lb-closets

10 Garage Organization Mistakes (And How Garage Cabinets Fix Them)

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 20:12:34 GMT

Garage cabinets can completely change the way your garage looks and functions. It doesn’t take much for this space to become cluttered when tools, bins, sports gear, and household extras start piling up without a real system. Even a garage with plenty of square footage can feel crowded when everything is left out in the open. I’ve seen that happen fast, even in garages that seemed like they had plenty of room.

When you open your garage, you want it to feel usable, not overwhelming. You should be able to find what you need without moving three other things first. Garage cabinets help bring structure to the space and keep everyday items better contained. They can make your garage easier to use and less frustrating to manage.

Here are 10 garage organization mistakes I see most often, along with how garage cabinets can help fix them:

Keeping everything on the floor
Relying too much on open storage
Failing to group similar items together
Putting frequently used items in hard-to-reach places
Using short-term storage that doesn’t hold up
Leaving stored items exposed to dust and moisture
Overloading shelves, hooks, and corners
Creating a mismatched storage system
Not planning for future storage needs
Choosing storage that doesn’t fit the garage layout

If your garage feels cluttered no matter how often you clean it, these mistakes may be part of the reason. Keep reading and you’ll see how garage cabinets can solve problems that simple bins and shelves often can’t.

Keeping Everything on the Floor

When too much ends up on your garage floor, the whole space starts to feel harder to use. You lose open room, cleaning becomes more annoying, and even simple tasks can turn into a hassle. It also becomes easier for clutter to spread when you don’t have a clear place to put things away. Garage cabinets help by getting items off the ground and giving your space more structure.

If your tools, paint cans, sports gear, and other bulky items are taking over the floor, your garage can feel more cramped than it really is. Cabinets help you clear those areas and move through the space without constantly working around piles. They also create more usable room for parking, projects, or everyday storage. Once you free up the floor, your garage often starts to feel more functional right away.

Relying Too Much on Open Storage

Open storage can be useful, but when too much of your garage depends on it, the space can start to feel visually cluttered. Even if you’ve put things away, shelves full of bins, bottles, tools, and loose items can still make your garage look messy. Dust and dirt also collect more easily on exposed items, which adds to that cluttered feel. A garage with too much open storage often looks busier than it really is.

When you don’t see every item the moment you walk into the garage, the whole space can feel calmer and easier to manage. Cabinets give you a cleaner overall look without requiring you to keep every shelf perfectly neat. They can also help you spend less time straightening visible clutter. If you want your garage to look more organized with less effort, enclosed storage can make a big difference.

Failing to Group Similar Items Together

When similar items are scattered across different parts of your garage, staying organized becomes much harder than it should be. You may find yourself checking multiple spots for the same tool or digging past sports gear to get to yard supplies. Even with plenty of storage, the space can still feel disorganized when everything is mixed together. Clear categories make the whole garage easier to use.

One of the biggest advantages of cabinets is how naturally they help you create distinct storage zones. When you assign certain cabinets to tools, cleaning supplies, lawn care items, or seasonal decor, putting things away starts to feel more straightforward. You spend less time guessing where something belongs and less time looking for it later. A simple category-based setup can make your garage much easier to keep in order.

Putting Frequently Used Items in Hard-to-Reach Places

A garage can look organized and still be frustrating to use when the items you reach for most are buried, stacked too high, or tucked behind everything else. You shouldn’t have to move three bins just to grab a tape measure or dig through a crowded shelf to find your cleaning supplies. Those small daily annoyances can make the whole space feel less functional than it really is. Easy access matters just as much as having enough storage.

What often makes cabinets so useful is that they let you match storage to your routine. Items you use every week can stay in lower, easier-to-reach cabinets, while less-used supplies can go higher up or farther out of the way. This kind of setup helps you spend less time searching and less time reshuffling what’s already been put away. When your most-used items are stored where they actually make sense, your garage gets a lot easier to use.

Using Short-Term Storage That Doesn’t Hold Up

Short-term storage can seem like an easy answer when you’re trying to get the garage under control quickly. In my view, these stopgap solutions often create another layer of frustration once the space starts seeing regular use. Flimsy plastic drawers, low-grade shelving, and random bins can crack, sag, or stop working well when they’re loaded with heavier items. A setup that felt convenient at first can end up making your garage harder to maintain.

Garage cabinets bring more permanence to the space, which is one reason they make such a strong long-term option. When your storage is built to handle everyday use, it’s easier to keep the garage organized without constantly adjusting or replacing pieces. Cabinets can also give the room a more intentional look instead of making it feel pieced together. A sturdier setup often makes organization feel more manageable in the long run.

Leaving Stored Items Exposed to Dust and Moisture

A garage may look organized on the surface, but open storage can still leave your belongings vulnerable to dust, moisture, and changing conditions. Tools, paint supplies, car care products, and household overflow can all be affected when they’re left exposed for long periods. Even a neatly arranged shelf can collect grime faster than you expect. Protection matters just as much as organization when you’re deciding how to store these items.

Closed storage can make a real difference in how well your belongings hold up in the garage. You still need to store everything properly, but cabinets add a layer of separation that open shelves can’t provide. They also help the space look cleaner by keeping dust-covered items out of sight. When your storage does a better job of protecting what’s inside, the whole setup tends to work better.

Overloading Shelves, Hooks, and Corners

When your garage starts running out of proper storage space, it’s easy for shelves, hooks, and empty corners to take on more than they should. I usually notice this when storage starts spreading into places that were never meant to handle so much. What begins as a simple way to keep things off the floor can quickly turn into crowded shelves, overloaded wall hooks, and stacks that are harder to manage safely. Even when everything is technically stored, the space can still feel cluttered and awkward to use.

A better cabinet setup can relieve that pressure by giving more items a dedicated place to go. Instead of stuffing overflow into whatever spot is available, you can keep supplies contained and easier to access. It also helps the garage feel less chaotic because storage is distributed more intentionally throughout the space. With less spillover into shelves, hooks, and corners, the whole area can function more smoothly.

Creating a Mismatched Storage System

Your garage can have plenty of storage and still feel disorganized when the setup doesn’t work as one system. Random shelves, plastic bins, leftover furniture, and wall hooks may each serve a purpose, but together they can make the space feel visually busy and harder to manage. Even when you’ve made an effort to organize, the garage may still look cluttered because everything feels disconnected. A mismatched setup often makes it harder to maintain order consistently.

A more unified storage system can make the whole garage feel cleaner and more intentional. I’m not saying every storage piece has to match perfectly, but it does help when the overall setup feels consistent and easy to maintain. Cabinets help create that structure by bringing more order to how items are stored and arranged. The garage often feels easier to use when everything works together instead of competing for space.

Not Planning for Future Storage Needs

A garage that feels organized now can still become cluttered again if your storage setup leaves no room to adapt. New tools, hobby supplies, seasonal items, and household overflow can add up quickly, especially when every cabinet, shelf, or bin is already full. Without some flexibility built into the system, those extra items often end up on the floor or in whatever open spot is left. Storage works better when it gives you a little room to grow.

Cabinets can make that easier by giving you a more structured setup with space you can use more intentionally. When your storage is planned with a bit of extra capacity, it becomes easier to absorb changes without throwing the whole garage off balance. Modular cabinet systems can also help you adjust as your needs shift. A setup that can adapt is usually easier to keep organized for the long haul.

Choosing Storage That Doesn’t Fit the Garage Layout

Even well-made storage can fall short if it doesn’t fit the way your garage is shaped and used. Oversized units can eat up valuable wall space, while awkward placement can make it harder to park, walk through the area, or reach what you need comfortably. A setup may look good on its own but still create friction in the room if it ignores how the space actually functions. Good organization depends on fit just as much as storage capacity.

Garage cabinets tend to work best when their size and placement support the way you move through the garage. When storage is aligned with your layout, it’s easier to keep doors clear, maintain open floor space, and create zones that make sense for daily use. You’re also less likely to waste corners or block access to items you need regularly. A better fit can make the whole garage feel more natural and efficient.

Conclusion

A garage doesn’t have to be perfect to work well, but it does need a storage system that makes everyday use easier. When your setup supports how you actually use the space, it becomes much simpler to keep clutter from creeping back in. Garage cabinets can help bring that structure by giving your belongings a place to go and helping the garage feel more settled overall. If you’ve been struggling to keep this area organized, a better storage system may be what finally helps everything click.

What Is the Best Material for Modern Garage Cabinets?

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:02:11 GMT

If you’re shopping for garage cabinets , the material you choose matters more than most people expect. I’ve worked with homeowners who loved the look of a cabinet system on day one, only to see sagging shelves, swollen panels, or rust spots a year later. A garage is a tough environment, and the wrong material can age fast. Once you understand how each material performs, choosing the right one becomes much easier.

Modern garage cabinets should look clean and intentional, but they also need to handle real garage conditions like temperature swings, dust, moisture, and heavy storage. Some garages function like workshops, while others are more like mudrooms for the whole family. That’s why I recommend choosing material based on how you actually use your space, not just what looks best online.

Here are the best materials for modern garage cabinets and when each one makes the most sense:

Steel is best for strength and long-term durability
Aluminum is best for hot climates and low-maintenance modern style
HDPE/plastic is best for waterproof, low-maintenance storage
Plywood is best for a custom, built-in modern look
MDF and particleboard are best for garages with controlled conditions
Stainless steel is a premium option for high-end modern garages
Finishes and hardware can make or break any cabinet material
A quick material match guide makes the final decision easy

If you’re trying to choose cabinets that look modern and hold up for years, you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through the pros, cons, and best-use scenarios for each material so you can feel confident in your choice.

Steel Is Best for Strength and Long-Term Durability

Steel is the material most often recommended when truly tough garage cabinets are the priority. It handles heavy loads well, which matters if you’re storing tools, hardware bins, car supplies, or anything dense and awkward. Steel also keeps its shape over time, so doors stay aligned and shelves don’t sag the way cheaper materials can. If you want cabinets that still feel solid years from now, steel is hard to beat.

That said, not all steel cabinets are built the same. A quality powder-coated finish holds up better to heat, daily bumps, and the dust-and-grime cleanup that comes with garage life. Thicker steel, reinforced corners, and sturdy shelf supports make a noticeable difference in how premium the cabinets feel. For most homeowners, powder-coated steel hits the sweet spot between modern style and real-world durability.

Aluminum Is Best for Hot Climates and Low-Maintenance Modern Style

If you live in a hot climate, aluminum is worth a close look for garage cabinets. Even in places like Arizona where it’s often dry, garages still go through big temperature swings, dust, and seasonal humidity spikes. Aluminum holds up well in these conditions and naturally resists corrosion, which adds peace of mind over time. It also delivers a clean, modern look that pairs well with contemporary garage design.

One thing to keep in mind is that aluminum is lighter than steel, and depending on the construction, it can dent more easily. That doesn’t mean it’s a poor choice, but it does mean you’ll want a well-built system with reinforced doors, sturdy shelving, and quality hardware. In my experience, aluminum is a great fit for homeowners who want a sleek cabinet system that’s easy to maintain. It’s especially helpful in garages where heat and dust are part of everyday life.

HDPE/Plastic Is Best for Waterproof, Low-Maintenance Storage

HDPE (high-density polyethylene) cabinets are a popular option for families who want a durable, low-fuss setup. These garage cabinets don’t rust, rot, swell, or peel, which makes them incredibly forgiving in everyday garage conditions. If you store wet sports gear, garden supplies, pool chemicals, or anything that tends to drip, HDPE is a strong contender. It’s also easy to clean, which is a big plus in busy homes.

The trade-off is that plastic cabinets don’t always have the same rigidity as metal. If someone plans to store very heavy tools or bulky equipment, I’m careful about recommending HDPE unless the shelving is reinforced. Still, for everyday storage, HDPE is a practical material that holds up well over time. It’s a great fit for homeowners who want function and durability without babying the cabinets.

Plywood Is Best for a Custom, Built-In Modern Look

If you want garage cabinets that feel like custom built-ins rather than utility storage, plywood is often the best choice. When properly constructed and sealed, plywood is strong, stable, and long-lasting. It gives you more flexibility with door styles, colors, and the overall layout. You can create a seamless, high-end look that feels intentional and integrated.

The key is using cabinet-grade plywood and finishing it the right way. Sealing matters because garages get extreme heat, big temperature swings, and occasional humidity that can stress unprotected wood over time. When done correctly, plywood cabinets can look beautiful and perform extremely well. This is often my recommendation for homeowners who want a clean modern aesthetic and are willing to invest in quality craftsmanship.

MDF and Particleboard Are Best for Garages With Controlled Conditions

MDF (medium-density fiberboard) and particleboard can be a good fit in garages where conditions are more controlled and predictable. These materials offer a smooth, clean surface that works well for modern cabinet designs, especially when aesthetics are a priority. That said, they don’t tolerate extremes as well as metal or plastic, so the environment matters. Heat, temperature swings, and moisture exposure are the main factors to consider.

To get the best performance from MDF or particleboard garage cabinets, construction and protection are key. Look for well-sealed edges, durable finishes, and solid hardware, and avoid placing cabinets where they’re likely to be splashed or exposed to ongoing moisture. These materials tend to perform best in garages that stay relatively dry and see lighter to moderate use. When the setup is right and the product is well-made, MDF-based garage cabinets can be a practical and attractive option.

Stainless Steel Is a Premium Option for High-End Modern Garages

Stainless steel is the “luxury finish” of garage cabinets, and it can make a strong design statement. It’s highly corrosion-resistant, durable, and easy to wipe clean, which fits well with modern design trends. If you want a garage that feels like a high-end workshop or a showroom, stainless steel delivers a crisp, polished look. It’s also a material that tends to age well when maintained.

The downsides are cost and fingerprints. Stainless can show smudges easily, especially on large flat surfaces, so it may require more frequent wipe-downs to stay looking sharp. In dustier areas, you may find yourself wiping surfaces more often to keep that sleek finish looking clean. It’s not necessary for most people, but it’s a great option for the right space.

Finishes and Hardware Can Make or Break Any Cabinet Material

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that material alone doesn’t guarantee quality in garage cabinets. A steel cabinet with a weak coating can wear down, and a wood cabinet with poor sealing can start to show stress over time. Even the best plywood won’t hold up if edges are exposed or if the finish isn’t suited for garage conditions. You’ll get better results by looking beyond the label and paying close attention to build details.

Hardware matters too, especially hinges, drawer slides, and handles. Soft-close hinges and quality slides not only feel nicer but also reduce wear over time. High-quality, sealed hardware holds up better because heat cycling and dust can wear out cheaper hinges and slides faster than people expect. When cabinets are built well, the whole system feels smoother, stronger, and more modern.

A Quick Material Match Guide Makes the Final Decision Easy

If you’re still deciding, it helps to match the material to your lifestyle and your garage environment. Think of it as choosing the material that best fits what you store and what your garage is exposed to day after day.

Powder-Coated Steel: Best for heavy tools, high-use garages, and maximum durability
Aluminum: Best for hot climates, dusty garages, and low-maintenance modern style
HDPE/Plastic: Best for waterproof storage, wet gear, and easy cleanup
Sealed Plywood: Best for a custom modern built-in look with strong everyday performance
MDF/Particleboard: Best for garages with controlled conditions and lighter to moderate use

If you want the simplest takeaway, steel is usually the best all-around choice for strength and longevity. Aluminum and HDPE are great when moisture resistance and easy maintenance matter most, while plywood works well when design is a top priority. MDF and particleboard can also be a solid option when the garage environment is stable and the cabinets are well-protected.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the best garage cabinets are the ones that fit how you actually use your garage. The right cabinet choice can quietly improve day-to-day life, from quicker cleanups to better use of space. When you choose materials that hold up and support your needs, your garage becomes a place you actually enjoy walking into.

How to Declutter Kids' Closets for a Fresh New Year Start

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:28:16 GMT

January always feels like a chance to breathe, reset, and start fresh, especially in the spaces we use every day. And if you’re like many parents, kids’ closets are probably one of those areas that could use a little New Year clarity. I’ve worked with families who felt overwhelmed by overflowing shelves and squeezed-in clothing, and I’ve seen how transformative a little structure can be. A refreshed closet truly makes daily life more peaceful.

What I love about organizing kids’ closets is how manageable the process becomes once you break it down. It doesn’t have to be complicated or perfect to be helpful. With a few thoughtful changes, you’ll quickly notice smoother morning routines and a calmer flow at home. Starting small can still make a beautifully big impact.

Here are the key steps that make decluttering and organizing kids’ closets both manageable and effective.

Start with a full closet reset
Sort items into keep, donate, and toss piles
Evaluate clothing by season and size
Use space-saving closet systems and vertical storage
Create zones for different categories
Add kid-friendly labels and clear storage bins
Implement rotating systems for toys and seasonal items
Establish simple maintenance habits

These core strategies lay the foundation for a closet that’s easy for both parents and kids to maintain. As we explore each one, you’ll see how small shifts can create meaningful, lasting change.

Start With a Full Closet Reset

The best way to begin is by removing everything from the closet so you can see exactly what you're working with. An empty space gives you a clean slate and reveals how much storage potential the closet truly has. Many parents are surprised by how freeing this step feels once everything is out in the open. A full reset eliminates the temptation to simply reorganize existing clutter.

With the closet completely cleared, the space becomes easier to rethink and reorganize. You can visualize new layouts, storage additions, or adjustments that weren’t obvious before. This fresh start allows you to make intentional decisions about what belongs in the closet and what doesn’t. Beginning with a blank canvas sets the tone for the rest of the process.

Sort Items Into Keep, Donate, and Toss Piles

Once everything is out, sorting becomes the most important next step. Dividing items into clear categories helps ensure that only what truly deserves a place returns to the closet. To guide this process, I recommend focusing on these three groups:

Keep: Items your child actively uses and that fit well right now. These pieces should support daily routines and earn their place in the closet.
Donate: Clothing and accessories that are in good condition but no longer serve your child. Passing them along gives them a second life with another family.
Toss: Items that are stained, damaged, or too worn to be reused. Removing these helps clear unnecessary clutter and frees space for what matters.

Sorting with intention makes the rest of the process easier and more meaningful. It also teaches kids the value of making mindful choices about what they keep.

Evaluate Clothing by Season and Size

Clothing tends to accumulate quickly, so evaluating each item by season and fit is essential. This prevents the closet from overflowing with items your child has already outgrown or won’t wear for months. As you make decisions, consider these criteria:

Current Fit: Choose items that fit comfortably and allow your child to move with ease. Anything tight, too short, or noticeably small should be removed from the closet.
Seasonal Relevance: Keep only the clothing appropriate for the current weather within reach. Out-of-season items can be stored elsewhere to keep the closet from becoming overcrowded.
Condition: Evaluate whether each piece is in good-enough shape to wear confidently. Items with heavy wear may be ready to retire.
Comfort and Preference: Keep pieces your child genuinely likes and reaches for. This reduces morning struggles and supports their independence.

This thoughtful evaluation ensures a closet full of clothing your child can actually use. It also helps you identify any gaps you may need to fill.

Use Space-Saving Closet Systems and Vertical Storage

Many kids’ closets lack adequate shelving or adjustable components, leaving vertical space unused. Adding simple upgrades, like double-hanging rods, stackable shelves, or hanging organizers, can instantly maximize the area. These additions don’t have to be expensive to create a big impact. A few well-placed components can change how the closet functions entirely.

Vertical storage helps transform wasted space into usable zones. When you use the full height of the closet, you gain room for shoes, accessories, or off-season clothing. I often recommend modular systems because they can grow with your child and adapt to changing needs. Thoughtful vertical use makes the closet more efficient and easier to maintain.

Create Zones for Different Categories

Designating zones gives the closet clear structure and helps kids and parents quickly understand where each type of item belongs. This simplicity reduces frustration and maintains order even during busy mornings. To create functional zones, here’s what I typically consider:

Everyday Clothing: These items should be the easiest to access. Placing them at eye level makes choosing outfits simple for kids.
Pajamas and Loungewear: Group soft, comfortable pieces together to streamline bedtime routines. This keeps nighttime prep calm and consistent.
Shoes and Accessories: Keep shoes on low shelves or in cubbies and store accessories in small bins. Kids can independently grab what they need without digging.
Special Occasion Outfits: Store these in a designated area so they stay wrinkle-free and easy to find. This avoids last-minute scrambling for dressy events.
Sports Gear or Seasonal Items: Place these in labeled bins on higher shelves. They stay accessible but don’t clutter everyday zones.

Zones make the closet intuitive and easy for kids to maintain. When everything has a home, clean-up becomes quicker and far less stressful

Add Kid-Friendly Labels and Clear Storage Bins

Labels and clear storage bins provide visual cues that make organization simple for kids of all ages. Younger children benefit from picture labels, while older kids can use text labels. Clear bins eliminate guesswork and reduce rummaging, which helps keep the closet tidy. These small touches go a long way in supporting daily habits.

With consistent labeling, the entire system becomes easier to maintain. Kids are more willing to put things back when they know exactly where everything belongs. I’ve seen families dramatically improve their closet organization with just this one step. Labels and clear bins create long-lasting clarity.

Implement Rotating Systems for Toys and Seasonal Items

Rotation helps prevent closets from becoming overcrowded with items kids aren’t using at the moment. Instead of storing everything year-round, choose what’s currently relevant and rotate the rest. This works especially well for accessories, seasonal clothing, and small toys. Kids love rediscovering items when they return to the closet.

A simple quarterly rotation schedule can make a noticeable difference. It keeps the space fresh and stops unused items from piling up. Families who adopt this system often feel more in control and less overwhelmed. Rotation is an easy, powerful tool for long-term organization.

Establish Simple Maintenance Habits

Once the closet is organized, maintenance becomes key to keeping it that way. A quick weekly review or a short daily tidy can prevent small messes from becoming bigger ones. Teaching kids these simple habits helps make organization a shared responsibility. Over time, these routines feel natural and effortless.

Maintenance also keeps you ahead of growth spurts and seasonal changes. Regular check-ins ensure that everything still fits, functions, and belongs in the space. Families who adopt basic upkeep habits enjoy a tidy closet far longer than those who treat decluttering as a one-time project. Consistency is what keeps the system working.

Conclusion

Decluttering kids’ closets is a wonderful way to welcome the new year with more clarity and less stress. When you combine simple habits with practical organization, the closet becomes a space that works for your family instead of against you. I love seeing how these small shifts can bring more peace to busy routines and help kids feel confident putting things away. A fresh, organized closet is a gentle step toward a calmer, happier home.

8 Daily Five-Minute Resets That Keep Your Reach-In Closet Organized

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 13:09:27 GMT

After years of designing and installing custom closet systems, I’ve seen how much the right setup can transform a reach-in closet . But even with the best design, keeping the space in order ultimately comes down to daily habits. Reach-in closets are compact, so just a little clutter can make them feel chaotic.

From my own experience at home and from numerous projects with clients, I’ve learned that staying organized doesn’t require hours of deep cleaning. Instead, it’s the small daily resets that make the biggest difference.

Here’s a brief look at the eight five-minute resets I recommend (and use myself) to keep a reach-in closet neat and stress-free:

Do a quick clothing reset
Straighten shoes and accessories
Clear out the clutter catchers
Rotate hangers for visibility
Refresh and realign zones
Tidy seasonal items
Surface wipe or dust
Set tomorrow’s outfit in place

Stay with me as I walk you through each one. These changes are easy to build into your day and can completely transform how you experience your closet.

Do a Quick Clothing Reset

One of the fastest ways a closet gets messy is when clothes don’t make it back to their place. Shirts get draped over chairs, pants end up on the floor, and suddenly the whole closet feels chaotic. A quick clothing reset at the end of the day—rehanging or folding what you’ve worn—takes care of the problem before it grows.

For those pieces that aren’t dirty but not quite ready for the laundry, designate a single hook or hanger as your “wear again” spot. It’s a small change that makes the closet feel neater day to day and helps clothes last longer by preventing wrinkles and wear.

Straighten Shoes and Accessories

Shoes are often the first thing to create clutter in a reach-in closet. Without a system, they pile up in corners, scatter across the floor, or become mismatched. Take a moment to pair shoes together and return them to their rack, cubby, or shelf, whether they’re work shoes, sneakers, or sandals.

Accessories can follow the same principle. Belts should be looped on a hook or rack. Ties belong neatly rolled or hung in a drawer or tie organizer. Watches, cufflinks, and other tiny items can go back into a tray or box. These resets keep your closet looking polished and make it much easier to find what you need when you’re getting dressed.

Clear Out the Clutter Catchers

Most closets have a “clutter catcher,” which is a small surface, bin, or tray where loose items collect. While this setup is convenient, it can quickly spiral into a mess if it isn’t cleared regularly. Keys, change, receipts, and even headphones or chargers can pile up until the tray is overflowing.

Emptying the tray at the end of each day keeps it under control. Toss what you don’t need, and put the rest back where it belongs. If you use your tray for valuables like watches or cufflinks, make sure everything is neatly arranged so the space feels intentional instead of disorganized.

Rotate Hangers for Visibility

Closets often feel crowded not because they’re too small, but because they’re filled with clothes that rarely get worn. A straightforward hanger rotation method can solve this problem. Start by hanging all of your clothes with the hangers facing backward. Each time you wear something, flip the hanger to face forward.

As part of your daily reset, make sure any worn clothes are rehung properly and hangers are turned the right way. This keeps the closet looking uniform and makes it easier to see which clothes you actually wear, helping you decide what’s worth keeping.

Refresh and Realign Zones

Even with the best closet system, categories tend to drift. Workout clothes get mixed in with casual wear, sweaters end up stacked with jeans, and suddenly the system you worked hard to create feels off.

Take a moment to scan your closet for anything out of place. Slide shirts back with shirts, pants with pants, and accessories into their designated bins or hooks. This habit re-establishes order and keeps your closet intuitive so you don’t end up spending the weekend on a major reorganization.

Tidy Seasonal Items

A reach-in closet feels crowded when it holds too much at once. Often, the biggest culprit is clothing that isn’t useful for the current season. Even in Arizona, where winters are mild and summers are long, there’s still a difference between what you wear in January and what you reach for in July.

Taking a couple of minutes to spot and move those out-of-season items is all it takes. For example, heavy jackets in summer or lightweight shorts in cooler months can be placed in a storage bin or moved to a higher shelf where they won’t get in the way.

This adjustment keeps the space focused on what you actually need today, not what you might wear months from now.

Surface Wipe or Dust

Dust builds up in closets faster than most people realize. Shelves, rods, and drawers all collect lint, especially if you store shoes inside. A daily reset can include wiping down just one surface with a microfiber cloth.

Rotating which surface you clean each evening (maybe a shelf one day, a drawer front the next, and the closet rod after that) keeps the entire space fresh without turning it into a big cleaning project.

Not only does this make your closet look better, but it also protects your clothing and accessories. I make this part of my own routine because a fresh, dust-free closet feels cleaner and makes the space more enjoyable to use.

Set Tomorrow’s Outfit in Place

One of the most effective resets is also one of the simplest: setting aside tomorrow’s outfit before bed. Pick out your shirt, pants, shoes, and accessories, and place them together on a hanger or valet hook.

This step has two major benefits. First, it ensures your closet ends the day looking organized rather than chaotic. Second, it makes your mornings easier by removing last-minute decisions.

It’s a small step, but it reinforces the idea that your closet should work for you, not against you.

Conclusion

From what I’ve seen in both my work and my own home, an organized reach-in closet doesn’t require hours of effort; it just comes down to consistency. These eight five-minute resets may be simple on their own, but together they transform the way a closet functions, keeping it neat, efficient, and stress-free.

When these habits are paired with a thoughtfully designed reach-in closet system, they become even easier to stick with, because every item has a place and every inch of space is working for you.

How to Create a Boutique-Inspired Walk-In Closet at Home

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 13:28:40 GMT

Some people dream of oceanfront views, but for me, the ultimate luxury has always been a walk-in closet that feels like a high-end boutique: curated, welcoming, and completely personal. I wanted a space that did more than just store clothes. My goal was to create a sanctuary that made getting dressed a pleasure and helped me wind down with ease each night.

I’m finding that more homeowners are embracing this idea and turning their walk-in closets into boutique-style retreats. It is easy to see why. The walk-in closet is where function and luxury naturally overlap. When you design it thoughtfully, you elevate your daily routine, add value to your home, and transform your wardrobe into a daily experience. Below are my best strategies to guide you from vision to final reveal.

Visualize your dream closet atmosphere
Map out your space like a pro
Plan out functional zones for maximum flow
Select storage features that work overtime
Use boutique lighting to set the mood
Elevate with finishes, furniture, and small luxuries
Make the most of mirrors
Integrate smart closet technology
Make it personal and inviting
Smart solutions for budgets and diy
Maintain your closet like a boutique

If you have ever wanted your closet to feel like a destination rather than just a storage space, you are in the right place. Keep reading to discover the practical steps and creative inspiration that can help you create the boutique-inspired walk-in closet of your dreams.

Visualize Your Dream Closet Atmosphere

Before I picked up a tape measure or opened a design catalog, I spent real time imagining what I wanted this space to feel like. I gravitate toward modern minimalism, so I knew I wanted clean lines and soft, calming neutrals. But texture was also key for me. I wanted to layer soft finishes with touches of matte metal and use lighting for just a hint of drama.

If you are just getting started, collect images from your favorite boutiques or fashion brands, browse social media, and notice what catches your eye. Make a mood board, digital or physical, and narrow down your color palette, preferred materials, and any signature design elements you love. This vision stage is about more than aesthetics. It helps anchor your decisions when you are faced with a sea of options later.

Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine in the process. Whether you are drawn to glamorous, bold accents or understated luxury, clarifying your style vision now will help you make more confident choices throughout the design process.

Map Out Your Space Like a Pro

Next, I took a hard look at the space I had to work with. My walk-in closet is modest in size, but with careful planning, every inch became purposeful. I recommend using a simple tape measure or a digital space-planning tool to sketch your closet’s footprint. Record the width, height, and any tricky corners, soffits, or bulkheads. Overlooking these details can lead to frustration when you start installing cabinetry or lighting.

Spend some time in the space, paying attention to how the natural light shifts during the day and where your closet feels most spacious or tight. This process will help you spot opportunities, such as installing shelving in an unused corner or adding vertical storage above a door. If your closet is carved out of a former guest room, bonus room, or even a converted nook, you will likely find some odd angles. Embrace these as chances to create unique storage solutions that truly work for your wardrobe.

Taking these extra steps before you purchase anything will save you from costly mistakes and ensure that your final design is both beautiful and functional.

Plan Out Functional Zones for Maximum Flow

Designing my closet, I learned that the most effective boutique-inspired spaces are divided into specific zones. Instead of randomly placing shelves or rods, I organized everything by function: shoes in one spot, hanging dresses in another, folded items and accessories each with their own home. This zoning approach makes it easy to find what you need at a glance and helps your closet feel intentional rather than cluttered.

One tip I swear by is to leave enough room to move around comfortably. For my own layout, I ensured at least twenty-four to thirty inches of walkway between closet sections so it never feels cramped. Mixing open shelving with enclosed drawers was a game-changer for me. I also appreciate having drawers to conceal the less glamorous pieces. Functional zoning ideas include:

Tall hanging sections for dresses, coats, or long items
Double-hang rods for shirts and pants
Adjustable shelves for sweaters, handbags, or shoes
Pull-out drawers for accessories, undergarments, and workout gear
Dedicated space for seasonal items or special occasion pieces

Creating these clear divisions streamlines your daily routine and instantly elevates the overall experience.

Select Storage Features That Work Overtime

When it came time to choose storage systems and fixtures, I wanted every feature to earn its place. Your wardrobe has unique storage needs, so variety is key. I incorporated double-hang rods, deep drawers with soft-close glides, display shelves, and pull-out trays. Each storage feature was chosen for both beauty and everyday practicality.

For example, velvet-lined trays are a small upgrade that make jewelry and accessories feel truly special, and cubbies for shoes help keep everything organized and dust-free. Floating shelves let me spotlight favorite bags or hats, while a mix of shallow and deep drawers lets me stash both bulky and delicate items.

Here are a few essentials I recommend for a boutique-inspired walk-in closet:

Double-hang rods for tops, pants, and blouses
Shoe cubbies or racks for easy access and dust protection
Pull-out accessory drawers for jewelry, watches, and sunglasses
Adjustable shelves for folded items and bags
Deep drawers for sweaters or bulkier clothing

Choose finishes and hardware that reflect your overall design vision. Details like brushed brass pulls, decorative knobs, or custom drawer fronts will make your closet feel more like a personalized boutique and less like an afterthought.

Use Boutique Lighting to Set the Mood

Lighting truly transformed my closet from “just a storage room” into a boutique-style retreat. After years of living with a single overhead bulb, I upgraded to layered lighting with real intention. I started by adding LED strip lights under shelves and hanging rods. These provide a soft, even glow that makes it easy to see colors and textures in my wardrobe. Installing a small chandelier or pendant light overhead adds a touch of drama and instantly makes the space feel special.

A backlit vanity mirror is another addition I cannot recommend enough. The gentle, adjustable light makes getting ready in the morning feel luxurious and ensures I can see details clearly when checking an outfit or applying makeup. If you want to get creative, consider accent lighting within display shelves or color-changing LED strips for a custom vibe.

For a true boutique look, consider these lighting upgrades:

LED strip lighting under shelves and rods
Overhead statement fixture such as a mini chandelier or sculptural pendant
Backlit mirrors with adjustable brightness
Motion sensor lights for energy savings and convenience
Accent lighting in display niches

Good lighting is not just about aesthetics. It improves organization, helps preserve clothing colors, and makes the closet feel like a true destination in your home.

Elevate With Finishes, Furniture, and Small Luxuries

This is where the closet shifts from functional to truly special. I chose a round velvet ottoman with hidden storage, perfect for putting on shoes or setting down a stack of folded laundry. A small marble tray corrals perfume bottles and watches, while decorative hardware gives each drawer a furniture-quality look.

Do not overlook the power of soft furnishings. A plush area rug underfoot, art prints on the wall, or even wallpaper behind open shelves can make your closet feel as inviting as any other room. Personal touches are what set your space apart from a builder-grade closet.

Accent features you might try:

Upholstered bench or ottoman with storage
Decorative hardware in metallic or matte finishes
Trays for perfume, jewelry, or accessories
Framed art, photos, or a statement mirror
Cozy area rug for warmth and softness

Bringing these elements together helps create a boutique atmosphere that is uniquely yours.

Make the Most of Mirrors

One design element I now consider non-negotiable is a floor-to-ceiling mirror. Not only do mirrors make a small closet feel significantly larger, they also allow you to see your outfits from every angle. For added glamour, I installed mirrored panels behind display shelves, which create depth and reflect light for a brighter overall space.

A backlit mirror with adjustable color temperature is perfect for matching colors or snapping an outfit selfie. Even if you do not have space for a large mirror, multiple smaller mirrors strategically placed can open up your closet and enhance the boutique vibe.

Mirrors double as functional tools and as design statements. The right mirror will help your walk-in closet feel expansive, bright, and thoughtfully curated.

Integrate Smart Closet Technology

Bringing technology into the closet is no longer just a novelty. I added a built-in Bluetooth speaker to set the mood with my favorite playlist, and I love how my lighting adjusts to the time of day for the perfect ambiance. A charging drawer keeps my devices powered and tucked out of sight, and a rotating shoe rack has become both practical and fun.

Other features I recommend include motion sensor lights for energy efficiency, hidden hampers that keep laundry sorted, and sliding racks for scarves or belts. These small touches blend convenience with luxury and make daily routines a little more enjoyable.

Tech and accessory upgrades worth considering:

Built-in speakers for music or podcasts
Smart lighting systems with adjustable color and brightness
Integrated charging stations for devices
Motion sensor lighting for hands-free convenience
Pull-out valet rods, hidden hampers, and sliding racks

Investing in technology is not just about showing off gadgets; it is about simplifying your day-to-day routine and adding a bit of fun to your space.

Make It Personal and Inviting

A closet should feel like an extension of your personality. I add a signature scent using a discreet diffuser, and keep a playlist for different moods or moments. I also rotate a few special pieces on a “feature rack,” showcasing my current favorites or seasonal must-haves. It is these personalized touches that make the space feel warm and welcoming rather than just another storage area.

You could display meaningful artwork, hang a photo collage, or even keep a journal on your vanity table. The point is to turn your walk-in closet into a reflection of who you are and how you want to feel when you step inside.

Smart Solutions for Budgets and DIY

Luxury does not always require a luxury budget. I love finding creative ways to save, from repurposing thrifted benches with new fabric to using affordable IKEA units upgraded with statement hardware. Online retailers have high-quality lighting kits and decorative organizers that do not break the bank. Bulk packs of matching velvet hangers create visual unity and a sense of order.

My strategy is to splurge on the items that will have the most impact, such as lighting or a custom storage unit, and save on the rest with thoughtful DIY projects. You can achieve a boutique-inspired result with a mix of creativity, resourcefulness, and a willingness to personalize even the smallest details.

Maintain Your Closet Like a Boutique

A beautiful closet is not just built once; it is maintained with care and intention. I dedicate a few minutes each week to refolding sweaters, dusting display trays, and keeping drawers neat. Twice a year, I do a full seasonal swap, storing off-season items and refreshing the layout to keep things feeling new.

Staying organized helps the closet remain both functional and luxurious. By treating it as a special part of your home, you’ll always look forward to spending time there, whether you are preparing for an important event or simply getting ready for a regular day.

Conclusion

Creating a boutique-inspired walk-in closet at home is about more than aesthetics. It is about curating an environment that supports your routine, reflects your taste, and makes everyday moments feel a little more special. Every choice, from storage solutions to lighting and personal details, contributes to a space that truly works for you.

When you invest thoughtfully in your closet, you are investing in your comfort, your peace of mind, and your daily joy. For me, every day begins and ends in my walk-in closet, and every day it feels like a gift I have given myself.

From Spring to Summer: How to Transition Your Custom Closet With Ease

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 21:16:14 GMT

Every year, right around late May, I hit that moment where I open my custom closet and think, “What even is all this?” One day it’s cool and breezy, the next it’s full-blown summer—and suddenly I’m tripping over rain boots while hunting for a sunhat. I’ve learned that transitioning my closet with the seasons saves me space and tons of hassle.

Here’s how I make the switch from spring to summer completely seamless and stress-free in my custom closet:

Clear out the clutter first
Pack up spring clothes with purpose
Bring in the summer lineup
Upgrade the accessories setup
Keep airflow and visibility top of mind
Build a closet you can maintain

If you’re ready to welcome summer without a closet meltdown, here’s how I make the seasonal shift actually doable.

Clear Out the Clutter First

Before anything comes in, something has to go. This step used to take forever, but now I treat it like a speed round—decision fatigue is real, so I trust my gut and don’t overthink.

Remove Unworn Spring Clothing: Anything that wasn’t worn this past season? Out it goes. I give myself permission to let go without guilt.
Set Aside Damaged/Outdated Clothing: Clothes with stains, weird fits, or that “why did I buy this?” vibes get moved to the donation or rag pile.
Create a Donation System: My system is three piles: keep, store, donate. The goal is to clear mental and physical space, not just shift clutter around.

Pack Up Spring Clothes With Purpose

Once I’ve narrowed it down, I focus on storing spring pieces like I’ll actually want to find them next year. From experience, tossing things into a mystery bin labeled “spring stuff” does not cut it.

Use Labeled Bins or Breathable Storage Bags: This is my new favorite storage hack. It keeps your items visible during storage. Bonus if they’re stackable.
Vacuum-Seal Bulky Items: Invest in some vacuum-seal bags to make sweaters and coats practically disappear. I didn’t believe the hype at first, but now I’m a convert.
Store Off-Season Items Smartly: Shoes and accessories go on upper shelves or in under-bed storage—whatever works to keep them out of sight.

Bring in the Summer Lineup

Now for the fun part. I love rediscovering sundresses I forgot I owned or sliding sandals into their easy-access spot. Swapping out my wardrobe feels like setting up a personal boutique.

Prioritize Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics: Linen, cotton, and other breathable fabrics get the VIP treatment. If it wrinkles easily, it lives on a hanger.
Keep Frequently Used Summer Items at Eye Level: Anything I use weekly stays right in view—no rummaging necessary. Shorts, tanks, dresses, and swimwear get prime placement. I keep a few of my go-to’s in a drawer and the rest in a bin near the front of my closet.
Create a Section for Special Items: I use a built-in adjustable clothing valet to hold outfits for special outings or travel. I’ve found this helps cut down on last-minute packing stress.

Upgrade the Accessories Setup

It took me years to realize that seasonal closet prep isn’t just about clothes. Summer comes with its own clutter: sunglasses, floppy hats, beach bags, the one swimsuit no one ever wears but somehow ends up in the mix every year.

Add Bins or Trays for Accessories: Your everyday stuff shouldn’t be cluttered on your closet surfaces. Add a bin for sunglasses, one for keys or SPF sticks—you’ll see how much smoother your mornings become.
Use Hooks or Racks for Hangable Items: I used to stash items like pool bags and summer scarves in the back of my garage, but this is faster and much less annoying.
Install Drawer Dividers for Swimwear and Activewear: Keep your swimwear from morphing into a chaotic (soggy) blog. The kids have their own drawer dividers in their closets, too, for this exact reason.
Add a Box for Shoes: Need a place for your flip-flops or water shoes? Keep a small bin or box near the closet door for easy access.

Keep Airflow and Visibility Top of Mind

Summer in our house means open windows, dusty shoes, and sweaty everything. So when I’m organizing, I also think about how to keep things breathable and easy to find.

Consider Open Shelving: If you want clothes to stay aired out, definitely invest in open shelving for ventilation. This is especially helpful for athletic wear or things that don’t necessarily need to be neatly tucked away.
Brighten the Space: Use LED lights or other closet lighting upgrades to make it feel airier. For me, a simple stick-on LED made my closet feel like a showroom—I love the look.
Use Clear Containers or Labels: Not having to guess what’s inside a bin saves me precious time—and my patience.

Build a Closet You Can Maintain

The hardest part isn’t organizing. It’s staying organized when life gets wild—which in my house, happens daily.

Limit Your Summer Wardrobe: A capsule-style wardrobe with versatile, easy-to mix pieces has really saved me countless hours of time.
Keep the Layout Intuitive: Group items by type or activity. For example, workout clothes go in one drawer, formal clothes in another, pool stuff in another. You get it.
Do a Quick Weekly Tidy-Up: A quick reset once a week keeps everything functional. I usually do this on Sunday nights after the kids go to bed. Just 10 minutes straightening up pays off big time come Monday morning.

Conclusion

Every season brings a shift, but I’ve found that how I prepare for the shift makes all the difference. Transitioning my custom closet from spring to summer sets a positive tone for the months ahead. When my closet runs smoothly, so do I. And in a house like mine, that’s no small thing!

Avoid These Walk-In Closet Mistakes for Better Organization

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:09:33 GMT

There was a time when opening my walk-in closet felt like stepping into a war zone. I looked around and saw shoes thrown everywhere and hangers tangled up with scarves and bags. Sweaters were even stuffed into corners like I was prepping for some chaotic fashion apocalypse. And every morning? I’d spend 15 minutes just trying to find a clean pair of jeans.

Now? My closet works with me, not against me. Getting there took a whole lot of trial, error, and ruthlessly learning from my past mistakes, though. If you're ready to conquer your closet chaos once and for all, I’ve got your back. Here are the most common walk-in closet mistakes I’ve made (and fixed)—and how you can avoid them, too:

Mistake #1: Not Planning for Enough Storage Space
Mistake #2: Keeping Everything Without Regular Purging
Mistake #3: Not Dividing the Closet Into Dedicated Areas
Mistake #4: Ignoring Vertical Space
Mistake #5: Poor Lighting Choices
Mistake #6: Overlooking Seasonal Organization
Mistake #7: Skipping Closet Accessories
Mistake #8: Not Designing for Daily Use
Mistake #9: Ignoring Style and Aesthetics
Mistake #10: Not Leaving Room for Growth

Want to make the most of your walk-in closet (because who doesn’t want that)? Follow my tips and you’ll turn any cluttered walk-in into a masterpiece of organization.

Mistake #1: Not Planning for Enough Storage Space

You know what’s worse than not having a walk-in closet? Having one that still doesn’t fit all your stuff. I totally underestimated how much room my shoes, bags, and bulky sweaters would need. I kept thinking, “It’s a walk-in—of course it’ll fit everything!” But without a clear plan? Things pile up fast.

My Tip: Quickly but thoroughly take inventory before you start organizing. Seriously—count your shoes, measure your coats, and be honest about what you need. Build your layout around what you own, not what you wish you owned.

Mistake #2: Keeping Everything Without Regular Purging

I used to hold onto clothes I hadn’t worn in years. Just in case. Spoiler: I never wore them. Keeping everything “just in case” turns your closet into a black hole. From my experience, decluttering isn't a one-time thing—it’s a regular habit.

My Tip: Use the Keep, Donate, Discard method. And try the one-in, one-out rule: for every new item you bring in, one old item needs to go. It keeps your walk-in clutter-free—and it’s a rule you can use for other closets in your home, too.

Mistake #3: Not Dividing the Closet Into Dedicated Areas

Without specific zones, my closet became a treasure hunt. Scarves tangled with belts. Shoes buried under jeans. It was chaos. Creating dedicated areas made everything easier to find—and easier to put back.

 My Tip: Assign zones for each type of item. Shoes here, bags there. What about jewelry, outerwear, and accessories? They each get a designated home, too.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Vertical Space

For years, I didn’t use the top third of my closet. That space was just sitting there. Useless. Mocking me. Vertical space is your best friend when you’re trying to stay organized—especially in a walk-in closet.

My Tip: I’ve installed double-hang rods in my walk-in to neatly hold all of my shirts and pants. Use tall shelving for sweaters or bins. Stackable containers work wonders for shoes, bags, and off-season pieces.

Mistake #5: Poor Lighting Choices

Ever try to match navy blue and black in a dim closet? Yeah. I’ve walked out of the house looking like a human inkblot. Lighting matters—more than I realized.

My Tip: Add overhead lighting, LED strips, or motion-sensor lights inside shelving. It makes your closet feel polished and helps you see what you actually own.

Mistake #6: Overlooking Seasonal Organization

I used to keep everything in my closet year-round. Items like tank tops, ski jackets, Halloween costumes–it all got out of hand. Rotating for the season frees up so much space—and keeps your daily rotation front and center.

My Tip: I store my off-season items in labeled bins or on higher shelves. Rotate things every few months. Bonus: it makes your wardrobe feel fresh without buying anything new.

Mistake #7: Skipping Closet Accessories

For a long time, I thought drawer organizers and jewelry trays were “extras.” I was wrong. Once I added pull-out trays, a belt rack, and a divided drawer for sunglasses? That made getting ready every day so much easier.

