Getting Organized

A reader recently suggested that I write about closet organization. It just so happens that organizing is one of my favourite things to do, so I have a lot of experience in this area. Keeping things in order is a simple idea: group like items together and keep them in an area that makes sense. For example, most people use a container to hold pens and pencils, and that container is placed on the desktop or in a desk drawer, where it will be close at hand when needed. Follow this concept to organize everything in your home.

Keeping your closets organized doesn't need to be expensive, in fact, I could probably fix up your closet for less than $20.00, using just a few utility hooks and storage boxes.

3M Removable Adhesive Hooks:

3M Adhesive Hooks are also available in Metallic Finishes:


Ikea's Blecka Hooks 4 for $5.99:

Umbra's Hookaboo Single Hook $9.50 (my personal favourite):

Hooks are great to keep items in their place. Use hooks inside your front closet to hang earmuffs & scarves in winter, an umbrella in spring & fall, a sunhat during summer. By having a designated place for each item, they won't get scattered here and there throughout the house. And better yet, by keeping items right near the front door, you won't forget to take them with you when you go out.

Ikea's Vacker Storage Box (with built in compartments!!) $14.99:

Ikea's Lingo $4.99 for 2:

Ikea's Komplement Clear Front Shoe Boxes $14.99 for 4
(I LOVE these and must buy some!!!):

Debbie Travis at Canadian Tire $12.99:

The idea of the storage boxes is to keep all of your seldom used or off season items inside, and keep them stored away neatly until you need them. Remember to stay with the original concept here by keeping similar items in each box.
Allow me to quickly run down the advantages of using lidded boxes as opposed to open baskets:

• Lidded boxes are stackable. The more height you can use, the better!!
• Lidded boxes keep the dust off.
• Lidded boxes look orderly from all angles, even if they're disorderly inside.

Clear boxes or those with clear inserts are ideal, since you can always see what's inside. When using opaque boxes, just be sure to add a label on the outside so that you don't have to open each box to see what's inside. Keep all labels facing front!!

If you want to start from the bottom up and get serious about organization, I recommend adopting a closet system. Once you choose a system, you'll have to stick with it, since all the parts are made to work together.

I love, love, love the Ikea Pax system:

You can build your own Ikea Pax wardrobe online:
Build a Pax Wardrobe

I chose to use this Debbie Travis system in my bedroom closet:

Solutions stores are currently advertising 30% off closet systems:


I should put in a good word for some of the closet organization companies I saw at last weekend's Interior Design Show. If you're willing to spend a little more for a custom closet made to suit your needs, then look no further, here are three great options:

Organized Interiors


Simply Closets

California Closets

So why not try organizing your closets this weekend (assuming they're not already perfect)? Or you can start small - with a drawer, a desk, a cupboard. Don't tell me you've got something better to do!!