Borrowing from Jeff Foxworthy, here are some thoughts about organization:
- If more clothes are on the floor than on your hanging rod, you might need a new closet.
- If your wire shelving is falling from the wall, you might need a new closet.
- If you wear the same pair of shoes every day because you can’t find the ones you want, you might need a new closet.
- If your organizing system is to shut the closet door so you can’t see the clutter, you might need a new closet.
There are many reasons to consider getting a new closet system: To get better organized, to have more storage, to make a more beautiful space. The best reason to do any project in the home is to add joy to your life – to create a space that is welcoming and saves time getting dressed.
Before the current Maria Kondo craze, NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals) members have helped clients deal with clutter and be better organized. Professional organizers help to demystify the challenges faced in being more productive at home.
Barbara Hemphill introduced the “Art of Wastebasketry™” in her book Taming the Paper Tiger at Home. It was Barbara that said, “Clutter is postponed decisions™.” In other words, the first step is deciding what needs to be edited. Then Julie Morgenstern wrote Organizing form the Inside Out, which states that we have to accept responsibility for our disorganization. She shares that change starts within us; the problem is not caused by others.
When Peter Walsh came on the national organizing scene, his theme was (and still is) we need to Lighten Up. Our clutter is weighting us down. Now it’s Maria Kondo’s time in the spotlight sharing that our things must bring us joy.
These are all great principles to learn from when organizing around the house, especially starting a closet design project. After the clutter is gone, a good custom storage design will give the best use of space. It can be grand or simple. Either way, having a system designed for your needs will keep things accessible and organized. And today’s closet systems have flexibility to change as your needs change.
If your closet does not add value to your life, then you need a new closet. Call Closets by McKenry for your complimentary consultation.