My Tip: Your walk-in closet’s accessories should support your daily routine. Whether it’s a pull-out valet rod, custom tie racks, or velvet-lined drawers, small upgrades make a big impact.

Mistake #8: Not Designing for Daily Use

A gorgeous closet doesn’t help much if it’s not functional. For a while, my most-used pieces were buried behind formalwear I only touched twice a year. I’ve learned to design for how I get dressed, not just how things look on paper.

My Tip: Place everyday items at eye level. Reserve lower drawers for seasonal or rarely used things. Keep shoes you wear weekly in easy reach, not at the very top or bottom.

Mistake #9: Ignoring Style and Aesthetics

This might sound superficial, but when your closet looks good—you use it more. Coordinated bins, matching hangers, a cute rug or mirror? It made my walk-in feel more like a dressing room and less like a storage closet.

My Tip: Choose a color scheme. Add decorative touches. Use cohesive hangers and storage bins. When you love how your space looks, you’ll treat it with more care.

Mistake #10: Not Leaving Room for Growth

One of my earliest mistakes? Designing my closet to fit my current wardrobe perfectly. And then I went shopping. Suddenly, everything felt cramped again.

My Tip: Always keep expansion in mind. Leave 10–15% of your closet open and unoccupied. Trust me—you’ll fill it sooner than you think.

Conclusion

Your walk-in closet should work for you, not stress you out. I’ve learned (the hard way) that good organization isn’t about cramming more stuff in—it’s about making the space easier to use every single day. So, take it from someone who’s been buried under a mountain of winter coats and tangled belts: avoid these mistakes, and your closet will feel more like a sanctuary than a storage room.

How to Give Your Walk-in Closet a Makeover on a Budget

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 14:38:07 GMT

If you’re at all like me, you know there’s something oddly satisfying about a perfectly organized, aesthetically pleasing walk-in closet —the kind where every item has a place and your wardrobe’s showcased beautifully. But for most, that’s not the reality. Instead, it’s cramped shelves and overflowing drawers—and the never-ending struggle of trying to find that one shirt buried beneath a mountain of forgotten clothes.

The good news? There’s no need for a walk-in closet makeover to break the bank. Seriously. You read that right. With a little creativity and some smart storage solutions, you can completely upgrade your walk-in closet without overspending. Here’s how:

Assess your current space and set goals
Organize without overspending
Refresh the look with small changes
Maximize functionality
Stick to the budget
Before-and-after mindset maintenance

I’ll walk you through practical and affordable ideas to give your closet a refresh. No massive renovations, and no custom-built shelving. Just real, budget-friendly ways to maximize space and improve functionality, making your closet feel brand new.

Assess Your Current Space and Set Goals

Before you start buying organizers or rearranging your wardrobe, take a moment to assess what’s working—and what’s not. From my experience, skipping this step leads to wasted money and more frustration down the road. Just do it.

Start by pulling everything out and sorting items into keep, donate, and toss piles. Be ruthless—if you haven’t worn it in over a year, it’s probably time to let it go. Decluttering will help you spot problem areas in your space. Is there not enough storage? Poor lighting? Wasted space? Make a list of what needs improvement.

Now you can set a vision. Do you want better organization? A more stylish space? Easier access to everyday items? Defining your goals will help guide your makeover without unnecessary spending.

Organize Without Overspending

Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to think about your organization options. I’ve found that the trick here is to maximize what you already have while incorporating budget-friendly solutions.

Bins and Baskets: These are lifesavers for grouping accessories, shoes, or seasonal items.
Space-Saving Hangers: Slim, non-slip hangers instantly free up space and give a uniform look.
Repurposed and Recycled Items: Mason jars for jewelry, an old shoe rack for folded jeans, or even storage boxes covered in decorative paper can work wonders. The more creative you get, the better.
DIY Hacks: Tension rods work great for hanging scarves, while inexpensive bookshelves make perfect shoe organizers.

Refresh the Look With Small Changes

A stylish closet makeover doesn’t have to mean a complete renovation. Trust me—some small, budget-friendly upgrades can truly make a huge impact.

Update the Color Palette: A fresh coat of paint or peel-and-stick wallpaper adds personality without major cost.
Add Decorative Touches: Adhesive hooks work great for displaying jewelry, while small mirrors make the space feel bigger.
Upgrade the Lighting: Battery-powered LED lights are an easy, affordable way to brighten up your closet.
Personalize Everything: Frame a few pictures, add a plant, or incorporate stylish storage boxes to make the space feel uniquely yours.

Maximize Functionality

The space in your closet can always work smarter. Here are a few practical ways to enhance functionality in your walk-in, on a budget:

Incorporate Multi-Functional Storage Pieces: Ottomans with hidden compartments provide seating and storage in one.
Use Adjustable Shelving: This is a great way to keep your closet adaptable as your wardrobe changes over time.
Be Strategic With Placement: Keep everyday items at eye level, seasonal pieces higher up, and rarely-used items stored away.

Stick to the Budget

A closet makeover doesn’t mean overspending. Keep costs low while maximizing impact by:

Prioritizing Spending: Invest in high-impact changes first, like lighting or storage.
Getting Creative: Sometimes, a high-end look can be achieved with a little DIY ingenuity rather than big spending.
Swapping Instead of Buying: Host a clothing or decor swap with friends to trade storage bins, baskets, or even decorative pieces.
Timing Your Purchases: Keep an eye out for seasonal sales and discount events to get the best deals on storage solutions and decor.

Before-and-After Mindset and Maintenance

The best part of a closet makeover? The results—the day-to-day changes they make in your life. But it doesn’t end there. Keeping your space organized is the key to long-term closet love:

Celebrate the Progress: Take “before” photos so you can fully appreciate the difference.
Commit to a Monthly Reset: Try to set aside time once a month to declutter and reorganize to prevent future chaos.

Above all, remember to enjoy the process. Your dream closet doesn’t require a massive budget—just a little creativity and effort.

Conclusion

Turning your walk-in closet into the closet you love doesn’t have to be expensive or hard. Declutter, organize smartly, add small stylish upgrades, and stick to a budget. Every small improvement adds up to a big difference, and before you know it, you’ll have a closet that feels brand new—without the hefty price tag. What’s the first change you’ll make? Start today and enjoy the satisfaction of a beautifully refreshed closet.

Budgeting for Custom Closets: How to Save & Get the Best Value in Arizona

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 15:00:47 GMT

A custom closet is more than just a luxury—it’s an investment in your home’s functionality and organization. However, before diving into a project, understanding the costs and planning your budget is essential. With proper budgeting, you can achieve the closet of your dreams without overspending. Let’s break down the factors that influence the cost of custom closets, share some money-saving tips, and explain how to get the best value as a homeowner in Arizona.

Factors That Influence Custom Closet Costs

Several factors determine the cost of a custom closet, and understanding these can help you plan effectively:

Size: The size of your closet plays a significant role in pricing. For example, a compact reach-in closet will typically cost less than a spacious walk-in closet due to the amount of materials and labor required.
Materials: Material choice impacts both the cost and the longevity of your closet. High-quality materials like thermofused melamine are not only durable but also budget-friendly, making them a popular choice for Arizona homes. Premium options like solid wood come at a higher price but add a timeless, luxurious touch.
Features: Additional features like soft-close drawers, pull-out hampers, built-in lighting, or custom shelving can increase the price. While these upgrades enhance functionality and aesthetics, it’s essential to prioritize the features that align with your needs and budget.
Design Complexity: Custom closets with unique layouts or intricate designs often require more time and expertise to build, which can raise the cost.

Setting a Realistic Budget

Creating a budget is the first step toward making your custom closet a reality. Custom closet projects typically fall within a range, depending on size and features:

Small Closets: Starting around $1,500 for simple designs with basic materials
Medium Closets: Range between $3,000 to $5,000 for more features and higher-end finishes
Large Closets: Can exceed $10,000 for walk-in spaces with luxury upgrades

Once you’ve determined your budget, prioritize the features and materials that matter most. For example, Arizona homeowners may benefit from investing in durable materials like thermofused melamine that can withstand the state’s dry climate. By focusing on what you truly need, you can achieve a closet that balances functionality and cost.

Tips for Saving Money on Custom Closets

Building a custom closet doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some practical tips to help you save:

Choose Materials Wisely: Opt for durable yet cost-effective materials like thermofused melamine, which offers a polished look without the premium price tag of solid wood.
Plan Ahead: Work with a designer to clearly define your goals and needs upfront. Avoid adding features mid-project, which can lead to unexpected costs.
Go Local: Partnering with a local company like LB Closets can save you money. Our low overhead costs allow us to pass savings directly to customers, giving you excellent value without sacrificing quality.
Focus on Functionality: Prioritize practical features that improve organization, such as adjustable shelves or hanging rods, before splurging on luxury add-ons.
Consider Financing Options: Financing can make it easier to spread out the cost of your custom closet while staying within your monthly budget.

Getting the Best Value in Arizona

Arizona’s unique climate makes it especially important to choose high-quality materials and craftsmanship for your custom closet. Investing in durable options like thermofused melamine ensures your closet won’t warp, crack, or degrade over time, even in our state’s dry and hot environment.

At LB Closets , we’re proud to offer superior materials, such as 1-inch-thick shelves that hold more weight and fully finished garage cabinets designed for longevity. We also stand behind our work with a lifetime guarantee for as long as you own your home , giving you peace of mind that your closet is built to last.

Your Custom Closet Is Within Reach

Budgeting for a custom closet may seem daunting at first, but with the right approach and a trusted partner, it’s more attainable than you think. By understanding cost factors, setting a realistic budget, and focusing on high-quality materials, you can create a space that fits your needs and your wallet.

When you’re ready to explore your options, we’re here to help. Think of us as a friendly guide, ready to help you design the closet of your dreams while staying within your budget. Let’s make your home more organized and functional together!

Top Materials for Custom Closets: What Arizona Homeowners Should Know

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 13:30:19 GMT

When it comes to designing a custom closet , the materials you choose make all the difference. They determine not only the durability and functionality of your closet but also how well it stands up to the unique challenges of Arizona’s climate. In a state known for its dry air, scorching summers, and temperature fluctuations, selecting high-quality, long-lasting materials is essential. At LB Closets, we believe in delivering more than just beautiful designs—we craft custom closets built to last. Here’s what you need to know about the materials we use and why investing in quality ensures your satisfaction for years to come.

Engineered Wood: Durable, Affordable, and Versatile

Engineered wood, such as medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard, is a staple in custom closets for good reason. It’s affordable, highly versatile, and resistant to common issues like warping and cracking—especially important in Arizona’s dry climate. At LB Closets, we take engineered wood a step further by using furniture-grade thermofused melamine , a high-quality material that is as durable as it is beautiful.

Thermofused melamine offers exceptional resistance to warping, peeling, and cracking, ensuring your custom closet maintains its integrity and appearance for the long haul. Whether you're storing heavy winter coats, holiday decorations, or everyday essentials, this material provides a solid foundation for your storage needs.

Substantial Shelving Built to Handle It All

When it comes to shelving, not all options are created equal. LB Closets provides shelves that are thicker and more substantial than what you’ll find with standard solutions, designed to hold more weight without sagging over time. This makes them ideal for homeowners who need to store heavier items, like bulk storage, seasonal decorations, or heirlooms that need to be kept indoors to avoid Arizona’s extreme heat.

Our shelves don’t just look great—they perform exceptionally well, giving you peace of mind that your investment will stand the test of time. Once your custom closet is installed, you’ll never have to worry about replacing it. It’s a solution you can count on for life—or at least until you move to a new home!

Laminate and Melamine: Stylish and Low-Maintenance

Closets should not only be functional but also fit seamlessly into your home’s style. That’s why we love thermofused melamine—it’s available in a wide range of colors and finishes, from sleek modern designs to classic wood-grain looks. This material is scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and perfect for Arizona families with busy lifestyles.

We also bring the same attention to detail to our garage cabinets, which are fully finished both inside and out. With 1-inch-thick shelves and a polished design, they aren’t just practical—they elevate the entire space. Whether in your closet or garage, our products are built to be as durable as they are visually appealing.

A Guarantee That Lasts as Long as You Own Your Home

One of the best parts about investing in a custom closet from LB Closets is that once you have it, you’ll never have to do it again—unless you move, of course. That’s because we stand behind our products with a lifetime guarantee for as long as you own your home . This means you can trust that your closet will remain a sturdy, stylish, and functional addition to your home for decades to come.

By choosing high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship, you’re not just buying a closet—you’re investing in a solution that will serve you every day for years without the need for replacements or repairs.

Invest in Quality for Peace of Mind

When it comes to custom closets, the materials you choose matter more than you might think. Furniture-grade thermofused melamine, thicker and stronger shelving, and expertly finished cabinets are just a few of the ways LB Closets delivers exceptional quality to Arizona homeowners. These materials aren’t just durable—they’re designed to withstand the challenges of our unique climate while looking great in your home.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward a more organized, stylish, and durable space, we’re here to help. Think of us as a trusted friend, guiding you to a custom closet solution that fits your needs and lifestyle perfectly. Let’s create something you’ll love for years to come.

Start the New Year Fresh With Custom Closet Ideas to Declutter Your Life

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 18:23:26 GMT

As the holiday season winds down and a new year approaches, many of us feel the overwhelming desire to hit the reset button on our lives. The start of a new year brings with it a sense of renewal, hope, and the potential for positive change. One of the most impactful ways to kickstart this transformation is through decluttering, and there's no better place to begin than with a custom closet makeover. A well-organized closet isn't just about storage—it's about creating a peaceful, efficient space that sets the tone for your entire year.

A custom closet solution offers more than just a place to hang clothes. It's a personalized approach to organization that can dramatically reduce daily stress and improve your overall quality of life.

By taking control of your storage spaces, you're taking control of your daily routine, creating a sense of calm and purpose that extends far beyond your wardrobe. Get ready to transform your closet and your life.

Current closet organization and problem areas
Custom closet ideas to maximize space
Benefits of custom closets for decluttering
Creative storage solutions for seasonal and special-use items
Regular closet maintenance
How to create a functional and stylish closet that reflects personal style

Are you ready to say goodbye to morning chaos and hello to a streamlined, stress-free lifestyle? Keep reading to discover how a custom closet can be your first step toward a more organized new year.

Current Closet Organization and Problem Areas

Before diving into any organizational overhaul, it's crucial to take a critical look at your current closet setup. Take a moment to pull everything out and assess the situation honestly. Are your shelves overcrowded? Do drawers refuse to close? Can you easily find what you're looking for, or do you spend precious morning minutes hunting for a specific item?

This evaluation is more than just a cleaning exercise—it's about understanding how your closet functions (or doesn't function) in your daily life. Consider the primary purpose of your closet. Is it purely for clothing, or does it also store accessories, shoes, or other personal items? By understanding its current state and intended use, you'll be better equipped to design a custom closet solution that truly meets your needs.

Custom Closet Ideas to Maximize Space

When it comes to maximizing closet potential, flexibility is key. Consider implementing these game-changing custom closet ideas:

Adjustable Shelving: These are a game-changer for storage versatility. Adjust shelf heights to accommodate everything from bulky sweaters to delicate accessories, ensuring every inch of space is utilized efficiently.
Pull-Out Drawer: Perfect for smaller items, like scarves, belts, and accessories. These drawers keep items neatly contained and easily accessible, eliminating the dreaded "bottom of the drawer" chaos.
Double Hanging Rods: Double your hanging space by installing two rods—one above the other. This is ideal for shorter items, like shirts, pants, and skirts, instantly increasing your closet's capacity.
Built-in Hampers: Integrate a laundry solution directly into your closet design. No more scattered dirty clothes or overflowing laundry baskets—everything has its designated place.
Overhead Storage: Utilize often-forgotten vertical space for seasonal items or less-frequently used accessories. Clear bins or labeled boxes can keep these items organized and dust-free.

Benefits of Custom Closets for Decluttering

A well-designed custom closet offers far more than just storage—it's a lifestyle enhancement. By creating a space where everything has its designated spot, you'll experience:

Increased Efficiency: No more morning scrambles or late-night searches. When everything is organized, your daily routine becomes smoother and less stressful.
Better Organization: Categorize items by season, color, or frequency of use. A place for everything, and everything in its place.
Space Maximization: Custom solutions help you utilize every square inch of available space, often eliminating the need for additional storage furniture.
Stress Reduction: A clutter-free environment leads to a clutter-free mind. Your closet becomes a sanctuary of organization rather than a source of daily frustration.

Creative Storage Solutions for Seasonal and Special-Use Items

Managing seasonal and special-use items is crucial for maintaining a clutter-free closet. Consider these strategies:

Rotate seasonal clothing using clear, labeled bins.
Use vacuum-sealed bags for bulky winter items.
Create dedicated spaces for accessories, like hats, scarves, and jewelry.
Install specialized shoe racks or cubbies to keep footwear organized and easily accessible.

Regular Closet Maintenance

Maintaining your newly organized custom closet requires ongoing effort. Develop these habits:

Conduct seasonal clean-outs.
Immediately return items to their designated spots.
Spend 5-10 minutes weekly tidying and reassessing your space.
Donate or sell items that no longer serve you.

How to Create a Functional and Stylish Closet That Reflects Personal Style

Remember, a custom closet isn't just about function—it's about creating a space that reflects your style. Choose finishes and materials that complement your home's décor. Add strategic lighting, like LED strips or motion-sensor lights. Torchstar points out some of the popular closet LED lighting options, like motion sensor capability, LED tape, puck lights, and light bars.

You can also incorporate decorative elements, like coordinating hangers or elegant storage containers, and select a color palette that brings you joy and motivation.

Conclusion

Starting the new year with a well-organized, thoughtfully designed custom closet is more than just a home improvement project – it's an investment in your daily quality of life. By taking the time to create a space that is both functional and inspiring, you're setting yourself up for a year of efficiency, reduced stress, and personal satisfaction. Don't be intimidated by the process. Take that first step, evaluate your current closet, and imagine the possibilities. A custom closet solution can transform not just your storage, but your entire approach to daily living.

Source

https://torchstar.us/blogs/learn-tips/how-to-choose-the-right-led-lighting-for-your-closet

Unlock the Value: Are Custom Closets Worth It for Arizona Homes This Winter?

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:28:06 GMT

Winter in Arizona brings unique challenges for homeowners, especially when it comes to keeping your home organized during the busiest season of the year. Between managing holiday decorations, seasonal wardrobes, and storing sensitive items that can’t survive the scorching heat of an attic or garage, you might find yourself wondering: Is a custom closet the solution I need? Let’s explore why custom closets are more than worth it for Arizona homeowners this season.

A Solution to Arizona’s Storage Struggles

Arizona homes, especially newer builds, are often praised for their modern design but criticized for their awkward and underwhelming storage options. Custom closets provide a tailored solution that works with your space instead of against it. Whether it’s finding a smart way to utilize a small closet, making the most of an awkward nook, or expanding your storage capacity in a larger room, custom closets are designed to solve problems that generic storage solutions can’t address.

This winter, you can finally say goodbye to overstuffed shelves and piles of clutter and hello to a space where everything has its place.

Protect Your Belongings From the Arizona Climate

Arizona’s extreme heat isn’t just a summer issue—it can impact how and where you store your belongings year-round. Items like holiday decorations, heirlooms, and sensitive materials like candles or certain fabrics can become damaged if left in a garage or attic.

With a custom closet, you can create dedicated storage spaces inside your home to keep these items safe and easily accessible. No more scrambling to replace damaged decorations or worrying about whether your family treasures will last another year.

Style Meets Functionality

Custom closets don’t just organize your space—they elevate it. With LB Closets, you have access to the most popular interior design colors and finishes, ensuring your new closet blends seamlessly into your home’s existing aesthetic. Whether your style is sleek and modern, warm and traditional, or somewhere in between, we can match your preferences to create a space that feels like it was always meant to be there.

This combination of beauty and functionality adds value to your home, both in terms of your day-to-day life and your property’s overall appeal.

A Cost-Effective Investment

It’s no secret that custom closets require an upfront investment, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. With a dedicated space for everything, you’ll avoid buying duplicate items simply because you can’t find what you already own. This not only saves money but also reduces stress and waste.

As Arizona’s local closet company, LB Closets also passes on our low overhead savings directly to our clients. By supporting a local business, you get high-quality craftsmanship and excellent service at a price that works for your budget.

Designed for Arizona Living

Every custom closet we create is designed with Arizona living in mind. Whether it’s adjustable shelving for your seasonal wardrobe, built-in storage for delicate holiday items, or eco-friendly materials that perform well in our dry climate, your custom closet will be built to handle the unique challenges of life in the Southwest.

Imagine opening a beautifully organized closet and knowing that everything is exactly where it should be, safe, and ready when you need it. That’s the kind of peace of mind a custom closet can bring.

Are You Ready to Transform Your Home?

When you’re ready to take the next step toward a more functional and beautiful home, we’re here to help. Think of us as a trusted friend, ready to guide you through the process of designing a custom closet that fits your needs, style, and budget.

Let’s make this winter the season you finally create the space you deserve.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community From LB Closets

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 15:16:36 GMT

As we look back on the journey of LB Closets, we can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the community that has supported us over the years. From our humble beginnings to the thriving business we are today, the trust and loyalty of our customers have made it all possible. In this spirit of appreciation, we want to take a moment to thank you all—our clients, partners, and neighbors—for allowing us to transform your homes and lives through custom home organization solutions.

A Legacy Built on Family, Trust, and Customer-Centered Design

The story of LB Closets began with a vision from our founder, Lance Bevans. After working in the home organization industry for over 37 years, Lance was inspired to create a company that put the customer at the heart of the design process. As a California Closets franchise owner for 12 years and then working with industry leaders like Organizers Direct and ClosetMaid for over 25 years, Lance learned one critical lesson: The key to success is turning the customer into the conductor of their own design journey.

"After years in the industry," Lance recalls, "I wanted to build a company that didn’t just offer home organization, but rather brought people’s dreams to life. I wanted our customers to feel empowered and involved in creating spaces that fit their lives perfectly."

In 1996, Lance moved from Canada to Arizona, his wife’s home state, and launched LB Closets (formerly known as L & B Closets) in Gilbert. From the very beginning, the company was family-owned and operated, with Lance working alongside his sons to build something truly special. For over 25 years, LB Closets has proudly delivered one-of-a-kind home organization products and services, transforming homes from cluttered chaos into organizational retreats.

A Commitment to Excellence That Stands the Test of Time

What has kept LB Closets strong all these years? Our guiding principles of trust, honesty, and providing an exceptional experience for every client. These values have been at the core of everything we do, from our first in-home consultation to our final installation.

We take pride in offering:

Free in-home estimates where we take the time to understand your needs and vision.
3D computer-generated images of your new space, so you can see exactly what your custom design will look like before installation begins.
Fast and friendly installation, carried out with precision and care.
A 100% warranty for as long as you own your home—a promise that reflects our confidence in the quality and durability of our work.

This commitment to quality is why so many Arizona homeowners have trusted us to bring their visions to life over the years, and it’s why we look forward to continuing to serve our community for many more years to come.

A New Chapter: Honoring the Legacy, Building the Future

In 2016, LB Closets entered a new chapter when Brando Salazar joined the team. Under Lance’s mentorship, Brando quickly learned the craft and philosophy that made LB Closets so successful. "Working for Lance was a life-changing experience," Brando says. "I learned not only how to create beautiful, functional storage systems but also the importance of listening to our customers and turning their ideas into reality."

After years of dedication and hard work, Brando was honored to take ownership of LB Closets. Today, he carries on the legacy that Lance built, with the same commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and outstanding customer service. "My goal is for LB Closets to continue being the custom closet company Arizona homeowners can count on," Brando explains. "We focus on delivering exceptional designs, precise workmanship, and an experience that leaves our customers thrilled with the results."

Brando’s dedication to the LB Closets philosophy means that every project is completed with care and attention to detail, ensuring that each homeowner receives a space they can truly be proud of.

Thank You, Arizona!

As we reflect on the past 25 years, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible support of our local community. From Gilbert to Scottsdale, Phoenix to Tempe, you’ve welcomed us into your homes, trusted us with your visions, and allowed us to be part of creating spaces that truly enhance your lives.

To our past, present, and future customers, thank you. We are so proud to be a part of this wonderful community, and we look forward to continuing to serve you with the same passion and dedication for many years to come.

If you’re ready to transform your home with custom organization solutions, or if you just want to learn more about how we can help, please don’t hesitate to reach out. LB Closets is here for you—because when it comes to your home, we believe you deserve the very best.

From all of us at LB Closets, thank you for letting us be part of your journey!

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Proudly serving the Greater Phoenix Area, including Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, and beyond.

7 Tips to Declutter Your Garage With Arizona Garage Cabinets

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 13:50:43 GMT

Is your garage overflowing with tools, holiday decorations, and sports gear? If so, you’re not alone! Many homeowners struggle to keep their garages organized, but with the right strategies—and custom storage solutions—you can reclaim your space and make it functional again.

At LB Closets, your trusted closet company in Tempe, we specialize in custom garage cabinets that elevate your garage’s organization and style. With a lifetime warranty, fully finished interiors, and inch-thick shelves, our cabinets are designed for durability and efficiency. Here are 7 tips to declutter your garage and why our cabinets are the ultimate solution for your Arizona home.

1. Create Zones for Functionality

Organize your garage into specific zones: tools, sports equipment, seasonal décor, and storage. Having designated areas makes it easy to locate and store items.

Custom Solution: Our Arizona garage cabinets can be designed to fit each zone perfectly. With specialized storage like hooks, racks, and adjustable shelves, you’ll have a tailored solution for all your items.

2. Sort and Purge Ruthlessly

Go through every item in your garage and sort it into Keep, Donate, Sell, or Trash piles. If you haven’t used something in the past year, it’s time to part ways.

Custom Solution: Once you’ve decluttered, store what remains in our custom garage cabinets. With inch-thick shelves, even heavy items like toolboxes and storage bins are no problem.

3. Maximize Vertical Space

Take advantage of wall space with shelving, hooks, and overhead racks. Freeing up the floor will create a more open and usable area.

Custom Solution: Our Tempe, AZ garage cabinets are designed to optimize vertical space with sleek, wallmounted systems that keep items organized and out of sight.

4. Use Clear Storage Bins

Store loose items in clear, stackable bins so you can see what’s inside. Label each bin for quick identification.

Custom Solution: Instead of stacking bins on the floor, store them neatly behind the doors of our custom garage cabinets for a clean, streamlined look.

5. Create a Workstation

If your garage doubles as a workshop, create a dedicated workstation with easy access to tools and materials. A clutterfree work area will keep your projects running smoothly.

Custom Solution: Include a custom workbench or pullout drawers in your garage cabinet design. Our cabinets are built to help you stay organized and productive.

6. Safely Dispose of Hazardous Items

Old paint, chemicals, and batteries take up space and can be dangerous if not stored properly. Research local Arizona disposal regulations to get rid of them safely.

Custom Solution: Add locking cabinets to your system for secure storage of hazardous materials, keeping your family safe while maintaining a tidy garage

7. Schedule Seasonal Maintenance

Keep your garage clutter-free by setting aside time each season to reorganize. A regular check-in will prevent items from piling up again.

Custom Solution: With our durable Arizona custom garage cabinets, maintaining a tidy garage becomes effortless. Built to last, our cabinets ensure everything stays in its place for years to come.

Why Choose LB Closets for Your Garage Cabinets in Tempe?

As a leading closet company in Arizona, we know how to turn cluttered garages into organized, stylish spaces. Here’s what makes our custom garage cabinets the best choice for your home:

Lifetime Warranty: Built to stand the test of time, our cabinets come with a warranty that offers peace of mind.

Fully Finished Interiors: Unlike unfinished alternatives, our cabinets look as good inside as they do outside.

Inch-Thick Shelves: Say goodbye to sagging shelves—our cabinets are built for strength and durability.

Whether you need to store tools, organize sports equipment, or create a workstation, our custom garage cabinets are tailored to fit your needs and your space.

Transform Your Garage With LB Closets

Ready to elevate your garage with premium custom garage cabinets in Arizona? Let LB Closets, the trusted closet company in Tempe, AZ, help you create a clutter-free and beautifully organized space. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation!

Need ideas for your garage? Let’s design a system that works for you!

Treat Yourself to Your Dream Custom Closet in Time for the Holidays

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 15:25:20 GMT

The end of the year always seems to sneak up on us, and before we know it, we’re knee-deep in holiday plans, shopping lists, and family gatherings. With everything moving so fast, now is the perfect time to treat yourself and invest in something that will pay for itself for years to come – your dream custom closet! Imagine starting the holiday season ahead of the game, with perfectly organized closet spaces that make your life easier and your home more beautiful.

An Organized Custom Closet Is a Gift That Keeps on Giving

We all know how stressful the holiday season can get—gifts piling up, decorations to sort through, and outfits to plan for every event. A cluttered closet only adds to that stress. But what if your closet wasn't just a place to store things, but a space that truly worked for you? A well-organized, custom closet can transform your home into a place of calm and order, making it easier to keep things tidy during the busiest time of the year.

With LB Closets, we take the hassle out of the process, guiding you from the initial design all the way through to installation. Whether you’ve been dreaming of a spacious walk-in closet, an efficient reach-in, or a beautifully organized pantry, our professional team makes it easy to bring your vision to life. And what’s more, you’ll be enjoying the benefits of this upgrade well beyond the holidays. It’s an investment in your home that keeps giving back.

A Custom Closet Adds Value to Your Home

Here’s the truth: A custom closet isn’t just an indulgence—it’s a smart investment. Whether you’re looking to sell your home in the near future or stay for years to come, a well-designed closet is a key selling point that can increase your home’s value. Potential buyers appreciate the luxury and practicality of an organized space, and many are willing to pay more for homes with upgraded closets, pantries, and garages. When you invest in a custom closet system, you’re not just enhancing your day-to-day life; you’re increasing your home’s long-term value.

Plus, imagine how satisfying it will feel to open your closet doors and see everything neatly in its place, perfectly organized, and easy to find. No more digging through piles of clothes or shoes to find what you need—just smooth, stress-free mornings where everything is right at your fingertips.

Make This the Year You Get Ahead on Holiday Organization

The holidays are the time of year when everything seems to come at you fast. But with an organized custom closet system, you can get ahead of the rush. Imagine having all of your gift-wrapping supplies stored neatly in a custom-designed space or knowing exactly where to find that special holiday outfit without searching through a chaotic closet.

The professional team at LB Closets takes care of everything from start to finish. Our process starts with an in-home consultation, where we listen to your needs and design a custom solution tailored to your space. From there, we handle all the details—no stress, no hassle, just a beautiful closet you’ll love to show off.

Why Choose LB Closets?

At LB Closets, we’re proud to serve the Greater Phoenix Area with top-notch custom closet designs that fit your style and budget. Our experienced designers work closely with you to create the perfect storage solution for your home. And our team of skilled installers ensures that every detail is handled with care and professionalism. From walk-in closets to garage storage systems, we take the time to understand your needs and deliver results that exceed your expectations.

When you choose LB Closets, you’re not just investing in a product—you’re investing in a stress-free experience. We make the entire process as seamless as possible, from concept to installation, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the benefits of an organized, beautiful space.

Serving the Greater Phoenix Area

At LB Closets, we specialize in creating custom closet systems for homeowners across the Greater Phoenix Area, including Scottsdale, Chandler, and Tempe. Our team is ready to help you create a space that is not only beautiful but also functional and designed to fit your life. Get in touch with us today!

Top 10 Tips for Rotating Your Seasonal Clothes With LB Closets

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 16:09:52 GMT

As the temperatures drop, many of us dread that inevitable task—hauling out the winter wardrobe. For me, it used to be the same stressful dance every season: climbing into the cramped, dimly lit attic, praying I wouldn’t lose my balance as I lugged down dusty totes full of sweaters, jackets, and other winter gear. After managing the precarious climb and balancing acts for years, I knew there had to be a better way! That’s why at LB Closets, we’re all about helping you create practical, accessible storage solutions for every season, making transitions smoother, quicker, and safer.

Let me share my top ten tips for seasonal clothes rotation—based on my own experience and the expertise we bring to our clients at LB Closets.

1. Start With a Purge

Before you even think about switching out clothes, go through each item and ask yourself if you’ve worn it in the last season. Anything that’s damaged, outdated, or ill-fitting doesn’t need to go back into storage. This is a great time to make space and keep your collection relevant to what you actually wear. At LB Closets, we offer customized closet solutions with built-in compartments that make it easier to keep track of what’s in season—and what isn’t.

2. Divide by Category, Not Just by Season

Not everything is strictly “summer” or “winter.” Try dividing clothes by category within seasons—workwear, activewear, and casual wear—so that if you need something specific (like a quick warm layer for an Arizona “cold” snap), it’s easier to locate without digging through bins. Our custom shelving and drawer systems let you organize items in ways that make sense for you and your lifestyle.

3. Label Everything Clearly

Trust me, once you’re up on that ladder (or, hopefully, using your newly organized space!), the last thing you want to do is open up tote after tote looking for a specific item. Use large, clear labels for each container, and consider color-coded labels or totes for quick identification. LB Closets offers clear and frosted acrylic drawer options that make it easy to see exactly what’s stored without pulling everything out.

4. Consider Under-Bed Storage for Off-Season Clothes

If space is tight, under-bed storage can be a game-changer for keeping seasonal items close yet out of the way. Low-profile storage bins fit perfectly under beds, keeping items accessible without cluttering your main closet area. We can help you maximize your closet space, but if that’s not enough, we have solutions for under-bed storage that match your needs.

5. Utilize Vacuum-Sealed Bags for Bulky Items

Winter clothes can be bulky. Try using vacuum-sealed bags to reduce the space they take up, which can be a lifesaver for smaller storage spaces. They’re also great for maintaining the freshness of your clothes. LB Closets provides storage solutions with compartments that fit standard vacuum-sealed bags, allowing you to keep those puffy coats and comforters neatly tucked away.

6. Install a Dedicated “Transitional” Section in Your Closet

Our Arizona climate doesn’t always cooperate with traditional seasons, and those in-between periods can have us needing a mix of wardrobes. By creating a transitional section, you can keep out some lighter jackets and sweaters as the weather changes. At LB Closets, we can customize your closet to include sections for these transitional pieces, so you can easily adjust your wardrobe to match our unpredictable temperatures.

7. Use Clear Storage Containers for Easy Access

If you’re still working with that old-school attic storage setup, try switching to clear bins for storing seasonal clothes. You’ll be able to quickly spot the bin you need without unstacking multiple layers of containers. We can help create a closet design that minimizes the need for external bins and maximizes open and closed storage options within your main closet space.

8. Rotate and Refresh Your Closet Every Season

Every time you swap out clothes, take a moment to refresh your closet by dusting shelves, cleaning out drawers, and wiping down any storage bins. This keeps your closet looking and smelling fresh. LB Closets’ custom materials are easy to clean and designed to withstand the dust and wear that can accumulate with each seasonal rotation.

9. Optimize Your Closet With Smart Storage Solutions

Sliding shelves, pull-out racks, and rotating hangers can make all the difference in a closet you actually want to use. We can design a system tailored to your wardrobe, making sure every item has a place that’s easy to reach and put away. It’s a whole new world compared to precariously climbing into an attic with a bin on one shoulder!

10. Make It a Habit to Reassess Your Wardrobe

Instead of treating seasonal rotation as a “one-and-done” task, try taking note of what you used and didn’t wear during each season. This way, your closet evolves with your style, and you’re less likely to keep unnecessary items. With LB Closets’ custom storage solutions, reassessing your wardrobe becomes less overwhelming, giving you a tidy, organized, and easy-to-access collection year-round.

Your Closet, Your Style, Your Convenience With LB Closets

Having gone from attic adventures to a custom LB Closets setup, I know firsthand how life-changing it can be to have a closet that works with you, not against you. Gone are the days of teetering on ladders and digging through unmarked bins. At LB Closets, our mission is to give you a beautifully organized space tailored to your needs—whether you’re storing summer swimwear or cozy winter sweaters.

If you’re ready to say goodbye to storage nightmares and create a closet that works for every season, our team at LB Closets is here to help. From custom shelving and drawer systems to transitional sections and under-bed solutions, we’re here to make seasonal rotation a breeze. Let us help you create a closet that feels like it was designed just for you—because, well, it is!

Custom Closet System Organization Tips for Every Season

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 21:06:36 GMT

If you’ve invested in a custom closet system , you know that having an organized wardrobe makes daily routines much smoother. But as the seasons change, so do your clothing needs, which means your closet organization should evolve as well. Whether you're transitioning from cozy winter layers to light summer dresses or organizing bulky winter coats, adapting your closet setup for each season can help maximize accessibility and functionality.

A custom closet system allows you to tailor your storage based on your needs, but to get the most out of it, you should adjust your organization for each season. By following these tips, you can keep your wardrobe organized from spring to winter, making sure everything is within reach when you need it most.

Let’s take a look at how to optimize your closet throughout the year. In this article, we’ll discuss:

Spring Organization Tips
Summer Organization Tips
Fall Organization Tips
Winter Organization Tips
Year-Round Maintenance Tips

Read on to discover essential organization strategies to keep your custom closet system in order, no matter the season.

Spring Organization Tips

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your closet after the long winter months. As the temperatures start to rise, you’ll want to store away heavier items and make space for lighter, more breathable clothing. Here's how to start:

Decluttering: Begin by removing heavy winter clothing, such as thick coats and boots. This is also an excellent opportunity to declutter—donate or sell any items you didn’t wear during the winter. Use a “one in, one out” rule, which means for every new item you add, you should remove one to maintain balance.
Storage Solutions: Store your winter clothes in breathable storage bags to protect them during the warmer months. Clear bins or vacuum-sealed bags are great options for keeping everything organized and visible but also protected from dust.
Seasonal Inventory: Take stock of your spring and summer wardrobe. Make sure your lightweight clothes, such as t-shirts, dresses, and shorts, are in good condition, and identify any gaps you may need to fill. Having a clear inventory prevents clutter and helps you avoid buying unnecessary duplicates.
Accessory Organization: Now’s the time to reorganize lighter accessories, like scarves, hats, and jewelry. Consider using drawer organizers or hooks to keep these items accessible and neatly displayed.

Summer Organization Tips

Summer calls for lightweight fabrics and easy-to-access storage solutions, so your closet should reflect this by focusing on maximizing space and accessibility.

Maximize Vertical Space: Use adjustable shelving or hooks to make the most of your closet’s vertical space. Lightweight summer clothing, like tank tops, shorts, and dresses, can be folded and stored on higher shelves, while frequently worn items should remain within easy reach.
Easy Access: Keep your most-used items, like swimsuits and casual wear, at eye level. This makes it easy to grab what you need quickly, especially when you're rushing out to enjoy the sunny weather.
Maintenance: Summer activities often bring in more clutter, whether it's beach towels or sports gear. Set aside time each week for a quick closet check to prevent a buildup of unnecessary items.
Storage Bins: Use clea r bins or baskets to organize summer essentials, like swimsuits, towels, and flip-flops. These bins not only keep things organized but also help you quickly locate what you need.

Fall Organization Tips

As the weather cools, it’s time to transition your closet again. Fall is all about layering, and having easy access to these essential pieces can make all the difference.

Integrating Seasonal Pieces: Transition your wardrobe by introducing fall items, like sweaters, jackets, and jeans, into your closet. You can start by rotating out lighter summer pieces and making room for heavier layers.
Layering Essentials: Fall is all about layering, so make sure your base layers, such as t-shirts and cardigans, are easy to access. Use hanging rods or drawers to keep them neatly organized and within reach.
Shoe Storage: Rotate your shoes to bring boots and closed-toe footwear to the front. Store your summer sandals and sneakers in bins or on higher shelves, leaving more accessible space for your fall and winter footwear.
Space Utilization: Consider using storage bins or shelves for fall accessories, like scarves, gloves, and hats. These items are small but essential for the cooler weather, so having them organized and visible will save you time when you're getting dressed.

Winter Organization Tips

Winter requires space for bulky items, like coats, boots, and sweaters. With a custom closet system, you can efficiently store these items without overwhelming your closet.

Managing Bulky Items: Heavier clothing items, like winter coats and boots, should be stored on higher shelves or in designated bins. Consider using sturdy hangers that can support the weight of heavier garments and keep them looking their best.
Access to Essentials: Use over-the-door hooks or racks for easy access to winter gear, like scarves, gloves, and hats. These quick-grab solutions can save you from digging through piles of clothing when you’re rushing out the door on a cold morning.
Organization by Frequency: During the winter months, it's crucial to keep your daily wear items easily accessible. Organize your closet by frequency of use, keeping items, like sweaters, jeans, and everyday coats at the front and center of your wardrobe.
Temperature Control: Keep in mind that winter months can bring fluctuating temperatures. Make sure your closet is well-ventilated, or consider using moisture-absorbing products to protect your clothes from dampness or mildew. The Achoo Blog describes how you can make a DIY dehumidifier with chalk to keep closet moisture away.

Year-Round Maintenance Tips

No matter the season, maintaining an organized custom closet system requires consistent care. Here are a few tips to keep everything in order throughout the year.

Regular Purging: Go through your closet every few months, and remove items you no longer need or wear. A consistent decluttering habit ensures that your closet stays functional and clutter-free.
Labeling Systems: Invest in labeling bins, shelves, and drawers to streamline your organization. Clearly marked storage makes it easy to find what you need and maintain order, especially during seasonal transitions.
Seasonal Check-Ins: Set reminders to reevaluate your closet system as each new season approaches. This ensures you’re not overwhelmed with clothes you don’t need for the current season and it keeps your closet efficient year-round.
Adjusting Storage Solutions: Your storage needs may change throughout the year, so be prepared to adjust shelving, hooks, and bins accordingly. A custom closet system offers the flexibility to tailor your organization to your lifestyle.

Conclusion

Keeping your custom closet system organized year-round doesn’t have to be a challenge. By adapting your storage and organization techniques for each season, you can improve both the functionality and accessibility of your wardrobe. From maximizing vertical space in the summer to efficiently storing bulky winter items, these tips will help you make the most of your closet all year long.

Take the time to implement these strategies, and you’ll enjoy a clutter-free, perfectly organized custom closet system, no matter what the season brings.

Source

https://www.achooallergy.com/blog/chalk-dehumidifier/

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Invest in Your Home: The Impact of Lower Interest Rates

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 15:46:36 GMT

As a proud homeowner in Arizona, I know firsthand that finding the perfect home is just the beginning of the journey. After all, a house is more than just walls and a roof; it’s about creating a space that truly feels like yours. And when it comes to maximizing your living experience, one often-overlooked aspect is the functionality of your closets and storage spaces.

The Homebuyer's Dream: Finding That Perfect Closet Space

When I was on the hunt for my home, I quickly realized that the size of the closet wasn’t just a trivial detail—it was a game changer! A beautiful home can lose its charm if it doesn’t have adequate storage to keep things organized. Imagine stepping into a closet that’s bursting at the seams with clothes, shoes, and accessories, all vying for attention. It’s enough to drive anyone mad!

Now, with interest rates dropping, it’s a fantastic opportunity for homeowners to consider investing in home improvement projects that can truly elevate their living space—starting with those essential storage areas.

The Affordable Path to Improvement

Lower interest rates mean that financing your dream closet isn’t as daunting as it once seemed. Home improvement projects that may have been on the back burner are suddenly within reach. Whether your space is large or small, customizing your storage solutions can turn chaos into calm and transform your day-to-day life.

Imagine walking into a beautifully designed closet where everything has its place. Your favorite shoes are neatly organized, clothes are hung by color, and accessories are displayed like works of art. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about functionality and how much easier it makes your life!

Making Every Inch Count

In Arizona, even in larger homes, small spaces can often feel like a puzzle waiting to be solved. Maximizing every inch is crucial, especially when you have awkward niches and corners left by builders that just seem to gather dust. This is where custom storage solutions come into play, allowing you to transform those seemingly unusable spaces into functional areas that fit your lifestyle.

Imagine turning a tight corner into a charming coffee bar, complete with shelves for your favorite mugs and a cozy countertop for your espresso machine. Or consider how an awkward niche could become an additional pantry space, perfect for storing bulk groceries or your favorite snacks—making meal prep not only efficient but enjoyable. Custom built-ins can also elevate these areas, providing both beauty and practicality.

Whether you have a spacious walk-in closet or a cozy reach-in, there are countless ways to enhance the functionality of your storage spaces, even in larger homes. Investing in custom closets and tailored solutions not only elevates your home’s aesthetic but also turns everyday routines into seamless experiences. From coffee bars to cleverly designed pantries, the potential is endless, allowing you to make the most of every nook and cranny in your Arizona home!

Supporting Local, Creating Community

When it comes to upgrading your home, consider working with a local, family-owned company like LB Closets. Not only will you receive personalized service tailored to your specific needs, but you’ll also be supporting your community. We understand the unique needs of Arizona homeowners and are dedicated to creating solutions that make your home not just a place to live, but a place to thrive.

So why wait? With interest rates favoring homeowners, now is the perfect time to invest in your space. Whether you're moving into a new home or simply looking to improve what you already have, upgrading your closets and storage solutions can make a world of difference.

Ready to turn your closet dreams into reality? Let’s chat! Together, we can transform your home into a beautifully organized sanctuary that you’ll love coming home to every day!

Maximizing Space in Arizona Homes: Tips for Creating Functional Custom Closets

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 15:33:33 GMT

As a homeowner in the beautiful state of Arizona, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of making every square foot of my home count. With our unique lifestyle and climate, it’s essential to create spaces that not only serve a purpose but also enhance the beauty of our homes. One of the most impactful areas to focus on is our closets. Designing a functional yet aesthetically pleasing custom closet is an exciting journey, and I’m thrilled to share some practical tips for fellow Arizona homeowners looking to maximize their space.

Embrace Customization

When I started thinking about my custom closet design, I realized that a one-size-fits-all approach wouldn’t cut it. Each family member has unique needs, and as our family grows and changes, so do those needs. That’s where customization comes in. By working with a local closet designer, I could tailor the layout, shelving, and storage solutions to fit our lifestyle perfectly. Whether it’s adding extra hanging space for my growing wardrobe or creating designated sections for kids' clothing, a custom design can adapt with us over time.

Optimize Every Inch

In Arizona homes, where space can be at a premium, it’s vital to optimize every inch. I learned to take advantage of vertical space by installing tall shelves that reach the ceiling. This not only provides ample storage for seasonal items but also makes use of areas that would otherwise go unused. Utilizing stackable bins and pull-out drawers helps keep things organized and accessible, turning clutter into a tidy sanctuary.

Create Zones

One of my favorite tips for maximizing closet space is creating zones for different categories of items. For instance, I designated areas for work clothes, casual wear, and accessories. This not only streamlines my morning routine but also adds a sense of order to the chaos. By grouping similar items together, I can easily see what I have and make better choices when getting dressed. It’s amazing how a little organization can reduce stress and make daily life more enjoyable!

