great tips for picking out the right one, here are some examples of the different ones you might be interested in checking out:

Quality Shoe Bench by JPI

Out of all the shoe benches we reviewed, this is probably our favorite one. It is super affordable (think $10-$15 more than a tank of gas) and it is also pretty sturdy because it’s made out of solid wood instead of laminate. Another good bonus is it will not take you twelve hours to assemble it. It’s on the smaller side, holding only about 10-12 pairs of shoes, but it’s quite perfect for sitting on as well. But, hey don’t just take our word for it – go check it out and click here to read the reviews at Amazon.com

Rubbermaid Storage Bench

Rubbermaid always makes some pretty nice products, and this is a nice little shoe storage bench for holding about 6 pairs of shoes or so. While it wouldn’t be practical if you had several family members in one household, it would do well for just one or two people who need a place to keep the shoes they wear the most often. Another bonus? It can be yours for under $50. Click Here to Learn More

Craftsman 42 Shoe Bench

While this is the most expensive of the bunch, it does have a definite amount of style. Many people love the look of the storage cubbies for their shoes, which is especially great if you have kids. Yo may want to think about whether or not your shoes will fit into it though – adults with larger feet may struggle to fit some sizes or styles into the cubbies. The double bonus is the three drawers which would be perfect to store things like hats, gloves, and scarves! !–cloak–>Click Here for More on the Craftsman 42<

Well there you have it, all the tips you need and three great suggestions for a shoe storage bench or cabinet!

Post from: Closet Organization Tips

When you need additional storage space, a portable closet can sometimes be just exactly what you need. There are many different types and varieties available, and they come in many different shapes and sizes as well as color patterns to blend in and match with your decor if desired. They are easy to set up and relatively quite affordable. When you are looking to expand your storage space, portable closets and wardrobes can be a great way of doing this.

When shopping for a portable wardrobe closet you will want to take into some very important considerations, such as the types of items you will be storing as well how much space you have. To help you make the right choice on what type is right for you, here are some helpful pointers below:

1. Assess Your Stuff: In most cases you will likely need the portable space for hanging clothes and possibly shoes. If you are looking to store items that are very heavy, such as winter coats or costumes, you will need to take that into consideration, since the quality and durability of items will vary from model and style and manufacturer. Having a good idea of what you have to put into it ahead of time will also help you decide what size you will need.

2. Determine Where You Will Put It: There are many different places where you can store extra clothing. Many choose to use their attic, garage, or basement space for this. You will want to make sure that the space does not have any excessive hot or cold temperatures however, as this can affect the quality of not only the storage container you choose but also potentially damage the clothing you have hanging inside of it.

3. Get the Right Material: Some units are made out of heavy plastic, others made of cardboard, and some are made of heavy canvas.  Then there are the low end varieties which will end up ripping if you have too many things stuffed into it. Always if possible read reviews on the different types available, since not all manufacturers are created equal.

4. Think About the Design: If the item will be in a bedroom, guest room, or game room, you’ll want to make sure that it matches the rest of the decor so it doesn’t stand out as a huge eye sore. Think about choosing coordinating color patterns. If the item will be available to see in plain sight, you may also want to make sure that you get one that is not clear so the contents inside are not visible from the outside.

5. Consider Zippers: Most people don’t take the time to think about zippers, but it will make a huge difference if you will be using the product a lot. There are two different common shapes – the “T” shape where they zip at the top sides and then down the middle as well as single “D” shape where the zipper starts at one end and then travels up and down to the other side. In our experience with these types of storage units we’ve found that the D shaped ones are slightly easier, as you may struggle with the zippers becoming jammed if you use the T shaped ones regularly. However, this is all mostly a matter of personal preference as well. Others may not have zippers at all, as some offer curtains and fabric doors instead. (These are our personal favorite!)

Here are some of our top picks based on sturdiness, price, and overall design:

Whitmor Garment Rack
This rack has an elegant look with cloth hanging curtains. It’s also an excellent bargain at under $25. Learn More & Read Reviews

Honey Can Do Storage Closet
This storage closet offers a sleek design, doors, and even drawers for additional storage space. Learn More & Read Reviews

Honey Do Storage Wardrobe
With a large storage space and the D shaped zipper design, this is an economical solution offering a lot of space. It also features a shoe rack area on the side of the unit. Learn More

These are just a few examples of the many options available. At less than $60 for most types, portable closets remain to be an affordable solution giving you additional space with maximum flexibility. They are easy to set up and best of all, they can moved and adjusted as needed.

Post from: Closet Organization Tips

When it comes to closet organization kits, there are so many options to choose from. Usually available both online and also in most retail locations with home improvement sections, these kits are often sold in a box where all you need to do is assemble the pieces and install them into your space. They come in a variety of styles and offer different features. Before you decide to buy a kit however, it’s important to make sure it will really actually help you become organized – and not just add more shelves for clutter.  While they are a do-it-yourself dream come true in simplicity and ease of use, they may become an organization nightmare if they are not the right solution for you.

Here are some helpful tips for deciding on whether a kit could be right for you.

1. Decide What Functionality You Need: Everyone is going to have different needs and functions of their space. For example, someone who doesn’t have a lot of clothes but a lot of closet might decide they would like to use the space for storing their craft materials or their linens instead. Someone who has primarily dresses as a part of their wardrobe would likely need something different than someone who’s wardrobe is comprised mainly of slacks and shirts. Look at the items you keep in your closet and then decide what the best storage method for these items are. Do you need hanging rods high off the ground? Shelves with compartments?