Incorporate Multi-Functional Features

In the ever-changing world of family life, I found that incorporating multi-functional features is key. A beautiful island in the center of my walk-in closet serves as both a space to fold clothes and a display area for my favorite accessories. Pull-out shoe racks not only make it easy to find the perfect pair but also keep everything neat and tidy. Custom features like these add both functionality and elegance to the space, ensuring that it remains valuable as our needs evolve.

Add Personal Touches

While functionality is crucial, I believe that a custom closet should also reflect your personal style. Adding a splash of personality can transform a simple storage area into a beautiful sanctuary. I chose a calming color palette and added decorative elements like framed photos and a chic rug to make the space feel inviting. Lighting also plays a significant role; I opted for soft, ambient lighting to create a warm atmosphere that makes getting dressed a delight.

Future-Proofing Your Closet

One of the most exciting aspects of designing a closet is the potential for future-proofing. As my family grows and our needs change, I love knowing that I can easily adapt the space. Installing adjustable shelving and modular systems allows for flexibility, ensuring that my closet can evolve along with us. Whether we welcome new additions to our family or change our storage needs, I have the tools to keep my closet functional and beautiful.

Maximizing space in Arizona homes, especially when it comes to closets, is an exciting and rewarding journey. With a little creativity, customization, and organization, you can create a space that not only meets your family’s needs but also enhances your home’s value. A well-designed custom closet is more than just a storage area; it’s a beautiful retreat that makes everyday life easier and more enjoyable.

If you're ready to transform your closet into a functional and stylish space, let's connect! Together, we can design a closet that truly reflects your lifestyle and grows with you. Here’s to making the most of our Arizona homes!

The Connection Between Home Value and Organization: How Custom Closets Make a Difference

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 14:48:23 GMT

As a homeowner, you know that your living space can significantly impact your daily life, from how you start your morning to how you unwind at the end of the day. Yet, in our busy lives, organization often takes a back seat, leading to cluttered spaces that can feel overwhelming. This is especially true when it comes to closets—those often-overlooked areas that can either enhance your home’s appeal or become a source of frustration.

The Frustration of Odd Spaces

Have you ever opened your closet and felt a wave of frustration? Maybe it's that awkward nook that seems impossible to organize or a lack of proper shelving that leads to chaos. You’re not alone! Many homeowners face the challenge of making the most out of odd or underutilized spaces. These areas can easily become dumping grounds for clothes, shoes, and miscellaneous items, diminishing the overall charm of your home.

But what if I told you that tackling these frustrating spaces can significantly elevate your home’s value? In a competitive housing market, the appeal of a well-organized home can be the difference between a quick sale and sitting on the market for months.

Organization as a Reflection of Home Value

When potential buyers walk into a home, they envision their lives within those walls. Well-organized spaces, especially closets, create a sense of ease and flow, allowing buyers to see the full potential of the property. A cluttered closet can turn buyers away, while a beautifully designed and functional custom closet can serve as a major selling point.

Think about it: When everything has its place, your home feels larger and more inviting. Buyers are often looking for storage solutions that fit their lifestyles, and an organized custom closet can signify that the home has been well cared for. This perception of care translates into value, making it more likely for buyers to see your home as a worthy investment.

The Connection Between Organization and Wellness

Beyond monetary value, organization plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. Clutter can create mental chaos and stress, making it difficult to relax and enjoy our living spaces. On the other hand, a tidy and organized environment promotes a sense of calm and clarity. Studies have shown that an organized home can lead to reduced anxiety levels and improved mental health.

When you open a custom closet that’s been thoughtfully organized, you feel a sense of accomplishment. Everything is in its rightful place, and you can easily find what you need. This ease extends beyond just the physical; it creates a peaceful mindset that enhances your daily life.

Transforming Your Custom Closets

So, how can you turn your closet frustrations into organized triumphs? Here are a few tips to get you started:

Assess Your Space: Take a good look at your custom closet and identify any odd or underutilized spaces. Measure dimensions and think about how you can optimize every inch.
Customize Your Storage: Invest in custom storage solutions that fit your specific needs. Shelving, drawers, and hanging systems can be tailored to your items, making it easier to keep things organized.
Declutter Regularly: Make it a habit to regularly assess what you have. Donate or discard items that no longer serve a purpose, freeing up space for the things you truly love.
Create Zones: Organize your closet by creating designated zones for different types of items. This makes it easier to find what you need and keeps everything looking tidy.
Personal Touches: Add a personal touch with decor or organizational accessories that reflect your style. A well-styled custom closet can enhance its appeal, making it not just functional but also beautiful.

The connection between home value and organization is undeniable, especially in a competitive market. By focusing on transforming your custom closets into functional and appealing spaces, you not only enhance your home’s appeal but also contribute to your overall well-being. Say goodbye to frustration and hello to organization—your home (and your mental health) will thank you!

If you’re ready to tackle those awkward spaces and create a custom closet that truly enhances your home, let’s connect! Together, we can design a solution that meets your needs and elevates your living space. Here’s to embracing organization and enjoying the beauty it brings to our homes!

Fall Home Improvements: Essential Upgrades for Increasing Your Arizona Home's Value

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 14:48:20 GMT

As we welcome fall here in Arizona, it’s hard to ignore the warm weather still lingering around us. However, this time of year offers a great opportunity to take a step back and evaluate our homes as we prepare for the season ahead. With interest rates dropping and market conditions shifting, it's an excellent moment to consider some thoughtful home improvements that can enhance both your living space and its overall value. Whether you're getting ready for family gatherings or simply wanting to create a more enjoyable environment, making a few upgrades can truly transform your home.

Embrace the Season of Change

While the rest of the country may be donning sweaters and enjoying crisp autumn air, we Arizonians often find ourselves in a prolonged summer. This unique climate presents an ideal moment to tackle those home improvement projects that may have been on your to-do list all year long. As the holidays approach, it's essential to create inviting spaces for family gatherings, making your home a warm and welcoming haven for everyone.

Key Upgrades to Consider

Here are some essential home improvement projects that can significantly increase your Arizona home’s value:

Custom Closets

Let’s face it: Cluttered closets can turn into the bane of our existence, especially when hosting family. As you prepare to welcome loved ones for the holidays, consider upgrading your closet space with custom installations. A well-organized custom closet not only enhances the aesthetic of your home but also makes it easier to find your favorite holiday outfits, ensuring you look your best for family gatherings. Imagine stepping into a beautifully designed space where everything has its place, making your daily routine smoother and more enjoyable.

Guest Closets

Consider creating a welcoming guest closet that provides your visitors with a comfortable place to settle in. As a homeowner, hosting company can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you want to make your guests feel relaxed and at home. A well-organized guest closet serves as a thoughtful gesture, giving your visitors a designated space to store their belongings, whether it's coats, shoes, or personal items.

When guests arrive, the last thing you want is for them to feel like they’re intruding or have nowhere to put their things. An inviting guest closet not only enhances the overall appeal of your home but also alleviates that stress by ensuring your guests have a spot to tuck away their belongings, allowing them to settle in comfortably. This small yet significant detail can make a world of difference in their experience, transforming your home into a warm and welcoming retreat.

By taking the time to create a functional guest closet, you're not just organizing space; you're also showing your guests that you care about their comfort. It allows them to unpack and unwind, making their stay more enjoyable. Plus, when your home is organized and welcoming, you’ll feel more relaxed as a host, allowing you to focus on creating beautiful memories together during the holiday season.

Garage Organization Systems

With summer temperatures still hanging on, it’s easy for garages to become dumping grounds for everything from outdoor furniture to holiday decorations. Fall is the perfect time to declutter and organize this often-neglected space. By installing cabinets and workbenches, and creating designated zones for tools and seasonal items, you can transform your garage into a functional area that adds value to your home. Plus, an organized garage is a game-changer for holiday prep, giving you easy access to decorations and supplies.

Preparing for the Holidays

As you consider these home improvement projects, keep the upcoming holiday season in mind. Upgrading your closets and organizing your garage can create a smoother experience when hosting family and friends. A well-organized home reduces stress and allows you to focus on what matters most: spending quality time with loved ones.

With the fall season upon us, there’s no better time to reassess your Arizona home and invest in upgrades that can enhance both its value and your quality of life. By focusing on key areas like custom closets, garage organization, energy efficiency, and kitchen updates, you can create a warm and inviting space that’s ready for holiday festivities.

Let’s embrace this beautiful Arizona fall together! If you’re ready to transform your home with functional and stylish upgrades, reach out today! Together, we can make your home the perfect backdrop for making memories this holiday season.

Three Reasons Epoxy Garage Flooring Can’t Be Beat | L&B Closets | Gilbert, AZ

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 19:38:22 GMT

When considering a custom garage flooring system , there are a few factors to take into account beyond the price it's going to cost. If price alone is your only determining factor, then grab your nearest paint brush and start rolling on an old coat of gray and be done with it. But, if you take more pride in your garage then consider installing epoxy garage flooring.

Epoxy Garage Flooring Benefits:

It isn’t uncommon for people to have to continually recoat their garage flooring every year in order to keep up with the continuous issues. The lesser quality garage floorings can stain easier and peel away from the warmness of tires. Some are easy to slip on and stain easily if there is a spill. The worst garage coatings will begin to chip almost immediately if not done right, especially in a more humid environment.

Epoxy Garage Flooring trumps all other forms of garage coating because of its durability, safety, and ease of maintenance. Continue reading for a more details on this form of garbage coating before you make your decision.

Epoxy Garage Flooring Is Shiny: Everyone Likes Shiny

The garage isn’t solely used for simple storing sedans anymore. A shiny new epoxy garage flooring along with a few raised cabinets and a workbench will help you to feel proud while you're tinkering back there. It will raise the value of your items in any yard/garage sale by at least one quarter. All jokes aside, if you are considering using your garage for more than just simple hoarding, epoxy garage flooring has the appeal and functionality to suit any desire.

Epoxy Garage Flooring Is Durable: Really Durable

The higher quality epoxy flooring is very hard to chip, especially if you enlist a professional with professional installation equipment to do the job. Epoxy is made up of a secret(not really)mixture of epoxide resin, and polyamine hardener that will take up to 48 hours to harden; but when it does, oh boy, you’ve got yourself at least a solid 20 years of mileage before you notice anything.

Part of the secret recipe that makes epoxy garage flooring so appealing is that it’s also stain and chemical resistant - this goes for common garage fluids such as car oil, gas, antifreeze, pool cleaner, brake fluids and more.

Epoxy Garage Flooring Takes Less Maintenance: That Means More Leisure

What's the point of investing into a renovation that becomes a chore in and of itself. With your standard concrete garage flooring, dust accumulates almost the second after you're done sweeping. Little did we know before researching this article, the reason for the avid dust accumulation is that concrete flakes over time, forming dust molecules in its wake. If the weather fluctuates, like in parts of Arizona, it can cause cracks in your concrete and you have just officially wasted your time because of it. Epoxy garage flooring only takes a quick sweep and a mop and it looks as shiny as ever. You really can’t go wrong with it.

The price point of epoxy garage flooring is a little more upfront, but when you consider the long-term potential, it surpass’s all other options in a matter of a few short years.

Sign up with us for a free consultation where we can go over your garage renovation needs and maybe if you are deciding to do a full renovation we can get the epoxy price down to provide even more value.

Maximize and Unlock Hidden Space in Your Small Custom Closet

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 19:42:52 GMT

Having a small custom closet doesn't mean you have to sacrifice functionality or style. In fact, every nook and corner in your closet holds untapped potential waiting to be utilized efficiently. By implementing effective decluttering techniques and organizing strategically, you can transform your small custom closet into a functional and organized oasis.

Explore how to maximize your custom closet by decluttering, freeing up space, and organizing.

Assess and declutter: The first step towards maximizing space
Use vertical space: Think vertically to maximize storage
Make use of nooks and crannies: Don't overlook small spaces
Incorporate clever organization systems: Custom solutions for small spaces
Optimize lighting: Illuminate and enhance the space
Rotate clothing: Efficiently store and switch out items
Complete regular maintenance: Stay organized over time

Get ready to unlock the full potential of your small closet and make the most of every inch by following these simple steps

1. Assess and Declutter: The First Step Towards Maximizing Space

Before you can maximize your small custom closet, it's crucial to assess its current state and declutter effectively. Begin by taking everything out of your closet and evaluating each item. Ask yourself if it's something you use frequently, if it still fits, if it is in good condition, and if it holds sentimental value. Be honest with yourself, and let go of items that no longer serve a purpose in your life.

Consider donating or selling clothes that no longer fit or are no longer your style. Get rid of damaged or worn-out items that cannot be salvaged. By decluttering your closet, you'll create more space and a better sense of organization, making it easier to find what you need.

2. Use Vertical Space: Think Vertically to Maximize Storage

When dealing with a small custom closet, vertical space becomes your best friend. Make use of every inch by using the verticality of your closet. Install adjustable shelving units, stackable storage bins, or hanging organizers to take advantage of the height of your closet. This way, you can store folded clothes, shoes, and accessories efficiently, creating more floor and hanging space.

Consider adding hooks or hanging rods on the inside of doors or walls to hang belts, scarves, or even handbags. The experts at The Spruce consider wall hooks one of the most valuable storage tools for a small closet. These simple additions can make a significant difference in maximizing your small closet's storage capacity.

3. Make Use of Nooks and Crannies: Don't Overlook Small Spaces

Small corners and nooks in your custom closet may seem insignificant, but they can be valuable storage areas when optimized. Install corner shelves or use small baskets and bins to maximize these overlooked spaces.

These areas can be perfect for storing accessories, socks, or smaller clothing items. By using every nook and cranny, you'll create a more organized and efficient closet

4. Incorporate Clever Organization Systems: Custom Solutions for Small Spaces

To make the most of your small custom closet, invest in clever organization systems designed specifically for small spaces. Consider adding hanging organizers with multiple compartments for shoes, folded clothes, or accessories.

Use drawer dividers to separate and organize items within the drawers. Install a cascading hanger system to maximize vertical hanging space. Or, double your hanging space so that you have two rods to hang from, as suggested by the custom closet pros at Built-In Closet & Garage . All of these custom solutions are designed to enhance storage in small closets, providing efficient organization while minimizing clutter.

5. Optimize Lighting: Illuminate and Enhance the Space

Proper lighting is essential for maximizing the functionality and aesthetics of your custom closet. Inadequate lighting can make it difficult to locate items, leading to frustration and disorganization.

Consider adding LED strip lights or motion-activated lighting to illuminate the entire closet space. This will not only make it easier to find what you're looking for but also enhance the overall ambiance of the closet.

6. Rotate Clothing: Efficiently Store and Switch Out Items

Small closets can quickly become overwhelmed with clothes and accessories, especially when dealing with seasonal changes. To avoid overcrowding, implement a seasonal rotation system.

Store out-of-season items in labeled bins or vacuum-sealed bags and place them in a separate storage area, such as under the bed or in a designated space in your home. Switch out items as the seasons change, keeping your closet clutter-free and organized year-round.

7. Complete Regular Maintenance: Stay Organized Over Time

Maximizing your small custom closet is not a one-time task; it requires consistent maintenance to keep things organized. Make it a habit to declutter periodically and reevaluate your storage solutions as your needs change.

Dedicate a few minutes each week to tidy up, rehang clothes, and put items back in their designated places. By staying on top of organization, you'll prevent clutter from building up and maintain an efficient and functional small closet.

Conclusion

No matter the size of your custom closet, every nook and corner holds potential for maximizing space and organization. By implementing effective decluttering techniques, utilizing vertical and small spaces, investing in clever organization systems, optimizing lighting, and completing regular maintenance, you can transform your small closet into a functional and organized haven.

Embrace the possibilities within your small custom closet, and enjoy the benefits of a clutter-free and efficient storage space.

Sources

What Type of Furniture Belongs in a Home Office?

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 19:42:44 GMT

More than ever before, employees are working from home long-term. While a folding table and an old stool may have temporarily sufficed, working from home full-time calls for investing in your home office . In other words, you need to think about furniture pieces that will be both comfortable & appropriately compliment your space.

Your home office should include solutions such as a private workspace and seating, proper lighting, ample storage, and a layout that maximizes space and doesn't block pathways.

Your valuable time shouldn't be spent rummaging through disorganized papers, nor should your back or neck ache after crouching over your computer all day. When your home office is organized and set to your specific preferences, you'll have greater productivity. The trick? Choosing the right pieces of furniture!

Desks and Workspaces

Your workspace is one of the most important pieces of furniture in your home office. Whether you work at a computer, assemble materials, or need space for multiple open books, a desk is essential, no matter the job.

However, not all desks are created equal nor does every desk work in a home office. It's important to find one that doesn't block the pathways or flow of the room. Here's a rundown of different desks and workspaces so you can determine which one fits your preferences, style, and space.

Computer Desk

Computer desks give plenty of surface area for multiple monitors or other devices without being crowded. You can add drawers for extra storage or select one that adjusts the surface height to improve your ergonomics.

Executive Desk

Executive desks are perhaps the fanciest and sturdiest of desk choices. Usually made from solid sculpted wood, these beautiful pieces have lots of storage space. However, they do tend to come with a higher price tag and are best suited for larger work areas.

Writing Desk

Similar to a computer desk, a writing desk is a basic surface with several drawers for storage. It's usually smaller, which favors a laptop set up over a desktop computer. The smaller frame allows it to fit in almost any home office space.

L-Shaped Desk

Also called a corner desk, L-shaped desks supply lots of work and storage space. Because of their unique shape, L-shaped desks are favorable for filling unused space in the corner of a room, but often don't work well in the middle of a home office.

Adjustable Desks

One desk style that has grown significantly in popularity is adjustable desks. These desks allow you to sit or stand comfortably and with proper ergonomics. UT Southwestern Medical Center adds that adjustable desks are ideal for those with neck or back pain who benefit from frequent position changes.

Office Chair

Now that you've found the perfect desk, it's time to find an office chair that keeps you comfortable and focused. Office chairs are where ergonomics are most at play. When sitting at your desk, your feet should be flat on the floor, hips at the back of the chair, back and neck straight, and shoulders relaxed.

If your chair doesn't keep these elements in alignment, you'll quickly feel tension building in your shoulders or back and neck aches. Take the time to find the right chair, and you'll thank yourself later!

Task Chair

A task chair is what most likely comes to mind when you think of an office chair. These are the more basic models with wheels for mobility, armrests, and cushions on the seat and back. Some can adjust the height & armrests, but adjustments are usually minimal.

Executive Chair

Usually accompanying an executive desk, executive chairs are made from softer materials such as leather or polyurethane foam. The chairs themselves are typically more expensive, but are beautiful and complete the executive office look like no other.

Ergonomic Chair

If you suffer from back or neck pain or struggle to maintain good posture while sitting for an extended period of time, an ergonomic chair may be the best choice for you. Ergonomic chairs give the most options for adjustments, such as chair and armrest height, back support, and headrests.

Lighting

While most home offices have a ceiling light, you can benefit from multiple sources of light. Your eyes can become strained not only from lack of light but also from too much or the wrong kind!

Everyday overhead lights allow you to accomplish most tasks without needing additional help. However, overhead lights can feel overbearing after a while and your eyes will need a break. If you find this to be the case, consider adding one of the following to your home office:

Floor lamp - Switching off the overhead light and using one or two floor lamps can reduce the light input while keeping the whole room illuminated.
Task lamp - Also called a desk lamp, task lamps will bring light to your desk. However, it's best to not use them at night as they will strain your eyes.
Sunlight - If your home office has a window, take advantage of the sunlight! Not only does it provide free light, but Healthline also explains that sunlight boosts mood and improves sleep patterns.

Organizational Tools

A desk is a great starting place for organizing your home office materials, but it's beneficial to have a separate organizational system as well. This will allow you to use your desk for office supplies like pens, sticky notes, and staplers, and your organization system for paperwork or other files. It also reduces clutter in your workspace.

Organizational tools can come in many forms, such as:

Open bookshelves - Bookshelves are perfect for bulky items (like a printer), decor to spruce up the room, and of course, book storage!
Cubby storage - Cubby storage is very functional and decorative. Use cloth or wicker baskets to store office items or use the separate cubby holes to organize books or knick-knacks.
Closed-door cabinets - A closed-door cabinet offers lots of storage options with the added benefit of concealing the chaos.
Filing cabinets - Most helpful for filing paperwork, filing cabinets can be as simple as a plastic container or have extra features such as locks or wheels or made from metal or wood.
Drawer cabinets - These feature various-sized drawers for additional supply storage. Similar to filing cabinets, drawer cabinets can be basic or more elaborate depending on your preferences.

Decor

While not technically furniture, decor makes your home office substantially more enjoyable. And since it's your own space, you can take the liberty to decorate it however you see fit! Give your office a new coat of paint, hang your favorite art, photos, or movie posters, bring in some potted plants, or whatever else brightens the room.

Conclusion

Your home office should be a space of maximum productivity and comfort. Unlike regular office space, you can personalize it to your heart's content! Take the time to find pieces that fit your space, preferences, ergonomics, and budget.

The most important furniture to have in your office are a desk, chair, and organization system. These are the foundational pieces that will keep you focused. Lighting and decor also play an important role in the ambiance and enjoyability of the space.

Sources

8 Tips to Halve Cooking Time with Better Kitchen Organization | Phoenix

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 19:42:34 GMT

Cooking in the Kitchen can be a very time-consuming process, especially since eating is necessary every single day. If you have a large family and are taking care of most of the cooking, you find that 4-6 hours in the kitchen is not unordinary. What this article will help you with is combining different time-saving kitchen organization ideas together, which will potentially shave off hours of work.

Time-saving Kitchen Ideas | Phoenix

Bulk Prep & Freezing Applicable Foods

Many of us have 3 meals a day and each meal can add on a considerable amount of time. A great way to minimize time in the kitchen is to bulk prep ingredients. For instance, let’s say there are certain vegetables that you eat regularly that needs to be prepped. You can make enough for 2+ nights, store them in the fridge and use them later!

Another way is to bulk freeze cooked foods such as stew, soups, sauces, and even rice or noodles! Freeze foods can last for months and is a great way to whip up a quick dinner.

Make Leftovers for Lunch

Sometimes, leftovers are not preferred but certain foods can still taste great reheated! What if your leftovers can serve as lunch? That is one meal down for the day! Whenever you’re cooking dinner, think ahead about which foods can be reheated and make more. You’ll thank yourself later.

Clean while Cooking

We all know that cleaning after cooking can take a while depending on how big your household is and how many pots, pans and utensils you used. It’s not uncommon to have to spend 30 minutes or so just cleaning. So why not clean while you cook? Waiting for the water to boil, or food to heat up? Do you find yourself standing around staring for 30 seconds or more? Clean something! You’ll find that after the meal is done, you will have very little left over.

Functional Kitchen Pantry Cabinets & Shelving

Without functional kitchen pantry organizers , it can be difficult to find the ingredients you’re looking for and the unnecessary time loss will increase little by little until a lot of time passes by. Your kitchen may need an upgrade to the pantry cabinets and shelves so that you’re spending your precious time on what really matters - feeding your family.

Categorizing Items Together

The way that you categorize your items together may be different from others, therefore, understanding your family’s lifestyle becomes very important. Do you have a particular routine? Are your kid’s meals very similar on a weekly basis? Do you eat a similar breakfast or lunch everyday or every week? Are there certain ingredients that you use frequently during dinners? Grouping them together can make gathering your ingredients much faster and with less hassle.

Use Spice & Ingredient Containers with Labels

If you have a good amount of raw ingredients or spices, you may want to consider getting a number of ingredient containers - plastic or glass depending on the ingredient - and put a label on them to find easier. There are many advantages to this such as, saving money through buying bulk spices or ingredients in packets or by the ounce, uniform look makes sorting easier and visually easy on the mind, and it makes storing a breeze.

Intuitive Kitchen Workflow

Creating an intuitive workflow in your kitchen can decrease your walking distance while in the kitchen. Have you ever found yourself going to the pantry too many times just to make a meal? Are your ingredients in many different locations? Work out how you can group certain ingredients together such as by breakfast, lunch & dinner and observe how much time and energy you can save.

Get Help From Others

Here’s a big one. We all know cleaning can take a considerable amount of time and the last thing the cook wants to do is clean up after everyone. Afterall, haven’t you done your fair share feeding the tummies of those sitting on the table? Of course! Have your kids help out which will teach them courteous skills that they will carry on in the future. If you have frequent guests, ask them if they would be able to help you a bit. Can they really get mad? Surely not, and if anything, they would be glad to!

Take Action

Now that you got some tips, start implementing some of the ideas right away and watch your time-saved increase. Out of all of the ideas above, having a functional kitchen pantry is at the top because without them, your ingredients will just be a mess.

If you’re in the Phoenix area, check out some our kitchen pantry designs or get a FREE in-home 3D personalized Kitchen Design from us! Our gift to you.

Custom Closet Materials

Mon, 13 May 2024 19:42:25 GMT

When you have a custom closet installed in your home, or even if you DIY, you have several choices of materials that can be used. Every type comes with its pros and cons, so let’s go through the most common closet materials to help you make the best decision.

Wire Closets

If you are looking for the most budget-friendly option, wire might be right for you. This is usually the most inexpensive type. Another positive is that when you have wire closets, you can look up and see very easily what is on overhead shelves.

There are some drawbacks, however. Remember that you do get what you pay for: Wire may be cheap, but it’s also difficult to customize and it cannot bear heavy loads. Also, the ease of seeing what’s above you can backfire if something were to spill; whether it’s a container of beads or a bottle of syrup (in a pantry), it will pour down on whatever is underneath.

Wood Closets

Wood is easy to cut to measure and it can bear heavier loads than wire closets. There are a few different ways to install wood in the closet, so it’s also easy to customize. It comes in various finishes, so if whether you’re considering a light pine or a dark mahogany, you can probably find the one you want. There are also less expensive options available, including plywood and particleboard.

Wood can be expensive, which may be a concern. Also, unless you have it specially treated, spills and moisture can cause it to warp or stain. Wood is also difficult to work with if you are installing your closet yourself and do not have the tools or experience necessary.

Melamine and Wood

At L&B Custom Closets , we use melamine-coated wood in most of our closets and other storage areas. Why? We feel that this is the best material in terms of value. Yes, it’s more expensive than wire, but it also stands up to heavy use and will not warp, bend or shift, creating holes in your walls. It is also humidity- and stain-resistant, which gives it a leg up when compared to regular wood. It comes in many different finishes and you can use different combinations to achieve various looks.

The drawbacks are that it can be pricy for some and also that it is heavy. This type of material is difficult for you to install yourself, and is best installed by a professional.

If you are ready to take the step of scheduling your FREE in-home consultation, we’d be happy to talk to you about the benefits of melamine-coated wood. We can also show you samples and create a custom design that you can look at in the privacy and convenience of your own home.

Call today at (602) 899-0553 to schedule this appointment with one of our custom closet experts.

Keeping Your Home Safe From Intruders While You Travel

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 19:42:17 GMT

‘Tis the season for traveling near and far to gather with friends and family. Whether you will be enjoying a warm and toasty holiday in Florida or shivering as you watch the ball drop in Times Square, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your home is safe from intruders. You can take some steps now to ensure that your most treasured possessions will be exactly where you left them when you return from your trip.

Lock Everything Up Tight

You already know that all of your doors and windows should be locked before you leave. A locked door is your first line of defense when it comes to keeping your home safe from intruders. In fact, if an intruder encounters deadbolted doors and locked windows, he or she might decide to move along to another home rather than risk the neighbors hearing them break glass or try to force a door open.

In addition to locking your entryways, you should consider locking up valuables within your home. A thief won’t have much luck if they can’t find your heirloom jewelry and other expensive items if they do gain access to your home. A locking jewelry tray in your master bedroom closet can keep your valuables safely hidden away. You can also ask your closet designer about installing an area in a closet or another storage area where you can hide a lock box or a safe.

Consider a Home Security System

If you live in a safe community, you might consider a home security system to be unnecessary, but consider that many burglars target upscale neighborhoods. In addition, a home security system can alert you not only to an intruder in your home but also a fire, an individual with a key who shouldn’t have one, and more.

Tekna Security & Smart Home is a company in Phoenix that can install an alarm system based on your needs. Even when you are not traveling, it will be helpful to know that your children have gotten home from school and have entered the home, that your dog sitter has walked your dog while you were at work, and even that the thermostat will be set at a comfortable level when you get home. You can read about other ways your home security system can keep your home running more smoothly in your absence on the Tekna website.

Use Discretion in Sharing Your Vacation Plans

In today’s technological world, sharing photos of important moments on social media is a part of life for many people. When you are traveling, however, it is prudent to avoid sharing the news that you are away from home with anyone who is not a close friend or family member. If you have 200 (or 2,000!) followers on your social media site, chances are good that at least one of them might not have your best interest in mind, and word might spread that you are living it up 500 or 1,000 miles away from home, leaving your home and its contents unattended.

In the same respect, it is helpful to ask a close friend or a trusted neighbor to look after your property if you’ll be gone more than a couple of days. Have someone bring in the mail, water your outdoor plants, and sweep the front entry periodically so your home doesn’t look empty. You can also set up timers to turn lights and the radio on and off occasionally.

Keeping your home safe while you are traveling can be made easier with some forethought and help from local professionals. Contact us if you would like a quote for a locked area of your closet.

5 Essentials For A Productive Home Office in Gilbert Arizona

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 19:42:09 GMT

One of the greatest benefits of a home office is the freedom to decorate and design your home office as you wish, but without letting either space lose their distinct identity. In other words, we should keep the workplace well defined from the rest of our personal space, aka home.

Whether you see your ‘home office’ a blessing or a curse, one thing’s for sure, your mood and your productivity will be affected by how it is set up. Just as a cluttered desk is a cluttered mind, a disorganized home office may be the source of unnecessary mind-blocks to new ideas and solutions.

5 Essentials Tips For Productivity In Your Home Office | Gilbert Arizona

If your home office is a mess and ruining your productivity - Not to worry, because here you will find 5 essential tips to help you improve the organization of your home office to help you stay more productive, keep the working mood positive so you can focus on the task of producing top-quality work.

Don’t Mix Work With Personal Life

Starting with the most obvious, blending work and pleasure reduces productivity substantially. Even with the firmest intention to separate them both in your home office, the two are bound to mix since your office is in your home.

Examine your home office from time to time to see how much of your workspace has been infested with distractions. Clear away the TV, game consoles, and any other forms of distractions, keeping them out of sight. If necessary have them closed away in a custom closet. Eliminate unnecessary interference from the outside world and also consider closing out of your social media accounts and any other irrelevant browser tabs you may have open, so you can stay focused.

Get Good Posture Support

Are you getting the seat support you need? You should take note of your seating support if you are spending most of your time sitting on your chair when working. Standing desks combined with an ergonomic chair are the healthiest choice for maintaining good posture.

Not only do they enable you to adjust the height of your desk specifically to your needs, but you can also alternate between standing AND sitting so you are not constantly stuck in one posture while you work. This in turn enables greater circulation throughout our your body whereby keeping you energised and focused. When you feel good, naturally you are going to be more productive.

Invest In Better Lighting

We often neglect the lighting. Is your desk lamp too bright or too dim to work under effectively? Are you getting sufficient natural light, the best kind, from the Sun? Make sure your designated workspace has enough windows or openings to let the sunlight in.

Research has shown that people feel a lot more lethargic during winter months due to the lack of exposure to sunlight. The exposure to natural light can boost your mood and improve your sleep patterns. In times of unfavorable weather or long working nights, it is essential to get some extra lighting in your workspace. There are some amazing technologies emerging in this field that simulates natural light, so do some research and enhance your space if needed.

Simplify Processes

Have you complicated your home office and work processes so much so that it has become too overwhelming to work anymore? If so, it’s time to go back to basics – simplify!

Remember that the key to an organized office is efficiency, and the more things you have around, the harder it is to keep everything in order.

Add A Personal Touch And Some Inspiration

In spite of tip 1, there should still be some leeway on what you can place in your workspace for that personal touch and inspiration to an otherwise, sterile office environment. Note that the purpose of these items or design is to help you sustain that positive mood and energy to work on your tasks.

They can include anything: decor, plants, photographs or art works. If you’re feeling a sense of dread working in your home office, ask yourself what would inspire you and keep you going? It could be your family, partner, your kids, your goals, your favorite art pieces, the scenery outside your window, or even the sight of your favorite color. Explore adding a few simple personal pieces in your home office space that inspire you.

Expand Your Workspace or Storage System

Are your documents piling up? Is your space or desk cluttered due to lack of effective organization or storage space. If it is, it’s time to consider adding some proper storage solutions in your home office.

If you have the tendency to leave things lying around, a piles of clutter can form before you even realize it. Creating some extra space and adding some simple storage solutions will also make your workspace less cramped and way more efficient. Consider investing in some custom wall cabinets, shelves and other accessories to give you more room to move and a greater sense of organization in your home office space.

Calling in the Experts

This is where you can call in the experts! A qualified design consultant can help you achieve some astounding results to improve your h ome and productivity.

Right now, if you reside in Gilbert Arizona, the experts at L&B Closets are offering you an exclusive No Obligation FREE In Home Design Consultation . To take advantage of this opportunity call tel: today mention this offer and make an appointment to see what the team & L&B Closets can do for you!

How to Make a Custom Closet Suit Your Sense of Style

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 20:41:59 GMT

Over the years, you might have developed a personal style when it comes to choosing furnishings and decorative items. In addition, you have your own style for picking out clothing and putting together outfits. While you might not consider a custom closet system to be a particularly stylish home upgrade, there are ways that it can suit your sense of style in both home decor and the types of clothing that you wear. If you are considering having custom closets installed in your Phoenix-area home, Your L&B Closets professional will help you decide exactly what you want and need in a closet. Read on to learn about how you can design and maintain your closet to reflect your preferences when it comes to appearance and function.

Choose Your Closet’s Finishes and Panels Carefully

During your free in-home consultation, your closet designer will work with you to choose the perfect combination of panels and finishes. First, you will want to choose the color that you like. We have a wide variety of finishes, from White to oak-like Secret to a modern gray Concrete to a dark brown called Chocolate Pear and an almost-black Licorice, plus options in between. Think about your preferences: Do you prefer a traditional, classic look or something more modern? What color is the wood in your home now? Think about the color of the carpeting or flooring in the room where the closet will be. All of these are considerations that will help you decide what would look best in your new closet.

The panel types are another consideration. We carry modern flat panels, softly beveled edges, a classic raised panel design, a Shaker-style panel, and more to choose from. The panels all have different looks and can be used to fit in with your current furnishings.

Add Small Touches to Your Custom Closet as You Go

Once your custom closet is installed, you can certainly continue to add to the space’s appeal over time. If you have an island installed in the master bedroom walk-in closet , you might choose to place a piece like a sculpture, a stack of antique books, or a vase of flowers, depending on your style. If you have extra room on the shelves, you can also add art pieces or items of interest to that.

Consider putting in a throw rug on the floor on top of your existing flooring. This can add a soft spot to stand as well as some visual appeal. You can also hang art on the walls or change out the lighting for more of your style on display. Would a chandelier, a couple of standing lamps, or some recessed lighting reflect your personality? Maybe you’d enjoy a Tiffany-inspired lamp hanging from the ceiling. Maybe a dimmer switch would allow you to ease more gently into the day. Think about what you like and how you can incorporate that into your closet.

Keep Your Custom Closet Well-Maintained

Any style can be made better by keeping the closet clean and well-maintained. Try some of these tips for making the closet and your clothing last longer and look better:

Wipe down the closet components regularly to remove dust and keep them looking new. L&B closets, like theirs, are easy to care for and can be wiped with a damp rag.
Come up with a system and stick to it. This will help you keep the space organized and can avoid clutter being placed in the wrong spot.
Don’t overstuff your closet and be gentle with your clothing. A closet with a bit of extra space allows clothing to breathe and it looks better than a closet that is packed to the gills.
Use the features you purchased! It doesn’t make sense to leave the shoe rack empty while piling up shoes on the floor, for example.

Experiment With Your Other Senses

Remember that personal style is not only about the visual, though that plays a big part in it. Think about your other senses and how your closet can appeal to them. This is a great tip to apply to your entire home, not only your closet!

For the sense of smell, consider adding sachets or a candle to the closet. Of course, you should never leave a candle burning unattended in a closet; that is a recipe for disaster! Instead, place an unwrapped scented candle in the closet without burning it or light one for just a few minutes while you are physically in the space.

The sense of touch will be satisfied by the smooth edges of your closet components along with the softness of your clothing. Think about other textures, too. The inside lining of your jewelry tray will be soft and smooth. If you have scarves, hang them so they billow out, creating extra softness. You might decide to arrange your shoes in a way that puts like textures together. Experiment!

If you enjoy listening to music while getting ready for the day or winding down in the evening, consider putting a speaker in the closet so you can stream your preferred music. Maybe you have an old CD player sitting around that you never use; the closet might be the perfect place to store it and put it (and your CDs) to use.

While many people would not like to indulge their sense of taste in the closet, if you have an island, a cup of coffee, tea, or whatever you like to drink in the morning can ease you into the day before you leave your bedroom. Or maybe you would like to keep a little stash of emergency chocolate in a hidden drawer... we won’t tell!

You can integrate your sense of style into your custom closets by following a few of these ideas. Your L&B Closets designer is a resource when it comes to designing your stylish closet for any room of your home. Contact us today to schedule a free in-home appointment to discuss custom closets in Phoenix, Scottsdale and the surrounding areas.

The Secret To Taming Your Garage Clutter

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 20:41:50 GMT

Has your garage become the Bermuda Triangle of disorganization? Is it the place where your household clutter goes to die? Perhaps your garage is jammed packed with plastic storage containers which you bought with good intentions of getting rid of the clutter but didn’t quite get there.

Unfortunately, stuffing junk into boxes will only get us so far. If you are finding you have too much stuff in the garage to even park your car then maybe you need to consider taking some serious action in getting it under control once and for all. And by the way, moving into a larger house is not a real solution, it will only follow you there if you don’t deal with it first. The best way to tackle the clutter in your garage is to maximize your storage space.

Top Tricks and Tips To Taming The Chaos In Your Garage

Here we reveal some indisputable secrets to taming your garage clutter along with the top tricks for keeping your stuff organized. If you take these steps seriously you will find yourself the proud owner of a well-organized and functional garage once more.

Blank Canvas Mode

So the very first thing to do is remove every item in your garage and start sorting. Yes, we know you are already squirming at the thought. But, one of the most efficient and effective ways to tackle your garage organization is to start in blank canvas mode.

For this, you will need to arm yourself with a few essential things: some time (a weekend is best), trash bags, empty storage containers, some help to lift things and keep you focused (bribe family and friends if necessary), and some tunes to keep you moving. Yes, we understand this is no easy task and you would much rather spend your time engaged in some other enjoyable activity. However, by giving up only one weekend, potentially less, you can finally end the chaos in your garage and allow order to reign again.

The Four Pillars Of Organization

If you have the space, empty the contents onto tarps on your lawn or driveway, sorting them into four general piles as you remove them from the garage; stay, belongs elsewhere, garage sale/donate and throw out in the trash! This process may bring on the occasional nostalgia when you find some of those keepsakes you had stashed away from junior high, but it will also give you great sense of achievement to finally be getting your garage in order.

Create Functional Storage Systems

Weeding out all the stuff you no longer need, use or want is vital. Organizing everything left from there becomes much easier. From here you need to implement solutions that allow you to reclaim every square foot to really maximize your space. One highly effective way to do that is to use the walls and even the ceiling.

A professional garage storage designer can help get this into perspective and offer some solid tips to suit your desired outcome. Perhaps before you embark on your garage decluttering mission, consult with an expert garage organizer in your local area and seek some professional advice maximizing your space.

If you are wanting some extra room for that home gym, game room, man cave or hobby studio you’ve been dreaming about, then taking advantage of every inch of available space is crucial.

Up, Up and Away!

One of the greatest unsung values in the garage is utilizing the overhead storage opportunities. Racks that hang from ceiling joints can add loads of extra storage room that can be designed for specialized storage for things like seasonal items, camping gear, luggage, and any of the things you only use once or twice a year. Better still are motorized storage lifts and elevated platforms that can hoist bikes, kayaks, jet skis and even mini RVs leaving you with a heap more floor space for the essentials (like your car, which until now may have been banished to the driveway due to lack of available parking space in there).

Go Vertical

Vertical wall space is essential for good organization in the garage. Custom garage cabinets with doors are the perfect solution for those who want to keep the stuff they are storing out of sight.

Slat wall storage systems with shelves, hooks and baskets are one of the top vertical storage solutions for any garage. Not only do they adjustable to suit whatever you need to store but they provide easy access to all your items.

Creating Workspace

Having a clutter free workspace for your hobbies, craft, gardening and more is one of the many benefits of whipping your garage into shape. Creating a workspace is made easy by installing any traditional or custom workbench to suit your purposes. Another great space saving option is to install custom collapsible shelving/workbench that folds flat to the wall when not in use. There is a storage solution for every situation.

The Floor Show

A garage makeover just wouldn’t be complete without giving some attention to the floor. Once all clutter is gone and you can actually see the floor again, if you still have bare concrete for a floor, you might want to consider sprucing that up as well. One of the most popular floor treatments today is an epoxy floor . Epoxy floors are extremely easy to keep clean and nice to walk on. They are also fade-, mark-, stain- and slip-resistant. Available in numerous styles and finishes, they are considered a solid investment in adding value to your home.

If you are ready to dive in and tackle the clutter of your garage but would like some assistance with creating the right storage solutions to suit your needs, then the team at L&B Closets would love to help! Residents in and around the Phoenix area qualify for a No-Obligation FREE In-Home Design Consultation with professional organization specialist simply by calling today and scheduling an appointment.

Is It Better to Fold or Hang Your Clothes?

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 20:41:42 GMT

Curious how to best store all your clothes? Whether you’re living overseas or residing in the local Apache Junction, AZ area, a custom closet will help you keep your wardrobe clean, organized, and long-lasting. And for those of you who own a lot of clothes, you’ve probably wondered what is the best way to store them and why.

To hang or to fold? That is the question. Believe it or not, folding or hanging your clothes is not a matter of personal preference. With the exception of stretchy fabrics, it’s best to hang as much of your wardrobe as possible.

When you make a point to hang your clothes, you will have:

A Wrinkle-Free Wardrobe
Long Lasting Formalwear
More Space

Read on to learn how and why hanging your clothes can improve your home and style.

A Wrinkle-Free Wardrobe

Hanging your clothes prevents wrinkles and keeps them looking their best for years to come. When you hang your dress shirts, pants, and blouses (especially right out of the dryer), you are more likely to keep your clothes crisp and wrinkle-free. And don't forget about all that time you’ll save on ironing!

Long-Lasting Formalwear

A quality wardrobe is an investment, one you want to maintain with proper care and storage. According to marthastewart.com, jackets, dresses, and pants will last longer and remain in better condition when they are hung up. Always make sure your closets are clean, cool, and dry so that your formalwear stays in tip-top shape.

More Space

When you hang your clothes, you create more space in your closets and your home. If you have room in your closet, consider placing a mirror and dresser against the wall so that you clear up space in your bedroom. Even if you don’t have a walk-in closet, hanging your clothes will provide more storage space for clothing and non-clothing items.

Best Clothes to Hang in Your Closets

To get the most out of your custom closets, prioritize hanging your formal and semi-formal attire. While it may be easier to just toss or fold those suits, jackets, and dresses into a dresser or storage bin, hanging your formalwear will save you time and money in the long run.

As mentioned previously, hanging your clothes is a surefire way to prevent wrinkles. Linen, jackets, blouses, and other large pieces are notorious for becoming wrinkled very quickly. Folding these bulky, expensive, and wrinkle-prone items can either damage or lessen your clothing’s value. Remember that not all pieces will be hung the same way. While dresses and jackets are typically hung vertically, pants and slacks should be folded neatly over a hanger.

Best Hangers for Your Clothes

Now that you know which types of clothing to hang and why you’ll want to ensure you have the right hangers for the right pieces of clothing. Believe it or not, some hangers can harm or damage your clothing. This is because most clothes vary in weight, material, and length.

You’ll want to hang lingerie and delicate fabrics on padded silk or linen hangers, as they are lightweight. Invest in suit hangers for suit jackets and plastic tube hangers for more casual wear such as t-shirts made of cotton. HGTV notes that closet hooks are perfect for hanging "everyday outerwear."

Other Items to Hang in Your Custom Closets

Now that you know which pieces of clothing should be hung in your closet and why it’s time to explore what else you can hang in that beautiful organizational oasis! Why not accessorize? Scarves, hats, and shoes are great for hanging up as well.

Consider purchasing a scarf and shoe rack you could easily hang on your closet door or wall. For those looking to get a little more creative, try decorating your closet with lights, photographs, and/or posters. This will improve the look and ambiance of your bedroom.

What Not to Hang

Okay, so while in most cases it’s best to hang your clothes, there are some instances where you’ll want to neatly fold them. For the most part, you should avoid hanging chunky sweaters and sweater dresses. This heavy fabric is prone to stretching and hanger marks. The last thing you want is for those beautiful, thick winter knits to suddenly become unwearable. Shorts and activewear should be folded as well. Much like those winter sweaters, your gym clothes may stretch out if left on a hanger for too long.

Conclusion

Whether your closet is a walk-in, reach-in, or elegant armoire, you’ll want to fill it with your best clothes. While most clothes should be hung on a proper hanger, you’ll need to be cognizant of certain materials so your clothes won’t damage or stretch. Remember that hanging your clothes will automatically create extra space in your closets to store other items as well.

Sources

https://www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/interior-remodel/closet-hangers-valets-hooks-and-pull-outs

Can a Custom Garage Save You Money?

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 19:41:33 GMT

You may have already organized the closets inside of your home. Now, it’s time to start thinking about a custom garage . There are many things that our professional closet organizers can do to help you make better use of your garage, including installing workbenches, putting in cabinets and shelving and more. If you’re wondering if this might be a good investment to make for your Phoenix home, you should consider how much money you can actually save with the help of a custom garage.

A Custom Garage Can Increase Your Home’s Value

If you choose to sell your home later on, potential buyers will probably want to take a look at the garage. For one thing, if your garage is neat and tidy because of the custom shelving, drawers and other organizational components, then it will make your home that much easier to stage and prepare for showings. After all, you probably want your entire home to be neat and tidy when it’s time to show it off, including the garage!

Additionally, the custom garage itself might just be intriguing to potential buyers. You can choose from different smooth finishes when installing a workbench , such as butcher block or stainless steel. You can also choose from options like wood-grain, metallic and powder coated garage cabinets and drawers. Not only will these custom finishes make your garage that much more attractive and enjoyable for you and your family, but they are sure to make your home that much more appealing to potential buyers when you put it on the market in the future.

A Custom Garage Helps You Avoid Paying for Additional Storage

Many people who don’t have enough storage space end up renting storage units for storing tools, out-of-season outdoor gear and more. If you have done this in the past or are thinking about doing it now so that you can take back some of the space in your garage, you might find that having custom garage components will help you do just that without the need for a rented storage unit.

After all, you can truly maximize the space in your garage by adding custom garage components. You can then hang tools and other necessities on the walls, and you can organize and store more stuff while using less space by installing shelves or drawers. You can even make use of overhead storage for storing holiday decorations or other items that you don’t need to access frequently so that they will not be in the way. There is no need to pay for additional storage space and to have to leave home to retrieve your items when you can instead make better use of the storage space in your garage.

A Custom Garage Can Help You Avoid Having to Rent a Workshop

In addition to the people who rent storage units for storage, a lot of people find themselves renting workshops and other similar spaces if they don’t have room in their garage. If you’re someone who likes to work on classic cars or who likes to make items out of wood, for example, you might have thought about renting a space for your hobby.

With a custom garage , you might find that this is not necessary. If you’re into working on custom cars, for example, you might find that you will actually have space to pull your car into the garage once all of your belongings are properly stored and organized. This will help you keep it safe and will make working on it that much easier and more pleasant. Plus, with drawers and shelves, you’ll have plenty of space for storing car parts, mechanic’s tools and more. Once you’re able to have everything close at hand right there in your garage, you’ll probably find that it’s much better than renting a garage elsewhere.

If it’s woodworking that you’re into, there might not be any need in renting a separate workshop, either. Having a custom workbench installed in your garage will provide you with the perfect space for working with wood. Plus, shelves and drawers will provide you with plenty of storage and organizational space for storing tools and accessories. Whether you work with wood as a hobby or if you do it for a living, you may find that you have plenty of space for working right there in your garage once the right custom components have been installed.

A Custom Garage Gives You Room to Store Useful Tools

Being able to do some of your own at-home repairs can save you a lot of money. Of course, to do so, you have to have certain tools and equipment. With the help of a custom garage , it will be easy for you to purchase and store tools that you can use for home repairs and renovation projects. Then, they’ll be close at hand when you need them, so you won’t have to worry about hiring someone, renting tools or going out and buying tools when you’re in the middle of a project.

A Custom Garage Keeps Tools and Equipment in Good Shape

If your tools and equipment aren’t stored properly in your garage, then they could be at risk of being damaged. Power tools that aren’t hung up can get wet, or their power cords could become tangled or stretched and damaged. Handheld tools that aren’t stored like they should be can become rusty. Holiday decorations that get mixed up with other items can become dirty and damaged. Plus, it might be hard for you to find a necessary tool when you need it if your garage isn’t organized.

With custom garage organization, you can help avoid damaging or losing your tools and other items. The money that you save when you don’t have to replace lost or stolen items can help make up for the cost of your custom garage setup.

Prevent Damage to Your Car With a Custom Garage

First, a custom garage gives you the room to get your car out of the hot Arizona sun and under cover. If you’re already storing your car in the garage, you could be worried that you’ll bump into your lawn equipment when pulling in or that you’ll scratch your car when moving items around inside the garage. If everything is neatly organized, though, you can provide yourself with more space for your car, and you can help make sure that none of your tools or equipment fall on your vehicle or otherwise damage it.

A custom garage can help you save more money than you might think. If you work with one of our professionals , they will help by talking to you about how you use your garage, how much you’re looking to spend and what your preferences are. Then, they will come up with a 3D design that is right for you. In no time, you can have your custom garage components installed in your garage, and you’ll be able to enjoy these money-saving perks and more.

Items Not to Store in Your Arizona Garage

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 19:41:24 GMT

If you've kitted yourself out with a custom garage and you want to know if there is anything that you shouldn’t be storing in there, you've come to the right place.

The garage provides a fantastic multipurpose function in your home. Not only does it give you a safe place to park your vehicles, but you can also use the area as a storage space for other household items.

When it comes to storage, most people tend to use the garage as the place to throw everything that they can't find a place for in the house - cleaning supplies, sports bags, fishing equipment, and so on. However, there are some things that you should never store in your garage, especially if you live in a hot and dry climate like in Arizona. So what items shouldn't you store in your garage?

In general, you should avoid storing any flammable objects that could ignite in high temperatures, any food items that could attract pests and vermin, or anything that is fragile or of high value. Arizona produces some extremely high temperatures, so storing things like propane tanks, paint, and electronics is not advised.

However, that's not all. There are a few more items that may surprise you when you learn that they are not suitable for garage storage . Let’s take a look at them.

What Not to Store in Your Garage

1. Propane Tanks

Arizona can get extremely hot in the summer. In fact, the average high temperature in July is 106.1°F. When you consider that most garages are not air-conditioned, you can imagine just how sweltering the temperatures can get in there during those scorching summer months.

This is precisely why it's not safe to store any flammable items that can ignite and potentially cause a hazardous situation.

Anything that can catch on fire in these conditions should not be stored in your garage during the summer. You should always store your propane tanks outside or in very well ventilated areas. Like any other type of fuel, propane tanks are fire hazards, especially when kept in hot, unventilated areas such as garages. All it takes is one small leak during the summer months, and you could have a fire on your hands.

2. Paint

Paint and extreme heat do not mix well together. People often put new and half used paint cans in their garages for storage, as they very rarely get used. However, that may not be the smartest move.

In extremely hot temperatures, the paint starts to separate, which turns it into a gel-like texture, making it unusable. This then becomes a hazardous waste that you have to dispose of appropriately, which can be time-consuming and costly. In addition to this, paint cans will rust when left out in extreme temperatures. The rate of oxidation is significantly increased when cans are left in scorching temperatures, which could leave you with unwanted rust stains in your garage.

3. Electronics

If you are looking for a place to store your electronics, then look elsewhere. The garage is not the best place to house your old electronic devices, that's as long as you want them to work again. The heat will damage the circuits and could even melt some of the crucial parts of the devices, rendering them useless.

If you intend to give them to charity, then do so right away rather than storing them away in your garage.

4. Wine

Extreme high heat will damage your wine and is likely to leave it undrinkable. When wine is exposed to temperatures above 70 degrees for a significant amount of time, the flavor of the wine will start to change. At temperatures above 80 degrees, the wine will begin to "cook," making it taste extremely sour and unpleasant to drink.

If you're looking for a good place to store your wine, an Arizona garage should be pretty low down on your list.

5. Canned Food

The garage may seem like the perfect place to store your canned food, but that's far from the truth. Any temperatures over 80 degrees will start to spoil the food inside, making them inedible. When you consider that temperatures in Arizona can easily reach 100+ degrees, you can see why the garage may not be the best place for them.

In addition, food also attracts pests such as rodents, cockroaches, and ants, so think twice before you store any food in your garage.

6. Refrigerator

Many people use their unused garage space to install an extra refrigerator in order to save space inside their homes. While this may work in some of the colder states, it certainly doesn't in Arizona. As the temperatures get higher, the refrigerator has to work harder to keep cool. Refrigerators also perform much better when there is a consistent temperature, which is something that most garages cannot provide.

7. Photos

Intense heat and humidity will ruin any printed photographs that you have stored in your garage. While it is perfectly fine to keep the photos in your garage during colder months, the heat throughout the summer will cause photos to stick together and the color will begin to fade.

If you have any precious photographs of old memories, then you should store them in a cool, dark, and dry place, or even better, get them uploaded digitally.

8. Bedding and Clothing

Old clothing and bedding are the perfect breeding grounds for pests, such as moths and other insects, but they can also provide nests for larger animals such as racoons and skunks. This is something you'll undoubtedly want to avoid.

On top of that, any fabrics like wool, cotton, and silk will typically get ruined in a hot climate such as in Arizona. If you need somewhere to store old clothes and bedding, then it would be better for you to find a cool and dry place indoors.

9. Aerosol Cans

This is kind of a tough one as most people who have a garage will store things like WD-40 and other aerosols. One thing that you must bear in mind is that aerosols can become very unstable in high temperatures and can be prone to exploding.

When temperatures rise drastically, it's best to move the aerosol cans out of the garage and into cooler space.

10 - Pet Food

A lot of people use their garages as areas to feed their pets. As you know, pets can be messy at times, so it makes sense to keep their bowls and feeding areas somewhere that you don't mind getting a little dirtier than usual. However, leaving pet food products out in your garage is not the best idea.

First, it attracts pests of all kinds. Second, the pet food will spoil very quickly when it is left out in the heat. People regularly overlook the fact that pet food decomposes, just like any other organic matter.

So if you have pet food either in cans or sealed bags, it would be better to store them in the kitchen or pantry.

Final Word

While garages are great storage spaces, it's crucial to think about what you're putting in them, especially during the hot summer months in Arizona. With temperatures reaching 100+ degrees, most garages will become stiflingly hot, ruining most food products and creating potential hazards with flammable items.

Hopefully, after reading this article you will be able to keep your possessions safe from damage, avoid attracting unwanted pests and keep yourself safe by not storing anything that is potentially flammable in your garage.

Thanks for reading!

Top Tips For Men’s Closet Organization in Phoenix

Mon, 08 May 2023 19:41:16 GMT

There are few places IN the home that hold more of a man’s personal belongings than his closet - other than maybe the garage! Keeping the area organised and sophisticated by storing belongings in a strategic but simple arrangement can add personality to an often overlooked space.

It sometimes seems like the discussion around closets and closet organization center around women and their wardrobes, but men still need a well-designed, organized place to call their own.

Bear in mind also, organizing a man’s closet requires a different approach than arranging one for a woman due to differences in attire - for example, men often need a designated space for ties.

Knowing that men have unique needs, here are some simple but effective closet organization strategies to spruce up a man’s space.

Best Strategies For Organizing Men’s Closet

Men’s closets are often much simpler to organize as a rule of thumb. There is less diversity in clothing items to cater to, however this does not mean they should be given any less attention in the organization department. Incorporating the closet storage tips below will makes designing and arranging a man’s closet a breeze!

Hang An Extra Rod

Take advantage of space for double hanging and consider installing another hanging rod just below the lowest-hanging hem of the longest piece of clothing. Since men don’t typically need ‘long hanging’ (most often which are used for long dresses), men’s closets have more opportunity for double hanging. By maximizing the use of the vertical space available, you’ll increase the storage capacity of the closet and give the area an elegant, layered look.

Stay In Shape

Use shelving to store heavy sweaters and delicate items so they don’t become misshapen from being suspended on a hanger. Even the best hangers can pull some fabrics out of form. Built-in shelving is a must-have in a man’s closet as they can work wonders for maintaining the shape of an article of clothing.

Keep Shoes Organized

Whether they admit it or not, men also accumulate a lot of shoes. Dress shoes, running shoes, walk-around shoes, sandals, boots – the list goes on. Keep them off the floor using closet organizers to give any closet an instant upgrade. Store shoes on shelves or on specially designed shoes racks to free up floor space and give the closet a polished look.

Use Specialized Storage

A rack specifically for pants will maintain a sharp crease in your trousers and keep them neatly pressed. A pull out pant rack also insures that suit pants are hung far enough apart from each other so they don’t become wrinkled but are still easy to access.

Don’t Get Tied Up

If you have a lot of ties, a slide-out tie rack is your best friend! With the ties displayed on the tie rack and neatly organized it makes them readily accessible and easy to coordinate to outfits for any occasion.

Keep Accessories Safe

Velvet jewelry trays aren’t just for necklaces and earrings. Place a jewelry tray in a drawer in your closet to keep sunglasses, watches, and cufflinks safe and organized. You can also use this as a space to safely store your tech, like iPods , chargers and accessories.

Expert Assistance Goes a Long Way

If you’re looking to maximize and update the space in your closet, but unsure what layout will work best for your needs, you might be surprised to learn how easy it can be to design and build a custom closet . The first step is to explore the possibilities for inspiration by calling an expert in the field.

Residents around the Phoenix, Arizona area have an exclusive opportunity to acquire the assistance of a professional for this task. Right now, L&B Closets is offering a No Obligation FREE In-Home Design and Consultation simply by calling (602) 899-0553 and booking an appointment today. They will have you on your way to designing the perfect custom closet solution for your needs!

Small Home Office Makeover Ideas

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 19:41:07 GMT

With the pandemic forcing office employees to work from home, many have had a hard time carving out the extra space for a home office . However, with a little creativity and a sprinkle of elbow grease, you can transform even the smallest space into a fully functioning office. After all, how much bigger is your cubical back at the office anyway?

Follow these 10 makeover ideas for transforming your small home office:

Think about your office needs
Designing your home office space
Opting for a sit or stand workstation
Employing wall-mounted or dual-purpose furniture
Introducing color
Liven up the space with greenery
Downsizing for a minimalistic approach
Installing room divider curtains
Adopting unused spaces for your office
Personalizing your home office

Making over your small home office to maximize productivity and spark creativity is relatively easy with the tips above. Continue reading to learn more!

Think About Your Office Needs

First and foremost, before you start the makeover process, it's best if you make a list of your business needs. Maximizing your home office to work for you is most important. Does your business require making a lot of phone calls? If so, a quiet workspace is vital.

Or, does your business require a spot to store products? If that's the case, then storage should be on your list as well.

Designing Your Home Office Space

Once you've listed your business needs, you can now get to designing your office space. Any proper office should contain the following:

Convenient storage accessories for your office supplies
Ergonomic furniture and desk
Ample lighting
Filing cabinets, desks, printer stands, and comfortable chairs are a staple of any office space

If you can fit these items into the design of your home office, then you'll be well on your way to increasing your productivity. If not, then you can get a little creative with the tips below!

Opting for a Sit or Stand Workstation

Oprah Daily notes that adjusting your posture and moving around during the day offers numerous benefits. If your space allows for it, opt for a sit/stand workstation. Your back will definitely thank you in the end!

If you'd rather not spend the money on a transforming desk, then you can still accomplish the sit/stand option by ditching the desk for a wall-mounted floating console. Situate the console to your standing height and use barstools when you wish to sit down.

Employing Wall-Mounted or Dual Purpose Furniture

Is there limited space on your desk? Alleviate the clutter by going vertical. If your business requires multiple computer monitors, consider mounting them on the wall behind your desk. Or, install a wall-mounted cabinet to store your office supplies. Even better, ditch the conventional desk for a wall-mounted desk that can flip up or down at your convenience.

Additionally, transforming furniture can help your office pull double duty. For example, a convertible desk can expand or rotate to reveal hidden storage areas. Also, for those people who are really tight on space, a flip-top coffee table can function as both a table and a desk.

Introduce Color

One of the best aspects of working from home is the ability to ditch the drab cubical for the comforts of your abode. Take that one step further by introducing a pop of color to your home office. For instance, Good Housekeeping recommends opting for a colorful desk chair or storage boxes to drown out any boring white walls. Additionally, you can further hide any plain walls with an inspirational art piece or picture.

Liven Up Your Space With Greenery

Mother Nature is great at reducing stress, especially during times of tight deadlines. Liven up your home office with plants and succulents, either real or fake. While real plants do require a little more work, many come with the added benefit of being air purifiers.

Downsizing for a Minimalistic Approach

Having a desk full of clutter will not make you more productive. Downsizing the mess for a more minimalistic approach means fewer distractions, which means you can stay focused on the tasks at hand, sparking a deeper sense of creativity. There's a reason the world's most successful people are minimalists.

One simple way to employ minimalism is to opt for furniture that doesn't allow room for clutter. Accomplish this by choosing a simple desk that doesn't have any drawers or cabinets for storage and is just big enough to fit your essentials, such as your computer and keyboard.

Decorations should also be kept to a minimum. First off, stick to a simple, two-tone color scheme that isn't too distracting. Decorate your office with simple items, such as baskets or paintings that reflect those two colors.

Installing Room Divider Curtains

If your home office isn't in a room with a closing door but you still need privacy, The Spruce recommends closing it off with a curtain. This is an especially great tip for offices that are part of rooms with higher foot traffic, such as in the living room. Just make sure to choose a fabric that looks good as a backdrop for when you need to make those important video calls.

Adopting Unused Spaces for Your Office

Desperately need a home office but lack the space? Get creative! Chances are you have at least one spot in your home that can be converted into an office. You may just need to rearrange some furniture to optimize the square footage.

For example, turn an unused closet into an office by removing the doors and adding a narrow desk that can fit inside. You'll also want to decorate the space with wallpaper and proper lighting. Since most closets already have shelves, utilize these for your office supplies.

This same concept can be applied to other areas in the home, such as a small nook or in the corner of a hallway. Perhaps you have some room under the stairs? Channel your inner Harry Potter and place a desk under the staircase. Have a generously sized entryway? Add a desk and some lighting and voila, you've got yourself an office!

Personalize Your Home Office

The beauty of working from home means you are not confined to the rules of an office. Since the room is in your own home, don't be afraid to personalize it and make it your own. This is especially true considering the fact the guests are likely to see your home office at some point.

To personalize the space, use colors, decorations, patterns, and art. Hang pictures of your favorite memories or posters of your favorite bands or movies. While you don't want the decorations to be too distracting, adding items that remind you why you're working can effectively boost your productivity level.

Conclusion

Just because you have a small home office does not mean your productivity level has to suffer. First, evaluate what you need most in your workspace. Then, consider what furniture you wish to add, whether it be a sit/stand workstation or a wall-mounted desk.

Remember to keep decorations to a minimum, but at the same time, a small plant and a dash of color are never a bad idea. Utilize unused space in your home, such as a closet or hallway, and consider installing a room dividing curtain for more privacy. Lastly, just make sure your home office is cozy and reflects your personality. Now clock in and get to work!

Sources

• https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/g1917/decor-ideas-study/

• https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/g26432792/home-office-decor-ideas/

• https://www.thespruce.com/stylish-small-home-offices-4154965

Custom Closets and Storage Lead to a Calmer, Less Chaotic Home

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 20:40:49 GMT

Today in America, home organization experts are superstars. Marie Kondo, founder of the KonMari method of organizing and author of "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up," is one of the most popular influencers of the industry. She encourages simplifying one’s life, arguing that uncluttered spaces lead to serenity and inspiration.

A simple Google search leads to thousands of tips and trends for keeping the tidiest and most organized home. Can’t handle the task? You can hire a professional organizer to do it for you. Before you know it, you are spending hundreds of dollars on baskets, bins and books, and these all lead to more clutter.

One glance at the local bookstore or on Amazon proves that organization is on American’s minds, but this movement has been snowballing for a few decades. Founders established the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO) in 1983 with about 16 members. Today, there are more than 3,500 members. Experts at the research firm Freedonia Group predict that the home organization industry will grow to 10.5 billion dollars this year.

These trends make it easy to see that organization resonates with people, so why should you stop buying more stuff and buy into building some custom storage? Custom walk-in closets , outfitting your kids’ room with a custom children’s closet , or adding custom storage to the garage will calm your mind, clear your space and replace some of your much needed time.

The Mental Costs of Clutter

Your mother in law brings over a box of your husband’s middle school mementos; your family and friends give your 5-year old daughter dozens of new toys at this weekend’s birthday party; you are packing up those winter clothes and ready to swap out for that summer bikini.

Even though these are positive situations – a loving family generous friends, and an abundance of choices – you are experiencing a low-grade feeling of anxiety because there is so much stuff, and you don’t know how to eliminate these feelings. You may be relieved to know that researchers have shown that there is a connection between a cluttered home and your distraction and anxiety. The good news is that there are ways to alleviate the chaos and clutter.

Custom Closets Provide Built-In Peace of Mind

Whether you are looking to clean out and reorganize your walk-in closet or considering a custom storage solution for the children’s wardrobe or the playroom, LB Closets has plenty of options. Our expert organizers at L & B Closets create a well-designed and personalized space for your home or apartment. We discuss your needs and ideas, take precise measurements, offer custom materials and colors, and install the final product.

Custom Walk-In Closets

Are you moving into a new home? Do the closets consist of one hanging rack and the floor? Are you considering putting together a dresser of drawers? You may be tempted to buy those cute baskets, bins and shoe racks you see at the store. Don’t. As mentioned, these containers take up more space. In the long run, a custom closet solution is the better choice.

Children's Spaces

Although the size of the average American home peaked a few years ago, today, new homes are getting smaller, and space is tight. Maximizing every square inch of your child’s closet is a game changer. There can be a space for everything – clothes, socks, shoes and toys. You may save hours knowing that your children won’t ask you to get something or find something.

Perhaps you have a playroom. You can incorporate a custom art or homework space and storage for toys and games. This level of organization may focus your children’s time, and you won’t need to listen to “I’m bored,” or “I have nothing to play with.”

Murphy Beds

Smaller homes mean less room for guests, and if you love to have family stay for the holidays or if a friend passing through town needs a place to crash, tight spaces make these situations inconvenient. Murphy beds are wall beds or vertical beds that fold up into the wall. You can also incorporate other storage such as bookshelves and cabinets into the built-in structure to provide additional storage. It is an excellent option for a tiny children’s room in which you want to create some play space during the day. The possibilities abound.

Custom Garage Storage Solutions

The non-technical name for all that garage clutter is garage creep. The kids kick their shoes or off at the door; the bike gets parked in the middle of the space; you move those holiday ornament boxes from the living room to the garage. A well-organized space makes it tougher to use this space as a dumping ground. Custom garage storage provides a place for tools, outdoor equipment, holiday storage, bike racks, shoe racks and so much more. You can even surprise the tinkerer in your family with a custom workbench .

Aesthetics, Lifestyle and More Space

Cluttered and disorganized rooms and homes can lead to a deep feeling of dissatisfaction with your space. Some people decide that they need a larger home with more storage. More and bigger is rarely the answer.

You should not underestimate how effectively and ergonomically using each available square inch in your home can improve your frame of mind. Every item and every family members stuff can have a designated space. You should not buy a third or fourth one of those tools because you forgot you have one. Think how calming it can be to know that your children can easily find – and access – supplies for their next art project. Stop stressing about the mess and focus your time and energy on your family, friends and work.

Make the most of what you already own, love your home, and create a custom space today. Visit L & B Closets online or call us today for your free design consultation.

Is Epoxy Flooring Slippery When Wet?

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 19:40:40 GMT

The concrete floors of your garage are chipped, scuffed, and missing chunks of asphalt. You’ve long waited to replace them, mostly because you’re not sure which flooring material to use. A few friends have recommended epoxy, but you have some questions. For instance, does epoxy flooring become slippery when it gets wet?

Epoxy flooring is designed to prevent skidding and slipping, especially epoxy mortar and flake epoxy floors. That said, if epoxy gets coated in oil or water, the surface of the floors become slippery. This could lead to falls and potential injuries.

What are flake epoxy and epoxy mortar floors? Does the potential slipperiness of epoxy make it a good flooring choice for your garage? Keep reading, as we’ll answer all those questions and more in this article. You won’t want to miss it!

What Is Epoxy?

First, let’s begin by talking more about epoxy floors and the various types, as there are many of these.

Epoxy flooring is intended for outdoor and industrial use. It’s often found in garages, both commercial and residential. Another name for epoxy flooring is resinous flooring.

The base of epoxy flooring is a hardener and resin, both made of polymers. The two ingredients combined create a chemical bond that results in a hard material, very similar to plastic.

You can either opt to replace the current flooring in your garage with epoxy or coat the preexisting flooring. The epoxy must have a thickness of two millimeters at the very least.

You have your pick among several types of epoxy floors. Let’s talk about these more now.

What Are the Types of Epoxy Flooring?

Flake Epoxy Floors

When most people think epoxy floors, they imagine single-colored, shiny flooring. Luckily, that’s far from your only option. Just look at flake epoxy floors. These have flake-like materials throughout the epoxy that introduce dimension and color.

The flakes are not solely for aesthetic purposes. They also add anti-slip grooves that make flaky epoxy floors a common addition to commercial kitchens, clinics, showrooms, sports venues, and locker rooms.

Anti-Static Epoxy Floors

Anti-static epoxy floors go by another name: electro-static charge resistant (ESD) floors. Electric discharge from computers or other electrical equipment can pose workplace dangers, which necessitated the introduction of anti-static epoxy flooring.

The conductive compound in the flooring reduces the rate of electrical discharge. This can keep both commercial and residential users safer. Chemical plants, pharmaceutical clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities use anti-static epoxy flooring most often.

Epoxy Quartz Floors

As the name may have hinted, epoxy quartz floors combine quartz with a durable polymer resin. Beloved for being anti-slip, this type of epoxy flooring can also stand up to large amounts of foot traffic.

Showrooms, schools, locker rooms, cafeterias, offices, lobbies, and bathrooms most utilize epoxy quartz floors.

Epoxy Mortar Floors

One of the best anti-slip epoxy flooring types, epoxy mortar floors are made with quartz or graded sand, mixed with pure epoxy. The result is a floor that can handle impacts and even chemicals without wearing down. From home and professional garages to restaurants, manufacturing plants, warehouses, and mechanical spaces, all use epoxy mortar floors.

Here’s an interesting fact about this type of epoxy flooring: if your current floor has cracks, epoxy mortar can patch those up.

Self-Leveling Epoxy Floors

In that same vein are self-leveling epoxy floors. These level out concrete floors that are damaged, cracked, or just old. The floors then become even across for a safer experience. With many epoxy styles and designs, self-leveled flooring can blend in seamlessly with your old flooring.

How Can You Make Epoxy Floors Less Slippery?

If your epoxy garage floors are a slipping hazard just waiting to happen, you’re not without options. Here are some tips for lessening how slippery your epoxy floors can be, to mitigate the risks.

Use an Anti-Slip Coating

Your epoxy lacks flakes or quartz for better grip, so it’s an anti-slip coating to the rescue. Some anti-slip coating products go straight on your floor without the need for a primer beforehand. Others will need a primer, so always read the instructions on your particular product before starting.

Abrasive materials like aluminum oxide within the anti-slip coating give your feet something to grip, even in wet conditions. Make sure to adhere the anti-slip coating across the whole floor for best results.

Add Synthetic Rubber Mats and Runners

Here’s a quick fix for wet, slippery epoxy floors: buy a few synthetic rubber mats. PVC vinyl mats work just as well. Place the mats in those areas where water accumulates, such as a leak in the ceiling you keep meaning to fix.

The mats soak up the water, so it won’t spread all over your epoxy floor. Anti-slip backings on the underside of the mat keep it from skidding or moving when you step on it so you can walk about safely.

Synthetic or vinyl runners can border the edges of your garage, especially around the door where the most of the water may pool. Use them in conjunction with rubber mats or on its own.

Try a Containment Mat

If you live in a colder environment with consistent snowfall, a containment mat is recommended over synthetic runners. These sizable mats will catch excess water as the snow melts, so it doesn’t leak and make a big mess.

You can even park a car atop a containment mat if you’re worried about oil leaks in your garage. Yes, these mats are that big. Sizes range from seven feet, nine inches by 16 feet; seven feet, nine inches by 18 feet; nine feet by 20 feet; and nine feet by 22 feet.

Clean Messes as They Happen

You should also be conscious of liquid messes, going out of your way to avoid these. Mats and runners can contain most spills, but if you spot a mess on the epoxy, don’t hesitate to mop it up so no one slips on it.

Should You Get Epoxy Floors or Choose Another Material?

You were seriously considering epoxy flooring for your garage, but you don’t want anyone to slip and hurt themselves. Should you still stick with epoxy or choose another flooring option?

With careful use of the floors following the measures above, your garage should be a safe place to be, even with epoxy floors. Keep in mind that epoxy has many benefits, too. Here’s an overview of these.

Durability: Epoxy coating can last for upwards of 30 years, although heavy foot traffic may reduce that lifespan somewhat.
Chemical resistance: You might not work in a scientific lab, but it’s still good to know that if you ever spill a chemical in your garage, the epoxy floor can withstand it.
Heat resistance: Some epoxy flooring types can handle temperatures of 200 degrees Fahrenheit without melting or degrading, yet again making them a safe choice.
Color freedom: Epoxy comes in all sorts of colors and patterns, plus you can mix paints with the epoxy to hide cracks and chips in your flooring.
Shininess: The shiny surface of an epoxy floor is timelessly appealing. You can’t get that kind of look with anything but epoxy.

Conclusion

Epoxy is a type of flooring popular in garages and other outdoor applications. Many types of epoxy floors are anti-slip, but it’s still possible to fall if these floors are wet with water or oil. By strategically placing synthetic mats and runners or buying a large containment mat, you can safely walk on your epoxy floors any day.

Custom Closet Cleanout Task List

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 20:40:31 GMT

Cleaning out your custom closet is more than just an excuse to go shopping, although most of us would categorize less closet space as a reason to go shopping, and not an excuse. There's a difference, right? Either way, the closet can get messy very quickly, which will begin to eat away at your time in the morning getting ready for work, leading you to feel rushed. Feeling cluttered and rushed out the door increases the probability that you are going to forget something important on your way out. For the rest of the week’s sake, make it a point, this Sunday, to go through and declutter your closet. Use this checklist and guide to help yourself turn a mundane task into a project with an outcome to be proud of.

Let's start with the initial cleanout. The one that we have all been dreading. The one that probably brought us to this post. Doing this initial cleanout will make the weekly clean up seem like a cake walk.

Clutter Free Closet Steps:

Pre-Shop Cleanup

Throw away any trash, meaning non-clothing items that only serve to clutter more. Your custom closet isn’t another trash bin.
Take out everything that you own in the closet and begin to sort them as followed:
Throwaways: This is for the items that are extremely worn down, and really should have been thrown out a long time ago. These items won’t even be accepted by most thrift stores or donation centers. If sections of the clothes are salvageable, you can cut it up and turn it into a rag for the garage if you’d like.
Donations: This is where some serious decision making and discipline has to come in on your end. If you haven’t worn the item in over two years it's a must to throw away. Also think about ways to repurpose these clothes if you are the artsy type; you could chop up old jeans to make a nice quilt, or repurpose tee shirts into a hip scarf- the ideas are endless as long as you can remain imaginative. It’s never bad to simply donate these items so that someone less fortunate can enjoy them just as well.
Items that you’ll work towards: This applies to most people that fluctuate in size throughout the year. Your favorite pair of jeans may be too small right now, but after your gym regiment starts to take its course, you could be right back in them, flaunting your stuff, and loving life. Put these items in a box, and then label that box with the size that it is. If you are really motivated to lose weight, make it a fitness goal to fit back into some older, and smaller clothes within 4 months.
Definite Wardrobe: This is the most obvious section and should comprise of most of your clothing. Hopefully you are beginning to see the extra space that you will have after this cleanout is all done. The shopping for more clothes part comes very soon after!
Organize your “definite wardrobe” section by what will be hung, folded, or stored into a cabinet.

After doing your initial closet clearout, take the time to clean the closet, so that there are no corners cut in this job and you can really take pride in your work once you are through. Use a broom or duster to wipe off the initial cobwebs and dust mites. Don’t forget the lightbulbs(turn off the light first, of course). Get any scuff marks on the walls with a scrubber.

Put some elbow grease into it! Run over dust collectors like the door knob or light switch with a microfiber cloth to guarantee all dust and grime is gone. Vacuum in and around the area to collect all the larger pieces of debris. Even if you don’t have a walk-in closet , treat the carpet or mop the floors after it's all said and done. If you take care of all this, your closet should be looking stupendous at the moment, just a little empty.

Ok, so you have now taken everything out of your closet, and given it a thorough cleaning. Once you have tossed the bags for trash and donated the donation bags, your floors and walls should be dried up, nice and clean and ready to re-organize. Let’s jump back into the re-organization project with these simple pointers.

Keep in mind husband and wife territories. Generally speaking, the husband will need less space, but sometimes this isn’t always true if they have a lot of suits and shoes as well. Take your sorted piles for hanging, folding and storing away and begin to reorganize them based on you and your spouse's needs. If you are single, first of all, live it up, take things slow and enjoy the ride; But secondly, you won’t need to find a balance so you can assume all of the space.

For those that do share the space, just follow these simple tasks based on what you already have pre-organized. It’s easy to get the flow of things. Firstly, you want to categorize your custom closet’s hanging space by categories. A man’s side will mostly contain jackets, windbreakers, pants, slacks, sports coats, suits and a few shirts that wrinkle easy; while a woman's side of the closet will include(but is not limited to) nightgowns, pants, long/short sleeve blouses, jackets, shawls and dresses for all occasions. You can continue to organize further by color or day of the week if you’d like- the key is to assure that you have adequate space to suit both your needs.

Once the hanging section is taken care of, fold up your tee shirts, shorts, underwear and socks neatly and store them in their proper spot. From that point, return all of the shoes to an orderly place on the floor. Then, from the shoes, it goes to your accessories, where you may need a jewelry drawer to store things conveniently. You can hang scarves on a hanger and place bags on a shelf if space permits.

In the event that you declutter'd properly and you still don’t have enough space for all of your wardrobe, you should consider hiring a professional organizer to come design and install a custom closet for you to work with from here on out. The investment is worth the time in the long run and surprisingly adds quite a bit of value to your home on resale.

If you are in the Gilbert, Arizona area and would like to request a free consultation with a professional organizer, you can sign up with L&B Closets by clicking this link .

Wall Storage Ideas for Your Garage

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 20:40:19 GMT

For many families, the garage becomes a big closet for possessions that don’t fit within a home. Sports equipment, bikes, tools, and seasonal decorations are just a few of the things that find their way into your garage, pushing your car to the driveway.

What if you didn’t have to choose between your car and your belongings? By making efficient use of your wall space, you’ll not only have room for your vehicle but also for a workshop, gym, or anything else you may want to add .

Keep reading for wall storage ideas to help maximize space and transform your custom garage into a functional room where you can easily access all of your belongings.

Declutter and Purge

The first step is to sift through your garage and decide what you want to keep. Unfortunately, this is typically the area where the majority of miscellaneous items are placed. If possible, remove all items from your garage and place them on the driveway or lawn. The Secret to Taming Your Garage Clutter suggests creating a grouping system based on four categories:

Keep
Move elsewhere - because the garage is not the right place to store the item.
Donate
Trash

Keep in mind, some items such as propane, paint, pet food, refrigerators, and canned goods are not safe to store in your garage.

Take Inventory

Before you can decide how you plan to utilize your garage walls, you need to understand your storage needs. First, go through the pile of items you plan to keep and organize them into groups (sports equipment, tools, automotive supplies, etc...). Once you know what you have, you can look into the best ways to store your possessions.

Stay Off The Floor

To free up more room for your car, do your best to keep the floor clear. Your garage will have a cleaner look without stuff piled haphazardly throughout. If necessary, consider installing overhead storage racks on the ceiling to keep oversized items off the floor.

Install Wall-Mounted Cabinets

Cabinets with doors help maximize your wall space and give your garage a clean look by keeping items out of view. They also protect against dirt and dust. You can add drawers to meet your specific storage needs.

Use a Slatwall System

Utilize every bit of vertical space within your garage. A Slatwall system is a perfect choice to maximize your wall storage. The panels are user-friendly, easy-to-clean, durable, and waterproof. In addition, you have a lot of flexibility - cover a section or an entire wall. Add or remove the panels as your storage needs evolve.

Make Use of Hooks and Accessories

Whatever your needs, it's never a bad idea to look into hanging accessories, some of which actually fit easily onto Slatwall panels. Try experimenting with:

Tool racks and bars
Sports equipment holders for tennis racquets, fishing poles, and golf equipment
Bike hooks
Baskets and bins
Hooks in a variety of different sizes

Go High

Go as high as you want on the walls to maximize your storage. Install cabinets to the ceiling. Keep items you use less frequently in the higher cabinets. While you want to keep frequently-used items accessible, seasonal and little-used items can be stored elsewhere.

Consider a Traditional or Foldable Workbench

If you plan to use your garage as a workshop but are concerned about taking up too much space, Best Life recommends a foldable, wall-mounted workbench. You could also go with a traditional workbench as well.

Go With Clear Storage Bins

Regardless of the size of the space, plastic storage bins with locking lids are essential to keeping any garage organized. Plus, the majority of them are water-resistant. They can be put in cabinets or stacked neatly against the wall. Locking lids keep spiders and other critters from getting inside.

Hang Magnetic Strips

Smaller items tend to get lost in the garage and are impossible to find. Make them easily accessible by installing magnetic strips along the walls for paintbrushes and small tools you frequently use.

Conclusion

While the garage is often the largest area of a home, it’s also the most underutilized. Most garages become de facto storage spaces. Use the ideas in this article to organize your garage and maximize your vertical space. The more you can store on the walls, the more space you’ll have on the ground.

Sources

https://bestlifeonline.com/garage-makeover/

10 Stunning Celebrity Style Closets To Get You Inspired

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 20:40:11 GMT

Okay, so there are closets… and then there are - CLOSETS.

One thing we all seem to have in common, regardless of location, is that our closets just never seem to be big enough. There never seems to be enough room. And if you have a love for fashion, then having an organized place where all your clothing, shoes and accessories can be kept and beautifully displayed, is essential. Having a walk-in closet or even an entire room dedicated to getting dressed can be a dream come true for many. One group of people that don’t seem to share this problem are celebrities.

Luxurious closets, like the one belonging to Samantha from the movie Sex in The City or any of the others you will see here, may seem like a distant dream for many. However, this does not mean you need to go without creating a closet that is worthy of making you and your clothing happy. You can turn those dreams of having a luxurious wardrobe into inspiration for creating a fabulous well-designed closet makeover of your own - no matter the size or budget.

Getting a closet makeover may also serve a greater purpose than just holding all your clothing. There was a story recently on Huffington Post which told of a woman who was desperately needing some help to remodel her closet. However, there was a twist. Even though it was something she needed to do, she couldn’t face doing it. Her husband had recently passed away and she could not deal with moving all of his clothing. So the design company made arrangements to do it. They even arranged to have one of his cashmere sweaters made into a pillow as a special keepsake. Once that happened, she was able to embrace the closet makeover and start to move on. No matter your story there are ways to achieve what you need in your closet design.

Enlist Help To Turn Your Dream Closet Into Reality

Enlisting some help from a professional closet designer is a sure fire way to making sure you achieve your dreams of a having a beautiful and well-organised closet system .

How to Organize Your Home Room by Room

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 20:39:57 GMT

Whether you live in a large house or a small apartment, knowing how to organize your home will keep everything neater and you calmer. Not sure where to start! Don't worry; we have the tips you need to accomplish excellent home organization .

Below is a breakdown of how you can get your home into tip-top shape, one room at a time. Start by tackling the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms.

Read on to discover what your next steps are and soon you’ll be on your way to a neater and tidier home.

Organizing Your Home Starts in The Kitchen

Uncluttered Simplicity reported that 43 percent of participants were not happy with the way their homes were organized. The kitchen is one of those primary spaces. Most people have an abundance of cooking tools, serving dishes, and food in what is affectionately known as the heart of the home.

To start cleaning out your kitchen, take everything out of each cabinet, one by one. Once everything is out, go through and get rid of unused items. Chances are, you likely have a bunch of mismatched pieces of Tupperware or random cooking gadgets that can be donated.

The pantry is another prime spot for stashing clutter. It’s not uncommon for food to get pushed to the back or corner, staying around long past its expiration date. If you find yourself wondering whether something close to its expiration date is worth keeping, refer to this article by Consumer Reports to better decipher if an item is safe to consume.

Once you’ve gone through all of the items in your cabinets and pantry, it’s time to create an organization system that works for your space. In the pantry, use spice racks and sliding baskets to keep ingredients within easy reach. Also, place items with upcoming expiration dates in the front so you’re reminded to use them prior to them spoiling. You may even want to designate a basket for food that needs to be eaten first.

For Tupperware, make sure to place all lids with their coordinating containers. There’s nothing more frustrating than scrounging around for a top to a container or having Tupperware fall out of a cabinet when you open the door. A little order truly goes a long way!

Kitchen utensils and tools are usually best stored in drawers. Drawer dividers make a big difference in keeping these items easily accessible. Also, have a safe place for kitchen cleaning supplies away from any food. Make sure to check expiration dates on these items just as you would food. Under your kitchen sink is a great spot for storing cleaning products.

Organizing Your Living Space

You likely have several living spaces within your home that could benefit from being reorganized. Whether you’re looking to tidy up your home office or transform your garage into the ultimate man cave , the key is having dedicated storage. Commonly used items - like remote controls, books, or toys for kids - should be kept somewhere easily accessible.

Go through any bookcases, desks, consoles, and tables in your living spaces and discard anything that you no longer want or need. Then put things away in storage areas that make sense, keeping them out of sight but easy to grab when needed. You should also examine the electronics in these spaces. Look at everything you have plugged in or connected to a TV. Assess if you are still using these items and if you should keep them. Use cord organizers to wind up chargers and place them all in one convenient location.

In a living space, large baskets will be your best friend for things like folded blankets, extra throw pillows, or even magazines. Remember that in your living areas, it's all about functional storage. You want these rooms especially to appear organized, yet comfortable.

Organizing Your Bathrooms

Next up are the bathrooms. These spaces also accumulate clutter, so take care to keep them neat and tidy. Start by going through your bathroom linens and getting rid of any that are old and dingy. Don't be surprised if you currently have a large collection of bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths. Chances are you don’t need all of these items and can stand to purge this area.

Next, go through your vanity, medicine cabinet, and bathroom closet in pursuit of products that can be tossed. There are likely a lot of them! Sort through any stock of over-the-counter or prescription medicines you have on hand. Each one should have an expiration date, as noted by Good Rx .

Cosmetics are another category of items with expiration dates. Throw out any that are no longer useable. Once you do this, you’ll probably have a much more simplified bathroom to organize. After that, use baskets and bins to organize the remaining items.

Now, everything product should have a home, and be placed in easy-to-spot areas. For instance, keep commonly used items on your vanity or in a reachable spot, like a medicine cabinet. If you have a stockpile of things like toilet paper or extra toiletries, keep them in a separate basket so they're still available but yet out of sight.

Organizing Your Bedroom & Closet

Last, you'll want to tackle organizing the bedrooms and closets in your home. These are two additional places where clutter tends to accumulate rapidly.

Begin by taking out all of your clothes and purge items that don't fit, are worn out, or you no longer wear. As a rule of thumb, if you haven’t worn something in a year, it’s likely safe to toss or donate. Repeat this process with other items like shoes and accessories.

Going through this process should cut down on the majority of existing clutter. Then, separate items by season or even color, depending on your preference. Once that's done, put everything away with a system that is sustainable for you when it comes to maintaining a high-traffic area like your closet.

After your closet is clean, work on other areas around your bedroom. Clean off your dresser and nightstand and get rid of clutter, paring things down to just the essentials. If you keep a lot of sentimental items around your bedroom, designate a box, basket, or bin and place it in the closet.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your home neat and tidy may seem like an impossible task, but it can be done by formulating a plan and organizing one room at a time. These tips on how to organize your home will help you create a system that works for you and your family.

Sources

Switching Your Wardrobe for the Season: Winter to Spring

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 19:39:46 GMT

The winter months go by quickly in Phoenix, and already it’s time to start thinking about pulling out the clothing meant for the warmer days of spring. If it seems as though you just put your heavier items in your closet, you might be dreading the upcoming wardrobe switch. If you do it gradually, however, switching for the seasons can be hassle- and stress-free. Here are some tips on making the most of your wardrobe as we head into spring.

Think Light and Bright

As the spring flowers begin blooming, so should your wardrobe! The desert nights and early mornings will be chilly for a while yet, so when deciding what you should pack away and what should stay in your closet, consider putting up the navy, dark green, brown and black sweaters and jackets. Keep the ones that are lighter or brighter. This way, you can pair a pink, yellow or purple sweater with a pair of light slacks to keep you warm while adding some color to your day and a spring to your step.

Consider Your Footwear

It’s not quite time for sandals just yet, but heavy boot season is over. Loafers, tennis shoes and other season-neutral footwear is perfect for this in-between time. If it looks too summery (strappy sandals, Birkenstocks, white ballerina flats or flip-flops, for example), leave it packed away. On the other hand, if it’s something you’d wear thick socks with or you wear them to keep your toes warm, it might be time to put them away.

Accessorize!

If the weather is a little too cool for some of your spring favorites one day, dress up a plain winter outfit with some floral, bright or otherwise spring-ish accessories. A bright-colored scarf, a chunky necklace in a bright color, or a floral bag will make you look absolutely appropriate for the season.

Pack Clothing Away Correctly

As you gradually pack away your clothing, it’s important to do so correctly to avoid having your clothes damaged as they sit until next winter. It would be terrible to open up your storage containers to find that you’ve had moths eating your wool sweaters or that moisture has caused some of your clothes to mildew. Here are a few tips:

Make sure everything is completely clean and dry
Even if you’ve worn an item just for a few hours, rewash it before packing it away. Also, have jackets dry-cleaned. Check pockets, too, to be sure that you didn’t leave a piece of gum or anything else that might attract creepy crawlies.
Use cedar or lavender to repel moths and other bugs
Mothballs will work, of course, but they’ll leave everything smelling, well, like mothballs. There are much more pleasant-smelling options out there! Now might be the perfect time to have a cedar closet installed; talk to your custom closet designer about this!
Choosing plastic bins over cardboard is better to keep insects out
Make sure your bins are not airtight, though, as this can allow humidity to build up even if it’s not humid in your storage area.

Give us a call to learn about how a custom closet can reduce or eliminate the need for you to pack clothing away for the seasons! We can come to your house and provide a free consultation . There’s no obligation and nothing to lose, so call today!

Increase the Value of Your Home With Custom Storage Spaces

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 19:39:37 GMT

Closet space is important. One of the things that people are very good at doing is accumulating stuff. Even if you prefer a minimalist approach to life, there are some things that you just can’t do without. Clothes. Shoes. Bed linens. Towels. Foul weather gear. Food staples and supplies. And you need places in your home to put all of these things; after all, you certainly don’t want them piled up in the middle of a room. Closets are the usual solution for keeping all of these necessary items (as well as a variety of optional items safe and organized. Everyone needs places to store their things, so everyone needs closets.

That’s why, when you know that you’ll be putting your home on the market eventually, it’s worth considering the state of your closets. Because they aren’t just important for you--they’ll be important to anyone who considers buying your home in the future. And customizing your closets – adding closet systems that provide you with designated, accessible places for all of the things you need to store – will not only help you organize and simplify your life but they’ll also add value to your home for future potential buyers.

What Potential Buyers See in Your Closets

If you’ve never shown a home that you were living in to potential buyers before, you may be surprised by how thoroughly an interested buyer will inspect the house. If they’re going to live there, after all, they need to see everything. What’s more, when an interested buyer walks through your home, they’re doing more than just looking at what’s there – they’re trying to picture what your home will look like with all of their things in the place of your things. And guess where a lot of those things are going to go? Right into your closets.

So what will buyers see when they look in those closets? If the closets are crammed full of your belongings or if they’re a jumbled mess, then they’re going to have a hard time visualizing their own things in there. Or worse, they’re going to visualize their own things in the same messy state, which can be a turnoff. Feelings of frustration over not having a neat and organized space for storage don’t put people in the buying mood.