2. Measure Your Space and Your Stuff: You’ll find that most closet organization kits come in “standard” sizes. Shelves and hanging rods are typically designed to be at a fixed height though some kits will offer the flexibility of being able to adjust heights and widths. Before you go out and just buy a kit “that looks good” – make sure you’ll be able to actually fit the items you want to fit on it. For example, if you wanted to place totes on a lower shelf in the bottom of the area, you’ll want to make sure you know the size of those totes and ensure that they will fit in the system when it is assembled.

3. Wood or Wire? Most closet organizing kits come in either a wire metal frame or a wooden frame. There are disadvantages and advantages to both. Wire shelving tends to look dated, but there are also far more out of the box solutions available and flexibility. When looking for wire systems you’ll notice in the store you have a lot of variety to choose from. Wooden systems offer a sleek and stylish design available in a variety of colors and finishes. Unfortunately, wood closet kits are typically not only harder to find or need to be custom ordered, but they can also be much more costly. Ultimately, the decision will be up to you and what the other styles of the home are. For example, if you have a 1800′s renovated Victorian home, wooden shelving would seem far more suitable than the more modern wire closet kits. However, in a modern setting, the wire kits can often look more natural and cohesive with the rest of the design.

4. Quality Counts: If you’ve ever tried to put together a puzzle with missing pieces, then you know that it can be difficult to finish and be happy with what you have accomplished. Buying the wrong system for you can be like this – something that is low quality might result in you accidentally breaking pieces while assembling it or cause other issues in putting it together. Purchasing something that has a higher quality level will also ensure that it will get much use for many years to come.

5. Read Reviews: The more people who write a review, the more likely you will know exactly what you are getting into and what you can expect before ordering. We’ve found that many times ordering online is much more convenient and easy than trying to find something that is close to what you need in a store. However, it is easy to also buy something online that is nothing at all like you expected, and of course you want to make sure that what you get is what you want. Reading reviews is one of the easiest and best ways to get an idea of what others are doing and using and what their experiences have been. Once you find a particular style, model number, or brand name that you like, be sure that you read up on it and learn from other’s experiences with it when possible.

6. Realize a Kit Might Not Be Right: It’s easy to want a kit and think it is the easiest solution out there. However, even if they are easy to put together it can still cause quite a lot of frustration in trying to screw it into walls or make it work for exactly what you need. Hiring a professional designer sometimes is necessary as they might be able to help you see exactly what you need even when you can’t or feel lost for ideas. Sometimes even though they are meant for added organization, kits can often end up being an enabler for more clutter or more mess.

By doing some simple research such as measuring, planning, and reading reviews as mentioned above, you will be able to decide which kit is right for you. Remember that without a plan for function and design, even the best ready to assemble closet kits will not result you in being more organized. Thinking about your needs and brain storming for simple solutions might have you realizing that a kit out of a box is not necessary at all.

What do you think? Have any tips for choosing closet organization kits? Share your ideas in the comments below!

Post from: Closet Organization Tips

There is a wide variety of hanging closet organizer systems available. From racks and bags that hang over doors to different ones that attach to closet rods for additional shelving and storage, the possibilities are truly endless for different ways to add additional storage space to an existing closet area. Below we’ll take a quick overview of the different types available to help you make the best decision and selections for your needs.

Over the Door Systems
Your closet door is a great asset, though it often goes unnoticed and unused. In most cases, any door can be transformed into storage space, with the only exception being some sliding doors and some bi-fold doors, since they may or may not work for installing the organizer system. There are many choices available, and a lot of it will depend greatly on what you find you need the most space for. Generally the door is the best place for storing smaller items, since the space between the door and the contents inside is usually rather shallow.

Hanging Hooks: Hooks on a closet door can be great for storing frequently worn clothing, jackets, purses, towels, or other items. They often are very easy to install and usually require no tools as they simply latch on over the top of the doorway. This is a great solution for anyone who is often too busy to constantly worry about hanging things properly on clothes hangers.

Over the Door Shoe Racks: There are many different styles of shoe racks available. Some are made of metal and simply offer a spot where shoes can be hung over metal rods. Fabric shoe racks, which often consist of small pockets for each shoe, are not always the best for supporting the weight of bulky or heavy shoes, but they are excellent for storing small items or accessories in their pockets.

Over the Door Purse Racks: If you have a lot of purses or handbags, a system that allows for you to clip items onto it such as a purse hanger can be a great solution for these hard to store items. You can simply clip them on and off as needed, making it a great use of space.

Hanging Closet Organizer for Inside the Closet
Many closets often only include the usual standard closet rod, which can make storing items in a neat and organized manner a bit challenging. Getting a hanging closet organizer can greatly help with maximizing space, and without the worry or concern of trying to install more permanant or complex shelving systems. Since they are freely hanging, you can also move them and adjust them according to your needs. They are a very flexible solution. Below are some of the more commonly seen types:

Hanging Sweater Shelves: These portable shelving units are often made from a heavy canvas and simply hang from any standard closet rod. Before purchasing one, you’ll want to make sure you measure the distance from the closet rod to the floor to ensure that it is the right size and is not too tall. They come in a wide variety of colors and styles, which is helpful in making the inside of your closet have a nice visual appeal or to coordinate with the rest of the room.

Garment Bags: Hanging garment bags are another great option and can be used for storing like items together as well as keeping them safe from things such as dust or discoloration.

Collapsible Hangers: Collapsible hangers make it possible to hang multiple items but without taking up so much valuable space. They can be found in metal and plastic varieties, so depending on whether you plan for lightweight or heavyweight use can get one that is cost effective and best meets your clothing storage needs.

These are just a few examples of the many hanging closet organizer systems available for you to consider in your project. Be sure before making any decisions that you carefully plan out your space and know exactly how you will be using it. Having a plan will help you avoid frustration and wasting time and effort on a system that might seem like a great idea but not be a practical solution for your individual needs and preferences.

Post from: Closet Organization Tips