If you’re already in the process of moving out yourself or if you have offsite storage, you could always empty out your closets. This would give the buyers who look at your home a blank space in which to imagine their own future closets. But that’s not always possible. And even when it is possible, empty closets don’t really add anything extra to your home’s value in the mind of the buyer. At best, they’re neutral. At worst, if you have a shallow, narrow, or oddly-shaped closet, the buyer might have trouble imagining just how they could possibly fit their own things into that space.

What Potential Buyers See in Customized Closets

Customizing your closets can have a lot of benefits for you. They can save you the frustration of digging through a chaotic closet for something that you can’t easily find, and they can save you time when you’re cleaning because it’s much easier to put everything away when you have designated places for your thing. They also save you time when you’re trying to find a specific item because you’ll be able to look inside your closet and immediately see exactly what you have. And it’s this feature that’s most likely to impress your potential home buyers.

You see, when a buyer takes a look inside your customized closet , they’ll also be able to immediately see what you have and how it’s safely and securely stored, yet still accessible. And then they’ll be able to imagine their own things in that closet – accessible, but safely and securely stored.

That visualization could be the thing that helps a buyer decide that your house is the one. Remember, everyone has stuff, and everyone has to store their stuff somewhere. If you’ve experienced frustration with your closets, it’s a sure bet that your potential buyers have experienced that same frustration. When prospective buyers see that the closets in your home contain features that will reduce that frustration, they’ll be much more enthusiastic about buying your house. Who wouldn’t want a home feature that solves a very common problem?

Custom Closets and Home Staging

While prospective buyers are sure to be impressed by your custom closets , that isn’t even the only sales benefit that comes with having a custom closet. A less direct – but still important – benefit of custom closets is that they can really help with staging your home.

Remember, selling a home that you’re also living in can be challenging. You need your home to continue performing all the usual functions of a home because you’re still living in it, but you also need it to be in shape to show to potential buyers. And that doesn’t just mean that it needs to be clean – although that’s important, of course. It means staging the home in a way that’s appealing to potential buyers, sometimes on very short notice.

When you have custom closets and storage spaces, cleaning up the house becomes easier and faster. And you have more time to focus on other things, like bringing in fresh flowers or rearranging the artwork on the walls – whatever it takes to stage the home in a way that makes buyers excited about it.

Custom closets are something that you choose because you want the benefits, but it’s safe to say that in many cases, custom closet systems may outlast your time in the home they’re installed in. The good news is that even when you’re getting ready to sell your home to someone else, those custom closet benefits can still pay off for you. If you aren’t selling anytime soon and are curious about some of the other benefits of custom closets, check out this article on Memphis Garage & Closets , titled 3 Reasons Custom Closets Are Worth It .

Closet Accessory Organizers Just for Men | Phoenix, AZ

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 19:39:28 GMT

When it comes to the usual traditional closet, there is simply not enough space and organizers to store everything we want and in a way that’s both functional and streamlines workflow. It’s not ideal to be bothered by sorting through belts, ties and wrinkled clothing when you could avoid it altogether. Pro Tip: Prevention is better than cure.

Assuming that you have already considered a custom closet to solve most of your closet organizer needs (free design and consultation around the Phoenix, Arizona area), let’s see how closet accessory organizers can provide a solution to the morning havok in an innovative and user-friendly way.

Top Closet Accessory Organizers in Phoenix, AZ

Belt and Tie Rack

Every morning, we all have somewhat of a routine, where most of what you do is the same, one day to the next. After some time, you’ll begin to notice that there are just better ways to make your morning life a bit smoother. In attempts to make sure we look presentable for our days ahead, sorting through belts and untangling ties that are all piled together is neither a good use of our time, nor is it necessary if you spend some time to plan your closet strategy.

With a belt and tie rack, you can keep all of your belts and ties organized and sorted any way you’d like - whether it’s by color or day of the week. This simple accessory is small enough to not take up a lot of space, and will help you visualize the matching combination with ease. Keep your belts next to your pants and ties next to your dress shirts and you’ll save a lot of time.

Pants Rack

Where are your pants usually stored? For most, they are folded up in their drawers and piled on top of one another. However, let’s be honest here. Digging around for your pants just to find the undesired creases is the last thing you want because that will involve ironing - that’s if you want to remain presentable for your days ahead.

If you want to eliminate yet another unnecessary hassle in the morning rush, getting a pants rack can keep all of your pants sorted, organized and easy to see from a simple glance. If you place your shoes next to where you store your pants (with a shoe rack), you’ll be able to match your clothes better and quicker. Time is money, and every hassle in your morning builds up stress, taking much of your willpower out of your day. Combining Pants racks with other closet organizers will make you more organized, and thus brings in more confidence overall.

Folding Ironing Board

The best time to iron your clothes is directly after getting them out of the dryer. If you have a custom closet built - like the ones here in Phoenix, Arizona - then your clothes will maintain their perfection if they’re stored properly. The problem with having an ironing board is the hassle and how much space it takes up.

By installing a folding ironing board directly inside your closet, you’ll have an innovative and convenient solution to ironing, which will make that process much more enjoyable and more likely to be used. I don’t know about you, but there are many people who just avoid ironing because it’s a pain in the rear. Do yourself a favor and install one of these lifesavers and you’ll be glad you did.

Streamline Your Organization

Closet accessory organizers are great ways to give all of your accessories a home to go back to at the end of every day. Remember that accessory organizers are only the icing to the cake. Consider installing a custom closet to completely alter your organization of your closet items, making your daily tasks easier, satisfying and stress-free.

At L&B Closets , we service all around the Phoenix, AZ area, helping you design and install affordable custom closets organizers. Contact us here for a Free in-home design and consultation.

Decor Ideas to Enhance the Look of Your Home Office

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 19:39:19 GMT

How do you feel when you step into your home office ? If you used words like “frustrated” or “overwhelmed,” then it might be time to switch up your decor. A chaotic or messy space can be distracting. Ideally, your workspace should be a personalized, organized place you enjoy going to every day that inspires you to be innovative.

The good news is, there are plenty of easy ways to transform your home office into a beautiful, functional space. First, start with the essentials. Make a list of all the work-related tasks you do in a day to create an office space to support those needs. Then, personalize your area.

The following tips will help create a well-organized, beautiful space that boosts your energy level and ability to work on any project with a smile.

Say “No” to Big Bulky Furniture

Your office is an extension of your house, not the corporate office. Instead of heavy-duty, traditional furniture, opt for a desk, bookcases, and cabinets in bright or light colors. These pieces will give a more open, airy feel to your room. Pay attention to the scale and proportion of furniture items compared to the actual room size. Having less bulky furniture can give the impression of a larger space.

If most of your work is web-related or consists of virtual computer files, then you probably don’t need an excess amount of office furniture. Take inventory of what tools and accessories you need to actually perform your work. You might be surprised that a desk and a small side table are all you need in some cases.

Place Your Desk Here, Not There

The principles of feng shui can play a powerful role in decorating your space. Feng shui is the art and science of arranging a living space to achieve balance and harmony, which also promotes the flow of energy. It is believed that placing furniture in not-so-favorable areas can have negative outcomes.

Your desk should be placed in a commanding position, i.e. near the center of the room, facing the entrance. According to Greatist.com , interior feng shui decorating experts advise against having your back to a window or door because it is believed to be an energy drain. Never block the flow of energy.

Choose an Ergonomic Chair

A trendy, stylish desk chair is nice but a healthy neck and back are even better. No one wants aches and pains at the end of the day from sitting in an uncomfortable chair. TomsGuide.com advises choosing an adjustable chair that conforms to your body and “supports your back,” bottom, and arms.

Add a Cozy Seating Area

Having multiple seating areas in your home office can create a more relaxed atmosphere. Even if you don’t have clients come to your office, having different places to take a load off can help give you a new perspective. Try adding a loveseat, chaise lounge chair, or even a large bean bag chair to your room. Benches and ottomans with storage space are a great way to hide clutter.

It can be relaxing to step away from your desk and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea on a lounge chair. Add some decorative pillows or a plush throw blanket for an extra cozy ambiance.

Bring in Life with Plants

Plants and fresh flowers can make an area seem more inviting, bring life and color to a dull space. Larger plants can be placed in the corners of a room, while smaller plants can sit on shelves. Add even more pops of color with decorative containers like vivid stone, ceramic, or terra cotta pots. Plants both purify the air and add an extra layer of tranquility to a room.

Faux plants and flowers can also add character. They provide year-round vibrancy with minimal maintenance. Choose from artificial plants that look and feel just like the real thing, or opt for dramatic colors not found in nature. There are many to choose from and on the plus side, they don’t need to be watered, only occasionally dusted.

Bring in the Light

How much lighting you need will depend on the size of your office space. Overhead lighting isn’t always the best choice as it can be straining on the eyes when paired with computer screen glares. TheSpruce.com recommends using lamp shades or floor lamps for soft, indirect lighting. Wall sconces and desk lamps are other options as well.

Try not to block any windows with furniture or curtains that are too heavy to permit natural light to come through. Interior lighting should mimic daylight as much as possible. Choose energy-efficient lightbulbs like LEDs or compact fluorescent bulbs in daylight or soft white variety.

Add Rugs for Beauty and Sound Buffering

If your home office is not soundproof, kids playing in the background, TV noise, even traffic blaring from the street can be a distraction. Try to choose a space in your home that is away from all the action. If that’s not an option, a good area rug can help absorb and diffuse sound plus add elegance to any room. If you plan on having the rug directly under your desk, make sure it is low pile so your chair can easily roll over it.

Hide Tech Clutter

It's difficult to achieve a tidy-looking office when power cords, monitor cords, and other peripheral connectors are spread about your desktop. Try grouping them together with zip or Velcro ties. Then place them through your desk's cable management hole. If your desk does not have one, then run the tied group of cords down the side of the desk and place a decorative item such as a tall plant or other decoration next to it.

Artwork and Wall Decor

Make your space a little more personal by hanging artwork, framed inspirational quotes, family vacation photos, or awards. If you don’t want to damage the walls with nail holes, hang these items using command strips or push pins. They should do minimal damage to the paint or wallpaper.

Fabric wall hangings such as macrame, tapestry, wall rugs, & upholstered wall panels can make a striking visual statement as well as buffer sound. Remember not to overdo it with wall decorations. For video conference calls, you may want to have a plain background that is not as distracting.

Add Small Elements of Cuteness

Kawaii is the Japanese culture of cute, tiny, loveable things. Try adding a small figurine to your office, or a playfully designed case for pens or computer supplies. Adding these aesthetic elements will bring individuality and uniqueness to your space. Plus, you’ll have something nice to look at that makes you happy & brings in creative energy.

Scentscape Your Home Office

Out of all five senses, smell is the most dominant sense in the human body. It plays an important role in your mood, stress level, and ability to be productive. Filling a room with scent is another addition to the decorating process. MarthaStewart.com suggests selecting a fragrance combination that is subtle and inviting to enhance the energy of your room. Try filling your home office with pleasant smells from reed diffusers, scented candles, room sprays, incense, or wax melts.

Make Sure You Have Adequate Storage

An overly cluttered space can cause feelings of anxiety. Having excess computer accessories, pens, paper clips, and other office supplies laying around can also be distracting and an eyesore. Get your office organized by having adequate storage. Desk drawers, bookcases, storage containers, and cabinets can help reduce clutter. Keep post-it notes off of your desktop and place them in a notebook instead.

Wall Color and Texture

Your office is an extension of your home. Choose a color palette that suits your aesthetic and ties in with the rest of your abode. If you feel like being adventurous with color, keep in mind how it can affect mood. Instead of going bold on all four walls, try a splash of color or a patterned/textured wallpaper on one wall. That way, you are not married to it and it's easier to change.

Conclusion

It doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive to design your dream home office. Put thought into decorating your office like you would any other room in your home. Create the space around your functional needs. Then slowly add accents to make it uniquely your own.

Sources

• https://greatist.com/happiness/ultimate-beginners-guide-feng-shui#basics

• https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-office-chairs

• https://www.thespruce.com/tips-for-better-home-office-lighting-1812436

Fast & Successful Sale: Custom Closets Improve Home Staging

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 19:39:09 GMT

When the time comes to put your house on the market, the goal is a quick sale at the top price possible. In order to achieve this, you need to stage your home, so it stands out among the competition. One way to improve your home staging is to use your custom closets .

Here are some ways custom closet systems can make your home more attractive to buyers:

A great first impression
Optimized storage space
Excellent functionality
Less visual clutter
Added value

Keep reading to learn about how custom closets can come to the rescue if you’re not sure how to maximize your home’s impact on a competitive real estate market.

Custom Closets Create a Great First Impression

When potential buyers first walk through your door, they’re relying on their first impression. This is what will stick with them throughout the home buying experience. Custom closets can create that positive initial impression. They’re beautifully designed, and they convey a sense of luxury.

A spacious closet with custom shelving, beautiful lighting, and lovely organization looks stunning, and it also makes the buyer think about the storage potential. They’ll begin to picture themselves in the home and imagine their things in your closet. Custom closets are sophisticated and high-end, and they set the tone for the entire visit.

Custom Closets Help You Optimize Your Storage Space

When home buyers make their lists of “must haves,” that list often includes ample storage space. Custom closets eliminate this concern by maximizing the space available – making it look large and substantial. When customized storage solutions make the most of every nook and cranny, buyers can really appreciate how much they’ll be able to store in the space.

For example, consider a custom reach-in closet in a guest bedroom. In many homes, this is a small space that can hold a clothing rod and a shelf, with perhaps some floor space down below for shoes or boxes. In a custom closet system, however, you’ll have double or customized hanging rods, shelves, drawers, and a variety of accessories. Your potential buyers will know they’ll be able to store everything they need to in that space.

Custom Closets Add Appealing Functionality

Thanks to closet accessories, your custom closets will be showcasing just how functional your home is. Walk-in closets are often home to shoe organizers, pull-out racks, built-in hampers, and even a jewelry tray. In a pantry, pull-out shelving and a lazy Susan makes it simple to find the ingredients you need.

Since most custom closets are adjustable, your buyers will be able to tweak them to meet their own needs for functionality. Maybe they need more room for toiletries and less room for sheets in the linen closets, or more room for shoes and fewer hanging rods. These are easy adjustments to make, and house hunters will be interested in the possibilities.

Custom Closets Minimize Visual Clutter

When you’re trying to sell your home, your real estate agent will likely recommend clearing as much clutter from the space as possible. The more visual clutter, the less likely your potential buyers will see their own belongings in the space. You want to keep your belongings out of sight when possible and neatly stored when you can’t hide them away.

Custom closets prevent clothes from piling up on chairs, on the bed, and on other surfaces. In the pantry or laundry room, these organizers will keep canned goods, laundry aids, and other items behind closed doors or neatly stacked. Your home will appear clean and organized, which makes a positive impact and prevents buyers from becoming distracted by clutter.

Custom Closets Add Value to the Home

When buyers see your custom closets, they’ll know you find luxury important, and they’ll assume you also find maintenance and keeping up with necessary tasks to be just as vital. Most people won’t invest in luxury items while ignoring plumbing issues, for example.

The value added by custom closets is, in part, due to the perception that the home has been well-maintained and won’t have issues to address later. First Federal Bank shares other signs a home has been maintained over the years; you might consider making sure your home has these signs before you put it on the market.

Conclusion

Custom closets can help your home appeal to buyers. They make the staging process simpler by making good use of the space, adding functionality, and minimizing visual clutter. Consider talking to a qualified real estate agent to find out more about how adding custom closet systems to your home can affect its marketability.

Source

https://cbcnationalbankmortgage.com/how-to-tell-if-a-home-has-been-well-maintained/

Home Organization Tips for Small Homes

Wed, 19 May 2021 19:39:01 GMT

A cluttered, unclean home is a huge source of emotional distress for millions of Americans, including those living in Peoria, AZ. Many are left stressing out about home organization in general, but these tensions are nothing new. With 73.2% of local housing units occupied by their owners, Peoria residents strive to keep their properties in tip-top shape.

But how do you efficiently make space for all of your items if you live in a small house? Luckily, achieving optimal organization can definitely be done by:

Purging Like Crazy
Section Rooms Into Zones
Make More Floor Space
Take Advantage of Wall Space
Make Your Closets Work Overtime
Use Hidden and Open Storage Options
Go High and Low
Stick With It

If you're ready to get your small home organized, read on for plenty of in-depth tips!

1. Purge Like Crazy

If you’ve lived in the same small house for many years, it’s likely that you’ve accumulated numerous possessions. In order to make space for the items you actually use, you need to purge your space of the unwanted ones.

According to Apartment Therapy , some items that you can immediately get rid of include old magazines, old clothing, broken possessions, duplicated items, and old electronics. After you’ve tossed these items, carefully go through every nook and cranny of your home and start collecting possessions you no longer want or need. Sort these items into three categories, including sell, donate, and trash. By purging your house of unnecessary items, you can free up valuable space.

2. Section Rooms Into Zones

After you’ve de-cluttered your house , it’s time to start organizing the individual rooms. Often times in a smaller home, one room can serve several different purposes. Create purposeful zones within each room to maximize space.

For instance, your large living space can function as a TV room and a dining room. Strategically position furniture and accessories in different areas to create designated zones.

3. Make More Floor Space

Oftentimes, making your small home feel bigger is as simple as getting items off the floor. Put shoes on a shoe rack in the mudroom or entryway closet. Keep toys in decorative baskets. By freeing up floor space, your tiny home will feel less cluttered and cramped.

4. Take Advantage of Wall Space

Now that you’ve cleared items off the floor, where are you going to put them? One idea is to take advantage of unused wall space. This is the part where you need to get creative. For instance, you can create a visual-appealing gallery of hats by hanging them in clusters on the wall, within your closet. You can also attach a silk ribbon or brightly colored piece of yarn to your wall and display jewelry and scarves. Also consider installing a wall hanger for your pots, pans, and other kitchen essentials.

5. Make Your Closets Work Overtime

Small houses oftentimes mean even smaller closets. To organize your small home, you need to optimize your closet space. Neatly hang your formal clothing. Stack thicker items on shelves and stash casual clothes in drawers. Keep shoes neatly tucked away on a shoe rack. Use the empty space on the back of your closet door to hang ties, hats, and scarves.

For closets you don’t use often, such as the ones in your spare bedrooms, consider installing a tiny desk inside. You can instantly transform an unused closet into a functional workspace for either your work or your child’s schoolwork.

6. Use Hidden and Open Storage Options

Home organization may require you to think outside the box. Instead of storing all of your items in closets and drawers, think about open storage solutions as well. Keep items you use every day in open spaces that are easily accessible. For example, install a few hooks near your front door to hang your keys and purse. Put a catch-all dish on your entryway table or nightstand to store your phone, wedding rings, wallet, and other items when not in use.

7. Go High and Go Low

One of the simplest ways to organize a small home is to store items below or above furniture. This is especially useful if you have a smaller bedroom. Keep seasonal apparel in clear plastic bins or vacuum-sealed bags and place them under your bed. You can also stack pretty books under a table or use them to raise a planter.

Use the empty space above your bed to install a headboard that can also function as a bookshelf. By using low and high spaces, you can find a home for every item, regardless of the size of your home.

8. Stick With It

In order to keep your small home organized, you need to stick with it. Every week, set aside 30 minutes to go through each room in your home. Check to make sure everything is in its proper place. Every month, go through your possessions and toss or donate items you no longer want or use. Get the whole family involved and ensure that they keep their areas neat and tidy.

Conclusion

With some time, patience, and creativity, you CAN get your small home organized. By purging unwanted items, using space creatively, and making rooms and closets work double duty, you can efficiently clear out and clean up your cluttered home.

Sources

How to Properly Arrange The Clothes in Your Closet

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 19:38:51 GMT

A vital step towards getting more organized is to ensure that you store the clothes in your closet in a way that makes the most of the space. Having a well-organized space with all of your clothes, accessories, and shoes arranged perfectly will put you in a good mood and make your whole house seem cleaner.

Here are a few Instagram-worthy tips for creating the ideal arrangement for your wardrobe:

Clean everything out and use the three-pile method - toss, keep, and donate
Take measurements
Use creative storage solutions for delicate clothes and bulky seasonal wear
Invest in high-quality accessories that stand the test of time
Adopt a flexible mindset towards your storage system

Unruly and unorganized closets space can leave you feeling anxious. Don't run late for the things you love because you're unable to locate your lucky shirt or pair of black pumps. Keep reading for plenty of guidance to make sure your clothes are stored exactly where you need them.

Only Store The Clothes You Want to Keep

Having to clean out your closets completely may sound overwhelming, but it's totally worth it. Even the longest journey starts with the very first step. Carrying around pounds and pounds of things you no longer use can cause unwanted stress, anxiety, and back pain.

Once you've removed all unnecessary junk, you'll instantly feel better and more in control. First things first, you'll want to separate everything in your closet into three piles:

Keep it - Things you love or can't live without
Donate it - Many items still have plenty of life left, even if you can't use them
Toss it - Ditch anything that's broken, stained, or completely unwearable

Be sure to properly launder the items that are going back into your freshly cleaned closet - stained clothing can attract pests and cause lingering odors . You'll also want to vacuum and wipe down any existing shelves. Start off on the right foot with a sparkling clean closet!

Know Your Space

Taking accurate measurements of your closets is an excellent way to know exactly how much room you have. Whether you want a magazine-worthy custom closet or a simple, easy-to-follow storage plan, knowing how big of an area you have available will make everything easier.

This is also the perfect time to evaluate your closet's lighting, flooring, and paint color. If you're dreaming of a glamorous closet makeover, then having the measurements on hand will help you avoid overbuying or underestimating when it comes to renovation materials.

Get Creative

This is also a great time to separate your remaining wardrobe into more manageable sub-categories. If you live in a colder climate, you'll want your winter gear ready when you need it, but able to be tucked away during the warmer months.

Depending on your lifestyle, you might have high-quality business wear that needs to be cared for appropriately. Arranging your clothes by activity (work, going out, running to the gym) can also help you extend the life of your wardrobe.

Hooks and racks can hold a multitude of items so they're out of the way, but close at hand when you want them. For extra coats, formal wear, costumes, and swimsuits, beware of storing them in plastic bins. They may look helpful, but really, the potential for mold growth is simply too great. Instead, find another space to store off-season pieces.

Treat Yourself

A superb way to get organized is to take advantage of the wide selection of accessories that are on the market today. Design specialists Closet Solutions & Organizers list several examples in What Accessories Are Available for My Custom Closets . Here are just a few of the options:

Full-extension drawers
Smooth sliding baskets
Shoe racks
Padded and lockable jewelry storage
Built-in laundry hampers
Rotating mirrors

In addition, invest in high-quality hangers. Classic wood hangers are ideal for suits and professional clothes, while padded and velvet-covered hangers are suitable for dresses, tank tops, and shirts. Sturdy hangers with clips are just right for skirts and scarves.

Stretchy items like sweaters and athletic wear should always be folded . For an additional blast of freshness, tuck lavender or cedar sachets in your drawers among your folded clothes.

Keep an Open Mind

Change is a fact of life, and the wardrobe that suits you today might not be the right fit next year. You may change your body shape or start a new career, so it's best to adopt an organizational system that's adaptable to your changing tastes.

Whether your closet is a lusciously huge walk-in or a charmingly small relic from a past era, you can create a storage system that maximizes your space and makes getting dressed a breeze. Need additional inspiration? HGTV has some excellent ideas for how to tackle this thorny task and come out as a clear winner.

Conclusion

Revamping your closet from a scary dark wasteland into your happy place isn't easy, but it's totally worth the effort. With just a little TLC & patience, you'll have the picture-perfect space you crave.

Sources

Maximize Your Garage Space With Overhead Storage

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 19:38:42 GMT

When people come to us trying to find ways to keep their garage neat and organized, one of the first organizers that we suggest is the o verhead storage rack . Many households don’t think about the space that is open and unused above their cars in the garage, but in reality it’s one of the best spots to store things.

If you have items that you use less frequently, why not box them up, store them on your overhead storage rack, and free up space in your garage cabinets or along the walls? In this blog post, We’ll go over some of the best things to store on your garage overhead storage rack.

Store the Holiday Decorations

The first items we suggest to store up on overhead storage racks are the seasonal items. The decorations that you keep for the holiday season, like lights and ornaments, end up being unused for the rest of the year, so why use up space stacking them on the shelves on the walls, piling them on the workbench, or stuffing them in the cabinets?

Box up the holiday stuff in a bin, label it, and slide it up above the cars to keep it out of the way till the next season! The key to the overhead storage racks is to keep the things that you don’t always use in a spot that’s out of the way. Clear out the garage space by storing the decorations up here.

Car Wash Supplies

Another great thing to store up on the racks is a box full of the car wash supplies. Towels, car soap, wax, etc. are all things that you’ll use once in awhile, but if you’re like most people, you’re not actually washing your car once a week. If you’re looking for more space for tools, paint cans, and bikes, why not collect all of the things you use on the car, and store them up on the rack?

When it’s time to wash your car, you’ll put it out, giving you easy access to the car wash box- just pull it right off of the overhead rack, and re-box it when you’re done. It also helps you keep all of these items together, as the towels and sponges can get scattered around the garage otherwise. Putting these things up here will definitely give you more space around the garage for things you’re using every couple of days.

Sports Equipment

Storing the sports equipment like basketballs, soccer balls, and tennis rackets is always a frustrating task- the balls don’t store easily, and they’ll roll off the shelves, you can’t stack them, and kids end up leaving them around. A great solution is to take a bin, label it, and store all of the balls, bats, and rackets in here. Once you’ve done that, slide the box right up on the overhead rack; the kids won’t leave the balls around, you’ll have a place to store all of it without worrying that they’ll roll onto the cars, and this way, you can simply reach the box for the kids when it’s time to play.

The key to this is the organization factor- everything is in one box, and the box doesn’t end up in the corner; plus, this way, you can ensure that everything is put away properly when playtime is over. Let’s face it, the kids are probably going to leave those balls out, so this gives you a way to stop that and make sure they don’t get lost. This is a super useful tip for the active families!

Garage Man Cave Makeover Ideas

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 20:38:34 GMT

Reimagining this giant empty box – with its hard cement floors, no windows, and giant metal walls – as a refuge for relaxation or hobby hangout isn’t always easy. Fortunately, turning your garage into the ultimate gentleman's retreat is simple if you follow these garage man cave makeover ideas:

Cover Up
Let There Be Light
Plug-In
Take a Seat
Lock It, Don’t Lose It

Keep reading for tips on how to transform your garage into a husband hideaway, fortress of bro-litude, or whatever you want to call your man cave.

Cover Up

Generally speaking, your garage is not an exciting or inviting space. It likely is a large, windowless room with metal doors along one wall and an entry door on another wall, if your garage is attached to the house. That’s actually a good thing because this means that you are working with a blank slate when it comes to your man cave makeover.

To help warm up the space, figurately not literally, start by resurfacing the floor. The cement slab is not very attractive, in fact, it’s downright ugly. And, if you previously used the garage for its intended purpose – to park your car – then the floor is probably stained with dirt, oil, and other substances, so you will definitely want to refinish it.

The simplest and easiest option is to paint it. This is also the most economical choice. Be sure to use a product designed specifically to cover cement and a primer to ensure the paint adheres properly and does not peel off. Another perk to paint is that it is available in pretty much every color you could ever want. What could be better than watching the game in a man cave color-coordinated to match your favorite team?

Carpeting is another choice. Again, like with paint, you have an almost endless limit of choices. But an all-season carpet could be your best bet if your garage is not weatherproof or climate-controlled. Area rugs over a painted floor (or even the cement slab) are another way to warm up the traditionally cold space of a garage.

Epoxy is another option to consider as well. It’s applied right over the cement slab and the three-layer application guarantees that your garage floor stays looking its best for many years. The solid colored and speckled finishes will enhance any man cave aesthetic.

After you’ve conquered the floor, it’s time to tackle the walls and ceiling. Paneling and drywall are the best ways to turn your garage into an actual, usable room. Plus, finishing the walls and ceiling will allow you to install insulation for soundproofing and temperature control. This is particularly important if you live in year-round warm weather climates like here in Arizona.

Another benefit of putting up proper walls is that you can paint the room and hang pictures or signs to decorate your man cave – not to mention this gives you something sturdy on which to mount your big screen TV.

If you are planning on converting the garage into a permanent man cave, you can even enclose the garage door behind drywall. If not, and you opt to keep the door exposed, be sure to seal around it to keep out any debris and critters as well as to help weatherproof your space.

Let There Be Light

Chances are your garage has only a single light to illuminate the entire space. That may be fine when it’s serving simply as a place to park your car and store your stuff, but if you don’t add additional lighting then your man cave will truly resemble a cave- dark and gloomy.

The solution is simple, says Designing Idea , just add additional lighting. They recommend swapping out the overhead light bulb for a more decorative, "drum style" fixture, preferably one that sits close to the ceiling. The next step is to illuminate the dark corners with a floor lamp. Finally, install task lighting. You have to admit, poker nights would be much more enjoyable if everyone could see their cards with the help of a pendant light hung over your game table.

Plug-In

Most garages are equipped with only one or two electrical outlets, so you will need to add more to turn your garage into a proper man cave. Running a bunch of extension cords around the room would really ruin your vibe – not to mention that it would be a safety and fire hazard.

It is best to figure out where you will want and need outlets before you install any drywall or paneling. Consider the room layout and where you plan on placing your TV, gaming console, refrigerator, etc.

Keep in mind, you can’t watch the big game if you don’t have access to cable or the internet for streaming. So, you will need to make sure that your plan includes installing a cable outlet or a Wi-Fi range extender.

Take a Seat

Now that you have built your man cave, it’s time to discuss how to decorate it. Years ago, men moved their ratty recliners out to the garage along with any other random pieces of furniture destined for the dump. But that is no longer the case.

Modern man caves are furnished with plenty of comfortable seating for the host and his friends to enjoy while hanging out. Sectional sofas are quite popular and stylish, but they don’t offer much room to really spread out. For maximum flexibility, you might want to consider a couch and a couple of side chairs. Everyone can have their own space and you can easily add a few more seats come Superbowl Sunday or March Madness season.

And don’t forget to include a coffee table and end tables. After all, you need some place to put all of your snacks and drinks. Plus, it'll be nice to put your feet up and get comfortable while binge-watching your favorite TV shows.

While many a man cave is filled with hand-me-down furniture, if you are lucky enough to be shopping for new pieces, you might want to consider buying outdoor furniture. Not only is it designed to tolerate the elements, making it ideal if your man cave is not climate controlled (meaning no AC), but the fabric is stain-resistant and waterproof. That means, spilling your beer or dropping salsa on the couch is no big deal.

Lock It, Don’t Lose It

This is probably something you never thought about, but now that your garage is home to a 75-inch TV, autographed sports memorabilia, and top-shelf liquor, you need to protect your prized possessions. Keep your man cave locked and secured with special garage door locks and a deadbolt if your garage has an outside access door. Additionally, research wiring your man cave into your home’s security system for added protection.

Conclusion

From poker nights to game days, man caves are playing a bigger role in entertaining these days. Many homeowners are converting the garage into a man cave because it’s really a blank canvas. At the same time, it’s just far enough removed from the rest of the house to offer plenty of privacy but still be within easy access to the kitchen and bathroom. If you follow the garage man cave makeover ideas outlined in this article and use a little imagination, then you can certainly create the ultimate retreat for you and your buddies.

Source

https://designingidea.com/how-to-turn-a-garage-into-a-man-cave/

Three Reasons Epoxy Garage Flooring Can't Be Beat

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 20:43:02 GMT

Epoxy Garage Flooring Benefits:

Epoxy Garage Flooring Is Shiny: Everyone Likes Shiny

Epoxy Garage Flooring Is Durable: Really Durable

Epoxy Garage Flooring Takes Less Maintenance: That Means More Leisure

The price point of epoxy garage flooring is a little more upfront, but when you consider the long-term potential, it surpass’s all other options in a matter of a few short years.

How to Organize Kids' Closets

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 20:38:13 GMT

If you have ever found yourself battling an avalanche of toys and clothing when opening your children’s closets, you might be ready to get the mess under control. Organizing children’s closets can be challenging, but it’s completely worthwhile. If you’re ready to tackle this project, these tips can help you get started.

Understand the Importance of Organizing Children’s Closets

If you’re thinking about putting off closet organization, consider these reasons why it’s worth it to put in the effort:

A neat and tidy closet with a dedicated space for everything will make it that much faster and easier for your kids (or you) to clean up their rooms.
If your kids have tons of clothing, books and toys, it’s easy to forget what they do and do not have. Proper organization allows you to see everything easily and helps you avoid duplicate purchases. It also makes it easier to see which items can be donated or sold.
A well-organized closet makes it easier for children to learn how to clean up after themselves and get themselves ready in the morning. It’s a great way to encourage independence while making things easier on yourself, too.
Properly storing your children’s clothing and other belongings will help you keep them in good shape so that they will last longer and look better.
Custom closets add value to your home. You can start with improving your children’s closets and then customize and organize your master bedroom closet, linen closets, kitchen pantry and more.

Get Rid of Clutter

Kids grow like weeds, and there’s a good chance that a portion of the items in your children’s closets are too small for them to wear. Stained or damaged clothing or old toys might also be taking up valuable real estate in their closets. Getting rid of all of this stuff first will probably make their closets look better almost instantly. In addition, it will make the organization process a whole lot easier.

Take the time to go through your children’s closets to look for clothing that they can’t wear anymore or that they don’t like but that are in good condition. Then, you can take those items to a consignment shop or post them up for sale online. You could also donate them or give them away to friends who have kids of the appropriate ages. This is also a good time to get rid of any toys and books that are in good shape but that your kids might not play with anymore.

Once you have done that, you can start looking for clothing items that your kids might not have grown into yet. These items should obviously be kept, but you’ll probably want to tuck them away elsewhere instead of putting them front and center in your kids’ closets. You can put them in storage, or you can put them on higher shelves in the closet so that you can put everyday items in more convenient places.

Lastly, you should look for items that should be thrown away. Old, stained or torn clothing should be tossed out, or you can turn old items into cleaning rags. Toys that are missing pieces or that are broken can also be thrown away.

Make Full Use of the Available Space

Once you are down to just items that you want to keep, you’ll need to figure out how to neatly organize them in your children’s closets. The good news is that there are a ton of closet organization options that you can choose from.

Consider working with a custom closet company to have a custom closet system installed in each of your children’s closets. A custom designer will measure your children’s closets and come up with the best way to make use of the available space. This is particularly important with children’s closets, which are often on the small side. L&B Closets can help Phoenix homeowners tackle their biggest organization-related challenges.

For example, you may want to add an extra closet rod so that you can hang up twice as much clothing. This is an idea that you can utilize in other closets in your home, but it works particularly well for kids’ closets. After all, their clothing items are typically much shorter in length, so even closets with lower ceilings can often accommodate double rods. Young children can use only the bottom rod for now, and you can use the top rod for items that they have not grown into yet.

Drawers can be added for storing folded clothing. This is a good idea if your kids’ rooms are too small to accommodate dressers or if you need more storage space than your kids’ furniture provides. You can add shelving units that will hold shoes, folded items, books or toys. These are just some of the components you can use; the possibilities are truly endless.

When meeting with a designer, let them know about your ideas and how you would like to make use of the space in your children’s closets. Additionally, don’t be afraid to mention your budget. The designer will come up with a plan with 3D software and will help with designing a closet organization system that will work for your budget and your kids’ needs. If you want to know more about how to make custom closets fit within your budget, check out this article on How Much Do Custom Closets Cost? by the closet designers at Closet Decor & More.

Ensure Essentials Can Be Easily Reached

Depending on your children’s ages and heights, they might not be able to access the top rod or top shelves of their closet. This means that they might need help with grabbing an outfit to wear in the morning or putting away their toys and clothing.

When organizing your kids’ closets , you should focus on making sure that your children can easily reach their essentials. You may want to put together outfits for the week and hang them on a lower rod or fold them up and place them in a lower drawer. Then, your kids can grab their own outfits when getting ready in the morning. Items that your kids won’t need to grab as often -- such as out-of-season clothing or clothing that they have not grown into yet -- can be stored on higher rods or shelves.

Getting your children’s closets under control might be a major undertaking, but you’re sure to find that it’s worth it. Luckily, you don’t have to tackle this major project alone. Contact L&B Closets , and we’ll schedule your free design consultation.

How a Custom Kitchen Pantry and Laundry Room Can Help You Get Organized

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 20:38:05 GMT

You might be aware of the benefits of custom closet organization , but you might not have thought about extending this into other areas of your home. However, custom closet companies can also often help with things like organizing your kitchen pantry or your laundry room. If you’re wondering why you should switch up these areas of your home, think about the many ways that doing so can help you get more organized this year. These are just some of the perks of installing custom components in these areas of your home.

Make Grocery Shopping Easier

Grocery shopping can be a big hassle, but you can make the entire process a whole lot easier with kitchen pantry organization . For one thing, it’s always a good idea to check for the ingredients that you have on hand before you make your shopping list. This should be an easy thing to do, but if your kitchen pantry is a mess, it can be difficult to keep track of what you already have on hand. You might never know if you have the ingredients that you need for preparing recipes for the week, and you could have expired items tucked deep in your kitchen pantry without even knowing it.

By installing more shelves in your kitchen pantry , you can arrange ingredients so that they are easier to see. You don’t have to worry about losing or forgetting about ingredients, so you can find out what you have on hand with a quick glance. Soon, you may find that you can make your grocery list a whole lot more quickly and easily, and you won’t have to worry about wasting money on unnecessary duplicate items, either.

Making your grocery list isn’t the only process you can simplify from investing in custom kitchen pantry organization. Once you have the right shelves and other custom kitchen pantry components in place, it’ll be a breeze for you to put items away after a big grocery trip. Then, you can make sure that everything is neatly organized and properly put away, even after going on a big stock-up shopping trip.

Streamline the Process of Doing Laundry

If doing laundry is the chore that you dread the most, it’s time to do what you can to make it easier. After all, no matter how much you might dislike doing laundry, it’s probably not something you’ll be able to stop doing anytime soon.

With the right organization system, you can streamline and improve the process of doing laundry. You won’t have to dig around for a stain stick when you need it, and you’ll have a dedicated space for treating, folding and hanging up laundry. Although you might never actually enjoy doing laundry, you may find that you won’t mind it as much when you have a better workspace. Plus, you should be able to get it done a whole lot more quickly.

Make Your Laundry Room Look Better

Although the laundry room probably isn’t your favorite part of the home, you probably still want it to look nice. Unfortunately, your laundry room might not look very nice on an average day, since you might have laundry supplies scattered around the room, and you might have hampers piled high with clothing. A nice-looking laundry room will make laundry chores more pleasant, and you’ll be less embarrassed if a wayward guest wanders into the room unexpectedly.

With the right organizational components and a simple system that is easy to stick to, you can make sure that your laundry room always looks its best. Shelves and cabinets make it easy to stash laundry detergent, fabric softener and other essentials. Hanging rods provide you with a place for hanging up clothing when it comes out of the dryer; this makes for a neater and tidier laundry room , and it helps you prevent clothing from getting wrinkled, too. Having a few laundry hampers set up in the right places allows you to prevent piles of dirty laundry from making your laundry room look like a huge mess.

Keep Your Kitchen Looking Great

You and your family members might spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Plus, when you’re entertaining friends and family members, you might find that everyone naturally gathers in the kitchen area. If your kitchen is a mess, you might find that you’re embarrassed to invite your family members or friends to hang out with you while you’re cooking, or you might just dread spending time in this area of your home.

Once your kitchen pantry is neatly organized, though, you can keep your kitchen looking great. The right organization components make it easy for you to tuck ingredients, small appliances and other items neatly out of sight. This helps you keep your counters neat and clean and your kitchen looking great. Soon, you might not mind spending time in your kitchen or showing it off to your friends and family members.

Make Cooking and Serving Meals Much Easier

Cooking can be a lot of fun, but it can be a big hassle if your kitchen is a mess. If you have to dig around in your cabinets and pantry to look for ingredients or if you can’t easily put your hands on your measuring cups when you need them, it can turn preparing a simple meal into a big ordeal. With a few simple improvements, though, it’ll always be a breeze for you to grab what you need when you’re cooking, whether you’re throwing together a simple weeknight meal or if you are preparing a big holiday dinner.

If this is the year when you want to get organized, our custom closet organizers can help. Contact us at L&B Closets to schedule your free in-home consultation. Then, we will send one of our professional closet organizers to your home to help you come up with great designs for your laundry room and kitchen pantry. After our professional installers put in your kitchen pantry and laundry room organizational components, you and your family can enjoy the perks above and more.

Tips for Kids' Custom Closets, From Toddlers to Teens

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 19:37:56 GMT

Kids need closet space just as much as adults do, but setting up a kids’ custom closet can be challenging, especially because their needs will change as time goes on. A toddler doesn’t need the same things from their closet as a teenager, and they both will need different things than an adult would. Is there a way to create kids’ custom closets that can serve your children from the toddler to teen years?

Plan Ahead with Adjustability
Incorporate Baskets for Ease of Use
Create Storage for Toys and Books
Adapt with More Drawers and Cabinets

Learn how to plan closet space that will make sense for your child at any age.

Plan Ahead With Adjustability

If you’re planning to stay in your home long-term, your child will need to be able to use their closet through many different developmental stages and growth cycles. One thing you can be sure of is that their needs aren’t going to stay the same. That doesn’t mean that you’ll need to renovate their closet completely every couple of years, though. It just means that you’ll need to plan ahead and make sure that your child’s closets can grow with them instead of being outgrown.

You can do this with adjustable features. Items like hanging rods and shelves can be adjustable so that you can set them at low heights for younger children and raise them as your children grow. That way, they can always reach for their things and use their closet independently when they’re younger and they won’t have to stoop to continue to do so as they grow. You may need other features that can easily be moved or replaced as well, for example, cubbies that can be replaced with cabinets or dresser drawers later.

Incorporate Baskets for Ease of Use

Teaching children to be independent when it comes to putting clothes away and cleaning up their closets is a good idea. However, expecting them to perform just like an adult from a young age is a setup for failure. Your child isn’t likely to be able to fold and stack small things neatly and may actually forget to deal with things they can’t see, such as items in closed drawers. You have to start with things they can handle.

Open baskets for items like socks, underwear, pajamas, swimsuits, and other items that don’t necessarily have to be folded are a great idea for younger children. They may not be able to easily pair socks, fold them up, and arrange them in a drawer, but they can certainly toss them into a basket and then pull out a pair when needed. This also works for accessories like hair ribbons, barrettes, ponytail holders, and headbands. Don’t expect artful arrangements of these items from your elementary schooler; just give them a basket where they can be corralled neatly and found when needed.

Create Storage for Toys and Books

Unless you have a dedicated playroom, your child probably has toys and books that will need to be put away at the end of each day, and the closet is frequently used as a space for these kinds of non-clothing items. Clear plastic or solid-colored bins with labels are one solution. You can have your children store toys inside, and they can tell what’s there either because they can see through the clear plastic or check the label (you can use markings like shapes or specific colors for a particular type of toy if your child is too young to read the words on labels yet.)

Cubbies are a good idea too, especially for items that can be stacked, like books. They’re also useful for children who might like to display certain items or keep certain things handier than they would be in a bin. Your child may have a bin holding dolls or stuffed animals, but a special teddy bear that comes to bed with them every night or a doll they especially like to look at can have a place of privilege sitting in a cubby. This works not only for storage purposes but also for letting your child have some practice decorating their room as soon as they’re ready.

Adapt with More Drawers and Cabinets

As your child grows into a tween and then a teen, they’ll have fewer toys and probably more clothes and accessories, as this is a time in their life when they’ll be inclined to try out different styles and fashions. At this point, it can be useful to move many of the baskets, cubbies, and bins and replace them with cabinets and dressers. Your child is more capable of folding and putting away clothes neatly, so these types of closet organizers are more useful.

Drawers that they can close and cabinets that they can shut also let your teen have more privacy. This is the time of their life when they’re looking for that, and it’s important to facilitate a sense of autonomy and safety when it comes to having private spaces in their own room. According to VeryWell Family , learning to use privacy appropriately is an important part of growing more independent and responsible for teens. Their closet is as good a place as any to start facilitating their ability to have private space.

Conclusion

A custom closet can serve kids throughout their childhood if parents incorporate adjustability, set reasonable expectations, accommodate non-clothing items that end up stored in children’s closets, and remember to adapt as their child grows.

Source

https://www.verywellfamily.com/why-does-my-teen-need-privacy-2609615

17 Foolproof Tips for Reorganizing Your Kitchen Pantry

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 19:37:46 GMT

Do you have trouble finding what you need in your kitchen pantry ? Whether you have a walk-in pantry or a tiny one, the constant adding and removing items makes it hard to keep it organized and under control. You may not realize you are out of an ingredient or food is way past the expiration date with all the clutter. A disorganized pantry also wastes your time and adds unnecessary stress to your life.

While organizing your pantry may be overwhelming, restoring order and efficiency to your food storage is a simple task with the following foolproof tips.

1. Start With a Purge

Empty your pantry and place all of your items on a large table. Throw away any expired items. If you have non-perishable food you don’t expect to use, donate it to a food bank. Repeat the purging every few months.

2. Take Inventory

Once the old or unused items are gone, do an accounting of everything left. Taking inventory helps you decide the type and amount of storage containers you’ll need. Add any missing ingredients to your grocery list.

3. Establish a “First-in, First-Out” System

For multiple items such as beverages or extra cereal boxes, arrange your pantry with older items in front of newer ones.

4. Keep Dry Food in Clear Containers

To keep your pantry looking tidy, place dry foods such as sugar, flour, and pasta in clear, stackable canisters with sealed lids. Using clear containers will help you quickly identify what’s inside and know when you need to buy more. Plus, your food will stay fresh longer and take up less room.

5. Label Everything

Label all baskets, bins, and containers so everyone can locate items when they need them. Besides writing the ingredient’s name, add the bought or expiration date to alert you when something needs to be used or tossed. Make sure all labels are facing outward to ensure visibility.

6. Group Like Ingredients Together

Create zones or groups of similar items in your pantry to streamline your food storage. By organizing similar items together, you can see what ingredients you have, what you need, and where to put new things. For example, you can set up sections for soup, snacks, breakfast foods, and baking necessities.

7. Add a Turntable

Architectural Digest notes that one of the best space-saving items to have on hand is a Lazy Susan. Find what you need without sorting causing disorder.

8. Save Space With Storage

Use baskets, bins, racks, crates, and other storage cartons to save space. Smaller items such as cans can get lost if not places in a can rack or bin. Oddly-shaped items are also easier to store in a crate. For herbs and spices, a spice rack works well. Consider sliding baskets or bins to quickly and easily access your food.

9. Take Advantage of Pantry Doors

If your pantry has doors, use hanging baskets, racks, or organizers to maximize space. Spices, plastic wrap, and aluminum foil are all items to consider storing in that area.

10. Bring in a Rolling Cart

If you have extra floor space, The Spruce recommends storing certain ingredients on a rolling cart. When you are ready to bake, for example, instead of carrying every item out separately, just pull the cart into the kitchen.

11. Avoid Buying Bulk Items

Sales and low prices may tempt you to buy multiple packages, but try to resist and only purchase what you need. Otherwise, the items will take up space and likely expire before you can use them.

12. Don’t Buy Ingredients to Use Once

While trying new recipes is a great way to change up your meals, don’t buy an ingredient you will not use again. It will just take up valuable space in your pantry. Try to find a substitute you often use to determine if leaving the ingredient out is an option. Before purchasing the item, make sure you can use it for something else.

13. Install Drawer Organizers

If you keep bottles or cans in drawers, House Beautiful suggests installing organizers or dividers to keep items all in one place. To keep wine bottles from rattling against each other, use a wine rack.

14. Use Wall Space

Don’t waste extra wall space. Use hooks to hang aprons, reusable shopping bags, and brooms.

15. Create a Kid-Friendly Snack Zone

Instead of having your children search through the pantry (and make a mess), place a basket full of snacks in an easily accessible area such as the floor or a lower cabinet. They’ll be able to quickly grab a snack without ruining your organized pantry or having to reach too high.

16. Reset Your Pantry

Straighten your kitchen pantry and put things back in order daily. If you keep up with the organization, you won’t be so overwhelmed.

17. Get Family Buy-In

The only way to keep your pantry organized and in tip-top shape is to ensure that everyone in the house knows the system you set up. Show kids where they can find their snacks and instruct everyone to look at the labels. Hang a grocery list and a pen on the wall or door of your pantry. If someone uses the last item or notices something is running low, they can add it to the list.

Conclusion

An organized pantry improves your meal preparation and saves you money and time. You no longer need to arrange a search party to find an ingredient, and you reduce the amount of food you waste. Get started now with the easy-to-follow ideas and tips in this article and keep your kitchen pantry clutter-free, streamlined and efficient.

Sources

How to Safeguard Your Closets Against Pests

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 19:37:35 GMT

If you’re noticing small holes in the clothing stored in your custom closets , pests may be the culprits. Closets are an ideal spot for pests because they favor dark, confined areas. Prevention is the key to combating these pesky critters and the damage they cause, especially in warmer climates such as in Arizona.

Use the following tips to safeguard your closets and prevent pests from feasting on your favorite clothes.

What Pests May Inhabit Your Closets?

According to the University of Arizona , the closet pests that are most common in Arizona are clothes moths, carpet beetles, cockroaches, crickets, and silverfish. While these insects do not harm humans, they can wreak havoc on your clothes.

You are more likely to find pests inside your home and your closets during the summer months in Arizona. The Arizona Republic notes that much like people, pests try to escape the scorching temperatures outside for cooler indoor environments, including your closets.

How to Keep Pests Away from Custom Closets

Store Clean Clothes Only

Clothing with food stains, moisture, perfume, and dirt are magnets for pests. Clean and thoroughly dry your garments before storing them, even if you only wore an item once. Do not hang clothes outside to dry. Use the dryer or hang them inside your home.

Scrutinize Second-Hand Clothing

When buying used clothing in a thrift store or consignment shop, inspect garments for holes or tears before purchasing. You don’t want to bring any pests home along with the clothes. Wash items in hot water or dry clean before adding them to your closet.

Vacuum Regularly

To remove dirt, dust, and larvae, vacuum floors, carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, or any other fabrics. Pay close attention to hard to reach spaces such as corners and along the wall. Don’t just focus on the floor - vacuum inside drawers and cabinets.

Say No to Starch

Ask your dry cleaner not to use starch on your clothes. Silverfish, in particular, feast on starch.

Deep Clean Your Closets

Deep clean your closet every few months. Remove all items and wipe closet walls, baseboards, and clothing rods with an all-purpose cleaner and a soft cloth.

Remove Clutter

Don’t give pests too many places to hide by letting clutter accumulate. To prevent overcrowding, donate or discard items you no longer want or need. Clutter is also an invitation for humidity and mold.

Inspect Rarely Used Items

Do you have heirloom clothing or other items you don’t often wear, such as a tuxedo or dress? Every few months, inspect the items, including pockets and seams, for signs of pests.

Use Cedar as a Repellant

The scent of cedar drives moths and carpet beetles away. Fill small containers with cedar chips or place blocks around your space. To prevent stains, do not allow your clothes to touch cedar directly. After three months, cedar loses its scent. Use sandpaper on the cedar to reawaken the smell. Hunker.com recommends storing “wool, leather, fur, and silk” garments in a sealed cedar chest.

Opt for Lavender

Lavender’s sweet fragrance repels pests. Make sachets with dried lavender and place them around your closets. Another idea is to spray your closets with a lavender solution.

Avoid Plastic Bags

Use garment bags made of breathable material when storing dresses, suits, or other expensive fabrics. Do not use the plastic bags from the dry cleaners. Plastic traps moisture, causing mold to form on your clothing.

Fill Holes and Cracks

Cracks and holes in the walls are an invitation for pests to enter your home. Most bugs have no problem entering through even the smallest hole or gap. Search the rooms around your closets regularly for cracks in the walls and fill them with caulk as soon as possible. Also, check window screens for any holes or tears.

Eliminate Moisture

Pests need water to survive. Check the walls, ceilings, and floors of your custom closets for signs of water damage. Dry the wet areas thoroughly and fix plumbing leaks to eliminate your closets as a source of water.

Conclusion

Keeping clothes-damaging pests away from your closets is a big challenge. To protect your clothing and your closets, use the tips in this article to fend off pests.

Sources

Accessories Ideas for a Custom Closets

Fri, 15 May 2020 19:37:24 GMT

You’ve heard it said that accessories make the man (or the woman). Did you know that they make the closet, too? At L&B Custom Closets , we offer a wide variety of closet accessories that will meet all of your needs for customized storage. No matter what you’re keeping in your closet, pantry, home office or other storage area, we have the accessories you need and want. Read on for a list of some examples.

Shoe Racks

These come in either the type that looks like slanted shelves (they’re slanted down toward the wall to keep shoes in place) or the type that look like cubbies. Keep everything from slippers to stilettos off the floor, in good condition and well-organized.

Jewelry Storage

Our velvet or satin-lined jewelry drawers enable you to store everything from Grandma’s heirlooms to your kids’ costume jewelry. These drawers also lock to keep your jewelry safe. Another option is to get a necklace rack; this will keep your necklaces, bracelets and anklets tangle-free.

Clothing Storage

You already know about clothing rods, but what about belt racks and tie racks? These work well to keep your slippery items off the floor and in place. Another often-overlooked accessory is the pants rack. This can keep your pants wrinkle-free by letting you hang them by the hems instead of folding them in half over a hanger. Finally, valet rods allow you to put an outfit to the side or keep your dry cleaning in one spot.

Closet Furniture

At L&B Closets , we offer a variety of high-quality furniture for your closet. Whether you need cabinets on the walls, an island in the middle or cedar-lined drawers to keep your items insect-free, we can build and install just about anything.

Handy Helpers

We have many accessories that will make your life easier. For example, have you considered having a laundry hamper installed right in your closet? We’ll add in a liner or basket so you can easily transport dirty clothes to the laundry room. How about a fold-down ironing board? Or even a slide-out mirror that slides out of the way when you are done? A fireproof safe is another great addition for your closet.

We have other accessories available, too; all you have to do is tell us what you want to do with your space, and we’ll be happy to make suggestions.

To learn more about custom closet organization tips, check out our how-to guide on closet cleanout.

Give us a call today (602) 899-0553 to schedule a free, in-home consultation to find out more about our closet accessories.

Save 25 Minutes Every Day With Better Closet Organization

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 19:37:14 GMT

The amount of wasted time that disorganization can cause every single morning is often overlooked due to an already established habit. However, simple tweaks here and there, when combined, can add up quite substantially and relieve a lot of the common stress that comes with the morning rush, no matter what your day ahead looks like.

We all have 24 hours in a day and how wisely we use that time can determine how much we can accomplish and increase the quality of our life lived. And the state of mind we start our day with spreads throughout the rest of the day until we catch ourselves and make the shift. In this article, we’ll be sharing some tips to save you time and lessen your stress.

4 Time-Saving Closet Organization Tips

Declutter and Consolidate Your Closet

The first step to effective closet organization is to clear out the clutter in your closet and consolidate your inventory. The simplest categories are Donate, Keep & Trash. Reorganizing your closet and keeping it maintained will be much easier afterwards.

Keep Clothes Organized and Easily Accessible

n order to keep your closet organized, your must have closet organizers , period - otherwise, your clothes and items will just sit on the floor, which we all know, doesn’t work. It’s also not about getting a bunch of shelves and cabinets either because there are different levels of functionality of each organizer, and how they work together is what affects the overall flow and ease of using your closet.

If your closet is in dire need of an upgrade, consider getting a custom closet designed . Some closet companies offer free in-home designs and if you’re lucky, they have 3D softwares to show you the design within the hour. A closet design expert should be able to assess your specific needs to create an intuitive closet that will make finding, sorting and managing your closet much easier.

Have a Place for Everything

Once you have your closet organizers in place to hold all of your clothes, make sure you categorize and group your items together. All of your clothing items should have a default home to go to. You shouldn’t have to “look” for your items because you’ll know exactly where they are. Outside of your closet, your nightstand or any table-top or counter space should be cleared and organized before you go to bed.

When you’re in a rush trying to choose the perfect outfit, you may not have time to put everything back at that point in time. So at the very least, fold up your clothes or stack them neatly on your bed for later. Don’t toss them on a chair or in different places in your room. Assuming your bed is already made (which is should every morning), just fold them neatly on your bed.

Establish Simple, Efficient and Sustainable Habits

After you have your closet organizers set up and have all your clothes sorted and properly stored, it’s time to establish functional and sustainable habits that will be the fuel to your organization vehicle. Without simple and efficient habits, your organizers don’t really matter - your closet and room will still be a mess.

Here are a few habits to adopt. Every night before bed, choose your outfit for the next day and set them aside. That way, you won’t have to figure all that out in the morning when your mental alertness is at a bare minimum! Also, every night before bed, clean your room and make sure every item is back to their default home. That includes your nightstand, counter, clothes, furniture (if moved). To take it one step further, you can apply this concept to your entire home and if you need help with that, download our free Tao of Home Organization guide at the bottom of the page. Learn more about alternative ways to use your garage from our friends over at dream garage.

Take Action & Save Time

Begin implementing these simple tips right away and see your mornings shift into a more seamless flow, keeping you relaxed and saving time in the process. If you’re in the Phoenix Area and need help with your closet design, L & B Closets offers FREE No-Obligation In-Home Closet Designs using our 3D Software and is personalized for you and your lifestyle. Call us @ 602-899-0553 or request a call back here.

How to Organize Your Home Office

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 20:37:04 GMT

If you work from home, you already know that the home office is a place where disorganization can build up quickly. Since maintaining a well-organized home office is important if you want to stay productive, it makes sense to spend some time taking control of this area of the home. L & B Closets can help by creating the home office storage system of your dreams. In the meantime, or if you already have your custom office and need tips on keeping it organized, try some of these strategies.

Find the Right Space for Your Home Office

If you have a room that you are already using as a home office , then your job on this step might be done... or it might not be. You’re going to want to be sure that you are comfortable in your space, particularly if you are working from home full-time. If you are in a room that is cramped, too warm, too cold, windowless, or otherwise not ideal, then you might want to look around your home to see if another area would make a better office. When you are comfortable, you are more likely to care enough about the area to get it (and keep it) organized.

If you do not have a dedicated home office, then you have the task of finding an area where you can work. This will, of course, depend on how your home is currently set up, what rooms you have, whether you have young children or pets who might be in the area while you are working, whether you have clients come to visit you, and so on. If you have teleconference meetings with clients or coworkers, consider what is behind you. Think about the noise levels and the lighting levels. Any area of the home can be modified into a home office, but before you begin doing that, you’ll want to see if you can find a space that doesn’t have a lot of work to be done in terms of the basics: lighting, sound, background visuals, temperature, and so on.

Be Sure the Office is Ergonomically Designed

Over the last several decades, it has become apparent that designing office furniture and the office itself to complement the human range of motion will make you much more comfortable and productive in the office. Not adhering to these ergonomic details can have negative health effects: You might develop carpal tunnel syndrome, eye strain, back injuries, and other issues. It’s also come to light in recent years that sitting too long can lead to obesity, heart disease, and other various health problems.

Make sure that you can easily reach the items that you will need most frequently. Place the office supplies you use in drawers that are close by to where you will be sitting (or standing). Consider a standing desk if you find that you are working for long stretches of time. While you shouldn’t remain in one position all day, switching between sitting and standing can improve your health. A desk that is adjustable will allow you to use the same home office organization system while you are sitting or standing at any given time.

Use Your Space Creatively

Think about the items that you use during the course of your workday as well as the items that you keep in the office but don’t need to access on a daily basis. In most situations, the items you use most should be kept closest to you, if possible. Office cabinets can keep some of these items overhead, while shelving and drawers are easy to reach while you are sitting at your desk. You might also want a wall of shelves, drawers, or cabinets (or a combination of all three) on the opposite side of the room. This can help motivate you to get up and down periodically.

Remember to try to make things easier on yourself. Ask your home office designer about pull-out shelves, which can make it simpler to reach items without getting up when you are in the midst of an important project. Think about your organizing style: Do you prefer to have items in sight rather than behind a door or in a drawer? In that case, you might do better with a larger workspace that can accommodate your frequently used supplies right on top. Bulletin boards and other wall-based storage right near your desk are other great options.

Make Your Office Appealing to the Senses

Put simply, if you aren’t comfortable and happy in your office, you aren’t going to want to spend time there. This can lead to disorganization, poor morale, and a lack of productivity, all of which will make you want to spend even less time in the room. Don’t let this happen. Think about your senses and what appeals to you.

Choose finishes that you find attractive. Your L & B home office designer will have lots of options for you to choose from. You can also add pops of color in the artwork or accessories in the room.
Make sure your office smells good. Candles (the flameless type are best), potpourri, plug-in air fresheners, and fresh flowers are nice additions.
Choose a chair that you find comfortable. You might want to sometimes work in a recliner or from a couch if you have those available in the office and you have work that can be done in a lounging position.
Add soothing or invigorating sounds. Whether you work best with classical music, hard rock, or a white noise machine in the background, add whatever sounds you need to be more productive.

Spend Time Each Day Tidying Your Home Office

The most important tip for how to keep your home office organized is to work on tidying it for a few minutes each day. Once it’s in good order, you will only need to spend five or ten minutes putting away stray items at the end of your workday. The clean surfaces will greet you the next day so you can get right to work without dealing with a mess.

If you are looking for more ideas on how to organize your home office , you might be a great candidate for a custom home office from L & B Closets . We work with homeowners in the areas of Scottsdale, Chandler, and Phoenix, Arizona. Contact us for more information and to schedule your free in-home consultation appointment.

Source:

https://uncagedergonomics.com/blogs/default-blog/6-office-ergonomics-tips-to-avoid-fatigue

Are Custom Closets Really Worth the Investment?

Thu, 26 Dec 2019 20:36:55 GMT

s a custom closet really something your home needs? Or is it an unnecessary indulgence? There are many messages out there about custom closets , but when it’s your home and your money, you need to know the truth. Can a custom closet really help you, and is it really worth the investment that you’ll be putting into the space?

Here are some considerations to keep in mind when considering a custom closet system:

Custom Closets and Home Value
Custom Closets and Time Savings
Custom Closets and Good Habits
Custom Closets and Quality of Life

Take a look at some of the ways that custom closets live up to their investment potential.

Custom Closets and Home Value

When most homeowners think about whether custom closets are worth the investment, what they mean is whether or not the closets will add to the value of their home when it’s time to sell. Even if you aren’t planning an imminent move, you need to be aware of your home’s value and make sure that when you’re ready to sell, you get as much value as possible out of the house.

HomeServe says that custom closets do add value. However, they also caution that homeowners need to consider all of the different factors that go into the cost of the closets and make sure that they get the most value out of the money that they’re able to spend on the project. That means being practical with the choices that you make for your custom closet space.

Custom Closets and Time Savings

Everyone’s heard the expression, “time is money.” Time is a valuable asset and if anything, it’s more precious than money. If you spend money, you can make it back. Once time is gone, it’s gone – there’s no way to recoup it. Therefore, it’s worth considering if an investment has a positive effect on your time as well as on your wallet.

One of the biggest time-killers in many people’s lives is cleaning and putting things away. It doesn’t have to be cleaning the closet specifically, but when things are cluttering up the living areas of the home and need to be put away, that means they need some kind of storage solution, and closets are some of the primary storage systems in a home.

Another common timewaster is looking for things that are lost. Whether that means finding the right outfit for work in the morning or hunting for a lost shoe, it’s time that you wouldn’t have had to spend if everything was neatly organized so you could find it. Custom closets address time loss due to both clutter and disorganization by giving you dedicated spaces for all your things. They represent additional time in your day that you may previously have spent cleaning up clutter or searching for lost items.

Custom Closets and Good Habits

Not only does an organized closet save you time, but it can also help you develop good habits. When there’s enough room for everything you need to store, it becomes easy to put things away when you’re done with them.

Even if you’re not consciously thinking about it, you may be more likely to resist putting away your belongings when you know it’s going to be a hassle to find a place to put them. It’s easier to leave your shoes in the living room or your accessories scattered all over the top of your dresser than it is to go into the closet and try to find the right place to put them.

When it becomes easier to put things away, you’ll do it more often, and it becomes a habit. Likewise, when your closet is arranged so you can find things without shoving clothes aside or dropping them on the floor to get them out of your way, you won’t do those things. Better organization habits don’t stop with your closet. Once you develop them, they carry over to other aspects of your life and you’ll find it easier to be an organized person.

Custom Closets and Quality of Life

You shouldn’t overlook the investment in your quality of life that you make when you choose closet customization. There are many benefits of custom closets that are difficult to put a monetary or easily quantifiable value on. A few of these include:

Not feeling stressed out by clutter and disorganization
A feeling of happiness or peacefulness when you look at your attractive new closet space
Pride in your home’s organization and storage spaces
The fun of showing off your home to family and friends

These kinds of benefits can be just as important as things like more money, more time, and more self-improvement. It’s good for you to feel good. It’s beneficial for your mental and physical health. Custom closets can contribute to positive feelings about yourself and your home. It’s bad for you to feel worried or stressed or overwhelmed, and custom closets can help cut down on these feelings. The benefit to your peace of mind and quality of life is a significant return on investment, even if it’s more personal and difficult to quantify.

Conclusion

Custom closets cost money, so responsible homeowners have to decide whether they’re worth the investment. Some of the values custom closets give as investments include additional home value, time savings, positive habit building, and a better quality of life.

Source

https://www.homeserve.com/en-us/blog/home-improvement/custom-closets-home-value/

7 Vital Reasons Why Good Closet Organization Improves YOUR Health And Well-being in Phoenix

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 19:36:46 GMT

Do you feel overwhelmed or stuck in a rut? Has the surrounding chaos or disorganization in your home or closets been holding you back from living a more fulfilled lifestyle? Would you like to improve the quality of your life?

As it turns out, keeping your home neat and tidy and practicing good closet organizational techniques can actually be good for your health! In many surprising ways, having a good sense of organization will not only bring peace to your mind, but to your body as well.

As published in The Journal of Neuroscience, researchers from Princeton University Neuroscience Institute found that clutter keeps you from being able to focus, and limits your ability to process information. Chaos is distracting and competes for your attention, breeding disharmony when your sights should be on more important things.

7 Vital Reasons For Better Closet Organization | Phoenix

When we’re overwhelmed and chaos reigns, we’re often neglecting an important building block to harmony — being organized! Bayou Closets shares How To Brilliantly Master Your Closet Organization with tips on how to purge, organize and maintain order in your closet.

Here are just a few of the ways in which having better home and closet organization will help your body, mind - and soul!

You’ll be Less Stressed

There’s no shortage of research showing that stress is bad for your health. People with higher stress levels are more prone to heart disease and are likely to have shorter lifespans than those without. Being organized and living an organized lifestyle, which means uncluttering your home and having good closet organization , is a proven way to cut down on your stress levels and bring a sense of peace to your home and your life.

You’ll Breathe Better

Part of this is meant in a metaphorical sense, having less stress by being more organized will make you breathe easier, but it can also be taken literally as well. When you’re home is cluttered there are plenty of nooks and crannies and little places that dust and allergens can build up and negatively affect the air quality of your home. Keeping things clean and your closets organized will literally improve your air quality in your home and help you breathe easier.

You’ll Have Time to Exercise

Being organized means having better time management, and more time management means more free time. This is time that can be used for activities that you would otherwise forgo in the haste of everyday life. Always thinking that you never have time to do the things that keep you fit. Getting organized is a proven strategy for making more time for the things that matter. Better home and closet organization will not only give you but also inspire you to take more time to exercise.

You’ll Save Money

Did you know that good home and closet organization can help you to save money? If you know exactly what you have, then you won’t accidentally buy things again that you don’t need. This money can then be spent on activities for better health and well-being, rather than replacing items you already own.

You’ll Have a Greater Sense of Well Being

Being organized leads to greater peace of mind, and knowing that your life is in order is a surefire way to bring a sense of calmness and peace to your life. Being less stressed and having a sense of contentment in yourself and your existence will result in a happier, healthier you.

You’ll Lose Weight

Studies have time and time again shown correlations between organizational levels and weight loss, with those who tend to be more organized and show better time management skills being thinner and fitter overall. So if you’re looking to trim inches from your waistline, one thing you might want to consider is organizing your life. Trimming the extra clutter from your home and closets is a great place to start!

You’ll be More Productive

It’s much easier to be productive when you’re not overly stressed about the hassles of everyday life, and productivity is positively correlated with overall health. Just by amping up your organization levels you’ll pump up your productivity, and be more active and healthier for it. How much more efficient could your life be with some improved - and perhaps well overdue - home and closet organization?

BE The Change!

Health and happiness go hand in hand, and both of them are directly benefited by getting more organized!

If are you ready to get organized and zenify your life, so you can put your focus back on to the important things that create better health and well-being, then it’s time you consider calling in the experts of organization to help turn your clutter chaos in homely harmony.

If you live in the Phoenix area the organizational specialists at L&B Closets right now are offering you an exclusive no obligation FREE IN-HOME Design and Consultation to help you achieve ‘organizational nirvana’.

Call (602) 899-0553 today to book in your exclusive consultation while this offer lasts. B e inspired with more ideas for living a life uncluttered - Download the Free Guide to Simplify Life through the Tao of Home Organization .

5 Gorgeous Custom Small Closet Designs | Phoenix, AZ

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 19:36:36 GMT

If asked, what the most common closet type that people have today is, the Small Closet, a.k.a Reach-in Closet , will without a doubt come out on top. Being a small closet, it's easy to mistakenly perceive it as having small storage, but that is simply not true at all. It's safe to say that the purpose of having storage organizers is to maximize storage space and keeping your items sorted so that it can be easily found when needed.

If your reach-in closet is built in an innovative and optimum way, you will fit up to 50% MORE items without the cluttered look and feel. If you decide to have a custom small closet designed and installed , you can build one that's specifically suited for you and whoever may be sharing one with you. Sure you can go to your local home improvement store, but it just won't fit properly and you may not be completely satisfied with it in the long term.

Beautiful Custom Small Closet Designs in Phoenix

I know what you may be tempted to ponder about after seeing these designs... How much do custom closets generally cost? Download our Custom Closet Pricing Guide to learn all the ins and outs of how closets are priced as well as how to lessen the overall price, making it affordable for you.

1. Modern 3 Column Women's Small Closet in Secret Finish

This custom small closet design is a symmetrical design with 3 columns, double hanging rods on the left, and rows of shoe racks centered at the body and head level. In this design, you have space to separate your dresses, pants, tops, and shoes. By separating them using closet organizers, your life just becomes easier- whether you're putting your clothes away after doing the laundry or choosing your outfit for the day. With tilted shoe racks, you'll keep the floor free of clutter and get to see them all at a glance, simplifying the clothes matching process.

2. Concrete Flat Panel 4-Column Custom Small Closet

If you like symmetry, here's an example of a small men's closet design with 4 columns with a distinct separation of the top and bottom closet organizers. Having 4 columns of hanging rods above, you can easily keep your clothes categorized and organized by pants, shirts, dress shirts, suits, etc.

If you look closely, you'll notice that the top drawers are actually what we call "scoop drawers", which provides a way to store ties and belts as an alternative to tie and belt racks. With this design, you also have an entire table top space for anything else you may want to use it for.

3. Chocolate Pear Custom Small Closet in Phoenix, AZ

The chocolate pear finish is a great darker choice to contrast your wall color and match your dark bedroom furniture. As you can see, double hung bars are used on the right and the width of that column is wider than the left 2 in order to compensate for the inventory size. As this particular owner may not have that many dresses, there is no need for a large single hanging bar - thus, the width on the left is the smallest of all. In the center column, the shelf immediately above the drawers can be used for decoration to personalize your custom small closet.

4. The Mural Freestanding Closet

What if you don't have a closet or your closet space is too small? Well, you can decide to get what we call a Mural Closet, which is simply a custom built freestanding closet. Unique to the small freestanding closet is the ability to have the left and right "walls" open up, giving your closet a distinct look and feel. Keep in mind that the style and finish can be customized to fit your decor as well. This proves that no matter what your room may consist of, there's always room for a small closet.

5. Boy's Secret Finish Custom Reach-in Closet

Upon closer look, this custom small closet for your children is designed to eliminate clutter inside the closet. You'll see that the right 2 columns are equal large widths while the left column is small enough just to fit uniforms or full outfits, and shelves above to textbooks or other school related items. To keep things clutter-free, 2 hamper drawers are installed in the bottom middle column.

The double hung rods on the right are intuitively positioned where the shirts are on top and pants on the bottom. Trophies and awards can be displayed and even shoes can be stored off the floor. If you want to help your kids develop a good habit of staying organized, start them off with a custom small closet.

Conclusion

Which small closet design resonates with you most? What would your closet look like? Where do you begin with your custom closet design? If you can find a professional closet installer in your area, you'll sometimes find gems that could do a free in-home design that's perfectly suited for your lifestyle. If you're around the Phoenix, AZ area, contact us here.

Why Custom Closets are Important to Your Home Value

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 19:36:27 GMT

If you own a home, chances are good that you regularly put time, money and effort into not only maintaining it, but also adding improvements over time. Most home improvements will add value to your home, and custom closets are no exception. With the housing market fluctuating on what seems like a yearly basis, it makes sense to invest in your home now for a brighter sales outlook in the future.

Whether or not you have immediate plans to put your house on the market, custom closets and other storage areas can have a positive effect on both how much your home is worth and how quickly it will eventually sell. Here are some of the ways that custom closets can help boost your home’s value.

#1. People love storage space.

When you looked for your own home, didn’t you open cabinets and closets and mentally determine whether a storage rack would fit in the garage? That’s exactly what would-be buyers will be doing in your home. Imagine their glee when they open up your master bedroom closet and see perfectly ordered shoes, pants, dresses, blouses, shirts, sweaters, handbags, belts, ties, and so on! They will be amazed that you can fit so much in your closet, and neatly, too. This gives your home a leg up over the competition.

#2. Your home will be easier to stage.

You know how it is when you move. There are boxes, boxes everywhere, and it’s extremely difficult to keep the home “showing ready” at all times. When you have a customized storage system, though, you have a ready-made place to stash your stuff in a tidy manner. Getting the clutter out of the way allows real estate hunters to picture themselves living in your home. Stow your family photos and knick-knacks out of the way in your increased storage space.

#3. A custom closet shows the pride of ownership.

When people look for a home, they want one that has been lovingly cared for over the years. At L&B Custom Closets, our products are not only high-quality, but also installed by experts in the industry. Investing in a beautiful and sturdy custom closet tells potential buyers that you care about your home. It also implies that you have taken meticulous care of the plumbing, electrical system, roof and other features of the home that require maintenance and upkeep.

Are you ready to invest in the value of your home? L&B Custom Closets offers a free, in-home consultation to homeowners in the Phoenix area. Give us a call and we would be happy to come to your home to show you exactly how we can change the way you use your closet space.

Throughout our design process , we’ll show you a 3D rendition of what your custom closet will look like; there won’t be any surprises to contend with when you trust us to handle your home storage needs.

Call us today at (602) 899-0553 to get the process started!

Closet Jewelry Organizer Ideas

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 19:36:17 GMT

Your Apache Junction, AZ home is relatively organized. Your clothes and shoes are neatly displayed in your custom closet , but your jewelry collection is a real mess! Tangled necklaces, missing earring backs, the whole nine yards. What can you do?

Don't worry, here are five easy ways to untangle & reorganize the jewelry in your closet:

Closet Drawers
Jewelry Trays
Jewelry Trees
Tie Hangers
Vintage Boxes and Bottles

Discover how to transform your jewelry collection into an organized masterpiece below!

Closet Drawers

First, try built-in drawers. You can select ones that are either lined with velvet or silk to give your jewelry additional protection and cushion. No more worrying about moisture or rust ruining your precious gems. Keep in mind that shallow drawers are the way to go. All you have to do is open up the drawers and voila, full access to your lovely collection!

Most jewelry drawers are also going to have compartments that you can utilize for additional storage. If built-in drawers aren't an option, use stackable jewelry trays instead. Remember, accessories such as sunglasses and broaches can be stacked right along with your jewelry!

Jewelry Trays

Next, try jewelry trays. When storing jewelry in your closet, you can pick a shelf and organize it with a cute mirror and a set or two of jewelry trays. This option still allows for quick access while you are getting ready for work in the morning or for a big night out on the town.

You can have some fun with this option as well. Combine a jewelry tray with a small dish to keep your rings on or that cute ring holder you’ve been eyeing in the store for weeks. There's no set rule on how to arrange the trays and what to put on them, so use your imagination and let it reflect your style!

Jewelry Trees

Jewelry trees provide another unique way to both organize & display your shiny treasures. Set up one, two, or even four trees, a mirror, and maybe a velvet cloth on a shelf. Place all of your earrings on one tree and use the other for displaying neckwear. Mix it up and try one or two jewelry trees with a jewelry tray. The possibilities are endless!

Tie Hangers

Does your husband have a tie hanger that he never uses? If so, grab it immediately! You can use it to store necklaces & bracelets in a way that will prevent them from becoming tangled & hard to access. Take it one step further by using the hanger to show off your collection of scarf rings or buckles.

Vintage Boxes and Bottles

If you are looking for a super creative way to organize your jewelry, this option is for you! Find some vintage boxes & bottles that speak to your style. Flea markets & antique stores are great places to hunt for these items.

You are going to want to line the boxes with velvet or silk to protect your jewelry. Sort your jewelry by type or occasion and arrange your boxes with your bottles on a shelf that is easily accessible. Use the bottles to display your most worn pieces or maybe your favorites and add a mirror or two and your jewelry organization area will be complete!

Tips Before You Begin

Better Homes Gardens suggests culling through your jewelry before you begin the organization process. Odds are you have jewelry that you haven’t worn for long periods of time, for a multitude of reasons. Decide what you want to keep, donate, and/or trash. Then, sort your pieces by type or length.

Final Thoughts

However you decide to organize your lovely treasures, remember to have fun! This doesn't have to be a boring process. Evaluate your space and see what would make the most sense. Mix and match ideas or come up with your own! Above all, make it something you’ll enjoy using every day.

Source

https://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/organization-basics/how-to-organize-jewelry/

Ways Custom Closets Increase Your Closet Storage Space

Thu, 30 May 2019 19:36:07 GMT

Open your closet door. Is the space available packed full of your belongings? Maybe some you haven’t used in years, but you can’t be sure, because every inch is being used and it’s inconvenient to get to what you need, let alone to what you don’t need! What would you say if we told you that having a custom closet organization system installed could actually increase your storage space?

Read on to find out the top 4 ways that custom closets can increase the space you have available to store just about anything.

#1. Clothing Rods at Different Heights

When you hang your blouses, shirts and skirts, you likely leave a lot of space underneath that could be put to good use. We can double-hang your clothing rods so you have one a few feet under the other. Hang your tops on the top rod and your bottoms on the bottom, or hang yours on the top and your partner’s on the bottom. Whatever works for you! If you have longer items, such as long coats, dresses and trousers hung by their hems, we can put up a three-quarter height rod as well; this lets you hang your longer clothing while having extra space over the bar.

#2. Drawers in the Closet

Do you think you don’t have room to store your undergarments, jeans, sweaters, t-shirts and other folded items in your closet? Think again! With a set of drawers in your custom closet , you can store all that and more. Forget about turning on the light and waking up your partner when you need to find your hosiery for an early-morning meeting. Keep everything you need right in your closet.

#3. An Island in the Closet

If you have an island in your kitchen, you know how much extra space you have for storage and prep-work. The same concept applies in your closet! Now, if you have a small reach-in closet , this is probably not going to work, but if your closet is on the larger side, we can install an island where you will have drawers, cabinets and a worktop. Charge your phones and laptop on it or use it to rest your cup of coffee as you get ready in the morning. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

#4. A Plethora of Accessories

There are custom accessories that you probably never even knew you needed, but once you have them, you’ll wonder how you managed before you had them. Everything from shoe racks and pull-down shelves to tie racks, belt hooks, jewelry drawers... the possibilities are endless.

True organization can change your life. If your in the Phoenix area, call us today at (602) 899-0553 to find out more and to schedule your FREE consultation appointment. There is no cost or obligation, so contact us now!

Closet Organizer Accessories Just for Women | Phoenix, AZ

Wed, 01 May 2019 19:46:13 GMT

Let’s face it, most closets and drawers are simply not enough to store everything you need. There are many items that you’d rather not stuff in your drawers with all of your clothes and would want to find easily. In this article, we’re going to explore different closet accessory organizers available in Phoenix, AZ.

Closet Organizer Accessories Just for Women | Available in Phoenix, AZ

It’s a shame that most closets that come with a house nowadays includes only the basics which are simply not enough to store everything that you own. Even if you were to buy chester drawers or install shelves, it’s really just an ad-hoc solution that you’ll eventually want to upgrade later. But as we all know, life happens and generally gets in the way. That’s ok. At the end of this article, we’ll show you how you can get a free closet design around the Phoenix or even Mesa and Chandler, Arizona area.

Jewelry Drawers

First on the list is to provide a solution for all of the jewelry you have. Some people may say that the solution to having too much jewelry is to downsize, but honestly, they just DO NOT understand, am I right? There is definitely a simple solution and that is to get jewelry organizer drawers.

No more tangles or piles and spending much longer than you anticipated on getting ready. The jewelry drawer will keep all your rings, necklaces, and earrings nice and organized; they’ll stay safe and won’t roll around in storage. If you want to display certain jewelry, you can still do that too!

Shoe Racks

If asked how many shoes you have, can you instantly come up with an exact number? If looking nice and having variety is important, then you probably have quite a collection which is being piled up somewhere like in the closet or next to the door - adding to the clutter of all the other items. The solution to that is to have a shoe rack where all of your shoes are displayed nicely and vibrantly in your closet, and still have enough room for all your other items ( Related Article: Ways Custom Closet Can Increase Your Storage Space ).

The purpose of shoe racks is to get your shoes off the floor - where clutter is created - and placed where it’s easy to see, making it easier to choose and match your outfit. By having all of your items spread out all over the place, what ends up happening is a lot of running around and your bed will eventually pile up with more clothes than you’d like to put away. Combined with a custom closet , you can have a dream closet to love for a very long time.

Tall Mirror

One of the least invested items is a tall mirror next to your closet. While you’re trying on different clothes, you probably want to make sure you look exactly the way you imagined and the only way to know is to take a look at yourself.

It’s a hassle when you have to run to another area to look in the mirror or worse yet, you don’t have a big enough mirror and don’t see the complete picture. Have you ever have to stand on your bed or a chair to make what you got work? Time to get a tall mirror ;)

Conclusion

Although getting closet accessories like the ones mentioned above can help with some organization and make your life a bit easier, that’s only a band-aid to the bigger issue, which is your closet. Without proper optimization of your closet space, you simply won’t have enough drawers to organize everything. The solution is not to get more organizers and take up a larger space, it’s to maximize the current space you have in an innovative way, which you will LOVE and are happy with.

Here at L&B Closets located in Arizona , we offer FREE in-home Design and Consultation to help spark your imagination on what is possible - servicing a large area including phoenix, Mesa and Chandler. Most find that they can increase their closet space by 50% and what’s unique about L&B Closets, is that we design your custom closet in a 3D software program so you can visualize how it will look before confirmation the installation!

Take advantage of this offer and contact us here today

7 Ideas to Update Your Garage

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 20:43:14 GMT

There’s one room in your house that tends to get overlooked the most – the garage. Clutter and chaos are on full display multiple times a day. It's high time to update your garage and give it a well-deserved makeover.

Here are some great garage update ideas you will want to implement in order to:

Make a Clean Sweep
Conquer The Chaos
Get in The Zone
Hide and Seek
Reach New Heights
Pave The Way
Repurpose With A Purpose

Keep reading to discover some incredibly helpful suggestions on how to update your garage and turn it into a space you can be proud of.

Make A Clean Sweep

The best way to start any organizing project is with a clean slate. In this particular case, you will want to empty everything out of your cluttered garage so you can see the space you're working with and all that you need to fit in it.

Once your garage is empty, give it a good sweep or vacuum it with a shop-vac. It’s nice to get rid of all the dirt and grime that has accumulated over time before you invest time and money into updating it.

Conquer The Chaos

With everything out of the garage, take advantage of this moment and sort through all of your stuff. Only after you thoroughly assess what you have – or, rather, what you need – can you figure out the best way to store it all. Ideally, you should do this every few months.

Try to time your clean-ups so they coincide with the changing seasons or big holiday celebrations. After all, there is no reason that your holiday decorations should be taking up prime real estate in your garage in the middle of summer. Your box of Christmas ornaments can – and should – sit on the top shelf when not in use, making room for the things you utilize on a more regular basis.

Get in The Zone

Now that you've determined exactly what you're keeping, it’s time to organize all of your stuff. The best way to do that is by creating zones within your garage. You should tackle this the same way you would your closet, by separating work from play. In the garage, this means creating a space to stash all sports equipment, another area for gardening and lawn care supplies, and so on.

Whether you are handy or not, it is nice to have a dedicated space to complete small projects. While you can certainly create a full-blown workshop that would make Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor from the TV show Home Improvement jealous, most homeowners do not need something so elaborate. Best Life suggests building a fold-down workbench by using hinges to mount a piece of wood about the size of a desktop to the garage wall.

Another suggestion if you're a pro at gardening is to create an indoor gardening shed by installing hooks and pegs to hold rakes, shovels, and other gardening tools. Take it a step further and add some cubbies to store potting soil and weed killer. If you have small children or pets, be sure to keep toxic products out of reach for their safety. Speaking of safety, check out this list of items that should never be stored in a garage.

Here's another trick for organizing gardening supplies. The Family Handyman upcycles shipping pallets to store "long-handled" lawn and garden tools. This simple storage project could easily be adapted to secure long sports equipment such as hockey sticks, fishing rods, and skis.

One other clever idea is to steal a space for a makeshift mudroom. You could repurpose some old-school lockers, purchase a ready-made piece of furniture that offers a place to hang up jackets and stash your dirty shoes, or better yet, create your own.

It's simple! All you need is a small bench, some storage baskets or bins -- wire ones tend to work best for this purpose -- to tuck underneath to hold shoes or backpacks, and a few wall hooks to hang up coats and tote bags. This makeshift mudroom doesn't need to take up much space but it will certainly help keep you and your family organized and your house clean.

Hide and Seek

To truly update your garage, you might want to consider adding cabinetry. Made of sturdy materials in a variety of finishes – including woodgrain and metallic – custom cabinetry can transform your garage into a showplace.

While the aesthetics are certainly nice, cabinets also allow you to keep clutter out of sight and are a superb way to maximize space. They can be custom designed to include enclosed shelves and drawers, perfectly sized to store all of your stuff. Oversized cupboards can hold bulkier items while smaller cabinets can secure tools, sports gear, and much more.

Slatwall racks are another great storage solution, according to the pros at Built-In Closet and Garage Designs . You can hang everything from garden hoses and tools to tennis rackets and bicycles. It’s all easily accessible and attractive. To learn more about taking advantage of wall space, take some time to read How to Maximize Wall Space in Your Garage .

Reach New Heights

Why not take advantage of the high ceiling and install overhead storage racks? It’s the perfect balance of form and function. They can safely stow bins, boxes, and other items you don’t need to access frequently. After all, there’s no need to take up precious space in your garage with a tent that only gets used once a year for the Boy Scout camping trip.

Pave The Way

When it comes to updating your bedroom or living room, you would never paint the walls and buy new furniture only to leave the dirty old carpet in place. So why would you do that when upgrading your garage? Cover your stained concrete floor with an epoxy floor coating. Epoxy floors are not only good-looking, but they're also stain-resistant.

Repurpose With A Purpose

Lastly, you can update your garage by repurposing other products that you might have otherwise thrown away. For example, create extra storage for your fishing rods using a PVC pipe and a pool noodle. It's that easy!

Another option to help reduce plastic waste and create a clever storage solution is upcycling laundry detergent jugs. All you need to do is cut a hole in the container and place whatever small items you like in there. Just be sure to label everything when all is said and done! Your eyes will thank you later!

The home design experts at HGTV are always willing to share their simple storage solutions. They recommend using old coffee cans to store string. Simply run it through a slit in the plastic lid and you will never need to worry about it getting tangled again. This trick is also great for ribbon storage in the craft room. Another of their favorite tricks is to repurpose soup cans for storage. Clean them out, paint them or cover them with contact paper or wrapping paper, and voila, the perfect place to store everything from screwdrivers to pairs of gardening gloves.

Conclusion

For most homeowners, a garage pulls double duty. Not only is it a safe place to park your car(s), but it's also the place to store the stuff you would not want inside your house. This includes tools, lawn care items, sports equipment, and more. With that said, it is easy to see why garages can quickly succumb to chaos.

This article offers some great suggestions on how to get organized and update your garage into a space you're proud to show off. From custom-built cabinets and Slatwall systems to DIY projects, there are plenty of fantastic options to transform an otherwise disastrous space into a fully-functional part of your home.

Sources

How to Declutter the Master Bedroom Closet Quickly

Mon, 01 Aug 2016 19:35:55 GMT

If you feel overwhelmed by the clutter and mess each time that you open your master bedroom closet, you could be wondering how you can get matters back under control. You probably want to declutter your closet, but you might not have much spare time, or you might be overwhelmed and unsure of how to get started. Don’t worry: It is possible to declutter and organize your walk-in closet , and it will probably be faster and easier to do than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a neat and tidy master bedroom closet in no time.

Get Rid of Items That You Don’t Use

One common mistake that can cause closet clutter is holding on to items that you don’t use anymore. It can sting a little to get rid of clothing and accessories that you might have paid a lot of money for, but it’s even worse to dedicate so much space in your master bedroom closet to items that you don’t even wear.

You have a few options for getting rid of clothing and accessories that you just don’t use anymore:

Throw it out. There is no reason to hang onto a blouse that has a big stain on it or to keep jeans that are so ripped that you can’t wear them in public anymore. If items are badly worn or otherwise seriously damaged, throw them out.
Give it to friends and family. If you have a top that you don’t care for but that is your best friend’s style, now’s the time to give your friend a gift. If you can’t squeeze into that old pair of pants anymore but have a family member who they’ll be a perfect fit for, it’s time to pass them down. You might not mind getting rid of the clothes and accessories that you’ve been holding onto if you know that someone close to you will get good use out of them.
Make some cash. Selling clothes, purses and shoes can be a great way to put some cash in your pocket, all while helping you get your closet under control. Of course, you can sell your items the old-fashioned way by hosting a yard sale or taking them to a consignment shop. There are also apps that make selling used clothes and accessories easy, or you can post your listings in a local yard sale group on Facebook. Getting rid of your old stuff can be a lot more appealing when you know that you’ll end up with cash in your pocket afterward.
Donate to people in need. Look for a charitable organization in your area that accepts donations. Your unwanted clothing could be a big help for someone in need. Plus, many charitable organizations will even give you a form so that you can deduct the value of your donation from your taxes.

Stop Buying More Stuff

If you’re into shopping, you might find yourself hitting the mall or placing online orders all the time. Until you get your clutter under control, though, you might want to stop shopping for a while. Then, you can avoid making the mess even more overwhelming to deal with.

Find Another Place to Store Non-Clothing Items

If you use your master bedroom closet for storing more than just your clothing and accessories, it might be time to find another place to store these items. You shouldn’t have to trip over your vacuum cleaner every time that you want to grab something out of your closet, and you shouldn’t let linens take up valuable real estate in your bedroom closet, either.

For one thing, items that you don’t use often can be moved to another area of the home. If you live in Arizona, for example, you probably don’t wear your ski jacket very often, even during the winter months. There’s no reason for it to take up tons of space in your closet that you could dedicate to everyday items. Consider putting it in a bin that you can slide underneath your bed or store on an overhead shelf in your

If you store your bed sheets and other linens in your bedroom closet , rethink your strategy. You can store these items in a chest that sits at the foot of your bed. If you have a linen closet, consider installing custom closet components -- such as shelves -- so that you can actually use it for storing blankets, sheets and towels.

Install a Custom Closet System

Once you have purged items that you don’t wear or use, it’s time to set yourself up for success. Without the right organizational tools and the right plan, your closet can become a cluttered mess again in no time. Luckily, you have options.

Installing a custom closet system in your master bedroom closet can help you organize your closet neatly. Plus, it will make keeping your closet neat and tidy a whole lot easier. This is where L&B Closets can help. These are some of the components that we can install:

Extra hanging rods. Many closets -- including big, walk-in closets -- only have one clothing rod. We can install an extra rod or two to double or triple your hanging space.
Shelves. You can put your favorite shoes on display, store purses or stash folded clothing in your closet with shelves.
Drawers. Drawers aren’t just for your dresser. We can install custom drawers with high-end finishes in your closet. We can even add dividers to make it that much easier to organize your socks, T-shirts and undergarments.
Cabinets. Cabinets aren’t just for your kitchen and bathroom. They make it easy to hide items behind closed doors, making for a neater aesthetic. Plus, our cabinets come in different finishes that will beautifully suit your decor.
Hooks. Hooks are simple and affordable yet highly effective organizing tools that are great for hanging jackets, scarves, ties and more.

Of course, there are many other components that we can use as a part of your design. Every closet design is different, but we think you will be happy with what we come up with!

If you’re tired of having a messy master bedroom closet , it’s time to take charge. By following the tips above, you can get your closet under control. Then, you’re sure to find that your mornings go a lot more smoothly and that you’re actually proud to show your closet off. For help, give us a call at L&B Closets. We’ll be happy to schedule a consultation so that we can help you design the perfect closet for your master bedroom.

Arizona Winter Prep: Expert Custom Closet Organization Tips

Tue, 05 Jul 2016 19:40:57 GMT

When working with my clients, I often find that since we live in Arizona, they don’t really switch out their clothing for the winter season. I get it: While our neighbors up north are battling the snow, ice, and frigid temperatures, most Arizona residents enjoy a much milder winter. Still, it would improve your custom closet system to take the season into consideration when organizing the space.

Here are some of my top tips for organizing your custom closet system this winter:

Rotate what you can
Declutter for better efficiency
Protect delicate fabrics
Add lights to your closet

If you’re ready to whip your closet into shape this winter, keep reading.

Rotate What You Can

While you won’t be putting away all of your short sleeves, capris, or even your shorts for the winter, chances are good you’ll be bringing out the sweaters, scarves, and jackets needed in the chilly winter evenings. At the same time, you might consider packing away your clothing for the hottest days of the year: You probably won’t be wearing sundresses or sleeveless tops for a few months.

Plan on enjoying the snuggly, cozy items you only get to wear a few times each year. Take a good look at your sweaters and stack them in order from lightest to heaviest, so you can grab the one you need depending on the weather. You might also want to hang your jackets separately to ensure you can easily find the one you want.

Of course, you’ll also have plenty of clothes you wear all year long, such as t-shirts, jeans, and lightweight jackets that you use on summer evenings or when the air conditioning in a restaurant is too cold. Continue to keep these front and center in your winter wardrobe, since they’ll still get a lot of use.

Declutter for Better Efficiency

Since we don’t have a precise time of year to rotate clothing, it’s common for my clients to have a lot of clothing in their closets that they haven’t moved or decluttered in a while. Winter is the perfect time to take care of this issue.

Whether you want to tie it to the holidays when you might get new clothing or for the first of the year, when organization is often included in a list of resolutions, set aside some time to tackle your closet chaos. Pull out items you haven’t worn in a while and that you no longer need or want. Be More With Less offers a list of 10 types of items you’ll want to pull out of your closet to donate or otherwise dispose of, and it’s a great place to start.

Protect Delicate Fabrics

You might think of your sweaters and other winter wear as sturdier than the light, gauzy fabrics of summer, but they are actually more fragile than you might realize. Knits should be folded rather than hung, as this preserves their shape and can prevent snagging on hangers and ending up with wear marks or holes.

Now is a great time to upgrade your hangers, too. If you have anything on wire hangers, please consider ditching those in favor of padded or velvet-covered hangers. Even tubular plastic hangers are better than wire and are less likely to damage your clothing. Put the best hangers you can afford on your holiday shopping list, and make them a gift to yourself.

Add Lights to Your Closet

While Arizonians are exempt from many of the discomfort of winter, we do still have to put up with shorter days and longer nights. You may have enjoyed getting dressed in the natural light all summer long, but now the mornings are darker and drearier. Of course, the nights start earlier, and you may be changing out of your work clothes in the dark now.

Adding some good lighting to your closet is a great way to keep it functioning well in the winter. Having enough visibility in this area can help prevent you from simply tossing an item on a shelf or in a drawer to deal with “later” when the sun shines. Add touch-lights, LED lights, a warm lamp, or even an overhead spotlight to help you see everything you need to even in the darkest days of winter.

Conclusion

Since we live in a warm climate, many of my clients don’t reap the benefits of preparing their closets for the winter. The good news is that it’s an easy way to update your wardrobe, improve your organization, and keep your morning and evening routines running smoothly. Address the items listed above, and you’ll see how much more enjoyable it is to get dressed during our mild winters.

Source

https://bemorewithless.com/wardrobe-declutter/

Clever Organizing Ideas to Prepare Your Home for the Holidays

Tue, 05 Jul 2016 19:35:43 GMT

The holidays are upon us, which means we’ve officially entered the most wonderful time of the year. There is so much to do, such as decorate, wrap presents, cook, and bake, and maybe even welcome some in-laws or relatives to the house. How do you organize your home for all the hustle and bustle of the holidays?

Try these clever home organization ideas to prepare your home for the holidays:

Start with the rooms that will be used the most and work your way to the ones you use the least

Put special focus on the kitchen and bathrooms

Make closet space by winterizing your wardrobe

Create a gift-wrapping station in your home office

Tidy up the garage or basement so you can store decorations

Schedule a day to clean each week and stick with it

Keep reading for more information on each of the above-recommended tips. The earlier you get started organizing your home for the holidays, the less stressful this special season will be, so you’re not going to want to miss this article!

Focus on the Rooms that Get the Most Foot Traffic

Between November and January, your home will be the fullest it is the whole year. If time snuck up on you and your in-laws are coming in three days but you have yet to begin cleaning and organizing your home, don’t panic. As mentioned before, starting early is good, but here’s a little trick you can follow if you get a late start.

Tackle the rooms you and your fellow guests will use the most versus those you use the least. For example, the living room? From post-turkey dinner football-watching to opening presents under the Christmas tree, this room is going to be one that people spend a lot of time in. Thus, make sure you organize it first.

Here are some quick living room organizing ideas you can try today:

Find a home for the kids’ toys that’s out of the way, such as in a hall closet or even in a storage basket tucked under the couch. You don’t want your guests tripping over plastic toys during that middle-of-the-night bathroom trip!
Use a remote control organizer that you put on your coffee table so no one has to go flipping couch cushions to find the clicker.
Decorative trays look great atop living room tables and can hold small odds and ends you might not know where to put otherwise.

Tidy Your Kitchen and Bathrooms

Speaking of rooms high on your organization priority list, the bathroom and kitchen should be way, way up there. Your kitchen is the central hub for all Thanksgiving and Christmas cooking. It’s where you’ll baste your bird, stuff him, and prep your homemade pumpkin pies with the secret family recipe.

The bathroom is a place every member of the family will venture to at some point, especially if they’re staying at your house for days or weeks. It must be tidy and easily accessible so family members of all ages can find what they need when they need it.

Let’s start with the kitchen. How do you clean it up? Here are some tips:

Remove all food from your fridge and pantry , taking the opportunity to clean these spaces now that they’re empty.
Discard expired food and consider donating un-expired foods that you don’t think you’ll eat.
Reorganize your pantry and fridge based on what expires first or what you’ll use the most over Thanksgiving and Christmas.

As for the bathroom, here’s what you can do to spruce it up:

Empty your medicine cabinet and remove everything old and expired, leaving room for family members to add their creams, serums, medications, and the like.
Keep a steady supply of toilet tissue close at hand so no one has an awkward situation where they run out.
Use a guest basket for keeping other toiletries and bathroom essentials so your family doesn’t necessarily need to rifle through your bathroom items.

Reorganize Your Wardrobe for More Closet Space

Your kids are at the house, of course, as are a few young cousins. You would hate for your kids to stumble upon their Christmas gifts early let alone your relatives to do the same, so you’ll have to hide the gifts very well this year.

The closet, especially a master bedroom closet, may seem like an obvious solution, but it’s a tried and true one for a reason. To make room for all of the boxes, packages, and bags that are your family’s Christmas gifts, you need to reorganize your closets.

First, let’s start with your clothing. Did you forget to switch your spring and summer wardrobe over to a fall one and now a winter wardrobe as well? Although summer clothes are often thin and wispy, that’s each garment individually. Stacking rows of sundresses or piles of tank tops does create bulk that you don’t need in your closets.

Consider also using a custom closet system or organizers for more neatly stashing your essentials. For example, tie racks will keep your ties crisp and straight, belt hooks will ensure your belts never get lost, and folding stations make it easy to keep clothes in shipshape. There are lots of different accessories that you can use to keep your clothes organized. Custom Closets of Houston notes Nine Noteworthy Accessories that can better assist in straightening up an overall cluttered closet.

You can try something like an accessory organizer or a jewelry organizer built into your closet via drawers. Storage baskets and boxes can be used for keeping bedroom odds and ends like blankets or hats. You can also keep those Christmas gifts hidden in the storage boxes and baskets. No one will suspect it! If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of custom closets, check out Save 25 Minutes Every Day With Better Closet Organization .

Use Your Spare Room as a Gift-Wrapping Station

You want to keep the illusion of Santa alive for the kids, which means they absolutely cannot see Mom and Dad wrapping their gifts under any circumstances. Once again, having more people in the house complicates things, as you have less privacy and thus fewer options for where you’ll be able to wrap your holiday gifts.

Why not reconfigure a spare room like a home office into a temporary gift-wrapping station? The kids won’t be inclined to go into a space like this because it’s a boring adult room. Another benefit is that if the rest of the family thinks you’re getting work done in there, they’ll be disinclined to bother you. That will let you wrap in peace.

Do make it a point to go through the whole house to gather all of your gift-wrapping supplies. Everything from bows to wrapping paper, labels, ribbon, and stickers needs to be in the same place. This will help you get your wrapping done more covertly. Also, ensure that you have a flat surface to work on so each gift you wrap is Instagram-worthy.

Clean Your Garage or Basement to Keep Decorations and Supplies

You go big when it comes to Christmas, and you prefer it if the house is decorated before Thanksgiving. Yet every year, wrestling out your giant plastic Santa, light-up reindeer, strands of twinkle lights, and other holiday décor is a pain. Your decorations get shoved throughout the garage or basement, being pushed further and further back for your lawnmower, summer beach chairs, and outdoor Halloween décor.

Make this the year you finally tackle the clutter in your garage or basement. This will be an all-day, if not a weekend-long project, so prepare accordingly. There are a ton of different ways to tame your garage clutter . You’ll want to go through your garage and remove everything. Then, make categories. For instance, the lawnmower and beach chairs would go in the summer category, as would those deflated pool floats. The Christmas décor would be in the winter category.

You might even make sub-categories such as winter decorations versus winter equipment. If you have the room in your garage or basement, you can make each of the four corners its own seasonal area. That should leave a lot of space in the center for everything else that ends up in your garage that might not fit into one of the above-mentioned categories.

Taking down Christmas decorations is sad, but when that time comes, you need to make sure you keep all of your décor together in that winter corner. If you follow this organizational rule throughout the rest of the year, then by the time you pull out your Christmas décor next year, you’ll know just where to find it.

Maintain a Neat Home by Cleaning Every Week

Woohoo! Your home looks neater and more organized than it has in years. You couldn’t be prouder. You have a picturesque living room, a den that sparkles, squeaky clean bathrooms and kitchen, and spare rooms that look like something out of a bed and breakfast.

Don’t get too excited yet. You know how cluttered things can get when it’s just you, your partner, and the kids at the house. Now that you’re adding relatives to the mix, especially more kids, your picture-perfect home might not stay that way for very long.

You must make it a point to tidy up every week. You don’t have to do deep-cleaning as discussed in this post, but a little bit of surface cleaning here and there will go a long way towards maintaining all the organization you worked so hard to achieve.

Conclusion

The holidays are about togetherness, which is why you always welcome extended family to your home. Instead of missing the holidays in a blitz of rushing around and cleaning up after people, organize as soon as you can. Make sure you keep at it, cleaning the house about every week so it’s neat and ready for holiday fun. Good luck!

Source

https://www.customclosetsofhouston.com/nine-noteworthy-custom-closet-accessories

Seven Ways to Keep Your Custom Closets Smelling Fresh

Tue, 05 Jul 2016 19:35:33 GMT

Nothing is more embarrassing than opening your closet and finding that your things don’t smell great. You don’t have to live with the musty smells coming from your closet.

Moisture in the air, be it from not quite dry clothes or seasonal humidity, can cause your clothes to smell. Using air fresheners, baking soda, and even essential oils can combat closet odors.

In this article, you’ll learn eight ways to combat those harsh smells and keep your custom closets smelling fresh.

Linen Sprays & Air Fresheners

Sometimes, old clothes hanging in the closet for an extended period may begin to get a musty smell. Often the musty smell is due to the clothes not being appropriately dried before being placed in the closet. To temporarily remove these odors from the fabrics, you can employ a linen spray or air fresheners.

There are air fresheners such as Febreze, available at department stores. As air fresheners are commercially processed, it’s a good idea to test the spray beforehand to ensure no permanent staining. These sprays are generally inexpensive and formulated to temporarily remove offensive odors from fabrics of all types. They come in various scents to make your clothes smell like they are fresh from the laundry.

You can also opt to make your own linen sprays. Take a clean spray bottle and add a few drops of your favorite essential oils. Fill the bottle with water. Use the spritzer to lightly coat the fabrics for a fresh smell. Ensure that you space out your clothes to thoroughly dry once you spray them to prevent musty odors from returning.

Baking Soda

Dampness in the air can cause mildew and mold to grow. The growth can attribute to the odors in a closet. To combat mold and mildew, you need to remove the dampness from the cabinets. Baking soda can help absorb the moisture and also the foul odors on soft surfaces .

The first step is to remove all clothing and hangers from your closet. Take out the shelves if possible and anything on the floor as well. Once the cabinet is empty, put baking soda on the carpet and let it sit for at least an hour. Allowing the baking soda to remain undisturbed on the floor gives the powder time to absorb odors and moisture. After at least an hour, use a vacuum to remove the powder.

Once your closet is clean, leave a small bowl or open box of baking soda in any one of the corners. The exposed baking soda will help to finish removing musty odors from your closet area. Remove the exposed soda after 24 hours.

Baking soda is also great for temporarily alleviating stinky shoe smells in your closet. Add a sprinkle of baking soda inside your shoes to help eliminate foot odors.

Vinegar

For hard surfaces, use a mixture of half water and half white vinegar . Before spraying on all of the hard surfaces, test a small spot to ensure that the mixture won’t react adversely. If there are no issues with the test spot, spay all of the hard surfaces, including shelves, walls, and ceiling. The vinegar smell will disappear after the liquid evaporates.

Essential Oils

Essential oils have natural sanitizing elements that can help clear the air. Different oils have different properties. Popular choices for eliminating odors in your smelly custom closet include:

Pine : anti-bacterial
Rosemary : antibacterial and antiseptic
Lemon : antibacterial and antiviral
Lavender : soothing and anti-Bacterial
Peppermint : anti-bacterial and can also be used to repel insects naturally
Eucalyptus : natural germicide and can fight against mold and mildew

Automating the process of deodorizing your closet can make it simpler. Using a diffuser to release essential oils is an ideal way to do this. You may need to clear some shelf space to place the diffuser, but having it already in your closet allows you to know that you’re killing the odor-causing bacteria and giving your wardrobe a fresh scent.

Removing or Cleaning the Dirty Clothes Hamper

The dirty clothes hamper is one of the more common causes of a funky smelling closet. Bacteria breaking down, skin cells, sweat, and other bodily fluids left on clothing articles is the cause of the smell. The scent of the clothes as the bacteria breaks down on the clothing can make the other soft surfaces, i.e., clothes and linens, begin to smell.

While washing your clothes and emptying your hamper does help, it is not the only way to stop your closet from smelling foul. The hamper itself can continue to emit odors long after you empty it. If the hamper has a removable fabric liner, you should wash the liner with the rest of your clothes.

If your hamper doesn’t have a removable liner, there are still ways to remove the hamper’s stench. Start by rubbing the inside and outside of the bin with a disinfecting wipe. Once the hamper dries, spray it down with air freshener. Rub the air freshener in with a stiff brush to make sure it penetrates any irremovable cloth layers, leaving your hamper smelling fresh.

Plan on cleaning your hamper regularly. The best time to do so is when you wash your laundry, as it will be empty.

Mini Dehumidifier

Dampness causes most closet odors. The moisture could be due to humidity in the air or your clothes not being completely dry before being stored. Adding a mini dehumidifier to your wardrobe will combat the moisture in the air.

There are dehumidifying machines that require power to help them pull moisture out of the air. These machines are relatively expensive and may be too large for some closets.

However, there are many non-powered mini dehumidifiers that you can purchase at your local box store. Some are in small containers that sit on shelves while others hang on the clothing rods next to your clothes. Both designs work well in removing excess moisture from your closets. Always remember to read the package instructions to know when you need to replace the dehumidifier and how to dispose of it properly.

Bar Soap

If your closet includes drawers for your clothes, you might consider using small soap bars to help keep them fresh. The bars can be either scented or unscented. Each piece also shouldn’t be less than 1 x 1 inch.

Take each bar of soap and wrap it in a thin cloth. The lighter the fabric, the better the smell emits when left in your closet drawers. The soap will remove foul odors over several days and weeks. You should replace the soap bar after approximately one month.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is chemically treated charcoal containing a more significant amount of oxygen than traditional charcoal. The oxygen infusion creates a more porous surface to trap foul odors.

You can find activated charcoal at department, home improvement, and pet stores. It can also be purchased online. Some packets come in ready to use, cloth pouches that only require you to hang them in your closet area. Others come in plastic baggies, which involve placing the pellets into a breathable cloth pouch. Older nylon stockings or cheesecloth are typical choices.

Conclusion

There are many ways to remove offensive smells from your closets. While each of these methods do the trick, it’s not a bad idea to use three of them to fully achieve an odor-free closet in the long run.

Sources

6 Exceptional Organization Tips Every Woman Will Love

Mon, 13 Jun 2016 19:35:22 GMT

Are piles of clutter starting to accumulate in your house? Do you find that you don't have enough storage space for all your items? Are you needing a better system for keeping everything organized in your home? Well, installing custom closets and storage organizers are by far the best way to get your chaos and clutter under control; but without a good system in place keeping your belongings organized can fall by the wayside.

If you want some simple yet effective ways to help get your clutter under control, then check out these six tips below that you can implement today. There is something here that every woman can use.

6 Great Tips For Achieving Better Organization In Your Home

Door Storage

Hanging door organizers with clear pockets are great for accessories, random items or even as shoe organizers! You can hang them on the inside of any door of your house or in your closets to create extra organizational space. It's perfect for all those unusual items you want to keep out of sight but still accessible. It’s also cost-effective and a clever little way of reducing clutter in your home.

F is for Filing

Needing somewhere to keep all your warranties and instruction books for appliances and electricals? An accordion file is perfect for storing these. You can staple the receipt to the inside of the booklet and then file it under the letter of the alphabet it fits for the item. Example: File television under T not under the brand name.

Project Central

Fiddly craft and sewing items like buttons, threads, elastic and trims are ideally stored in photo boxes with lids. They can be labeled and stacked on shelves or in closets for easy access anytime.

Clothes By Type

Organizing the clothes in your closet by four or five different uses makes it a fast and efficient way to find whatever you need for the occasion. Example: work, casual, formal, sport and lounging around the house clothes. Keep the clothes for each of those different categories in different parts of your closet and then for an extra touch you can color code them from there.

Seasonal Items

Store out-of-season clothing and shoes in sweater or shoe boxes on the top of your closet. At each end of the box label it with its designated season or clothing type. E.G: Label summer tops on one end of the box and winter tops at the other end. That way you can reuse the same box each time and just switch it around when the season change.

Purging Made Easy

Keep a small cardboard box in your closet or laundry room . As clothing reaches its time to move on and be donated just add it to the box. When it's full, it’s simply a matter of putting the box in your car and dropping it off at the local thrift or donation store. 3 If you live in the Phoenix or Chandler, Arizona and would like to learn more ways to improve the organization in your home with custom closet and organizer systems, then call the experts at L&B Closets today and schedule your FREE In-Home Design Consultation .

How to Conquer Your Home Office To-Do List

Fri, 10 Jun 2016 19:35:11 GMT

One of the main challenges in being productive is getting all of your tasks organized. Especially in today’s fast-paced information age, task organization is a big deal. Inability to stay on top of your to-do list often cause overwhelm and frustration.

We all know how to write a task that we have to do. The challenge comes when you start to have too many. How do you manage it all? Where do you begin? Which do you start with today? What’s the best place to keep track of it all? In addition to the tips I'm going to provide below, be sure to setup your custom home office to ensure your files and office items are organized, keeping your desk clutter-free.

3 Places to Store Home Office To-Do Lists

Many of us try different ways to record our tasks such as using our phones, paper, booklet, sticky notes, etc. However, what tends to happen is that the separate pieces of paper and locations grow to a point where they are no longer manageable.

The solution is to choose only a few locations to store your tasks and assign 1 location for each category of tasks.

Daily To-Do List- You can use a small memo booklet to keep ONLY the task you plan on completing for the day. If you’re not a memo person, use a reminder app on your phone. Use whichever that provide the least amount of resistance.
Calendar- This can be in a calendar booklet or in your electronic device. Whichever it is, choose only ONE that provide the least resistance. It’s beneficial to see all of your deadlines or events that have a date associated to them at a glance. For nonessential items, you ‘could’ use a reminder app (adds a notification to your to-do list), but it’s recommended to keep it all in one calendar to keep it simple.
Cumulative Action List- This is where you record all of your important items that NEEDS to be done. It could be listed in another small booklet or in a phone app. This list can be long. If it gets too long, then you may need to separate some items into “projects”, which we’ll discuss in the next section.

The idea to make this come full circle is to go over these 3 lists every morning and adding to the daily to-do list. If there are items that didn’t get finished from the day before, it gets pushed over to the current day. This method is one that will evolve as you get more comfortable and build a trust in it to deem it reliable.

Create Actionable Tasks

To expand on Task Organization, the other often overlooked item that renders the to-do list useless is writing down tasks that take too long to check off. What do I mean? Tasks that have multiple subtasks - what productivity veterans call “Projects”. A sure sign that your task is too big to stand on its own is knowing if the task will take longer than a day. If it does, then you need to create smaller subtasks.

Another way to know if an item in your to-do list is useful is to ask yourself, “what are the steps involved to get this item checked off?” If you can’t answer that quickly without much thought, then you need to split that item into several smaller tasks. This way, you can track where you are in the project and you don’t get overwhelmed by keeping it all in your head, trying to remember everything.

If you have multiple 'Projects' that will take more than a day to complete or that have many subtasks, then you may want to separate that particular project into another location. To avoid overwhelm of all your task lists and project lists, go over them daily and see which ‘actionable tasks” you can add to your daily to-do list.

In Summary

The key is to stay on top of your lists on a daily basis and establish the habit. Set a time to brainstorm, choose where to store your lists, and then get them ready to use. For starters, exclude all non-important items until after you’ve mastered your to-do list. In the beginning, it’s not worth overwhelming yourself with a super large list. Keep it simple for now, and expand later.

Now that you’ve just gotten the most simple productive method of finally conquering your to-do list, learn how to further simplify your life through the Tao of Organization in your home! You’ll learn how to organize all areas of your home, including your kitchen, home office, closet, and bathroom. Download the guide below.

Thank You for Visiting L&B Closets!

Mon, 01 Feb 2016 20:33:51 GMT

Thank you for visiting our site! This is our news section, stay tuned for the latest from L&B Closets!

Combat Kitchen Pantry Pests in Six Straightforward Steps

Thu, 21 Jan 2016 20:33:36 GMT

Pests in your kitchen pantry are something no homeowner wants to deal with. It can be frustrating, trying to keep everything so clean that no pests ever invade. But are you doing the right things to combat these invaders?

There are several ways to combat pantry pests. However , by understanding your enemy, using airtight containers, discarding open packages, eliminating moisture, cleaning regularly, and sealing entry points , you can reduce the risk of your home being overrun.

In this article, you will learn a step-by-step process of winning the fight over pantry pests.

Step One: Understand Your Most Likely Pantry Pests

Before you can adequately fight the pests within your kitchen and pantry, you must understand who is coming to dinner. Not only do you need to know what may be dropping in for a feast, but you also need to know what they find so attractive in your stores, to begin with.

Many different varmints in Arizona may come into your pantry and help themselves to dinner. Most commonly, you're going to deal with:

Ants
Roaches
Rats
Crickets
Spiders, including the dreaded black widow.

You may also see termites and scorpions in your home.

Ants and their companions usually show up for various foods, even crumbs too small for you to notice. On the other hand, spiders generally only come in to feast on the other bugs that have invaded your home. If you see spiders, you need to start looking for different pests and cut off their food source.

Step Two: Use Airtight Containers

Once you know what you are fighting against, it's time to start pest-proofing your pantry. Containers that aren't airtight can draw in ants, roaches, and other pests that will contaminate and eat your food. Start by moving all of your food into airtight containers.

Put flour and sugar in canisters that seal. While you can use any type of airtight container, you may find that some items store better in glass jars while others work well in plastic. Chips, crackers, and cookies can go into sealed containers as well. It is up to you whether you pour the chips into the box or just place the entire bag inside.

When storing your grains such as rice or flour, put a bay leaf inside each canister. According to PestWorld.org , pests hate the smell of bay leaves and thus, are less likely to venture into areas that contain them. Additionally, place your flour in the freezer for a couple of days before transferring it to a container. The freezer will kill any potential flour beetles and it will also help maintain the freshness of the flour.

Step Three: Discard Open Packages

As you're reorganizing your pantry to move items into airtight containers, you want to inspect the packages you already have. Open or damaged packages should go in the trash. When buying groceries, you should always check packages to see if there are signs of damage. Never buy any already opened packages.

If you keep fresh fruit either on your counter or in the pantry, check it regularly. It doesn't take long for overripe fruit to attract fruit flies, even if the area is not well known for them. Once fruit flies enter the home, they are difficult to exterminate. Make sure that you throw out all overripe fruits or vegetables before your home becomes infested. If fruit flies have infested, fill a fly trap with vinegar, salt, pepper, and wine. These ingredients will help kill the infesting swarm and keep new ones away.

Step Four: Eliminate Spills and Moisture Sites

Spills, especially from sugary drinks, can attract ants and other pests. To avoid the invasion, immediately clean up any spills that may occur. If you drink soda, always throw out your cans and bottles when you finish them by placing them in a sealed waste or recycling container.

Sugary spills are not the only moisture that attracts pests. Water from leaks or clogged drains might be just what some of your pantry pests need to join your household. Cockroaches and ants love a damp environment to live in. Having a puddle of water makes them happy and is why they are seen more often in humid areas such as the southwest.

If you begin to see roaches or ants in your spotless kitchen, you might want to look around to determine if there is a leak you were unaware of. You should fix the water problem before exterminating the pests. If you don't, your extermination work will be all for naught.

Step Five: No Dirty Dishes and Clean the Counters/Shelves

Like open food in your pantry, having a pile of dirty dishes can attract ants and other pests. Cleaning your dishes when you are finished fixing a meal or snack will help to reduce the chances of bugs coming into your home.

Of course, washing the dishes three and four times a day is not appealing. However, even if you don't have time to scrub them, take the time to thoroughly rinse the plate's food residue before leaving them in the sink or dishwasher. Don't leave dirty dishes overnight or for extended periods. If you see an infestation in your teen's room, it might be time to go searching for the missing plates, cups, and silverware.

Cleaning is a big way to get rid of unwanted pantry pests. You should always clean your counters and stove after each use. You should also go into your pantry to sweep and wipe off shelves at regular intervals. If you see a roach or ants in any cupboard or shelves, you should always remove the food and clean everything thoroughly. Removing the food makes the environment stressful for the bugs and makes it easier to exterminate them.

Step Six: Seal Cracks

With the pantry and kitchen cleaned and free of moisture, there is still one final thing to do. You need to make sure that there are no cracks for them to return through. Check your screens to ensure there are no holes big enough for flies to get through. Seal any gaps you may find along the walls or around doors. You should also add a weather strip to the bottom of all outside doors, especially if they have a bottom gap.

Once your home is sealed, you can add a few other things to entryways and window seals to ensure pests are repelled. For example, according to TasteofHome.com , pests will be less likely to explore areas containing salt pepper, and as mentioned above bay leaves.

Conclusion

By knowing what pests may infiltrate your pantry, using airtight containers, cleaning correctly, and removing any open packages and moisture, you can stop pests from becoming a part of your daily life. Best of luck!

Sources

6 Steps For A Successful Closet Makeover

Mon, 18 Jan 2016 20:33:23 GMT

A well organized closet is the ultimate fashion accessory. Well-organized closets not only help maintain order (and sanity) in your home, they help your daily routine run a lot smoother.

However if you want to maximize the usefulness of your existing space it may require some rethinking of the space -- looking at it in a fresh way. Perhaps considering a new design strategy to achieve a sense of balance and good organization for your current closet space could be the essential first step forward in making every day start a lot smoother for you.

Successful Closet Makeover In 6 Easy Steps

When it comes to a closet renovation, you can either do it yourself or your can hire an experienced and professional closet company. However, since there are a dime a dozen it's important to know what criterias to look for when looking for one in your area. Northland Custom Closet & Garage shares a great post called, How to Tell If You’re Hiring the Right Closet Company .

Maybe we can’t all be so lucky to have a closet like the hollywood movie stars, however if you follow this 6-step guide to a complete closet makeover , you could be one step closer towards the closet of your dreams.

Purge Your Closet

If you want to go deep with this one, you have to get serious. No pity here. It means letting go of items that no longer serve you - those you have not worn in 12 months or do not fit or suit you, or have any real purpose in being held on to. Yes, you have to get ruthless here. If you don’t love it or need it, let it go.

What may seem difficult at first, once you get going with it, will make you feel a whole lot lighter and at peace with your wardrobe once completed. You can even think of it as a way to contribute something back to your local community by donating the items to a local charity or benefit.

Take Stock Of What You Have

At this point you should only be left with items you truly love, but chances are there are also a few gaps to fill. Make a list of all the pieces that will need a space in your closet that don’t already have an organizer for. Don’t forget closet accessories likes shoes, necklaces and handbags.

Design It Perfectly For Your Space And Inventory

Now that you know precisely what needs to go back into your closet - you need to assess the space you have to work with. One of the key principles in this is to design the space so that you can potentially see every item in the closet at first glance.

Following this rule, how can you optimize your space? Are you using the full height and depth of your closet? Think outside the box (or in this case, the closet). Can you install shoe shelves, drawers, hat hooks, baskets and the like to make the closet feel less cramped?

Determine Preferred Finishes And Accessories Required

Even the smallest of spaces can be optimized. Do you want to install new shelves? Perhaps wallpaper or a painted finish on the back of your closet? Or maybe you want to update the hardware. Do you have space for a dresser or bench? How will you organize your shelves: Think of baskets, drawer inserts, shelf dividers, hooks for jewelry and scarves. Having dividers for folding t-shirts to keep them organized in your drawers is king!

Illuminate The Space With A Lighting Plan

A poorly lit closet is just as unpleasant as a disorganized one. We’re not necessarily talking about backlighting your shoe collection here - but assess what your overhead lighting situation is. Can you upgrade the fixture? Lighting at eye level makes for a more flattering light - Can you add sconces near your full-length mirror. Do you have a vanity area? Is it well lit? Can you add a lamp or sconces here?

Install Your Ideal Closet!

So you’ve followed all the steps and you now have a clear vision of what you want your future closet to look like. You’re ready to fill in the missing pieces and get to work on transforming your closet space. It’s time to call a design consultant. A qualified designer can help you take it to the next stage. Getting it installed!

A qualified consultant will also make sure your new closet system will complement your home and add value while maximizing your storage needs.

Residents around the Phoenix Area

Whether you are interested in organizing a single closet or an entire wall, they will help you find a storage solution that is just perfect for your storage needs and your budget.

Residents in the Phoenix area have an exclusive offer available right now for a No-Obligation FREE In-Home design consultation. Call (602) 899-0553 today to claim your free offer and you will be well on your way to achieving the closet of your dreams.

6 Design Ideas to Maximize Space in a Small Guest Room

Wed, 06 Jan 2016 20:33:13 GMT

Even the smallest space can be lovely and immensely useful if you just utilize some clever home organization design tips. Perhaps you've got a true guest room for beloved friends and family or a combo guest room-home office. Or, perhaps your spare bedroom is just a catch-all for seasonal decor, that exercise equipment you never use, wedding gifts from a decade ago, and boxes you haven't opened since moving in.

Don't be discouraged, you CAN transform this unsightly clutter cluster from messy to marvelous with a few simple tricks.

Do you really need a huge bed?
Incorporate furniture that does double duty
Store smart
Add lots of light
Minimalist decor
Vertical space is your friend

While bedrooms are bigger in newer houses, it sometimes seems like there's never enough space, especially in guest rooms. Read on for more ideas on how to increase your usable space without sacrificing charm!

To Bed or Not to Bed

While a guest room obviously needs someplace for your guests to rest their weary heads, a king-size bed or even a queen might be a bit too much. Airbnb hosts are solving this issue by opting for twin beds, which let you sleep two comfortably & take up way less space than a traditional bed.

Murphy beds are also a genius way to have a comfortable place to sleep. They can be put away when not in use and drastically increase your usable space. These days, Murphy beds come in a huge variety of styles and can be completely customized to your needs.

Multipurpose Helps Maximize

As well as Murphy beds and sleeper sofas, you can take a tip from college students everywhere and build yourself a creative loft. Similar to a bunk bed, a loft bed uses vertical space and gives you additional living or working space underneath. Loft beds also have tons of storage underneath for holiday decorations and unopened gifts. A sleeper sofa, day bed, or futon is also a wise choice, as they can be used as couches when not needed as a bed.

If this room is also used as your home office and you occasionally have to meet with clients, a bed that converts to a seating area looks more professional than something frilly with stuffed animals and cute throw pillows. The home design experts at Decoist have some inspiring pictures and ideas of how a multi-use sleeping area can easily be created without ruining your office vibe.

Crafty Storage Solutions

Unfortunately, most homes just do not have enough storage space. But don't let that discourage you - you just have to get creative, conquer clutter, and show your belongings who's the boss.

Forbes Magazine has loads of tricks that could work for your small guest room:

Cubbies, shelves, and drawer units can hold (and hide) a multitude of items, from books to awards to keepsakes.
Built-in cabinetry that will help you utilize oddly-shaped spaces!
Under-bed storage - Clearly labeled plastic bins are best!

And don't let that valuable closet space go to waste, either! Be sure to keep it organized and tidy. You don't want a guest overcome by an avalanche of Christmas lights, sporting equipment, and those college textbooks you can't bear to part with.

Light It Up

Making a room brighter always makes it look bigger. Paint the walls a cheerful shade, and invest in window treatments that let in gorgeous natural light. The decor gurus at Homes and Garden s are chock full of innovative lighting ideas that will make your guest room look bigger:

Chandeliers are cheerful, luxe, and add a touch of class - as well as plenty of illumination and a gorgeous design element.
Lamps that double as a work of art or interesting focal point are a superb way to light up a small room and add charm. If you're feeling crafty, you can even make one yourself to reflect your artistic skills and personality.
Bright windows are always appreciated, and natural light is a crucial mood enhancer.

Go Minimal

A room that looks cluttered is always going to look smaller, no matter how much square footage you have available. Getting rid of excess furniture opens up floor space, gives your guests more room to move around, and always looks classically elegant.

Smart furniture choices like a Murphy bed, cabinets or cubbies that do double duty, or headboards and platform beds that incorporate storage will help you ditch furniture that you don't need.

While you're at it, this is a great time to get rid of ugly artwork, unnecessary tables, & that hideous rocking chair Grandma gave you that is probably haunted. No one wants to sit on that thing. It moves by itself!

Up High

Many folks ignore what is right over their heads and waste all that tasty storage space up near the ceiling. You can utilize the vertical space in your small guest room without taking up floor space or clogging up the flow of the room. Floor-to-ceiling racks are fabulous for this purpose - store heavier items towards the bottom, like smartly packed bins of holiday decorations or seasonal bedding.

The higher areas are perfect for books or artwork that you'd love to display at eye level. As you get higher, you'll have an ideal area to store lighter items that you don't frequently need but still want to store somewhere more climate-controlled than your garage.

Hooks are also a super way to store items high up and take advantage of all that wall space without cluttering up the floor. Your guests can hang up their items while in residence, and at other times, you can use them for whatever you need.

Conclusion

While your small guest room might seem like a hopeless jumble, it's actually easy to transform into a versatile space where you can host guests all year round. Just utilize the above pro tips to make sure you're maximizing the available square footage to the fullest!

Sources

6 Essentials Of Good Hall Closet Organization in Phoenix

Wed, 23 Dec 2015 20:33:00 GMT

Is your hall closet looking a little sad? Overrun with clutter? Do you feel a sinking feeling when you go to open it? Could you use a more efficient way of organizing your wild jungle of stuff so that you don’t have to be Tarzan swinging from the shelves every time you need to find something in there?

Without delving into any psychobabble here, it’s safe to say that a messy closet doesn’t contribute to anyone’s happiness. Conversely, an organized closet can bring forth euphoric joy, or, at the very least, a sense of relief at finally finding that long lost sweater, tennis racket or other missing treasures.

It can be amazing what a well organized hall closet can do for eliminating a lot of the frustration and chaos taking up residence in your home and essentially your life. A happy hall closet can alleviate stress and restore the much needed balance to your storage space.

With a bit of willingness, creative thinking and a couple of hours of your time, creating a storage solution for your hall closet that will put a smile on your dial every time it’s opened, is only a few steps away.

6 Tips To Help You Organize Your Hall Closet

Most of us tend to stash away too much in our hall closets usually for lack of a better storage solution. Often not being able to find what we need amongst the chaos, we buy more of the same thing and it becomes just another layer in the hall closet. Eventually the mess can’t be put off any longer!

1. Take Stock Of What’s Currently In Your Closet

As painful as the process may sound, unloading a closet’s entire contents will give you an honest account of what lurks in the recesses. Donate or toss as necessary and start from scratch. This single act will liberate you from having a bunch of useless stuff weigh you down and crowd out what you do value.

Once you know exactly what you want to keep the process of reorganizing and designing your optimum hall closet space is much simpler.

2. Make Good Use Of All The Available Space

Empty sections of walls or the insides of doors are prime real estate for new or additional cabinetry, towel bars, hooks or dowels. Using modular shelving, storage bins, cabinets and over-the-door hangers provides effective ways to improve hall closet organization . Consider installing some custom cabinetry which can offer you many special features and space-saving designs to suit and enhance the happy state of your hall closet.

3. Add Lighting

Lighting is key to finding anything in a closet, though so often there’s not enough of it. Newer homes may have a single overhead light that is minimally helpful, while older homes may not be equipped with any light at all. Optimize your hall closet organization by adding shelf lighting or down lights that will maximise the visibility of all your items. If installing new cabinetry this can be easily be done at the same time.

4. Group Like Items Together

Think of your closet as you would your desk files. If those files weren’t organized in some sort of comprehensive fashion, you’d never accomplish anything at work.

The same is true for hall closet organization, but with slightly different objectives. The best way to accomplish this is by grouping like items together to make accessing what you need more efficient.

5. Make The Top Shelves Easy To Use

Not everyone is tall, but even those of us who are short should have access to our closets’ full dimensions. For better hall closet organization consider installing a rolling ladder, or investing in a cool stool . These are relatively inexpensive ways for accessing those otherwise out-of-reach spaces that taunt the vertically challenged.

6. Calling the Hall Closet Design Cavalry

“A place for everything and everything in its place.” This proverb sums up what we all wish for in our hall closet organization. Achieving this can be as simple as calling in some hall closet design experts to help you overcome the overwhelm and share how best they can help you to achieve your hall closet organization needs.

For residents in the Phoenix Arizona area you have an exclusive opportunity to claim a No Obligation FREE In-Home Design & Consultation from the experts in hall closet organization.

To claim yours call (602) 899-0553 today and make an appointment with one of L&B Closets qualified design consultants who would be delighted to help make your hall closet a happy space in your home. Want to organize the other areas of your home? Download our Free Tao of Home Organization Guide below.

Replace Pegboards In Your Garage With Slatwall & Gridwall:

Wed, 16 Dec 2015 20:32:48 GMT

The garage has a different environment, meaning temperature, humidity, insect and pest situation than the rest of the home. Pegboards in your garage aren’t the most sustainable of organization systems that you can use. They may lose their strength over time and become brittle, bend and even break if too much is attached to them.

If all you are doing is pinning photos and notes to the pegboard it may hold up decent, but for the more heavy duty storage of tools, sporting equipment, and cleaning supplies. You may want to consider installing Gridwall or Slatwall instead. Read through this article to gain a better perspective before choosing between the options.

Slatwall Wall Organizers

Displayed in the above picture, Slatwall is a style of custom garage organizer that utilizes parallel indents all along the walls of the garage. This can help to maximize your storage capabilities when dealing with smaller items such as wrenches, staplers, and paper towel racks. You can even install baskets that will hold dog food, ropes, cleaning supplies and much more.

If you change over to Slatwall after getting rid of your pegboard, there will be no going back. It can function within a family that has diverse storage needs and a lot of items that need places. Search through our accessories page to get an idea of the organizers that you can attach to your Slatwall so that you maximize every inch of your storage space.

Gridwall Wall Organizers

In some people's opinion, Gridwall storage systems are a more aesthetically pleasing wall organizer because they can be sectioned out and they do not dominate the wall quite like Slatwall does. This can be chalked up as a con if you are in need of the most storage space you can get.

Gridwall normally will come out to be cheaper than Slatwall due to the conscious decision by the homeowner to take up less sq footage of the wall space that they have. Gridwall is great if you’d like to combine functionality with some artistic flair because it lends itself to vertical, and diagonal usage. Some people will install it on a lit area and then host plants with it. It's also very pleasing to see little vines crawl around the grid as if they are reaching for the watering pail that has been stored on a basket next to it.

On the very same accessory page as we have highlighted the Slatwall hanging accessories, we too showcase Gridwall wall accessories as well, check out both and compare the two to your original goals for the space.

We don’t want to completely dog on Pegboards though. They work great for arts and crafts areas as well as the kitchen or home office. However, when it comes to the heavy-duty-ness that your garage is going to need, it's best to invest in a more functional solution.

If you are in Gilbert, Arizona or any of the surrounding areas and are interested in installing Slatwall, Gridwall or any other home organizer, contact us through this link to schedule a free consultation and in-home design with us! Call us at (602) 899-0553 with any questions and concerns!

10 Simple Ways to Organize Your Messy Laundry Room

Wed, 09 Dec 2015 20:32:39 GMT

Getting laundry done is rewarding in a way no other chore can compare. Between the crisp, refreshing scent and warmth in the air, laundry day brings comfort to any home. Unfortunately, an untidy laundry room can stress you out, even before sorting through any clothes.

You can organize your messy laundry room in ten pain-free steps:

Use wheeled laundry baskets to truck heavier loads around your home.
Install tension rods between your walls to fill empty spaces at taller heights.
Mount a pegboard on free wall space to store your smaller items.
Make your own lint wastebasket to keep your lint tray safe and clear.
Create a dryer sheet dispenser so dry, static-free clothes are a short grab away.
Consign a bookshelf for a folding table surface and more storage.
Frame and hang a cleaning reference chart to keep handy for tough smells and stains.
Track items in containers, cabinets, and laundry baskets with a labeling system.
Keep socks in small mesh bags during laundry cycles to save you a sorting headache.
Repurpose empty food containers and old mason jars, keeping essentials out of the way.

In this article, you’ll learn ten tips to squash clutter and chaos in your laundry room for good. Keep reading to learn more!

Use Wheeled Laundry Baskets

Feeling a slight pinch in your back muscles after laundry day? Drag heavier laundry loads around with wheeled laundry baskets. You can buy rolling laundry baskets at most department stores.

Install Tension Rods Between Walls

Take advantage of oft-neglected taller heights with tension rods between the walls. They are functional for air-drying fresh laundry, dry cleaning, and steaming your clothes.

Mount a Pegboard Wall for Extra Storage

Hang a pegboard wall to create a dedicated space for smaller items. You can store dog leashes, mini broom and dustpan sets, and other cleaning supplies with hooks. Tip Hero recommends buying a wall’s length of pegboard from your local hardware store.

Mount a Lint Wastebasket Near Your Dryer

Keep a lint wastebasket close to maintain a safe and clear lint tray. According to Melissa George at Wayfair, you can decorate a literature box and line it with a small bag for quick lint disposal. You don't have to break the bank. Match your existing laundry room decor with affordable options.

Create Your Own Dryer Sheet Dispenser

A dryer sheet dispenser is another example of functional DIY decor. Sugar and Cloth suggests storing your dryer sheets under an old tissue box cover . Dryer sheets will be within reach and you'll appreciate the clean fragrance.

Turn a Bookshelf into a Folding Table

If you have the space, consign a bookshelf for a variety of uses. Bookshelves immediately create extra storage space. You can also keep the flat top surface clear to use as a makeshift folding table.

Frame a Cleaning Reference Chart

Keep a cleaning reference chart handy to fill a small wall space. Create your own guide on battling tough stains, smells, and other laundry mishaps. Then, print and frame your new advice chart. Hang it near your washer and dryer so it’s only a glance away.

Use Clear Labeling Systems

Put in place clear labeling systems to overhaul your messy space. Good Housekeeping recommends recyclable chalkboard labels . You can label containers, cabinets, and even laundry baskets.

Larger families can label laundry baskets with family members’ names. This keeps clean laundry together until you can put it away. Never hear “these aren’t my socks!” again.

Wash Your Socks in Mesh Bags

Socks are the most misplaced laundry item of all time, but it’s possible to keep them together during a cycle. Make a small investment in mesh bags to wash and dry socks. Tip Hero mentions finding these in most dollar stores .

Repurpose Empty Containers

Recycle your kitchen items into new organizational tools for your laundry room. Repurpose reusable food storage (like old mason jars) into laundry containers for essentials. You’ll create room for objects like clothespins, detergent pods, and loose change.

Conclusion

Tackling a messy laundry room seems like a monstrous task, but designing an efficient space will help to reign in the chaos. Make laundry day manageable and apply a few simple tips to your plan.

Ready to start? Take your next free weekend and renovate your laundry room chaos into order.

Sources

How Home Organization Systems Can Help You Conquer Common Clutter

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 20:32:30 GMT

When you start to feel like you’re spending all of your time cleaning up clutter, it’s time to do something about your home organization. It’s common to think of cleaning as an inevitability – and it is – but there’s no reason that it should monopolize your time. Your home should be functional enough to stay organized without monopolizing all your time. Implementing the right home organization systems can help you maintain your home the way you want.

Here are some of the ways you can upgrade your storage spaces to make tidiness simpler:

Organize Your Entryway
Declutter and Arrange Your Closets
Bring Order to Kids’ Toys

Take a look at how you can conquer common clutter in many places around the home.

Organize Your Entryway

You may have noticed that a lot of your clutter problem starts as soon as people walk in the door. Your kids immediately kick off their shoes and peel off their socks. Your partner drops their bag or briefcase on the floor and the mail on the nearest table or shelf, where it gets forgotten about. Jackets end up draped on the couch or the backs of chairs. Housekeys could end up anywhere, causing people to be late the next morning when they can’t find them on their way out the door.

What you need is a mudroom. This home organization system goes in the entryway of the home or, in some cases, in the garage. This is a great way to put a stop to the clutter that accumulates as your family walks in the door. Hooks and racks can hold bags, backpacks, coats, and keys. Add a shelf for mail. Cubbies are great for putting shoes away. Perhaps include a hamper for discarded socks and soiled outerwear. A bin or basket can hold umbrellas and other outdoor accessories. When your family has places to put things as soon as they get home, those things won’t spread all over the house.

Declutter and Arrange Your Closets

Closet organization is an important component of an organized home. When closets are cluttered and overstuffed, it’s difficult for the things you store in them to stay where they belong. Things fall on the floor, get dragged out of the closet into the room the closet is in, then eventually wind up in other places in the house. When you install organizers and closet features to expand your storage space, you end up with much better home organization overall.

When customizing your closets to make more space, you should also declutter them by taking everything out and going through it. Chances are that there are things that you don’t need to keep that have just been hiding in the back or being replaced in the closet out of habit. These items can be sold, donated, or just thrown away. Getting rid of them gives you more space and more room for organization.

Sometimes it’s difficult to decide what to keep and what to get rid of, but A Cultivated Nest gives you some guidelines to go by: keep the item if you use it at least once a week, if it still works and serves a function, or if it has sentimental value. If it doesn’t fit in any of those categories, you probably don’t need it.

Bring Order to Kids’ Toys

f you have kids, you probably know that it’s their belongings – often their toys – that really clutter up the house. This can be more difficult to deal with than your own clutter, because kids may scatter toys indiscriminately. They may even dig out toys they don’t want to get to toys they do want. There are ways you can help them clean up their act.

For one thing, get rid of large toy bins. Bins are hard to find things in, so your child is likely to dump the bin out to find toys hidden at the bottom. Instead, consider using smaller containers with lids. Pick clear ones so that your child can see what’s in them or use a color-coding system, then put like toys with like – stuffed animals in one bin, blocks in another, and action figures or dolls in a third. This way, your child doesn’t need to go through every type of toy they own to find the one they want.

These bins can be stacked in the closet along with other toy organization products. You may also want to consider organizing frequently-used toys into cubbies and storing toys you don’t want them to have immediate access to all the time, like a finger painting set, on high shelves where your child can’t get to them.

Conclusion

Home organization systems can be used in the home’s most challenging spaces to bring order to your home as a whole. Some of those spaces include entryways, closets, and children’s toy storage spaces.

Source

https://acultivatednest.com/what-to-do-with-decluttered-items-keep-sell-donate-or-trash/

Home Office Organization Tips To Increase Productivity

Wed, 25 Nov 2015 20:32:18 GMT

Establishing good organization in your home office, where you feel comfortable and everything is in place, increases your productivity and therefore profits. With good home office organization, you can accomplish more tasks in less time.

You don’t need to have an office with breathtaking views to feel organized, just a well-lit, tidy and dedicated space that works for you. Here are some organization tips that can make a world of difference to your productivity in the home office.

7 Organization Tips to Improve Home Office Productivity

Dedicated Zone

While it can be good every now and then to work from a coffee shop, your sofa or bed with your laptop, it is not good, however, for long-term productivity. Having dedicated and separate spaces for work and living will help you be more organized and less distracted.

If you’re working from a home office, keep household items and belongings like clothing and kids' toys away from your workspace, and likewise, keep important documents and office items out of your living areas. Keep your things in the designated zones to which they belong.

Clear The Clutter

There is a fast and effective way to clear the clutter on your desk. First, remove everything from your desk so you can start with a blank canvas. Then sort it all into categories; use the floor if you have to. Find a designated storage area for each category. Return to your desk only items you are likely to use on a daily basis in an organizer or the top drawer.

Install Custom Home Office Organizers

Many people don’t realize how many storage solutions there are for organizing a home office. Home office organizational systems are a brilliant way to keep your work items accessible and tidy, they range from document trays, filing cabinets, drawer organizers, wall pocket shelving and purpose-built custom closets and desks.

There is a multitude of home office storage options available. If in doubt what will work best for your space, get in touch with a professional home office organization consultant, they can provide many tips and ideas on how to make your home office space better than you can imagine. The best part about this option is that some professionals offer their consultations for free!

5 Minutes A Day Keeps Chaos Away

Taking 5 -10 minutes each day to sort any letters or documents into their appropriate places, even if you are unable to deal with it right away, reduces clutter and is going to improve your overall efficiency.

Labels Are King

Having labels on as much as possible, particularly your document folders and trays will make keeping your office well-organized much easier. All the time you spend sorting will be wasted if you cannot remember where a file has been placed or what is in a document box.

Digital Organizing

Once your desk has been cleared, take some time to organize all of your devices and digital spaces. Whether it’s backups that need doing, uploading and printing certain documents for filing, or untangling and reorganizing the spaghetti of electrical cords under your desk, get your digital environment and devices organized.

Synchronize Calendars and Planners

Keep track of all your important tasks and meetings by synchronizing your calendars and planners. You can synchronize these activities on all smart devices and set reminders; that way nothing gets lost or forgotten. There are tools that operate on multiple devices at once and you can prioritize your schedule accordingly, leaving nothing out.

If you would like to discover what home office organizational systems will improve your productivity, then call the experts at L & B Closets today and claim your FREE In-Home Design Consultation !

3 Simple Home Organization Secrets To Conquering Clutter

Wed, 18 Nov 2015 20:32:05 GMT

Do you feel overwhelmed by the clutter in your home?
Are you always trying to find your keys?
Are your closets overflowing but you anguish over having nothing to wear?
Has months of junk mail claimed permanent residence on your kitchen counter tops?
Do you “forget” to pay a bill, because it disappeared somewhere amongst said junk mail?
Do you need binoculars to see over the mounds of stuff stacked up in your garage?
Does your laundry look like cyclone sandy came to visit?
Do you have a jungle growing in your pantry that got it’s roots from an old potato?
Has “Justin Case” become a common brand kept in your closets or drawers?
Are you struggling to find enough hours in the day to get on top of it all?

Life can get so hectic in this face paced world, unfortunately our living spaces often suffer the consequences of our busy lifestyles. If neglected, things will gradually begin to pile up around us and clutter overwhelm takes hold. If your bedroom looks like an alien fashion invasion took place in there, and you haven’t been able to find the TV remote since the lounge became the new storage zone for your clean laundry, then it’s time to take a serious look at getting organized!

We may want a perfect clutter-free home but definitive action must be taken to get on top of it, and long before the need arises to send in a search party to find you amongst it all.

Here are three simple strategies for conquering that clutter to get your life back to normal and enjoying a well-organized, clutter-free home once again.

Don’t Conquer Alone

It can be overwhelming seeing what needs to be done to re-organize your home, particularly when it comes to decluttering, but you do not have to do it all alone! Recruit someone to help you. A friend, a family member, a neighbor. Anyone who already lives in the home should be a part of the process. Not only will it lighten your workload but studies have shown that when we recruit others to assist us in these kinds of tasks we will often get the job done much quicker and we are more likely to apply better judgement and rationale when making decisions on what things we need to keep or throw away when decluttering. Hence the saying, “many hands make light work.”

The Four Category Rule

Label four boxes or bags when you begin sorting with Keep, Store, Donate Or Toss. Keep in mind though that just because you decide to donate or toss something doesn’t mean you have to throw it away entirely. Consider having a garage sale for all these items first then throw or donate them to a local charity. You need to go through everything though. Even if the majority of it may still be things you want or need to keep, you may just find that there are many items that can be kept elsewhere - this is what the “Store” box comes in handy for.

Consider other suitable storage places for your things particularly if they don’t need to be accessible all of the time. By releasing yourself from the things you don’t need or use any longer you will create more space in your home and it will feel a whole lot better. Get some good storage containers for all the things you can store out of sight, or if you need some serious solutions call an expert in storage design to help you conquer it forever.

Designate A Place For Everything

Everything in your home needs to be given its own home. If you put things in places just to get them out of the way, you will find yourself quickly back on the clutter track again. Instead, if it doesn’t already have a home, designate a specific place for every item so that in a week or even a month from now, you will know exactly where to find it and where you should put it back. Group clothing items in your closet by color or style. Closet organizers can help make categorizing clothes a lot easier.

You need to stick to a system of this kind to help you to maintain consistent organization and keep that alien war-zone scene out of your bedroom. Putting away all your clean laundry on the day that you do it is essential. Dont leave it to pile up and dig through each day. Since you have a style/color coded system in place it will make it much easier and more efficient to take care of immediately.

It may be intimidating learning to conquer the clutter in your home, but the benefits always far outweigh what it may take in getting it done. Imagine the feeling of coming home to a clutter-free and well-organized and home. It is a feeling that brings you a sense of satisfaction and relaxation which you will never find when returning to a home full of clutter.

Consultants Help Make “Light Work”

If you desire to have the ultimate clutter free environment every day of the year, - Then consider obtaining the assistance of qualified consultant to help you create some stylish and elegant storage solutions that are not only appealing to the eye but will help you to keep your home clutter-free all year round. Whether you need a custom closet , garage storage systems , or kitchen pantry cabinets , we can help.

If you reside around the Phoenix area, the experts at L&B Closets are offering you a No Obligation FREE In-Home Design Consultation to help you with exactly that, Call (602) 899-0553 and mention this offer to claim your free consultation. Before you know it, you could be experiencing the freedom and finesse of a clutter-free lifestyle.

Why Murphy Beds Are So Popular in Scottsdale, Arizona

Wed, 11 Nov 2015 20:31:53 GMT

So what is a Murphy Bed? And why are they so popular now, more than ever before?

A Murphy Bed - sometimes referred to as a wall bed - is a fold down bed that easily fits into a closet, cabinet or another nook against the wall in any room of the house. For this reason and many more, they have become the most popular and innovative way to capitalize on the space in your home. Murphy Beds are also the ultimate solution for small apartments and studios where space very limited.

More now than ever before they are the preferred option in many homes for guest sleepovers. If you’re looking to offer your family or guests a much better place to sleep than the lumpy sofa bed or pull out trundle, then a Murphy Bed is the perfect solution! They are affordable, stylish and are just the thing to create extra sleeping space in any room. Available in various sizes and a range of customized styles to choose from, your Murphy Bed can be installed to look like it was always made to be in your home

Benefits Of Owning A Murphy Bed in Scottsdale, Arizona

If those considerations weren’t already enough to make you want a Murphy Bed in your home, then here are just a few more of the benefits you can expect from owning a Murphy Bed.

Extra Storage Space

Most Murphy beds fold away vertically and are part of a full wall storage cabinet allowing you to store and display many other things on the shelves and in the drawers that form a part of the overall design. Not only that, when your Murphy Bed is not in use, just fold the bed up and you instantly have extra floor space for lounging or any other activities you wish to use the space for.

They Save You Money

If your family is expanding or you regularly host guest sleepovers, the couch or trundle bed may not be a suitable ongoing option. Likewise, a renovation extension or buying a new house may not be in the budget. When compared to the cost of creating extra floor space or purchasing a larger home, a Murphy Bed is definitely a big cost saving alternative.

Easy To Use

In addition to the simple set-up by a professional installer, a Murphy Bed is extremely easy to use. You can easily raise and lower them without struggle or frustration due to the well-crafted spring mechanisms that form a part of the design - easy to pull down and just as easy to fold away.

Complete Customization

A Murphy Beds will provide the same comfort and functionality as any regular bed with a normal mattress that would be used on any other type of bed. You can choose the size of the bed and mattress you would like, from a single all the way to a King. The design of your cabinet space surrounding the bed, including colors and finishes, can also be completely customized to suit your unique needs and decor.

L & B Closets In Scottsdale, Arizona have access to the latest design technologies and style options to suit any type of home. Call today for a No Obligation FREE In-Home Design Consultation , where you can sit down with a design expert to see how a Murphy Bed can work wonders in your home.

How to Stop Mold From Taking Over Your Closets

Thu, 05 Nov 2015 20:31:44 GMT

You might not realize it, but your home could be under attack from a menace that is hard to see, at least at first. As it grows larger, it becomes much more apparent that mold has infiltrated your belongings. Getting rid of mold is a painstaking task and one you likely don’t want to revisit any time soon. So, how do you stop mold from taking over your custom closets ?

Thankfully, some techniques can help you stop mold before it starts. Start by educating yourself on why mold grows. Once you understand that, you can use any of the following to prevent the spread.

• Keep items off the floor
• Use light
• Increase the air circulation in your closets
• Use dehumidifiers

Ready to learn more about how these methods can help you keep mold out of your closets? Read on!

Why Does Mold Grow

Closets are a notorious breeding ground for mold and mildew. They are generally dark, and adding a little moisture to the enclosed space makes the perfect recipe for growth. Closets are usually the last place anyone bothers to clean. Why waste time when no one but you and your family is going to see the mess?

It starts off small, with a few dark spots in the back corners of one of your closets where no one ever goes. A musty smell begins to infiltrate, and you don’t give it a second thought. Instead, you look for ways to get the stuffy smell out of your clothes, probably by using one of these six tips for fresh smelling closets , courtesy of Affordable Custom Closets & Garages .

However, covering up the smell doesn’t stop the mold from growing and doesn’t prevent it from returning in the future.

Stay Off the Floors

One space in the closet most people use is the floor. In a spacious walk-in closet, the floor is the perfect place to put boxes and store items you don’t need with any regularity. In reach-in closets, the floor is about the only place to put things such as shoes and storage containers to alternate your wardrobe.

The problem with storing on the closet floor is that you can inadvertently trap moisture underneath the boxes. It doesn’t take much dampness to help mold get its start growing. Once it starts, it can spread relatively quickly. Cardboard boxes are especially subject to mold growth with even the slightest amount of moisture.

Use Light to Keep Mold Out

Darkness is mold’s best friend. They do everything together. The best way to break them apart and rid your home of mold’s harmful influence is to add a little light to your closets. Yes, your overhead lights will do nicely, but you don’t want to leave such high wattage bulbs on all the time.

Instead, invest in a couple of nice low wattage lights for your closets. You don’t have to replace your overhead lights; just add some small lamps. Place the lamps away from clothing or anything else flammable and leave them on for a few hours each day.

The lights will help prevent growth as mold and mildew need darkness to grow. The heat from the lights will also help to burn away some leftover moisture in the air. If possible, place the low watt lamps in the darker corners to help prevent mold growth.

Increase Air Circulation

Closing off your closets 24 hours a day is not the best option to keep mold out. In fact, it can do just the opposite of what you expect. The University of Missouri posted their tips to prevent mold, and one of their top suggestions was to make sure you have plenty of air circulating throughout your closets .

Shutting your closets off from outside restricts clean, fresh air from moving within the rooms. Good air circulation helps to remove moisture to keep levels down. Having a breeze from outside is best when the air outside is drier than inside the house. Plenty of ventilation coupled with a nice breeze, real or artificial, helps carry moist air out of your closets.

In addition to ensuring that you have plenty of air circulating throughout your closets, your clothes need breathing room too. Make sure your closets are not so jam-packed that you can’t have a little space around your hanging clothes. Having room to breathe helps to ensure your items are free from moisture.

If your custom closet is located close to your bathroom, it is okay to shut the door while you bathe. This helps the humidity for your hot shower from flowing into your closet. Just make sure to turn on the ventilation fan and open the door when you’re finished.

Use a Dehumidifier

Not all closets have ventilation to the outside. Most closets don’t have windows you can open to let the clean air in, and some aren’t located near them either. For those times you can’t draw out the humidity to the drier air outside, you may need to use a dehumidifier to do the job for you.

There are several types of dehumidifiers on the market that work to lessen the moisture in the air. Bustle.com suggests that if your closet is large and has an electrical outlet, you may consider a powered dehumidifier. These models use a fan to circulate air through the machine, which then draws moisture out of the air. Drier air is released back into the room. Although it is a costly option, in some instances, it may be necessary. Just remember to empty the chamber periodically.

Another option is a wireless device that uses silica beads to pull moisture from the air. In some of these, you have to replace the beads when the humidifier has reached capacity. Other models have a method of cleaning the silica so you can reuse it. The reusable dehumidifiers require you to plug the device in once it’s full to clean and recharge the beads.

Finally, there are disposable models for those who don’t want the hassle of recharging or cleaning a device. You can find these in most major box stores in the cleaning supplies or storage aisles. The containers come with desiccant crystals that absorb the air’s moisture. They are easy to use. Open the box, remove the stay fresh seal, and put the lid back on. Set it on a shelf in your closet and allow the crystals to work. Once the container is full of water, and all the crystals dissolve, dump the water and throw it away.

Conclusion

When you know what causes mold to take over your closets, preventing it becomes a more simplified matter. Make sure there is plenty of light in your closets to eliminate dark corners and heat the air to decrease humidity. Don’t store things on the floor, especially in cardboard boxes, as the material gives mold something to feed off of. Keep your closets well ventilated and use dehumidifiers when necessary.

Sources

Do These 5 Things Every Day for Tidy Custom Closets

Wed, 21 Oct 2015 19:31:34 GMT

Doing a major deep clean of your closet is one thing, but if you want to put that off as long as possible, you need to know how you can take steps every day to keep your custom closets neat and tidy. Deep cleanings should still happen eventually, but when your closet is generally maintained, you won’t have to do it as often.

Here are five daily tasks that will help you keep your closet clean and organized:

Make Sure the Floor Is Clear
Put Clothes Away Immediately
Store Frequently Paired Items Together
Check for Visibility
Make Sticking With it Worthwhile

Take a look at the everyday things you should do to keep your custom closet clean on a daily basis.

Make Sure the Floor is Clear

When your closet floor has a pile of shoes or bags taking up space, it not only looks much messier, but those items may be hiding other belongings that have fallen to the floor. In addition, anything on the floor is likely to get stepped on and potentially damaged.

A better strategy is to just keep the floor clear every day. Put shoes on shelves, in boxes, or on organizers. Hang purses on hooks or put them on their own shelf. If you make sure the floor is clean every day, there should never be much to deal with at one time.

Put Clothes Away Immediately

HuffPost shares a list of 21 daily tasks recommended by professional organizers, and for people interested in closet cleaning specifically, their organizers recommend that you put clothes away right away. That can mean putting dirty clothes in the hamper and putting clean clothes away in drawers and on shelves and clothing rods. The important thing is that you don’t leave them lying around.

You should also clear dirty clothes out as frequently as possible, but it’s less of a problem to take an extra day or two to get to the laundry than it is to leave the laundry strewn around the floor and surfaces instead of putting it in the hamper. Clothes scattered everywhere will make the closet seem more chaotic than it really is and that may drain your motivation to do any cleanup.

Store Frequently Paired Items Together

Speaking of putting things away, how you put them away can matter as much as putting them away at all. One thing you can try as you’re storing clothes is to pair items when you already know you wear them together frequently.

You may be accustomed to ordering clothes by type, or even by color, but these aren’t the only options. You tend to dig through drawers and racks of clothing when you’re looking for a specific item – such as a top to go with the pants you’ve picked out – and that can make a mess. If you know there’s one top you wear with those pants more often than not, store them together. Not only will your outfit be ready faster, but you’ll also skip the searching motions that leave stacks of clothes rumpled or cause items to fall off hangers.

Check for Visibility

One way to avoid searching for misplaced items is to make sure your closet has a lot of visibility. A closet that’s arranged so you can see everything both looks neat and stays neat.

You can create visibility by folding clothes vertically, or even rolling them and standing the rolls vertically in your drawer. That way, you never scatter a stack of folded clothes to find what you need. Use dividers to sort your hanging clothes into categories with some space between them so you can see where everything is.

Make Sticking With it Worthwhile

It takes time to build habits. If you’re not in the habit of doing little things to keep your closet clean on a regular basis, although you might start with good intentions, it will be easy to fall off because you got busy or distracted and just forgot. Over time, daily tidying will become ingrained in your daily routine and you’ll do it without thinking about it.

Until it becomes a habit, make it worth your time to do these tasks. Reward yourself for sticking to goals, like tidying the closet every night for a week, two weeks, and so on. You don’t need to do anything big or expensive. You can reward yourself with something as simple as an episode of your favorite show before bed or a cup of coffee from a coffee shop you love.

Conclusion

Deep cleaning the closet is necessary, but keeping it clean on a daily basis can help keep you from having to deep clean too often. Committing to a few small tasks every day, like clearing the floor and putting clothes away can help keep your closet from needing a more intensive cleaning session until you’re ready.

Source

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/professional-organizers-tidying-tasks-every-day_l_606ccf16c5b68ddf94b604d2

Four Versatile Cabinet Options for Your Garage

Wed, 14 Oct 2015 19:31:23 GMT

According to a recent survey by Braun Research , garages ranked higher than basements or attics in terms of desirable storage space. However, if you’re not careful, your garage can quickly turn into a catchall for all of your unused items, leaving little room to enjoy or utilize the space.

One of the best ways to transform your garage into a highly productive, organized, and tidy space is to install c ustom garage cabinets . Four types of garage cabinets that work the best include:

Powder Coated Cabinets
Matte Cabinets
Wood Grain Cabinets
Metallic Cabinets

Let’s explore these four types of garage cabinet options in more detail so you can decide which one is best for you.

Powder-Coated

If you’re in the market for beautiful and functional garage cabinets, consider powder-coated cabinets as they will resist chips, stains, scratches, fading, and water damage. Additionally, they are also environmentally friendly as they do not contain any harsh solvents. This feature also makes them an excellent selection if you have young children or pets and are afraid of them getting exposed to toxins.

Powder-coated cabinets offer plenty of versatility for varying tastes. If you prefer to keep your garage subdued and neutral, a Granite finish would complement your taste perfectly, versus adding a splash of red to really make your garage pop with color.

Matte

Custom garage cabinets with a matte finish can make your space look more natural. Light doesn’t reflect off of this type of surface like it does on high gloss finishes. Matte finishes are also extremely trendy because they have a natural appeal to them. They can make your garage feel like a calm, relaxing sanctuary by bringing a bit of the outdoors inside with a touch of white or silver.

One of the biggest reasons to consider matte garage cabinets is their durability. When it comes to your garage, you need cabinets and other storage options that will work as hard as you do. Matte finishes are highly resistant to scratches, scuffs, and scrapes, and are made to stand the test of time.

Wood Grain

Another superb garage cabinet option is wood grain cabinets. Wood grain cabinets carry a timeless, classical look that will always be in style. All you have to do is install them once to enjoy endless beauty that will last as other home décor trends come and go. They also offer a bit of a rustic look, as they incorporate richer fall colors including Cocoa and Maple Wood.

Moreover, wood grain cabinets are extremely durable and functional and can withstand large amounts of weight and pressure. If you want to take back your garage and store heavy items while having an aesthetically-appealing space, wood grain garage cabinets may be perfect for you.

Metallic

If you want to add some sheen and shine to an otherwise drab-looking garage, consider metallic cabinets in either Windswept Bronze or Windswept Pewter. Offering a sleek and stylish contemporary look, metallic custom garage cabinets require very little maintenance, look fantastic with other storage appliances, and don’t corrode or rust. Additionally, they’re super easy to clean. All you need is to take a wet cloth to the cabinets.

How to Select the Best Garage Cabinets for Your Home

If you’re still unsure about how to choose the best custom garage cabinets, here are some further tips to consider:

Start With Planning: Before you can pick the garage cabinets that are ideal for you, take inventory of everything you’re going to be storing in them. Take a day to plan out what items you want to keep in the cabinets so you know exactly how much storage space you will need.
Consider Your Aesthetic: Do you like a more natural, rustic look or a more contemporary one? Consider your style preferences before you purchase any garage cabinets.
Measure Your Space: Determine how much space you have, both vertically and horizontally, for your new custom garage cabinets. If you have a ton of items on your garage floor, but you’re not taking advantage of your vertical wall space, custom garage cabinets could be the perfect solution for you.

The Best Garage Cabinets for You

Whether you choose powder-coated, matte, wood grain, or metallic garage cabinets, all four of these options make splendid choices. Not only are all of them appealing to the eye, but they are also extremely durable.

Sources

https://www.garageliving.com/

Designing your Garage from the Ground Up: 8 Essential Tips

Fri, 09 Oct 2015 19:31:12 GMT

A proper garage organization system is essential for a growing family. Whether you have a custom garage built or a simple set up, its crucial that you organize it for your goals.

Follow these tips and you will be on your way to pure organization.

1. Start from the floor up!

Epoxy garage flooring can be an elegant addition to your garage. It's aesthetically pleasing and easier to clean. For this you may need to hire a professional company.

2. Roll with what you can.

Use a wall roller or a simple paper towel roll to store your garbage bags in the cleanest manner.

3. Keep everything off of the floor.

Whether it's brooms to tools and other cleaning supplies, use slatwall or gridwall systems to keep everything off the floor. A garage with a cluttered floor is a hazard zone when you are leaving your house with only a few sips off coffee left.

4. Use clear storage tubs.

If you have a lot of Christmas ornaments or many tools that are difficult to label specifically, use clear tubs for the organizing and reorganizing process. This will work, in order to attain seamless organization throughout time. Holiday after holiday, it will be worth it.

5. Keep essentials behind closed doors.

Anchor your custom garage cabinets to the wall so that they don't topple over. Store your most essential items in a locked section of these cabinets.

6. Hang your seats.

If you have a series of disposable chairs that you use for barbeques or other social gatherings, make sure to find a place off of the ground as well. If this is impossible, it may be a great idea to allocate a whole section for event items like your chairs, tables and tents.

7. Make sure everything has a place.

Expanding on the previous tip, you should really have a place for everything. This will keep things efficent throughout the times that you gain new stuff and get rid of old stuff.

8. Top it off with Overhead Storage.

Top it all off with an overhead storage system this is the ideal spot for your annuals like Christmas ornaments or childhood memorabilia like photo albums.

If you are considering amenities such as cabinets or flooring, call us today at (602) 899-0553 for a free consultation.

If you prefer a man cave for your garage, check out our post from our Canadian friends Dream Garage Makeover on the subject.

Want to learn more about custom garage organization, download our guide "Garage D' Clutter"

Source

https://www.dreamgaragemakeovers.com/create-dream-garage-man-cave-alberta-edmonton/

6 Tips to Help Tame the Chaos in Your Kids’ Closets

Tue, 06 Oct 2015 19:30:58 GMT

When looking into your kids’ closets , is it full of clutter? What about the rest of the bedroom? If helping kids stay organized is a challenge, you’re not alone. To help your kids keep their closet and room organized, there are a few factors to consider: parental influence, establishing habits, and having closet organizers.

Yes, encouraging your kids to stay organized and to put their toys and clothes away may help a bit, but if you don’t have proper organizers that makes it “easy” for the kids, a small discouragement of extra hassle can make this process 10x more difficult.

Without closet organizers all of your items will be on the floor. Without closet shelves , cabinets and drawers in the small closet , you may only have a hanging rod that doesn’t help much. The key to hassle-free organization is to have intuitive organizers for every item. If your children knows where items go without much thought or hassle, they’re more likely to use them.

Help Your Kids’ Closets Get Organized Once and For All

At L & B Closets in the Phoenix Area, we specialize in designing complete closet systems and organizers that are not only functional and attractive, but are also intuitive to use, making closet organization a breeze. Here are some organizers to incorporate into a custom closet.

Innovative Use of Hanging Rods

As your children are growing up and are using their own closets, it may be possible that they cannot reach high enough for the top hanging rods or top section of your storage. What can help with that is to install lower hanging rods. It may also be a great idea to have child high-rise step ladders (with safety bars) so they can reach the upper area of their closet space.

Labelled Drawers

The more drawers that are used, the more your child have to remember which belongs to which category of items. Some ways to counter this either to use less drawers and/or label them so there’s never any confusion. To go one step further, you can have an arts and craft project where they can somehow design their own labels, encouraging your kid to actually USE their closet organizers!

Cubbies with Bins

Like with most kids, there can be a plethora of toys of all shapes and sizes. The best way to keep these items organized are in a labelled clear bin placed in a cubby. If you keep a limited number of bins for toys, you can even tell your child that in order to get new toys, they will have to learn to let go of older toys, which you can donate at a local charity or at a community swap meet - only ideas, of course.

Hooks for Hanging Frequently Used Items

Hooks are very useful because they can prevent frequently used items like jackets, coats, scarves or even hats from being randomly placed in the room, adding clutter. By having something as simple as a few hooks, organization can become the path of least resistance.

Shoe Racks

From extra-curricular activities to increasing their fashion collection, your kids may need a solution to the organization of their shoes. It’s easy to pile up the shoes on the floor or kick them off somewhere. By having a designated shoe rack, they can keep their collection together and easy to see at a glance. The benefits of organization may even begin to make more sense to them.

Closet Cabinets and Shelves

Having a taller open cabinet is great for treasures and memorabilia. All children loves self-expression and creativity. By having that treasured space for your kids to decorate their own closets may encourage them to respect it more. When combined with the full custom closet system, they will be more inclined to use it. Shelves can also have other purposes to store other items like towels, hats, and even accessories.

Putting it Together

There was once a wise man who said, “If you don’t want your child to play with fire, don’t give them matches”. If you want your child to be organized, give them organizers.

Here at L & B Closets in Phoenix , we’re offering FREE In-Home Closet Designs personalized to your children’s needs, using our 3D software. Our kid’s closets are fully adjustable and grows with your child. Schedule a Free Consultation by calling (602) 899-0553.

Our Top Custom Closets and Accessories to Personalize Your Home

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 19:30:43 GMT

Your home should be a place of comfort and relaxation, and a well-organized custom closet is just what you need to help you achieve this. At LB Closets, Arizona's top custom closet design company, we specialize in creating storage solutions that bring order and style to your home. Here’s how:

Tailored to Your Needs

Our custom closets are designed with your specific needs in mind. Unlike standard, pre-built closets, which often come with a single rod and shelf, our custom closets offer a variety of storage options tailored to your wardrobe and lifestyle.

Whether you need more hanging space for dresses, drawers for accessories, or shelves for shoes, we can create a custom closet that fits your life perfectly. By working closely with our design team, you can ensure that every inch of your bedroom closet is optimized for your unique storage requirements.

We then can enhance these solutions with even more accessories to make your closet feel specifically tailored. These options can be things like fingerprint-restricted safes that can store your most precious valuables or custom hooks for specialized pieces of clothing like athletic or sports gear.

Innovative Storage Solutions

Our innovation doesn’t stop at shelving and drawers, and with custom jewelry organizers you can keep your accessories tidy and easily accessible with options like adjustable grid organizers and velvet-lined trays.

Tie racks, such as pull-out or wall-mounted options, help keep your ties organized and wrinkle-free. Additionally, rotating mirrors are a space-saving solution that allows you to check your outfit without taking up valuable wall space while also giving you new angles to view your outfit. These thoughtful additions not only save space but also make your morning routine smoother and more enjoyable.

Stylish Design Options

Your custom closet should not only be functional but also reflect your personal style. At LB Closets, we offer a wide range of finishes, hardware, and accessories to ensure your closet complements your bedroom decor. From sleek modern styles to classic traditional looks, we can create a custom closet that enhances the overall aesthetic of your bedroom.

Features like glass-fronted cabinets, LED lighting, and high-quality wood finishes can add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your custom closet, making it a visually appealing extension of your home and a continuous in whatever theme you have already set for your house.

Let LB Closets help you design the perfect custom closet that not only meets your current storage needs but also adapts to your future requirements, ensuring a clutter-free and stress-free home for years to come. Contact us today for a free estimate.

Why You'll Love a Closet Customized to Your Specific Needs

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 19:30:21 GMT

Is clutter taking over your living space, making it hard to find what you need when you need it? With LB Closets, your trusted partner in storage solutions and home organization systems, we’ll find the perfect custom closet that will fulfill your every need.

Tidying to Your Home

We specialize in crafting tailored storage solutions for every part of your home. Whether it's your bedroom closet, kitchen pantry, laundry room, or home office, our custom storage systems are designed to seamlessly integrate into your lifestyle.

Tailored Solutions for Every Need

One size doesn’t fit all, especially when it comes to storage. That’s why LB Closets focuses on understanding your unique requirements and preferences. Our custom cabinets, closet accessories, and organization systems are crafted to meet your specific needs, ensuring that your daily routines are simplified and your home aesthetics are elevated.

Whether you need more hanging space, specialized compartments for shoes, or a streamlined system for accessories, our custom solutions are designed to make your life easier and more enjoyable.

Personalized Service from Consultation to Installation

We believe in providing a personalized experience from start to finish. Our process begins with a complimentary, in-home consultation where our designers get to know you and your space.

We present sample products and use advanced 3D design software to bring your vision to life. Once you approve the design, our skilled installation team steps in to ensure a flawless transition, leaving you with a beautifully organized space you'll love.

Enhancing Your Home's Functionality and Style

Custom closets are not just about storage; they're about enhancing the functionality and style of your home. With a custom-designed closet, you can maximize every inch of space, making it easier to find your belongings and keep your home tidy. Our designs are not only practical but also stylish, adding value and aesthetic appeal to your home.

Long-Term Benefits of Custom Closets

Investing in a custom closet is an investment in your home and your well-being. Custom storage solutions can significantly increase the value of your home by adding functional and attractive spaces. Moreover, they can save you time and reduce stress by keeping your belongings organized and easily accessible. The long-term benefits of custom closets make them a worthwhile addition to any home.

Ready to transform your home into an oasis of organization and style? Contact LB Closets today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards a clutter-free life. Let us show you why we're Arizona's premier choice for custom closets and home organization systems. Discover the difference that personalized, high-quality storage solutions can make in your daily life.

Avoid These Common Mistakes When Designing Your Dream Home Office

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 19:30:03 GMT

Broadband internet and modern communications systems make it possible to work remotely or even create a home-based business. Many people who work from home convert a room into an office, or they might even have a home office built.

Whether you're converting a spare room into a workspace or building a dedicated home office from scratch, it's essential to avoid common pitfalls that can hinder productivity and efficiency. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of when designing your home office.

Lack of Adequate Storage Space

One of the most common mistakes in home office design is overlooking the need for sufficient storage space. From records and business equipment to supplies and personal belongings, a clutter-free workspace is essential for maintaining focus and productivity.

Rather than resorting to off-site storage solutions, consider investing in a well-designed closet system for your home office from LB Closets. Our custom closet designs offer tailored storage solutions to keep your home office organized and efficient.

Inadequate Lighting

Proper lighting is often an afterthought in home office design, but it plays a crucial role in creating a productive work environment. Insufficient lighting can lead to eyestrain and fatigue, making it difficult to focus and work efficiently.

To enhance your home office lighting, incorporate a combination of natural light, overhead fixtures, and task lighting. LB Closets can help you design a lighting scheme that not only illuminates your workspace but also creates a welcoming ambiance for clients and visitors.

Proximity to Distractions

Your home office should be a sanctuary for productivity, free from distractions that can derail your focus and workflow. Avoid positioning your workspace near high-traffic areas or sources of distraction, such as televisions, children's play areas, or noisy appliances.

Additionally, a cluttered and disorganized workspace can contribute to mental clutter and hinder your ability to concentrate. LB Closets' smart closet designs offer customized storage solutions to minimize clutter and create a conducive environment for work.

Ready to transform your home office into a productive and efficient workspace? LB Closets is your trusted partner for custom closet design in Tempe. Contact us today to learn more about our home office shelves, workspaces, filing cabinets, and more. Let us help you elevate your home office to the next level of organization and productivity!

3 Garage Features That Will Have Your Neighbors Green With Envy

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 19:29:46 GMT

When it's time to update your home this year, don't forget about potentially revamping your garage. According to LinkedIn, over 50% of surveyed American homeowners desire a nicer garage that their neighbors would envy. From new garage shelving to slick materials, here are a few ways you can easily make your garage the talk of the neighborhood.

1. Increased Storage

Your garage’s primary function is to store your vehicles, but that's not all you can keep in there. Maybe you want to keep some important documents safely tucked away there. It's also a common spot to store tools and hang bikes.

Do you want to expand your food pantry but hit the limit on how much can fit in your kitchen? With the right garage storage, you'll have space to add to your food supply and protect it from pests. Garage shelving comes in several styles, including large cabinets and overhead racks to suit your needs, and whatever it is you might need to store.

2. Trendy Style

Who says your garage has to be a dull, boring space?

With custom garage shelving, you can add features to your garage to incorporate more color and sleekness. Your storage options may consist of materials like metal or maple wood. Color options may range from a cool red to gray, black, or natural wood.

Whether you want a slick metal minimalist look or the warmth of wood, you can achieve your preferred look with new garage shelving.

3. Modern Workbenches

Many people love working in their garage. If you have a hobby like painting figurines or enjoy working on your cars, you need the right surfaces to maximize your productivity.

You can have bonding craft time with your children or work on your side hustle from the comfort of your garage workspace. Like shelving, you can have a beautiful customized surface ranging from wood to quartz stone.

Your garage provides valuable space you can do a lot with. If you have enough room to fit more than one car, you definitely have room to fit more shelves and an upgraded workbench.

From overhead storage to custom cabinets to a wooden bench, there are ways you can have others green with envy the minute they enter your garage. For more information about our garage customization services, contact our team at LB Closets for a consultation.

5 Tips to Make Your Kids' Room Look HGTV-Worthy

Wed, 09 Sep 2015 19:29:16 GMT

Remodeling your child's room involves a comprehensive makeover with a new closet design. It can be easy to start having regrets as soon as you finish the job, but it doesn't have to be this way. These tips and tricks make your child's room worthy of your favorite channel.

1. Plan Ahead

Plan every detail of the room before you pick up a paintbrush, including closet design . Get out a pen and piece of paper to draw a map of what the room will look like. Decide where you will put furniture and what type of furniture your child wants. This is an excellent way for your little one to help during the remodel.

2. Closet Design

It's essential to design the closet when you design the rest of the room. According to The Simplicity Habit, the average American family spends $1,800 yearly on clothes. Consider hiring a professional to help you make the most of your space to ensure clothing is always nice and neat. Closet organizational systems are a necessity for anyone with a lot of clothing.

3. Color Palette

HGTV is known for showcasing rooms with a cohesive color palette and theme. Work with your little one to choose the perfect color scheme or theme. For example, you may pick dinosaurs or a nautical theme. Girls may love a light pink and black bedroom. Decide on a color palette and ensure everything in the room coordinates well together.

4. Organization

Picture-worthy rooms have the best storage solutions to ensure clothing isn't strewn over the floor. A custom closet business can help you develop solutions that maximize closet space. Utilize space underneath beds for additional storage. Customized furniture designed for storage, such as storage benches, is always a great idea.

5. Stylish Decor

The decor you choose should also be carefully coordinated with the rest of the room. It should be stylish and match the color scheme you've already chosen. Carefully consider wall art that goes with the theme. Sticker wall art is a great idea. Put up shelves for additional decor. Invest in canvas prints that showcase your child's personality.

Remodeling a child's room is a great way to help them fall in love with their space again. Start by planning the details of the room. Then, contact us at LB Closets for a closet design solution that makes the most of the space you have.

4 Signs It's Time to Organize Your Garage ASAP

Sun, 30 Aug 2015 19:28:50 GMT

Is your garage a cluttered mess? Does it almost feel like it's nearing the point of no return? According to The Simplicity Habit, half of homeowners admit their garage is their most disorganized space, leading to frustration and wasted space. Here are four signs it's time to tackle your garage organization ASAP.

No Room For a Vehicle

If your garage is too stuffed to fit your cars, you're missing out on the primary focus of a garage. Create space for parking by clearing out clutter by investing in efficient garage storage solutions.

Even if you prefer to use your garage as a workshop or hangout, having the ability to protect your vehicle from the severe summer heat is a must in Arizona.

Extended Searches Become Routine

Spending ages hunting for tools or seasonal items in your garage is a sure sign of disorganization. With any of the garage storage solutions that LB Closets offers, you’ll never have to worry about where you put your decorations for the upcoming holidays.

Every Step is a Hazard

Tripping over clutter or navigating blocked pathways in your garage is a major safety risk. If you have developed an acrobatic routine just to reach your garage cabinets or storage, it's time to organize your garage ASAP.

Frequent Unexpected Visitors

An excessively messy garage not only looks bad but can also attract pests. If you're embarrassed to open your garage door because you don’t know what will be on the other side, it's time to invest in professional organization solutions from LB Closets to claim back your garage.

Don't let a cluttered garage hold you back. Take charge of your space with proper garage organization systems from LB Closets. Contact us today to explore our garage storage solutions and reclaim your garage once and for all.

Improved Closet Organization Is Your Ticket to Getting Rid of Clutter

Sun, 30 Aug 2015 19:28:28 GMT

A cluttered home can be a source of daily stress, making it difficult to find what you need and creating a sense of chaos in your life. If you’ve been struggling to keep your space tidy, we know better than anybody that investing in a new custom closet is the solution you’ve been searching for. Improved closet organization doesn’t just help you declutter; it offers long-lasting results that enhance your overall quality of life.

The Key to a Clutter-Free Organization Habits

One of the primary reasons homes become cluttered is the lack of an effective storage system. When you don’t have a designated place for your belongings, it’s easy for things to pile up and create chaos.

An organized custom closet from LB Closets is designed specifically to meet your specific needs, ensuring that every item has a home. By tailoring the design to your lifestyle, you’ll have a closet that not only fits your space but also makes it easy to stay organized. This personalized approach to storage is the key to maintaining a clutter-free home for the long term.

Long-Lasting Results with Custom Closet Organization

Unlike generic storage solutions, a custom closet is built to last. The quality materials and craftsmanship that go into every LB Closets system ensure durability and longevity. With adjustable shelving, custom cabinets, and other features tailored to your needs, you’ll be able to adapt your closet as your storage requirements change over time.

This means you won’t have to worry about reorganizing your home constantly. Instead, you’ll enjoy a well-organized space that stays tidy for years to come, making your investment in a custom closet one that pays off in the long run.

Functionality Benefits

A custom closet does more than just eliminate clutter—it enhances the overall functionality of your home. With a well-organized closet, you’ll save time and reduce stress by easily finding what you need, when you need it.

Additionally, an organized space has a positive impact on your mental well-being, creating a more peaceful and enjoyable living environment. Whether you’re getting ready for the day, tidying up after the kids, or hosting guests, a custom closet makes daily tasks more manageable and efficient, allowing you to make the most of your space.

If you’re ready to finally get rid of clutter for good, investing in a custom closet from LB Closets is the perfect solution. Our expert team will work with you to design a closet system that fits your needs, helping you create a space that is both functional and beautiful. Don’t let clutter control your life any longer— contact LB Closets today to take the first step toward a more organized, stress-free home!

How Our Closet Design Process Brings Your Vision to Life

Sun, 30 Aug 2015 19:28:09 GMT

Tidying to Your Home

Tailored Solutions for Every Need

Whether you need more hanging space, specialized compartments for shoes, or a streamlined system for accessories, our custom solutions are designed to make your life easier and more enjoyable.

Personalized Service from Consultation to Installation

We believe in providing a personalized experience from start to finish. Our process begins with a complimentary, in-home consultation where our designers get to know you and your space.

Enhancing Your Home's Functionality and Style

Long-Term Benefits of Custom Closets

How Can a Closet Organization System Help Me Declutter?

Wed, 26 Aug 2015 19:27:51 GMT

Your closet is your first stop as you start your morning, and your last stop at the end of a long day. For many people, trying to find the perfect outfit in a hurry is a constant source of stress. Maintaining your ever-expanding wardrobe can be challenging, but a closet organization system can help you declutter and stay organized.

The Decluttering Process

Most people experience a complete wardrobe overhaul from January through December. According to The Simplicity Habit, the typical family nationwide spends $1,800 on clothes yearly. You can easily wind up with plenty of clothing you don't wear or like anymore. Eventually, you'll have to sort through everything when it's time to reorganize your closet. If you notice you have an excess of clothing you don’t wear, it might be a good idea to consider donating it to your local community thrift store.

Maximizing Space

Most closets are packed with unused space, in a wide variety of ways. A closet system will help you use every inch, ensuring you have plenty of shelves, hooks, and storage space for your shoes. This can instantly make your closet feel less cluttered.

Better Visibility

A closet organization system instantly ensures you can see everything you own, allowing you to easily pick out the pieces to outfit quickly. For many people, their mess of closet clutter starts with losing sight of a piece of clothing and forgetting about it over time. For example, if you can't see your black dress pants and eventually forget you own a pair, you might accidentally buy another pair. Over time, this leads to constantly purchasing tons of clothing that you don't need. You won't have to worry about that when you have an organized closet.

Home Organization

You might only start decluttering your closet once you reach your breaking point, and dread having to spend even more time organizing the rest of your home. However, once you're done with your closet and realize how much stress you cleared, you'll want to continue to organize with the rest of your home. This can lead to developing healthy habits over time, and lead to reduced stress long term.

We offer comprehensive services to ensure you can find something for your space. Our design team can help you create an impressive walk-in closet or get a small closet organized. Contact us when you're ready to start decluttering.

4 Ways to Transform Your Laundry Room

Sun, 17 May 2015 19:27:19 GMT

According to Readers Digest, Americans tackle 660 million loads of laundry each week. If your laundry room is looking cluttered, or you don't feel inspired to do laundry, here are four ways you can transform your laundry room to make it a place where you don't mind taking on your mountain of laundry.

1. Shelving

There are a lot of things that you need to keep track of when it comes to your laundry room organization. Beyond detergent, you've got bleach, dryer sheets, and fabric softener, among other things.

Putting these items up on shelves makes them easier to find and access compared to having them on top of the dryer or placed in a corner. A laundry room organization system can help you store your laundry products in a way that's simple, functional, and pleasing to the eye.

2. Cabinets

While shelves are a nice touch, they can quickly accumulate dust if you don’t regularly dust or clean them. That problem disappears if you have full cabinets with doors.

What's more, if open shelving isn't your style, or if your washer and dryer are in a shared space in the house, cabinets allow you to keep your laundry items out of sight until you need them.

3. Bins and Baskets

If you are looking for an innovative way to organize your laundry room, try to designate bins for certain types of clothes and keep them neatly tucked away with a laundry room organization system.

It's even better if you color code the bins; you could put white clothes in a white bin, dark clothes in a black bin, and colors in a bin of any other color of your choosing. That way, you can easily separate the wash and spend a lot less time sorting them out of a laundry bag.

4. Pull-Down Ironing Board

A laundry room organization system can also allow you to store your ironing board in an easy-to-reach place where it won't be in the way.

A pull-down ironing board can save you from having to yank it out of a crowded closet. You can pull the clothes out of the washer and iron them right there.

Having a tidy area to do the laundry can be quite a stress reliever, even if doing the laundry isn't your favorite task to do.

At LB Closets, we can help you with your laundry room organization. Our offerings include cabinets, shelves, bins and baskets, pull-down ironing boards, folding tables, and more. For more information about our laundry room organization systems, or to get started with us, contact LB Closets today!