When you’re in the midst of your AM rush, you need to know where to find your clothing quickly. Some of you may be thinking that a few quick steps to the closet will do the trick. That is, indeed, the first step.

Add garment dividers and your closet becomes more clear, particularly on those days that you barely have time to shower. And, they make it easy for you put things back where they belong. It’s a great labeling system for your clothes if you categorize them by type (e.g., pants, blouses, T-shirts, etc.) and/or color…or some other system that works for you.

Get pre-printed labels in English and Spanish.

Get your kiddos organized with their own garment dividers, too. You can use the Clutter Diet brand or a more kid-friendly version, like this one from SugarBooger. They come in a variety of designs, so you can choose a different one for each child.

Organize clothing by type, size, or day of the week.

Kids and parents have their own idea about what “organized” means. Usually, I tell parents to relax if their children can find what they need with relative ease, even if mom or dad hates how “messy” the room looks.

On the other hand, when children start to complain that their stuff is lost or that they can’t tell the clean clothing from the dirty ones, then it’s time to take action. These pics from a recent client project really showcase the dramatic change that can be made…and maintained!

Goals: See more floor + decide what to keep and what to discard. Both parent and child were open to repositioning a few items. Notice that the green & pink cubes are now…

…stacked vertically and being used as a night stand. Why not repurpose something you already have instead of buying something new?

Children’s clothing & shoes can be color coordinated, too. For younger kids, this will be easier on mom or dad and older kids will be able to find what they want when they want it (read: leave on time for school).

Welcome to our regular “Transformers” feature (click link and scroll down to see them all). A transformer is a thing that started out as one thing, has been rehabbed, and now functions as another thing.  A transformer can also be a thing that is really another thing all at the same time. Check out our latest find…

I love things that turn into other things! You get – if it works well – more than one function and something that might even be a nice conversation starter.  It’s even better when that thing that turns into another thing is a tech type of thing.  Ok, I promise to stop saying “thing” now. =)

So, this table is shaped like a cube and has several compartments for storing things (oops!) like magazines and books…or even a spot of tea…or potato chips…just about anything you want.  It also has an outlet so you can charge your phone or iPod or whatever gadget you’ve got.  All of this while it’s illuminating your room with a soft glow. Romantic, yes? ;) Oh, and it’s on wheels. What more could you ask for?

Check it out below and watch the YouTube video to see it in action. What would you store in this table?

Btw, have a look at these other cool transformers here and here and here.

Source:

Hometone.org

Check Out These Other Transformers

“According to the Self Storage Association, there are 2.21 billion square feet of self-storage in this country. That means there are more than 7 square feet of storage per U.S. resident.” [The Best Industries for Starting a Business · Christine Lagorio · Inc.com · May 24, 2010]

It’s hard to believe the official start of spring is only a few weeks away, but it is!  Warmer weather, silkier fabrics, bare skin, sandals… It’s fun to think about the new colors and patterns you want to bring in to your wardrobe, but you’ll want to get your closet ready first.  If you start now, it will be a painless process, and before you know it, you’ll be ready for the new styles and trends spring has to offer.

You know you’re going to want to store your out-of-season clothes (after first laundering or dry-cleaning them). But, how about editing your cold-weather wardrobe first? It will make getting them out of storage come next fall that much easier.  To identify keepers and discards, ask yourself a series of questions about each piece. A single “No” answer means the piece really should find a new home (that is, one that’s not in your home).

Here are the things to consider:

• Do I love it?
• Would I buy it again?
• Have I worn it in the last year?

There will be pieces about which you find yourself saying “No, but…,” things you’re reluctant to get rid of.  Some are real keepers, like a wedding dress (but that type of piece belongs in deep storage, not in your main closet.)  With your true maybes, see if you can give them a second life by creating new outfits with them or adding accessories you haven’t tried before. Then, if you still wish you could change out of that piece before you’ve even left home, because you still don’t love how you feel in it, it really is time to say goodbye. Start a give-away bag, and add that item to the pile. Repeat with all your fall-winter clothes, and don’t forget accessories like shoes, belts, scarves. If they’re worn, dated, or don’t make you feel great, out they go!

Once you’ve gone through this process, you’ll have a closet full of clothes you’ll be happy to see again next fall.  Bring on the warm weather — you’re ready!

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About the Author

Don’t love what’s in your closet? DC-based writer and image consultant, Ketura Persellin, helps her clients find the style that works for them, through personalized style assessments, color analysis, closet editing, personal shopping, and other services. For more information, visit www.TheWardrobeWorkshop.com.

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“In a recent survey of Vancouverites, Montrealers and Torontonians, 31% of the urbanites polled claimed they felt more satisfied after reorganizing their closet than after having sex. If given the choice, the majority of those surveyed said they would choose more closet space (30%) over a bigger kitchen (17%) or an extra bathroom (11%).”

Read More:

Not Tonight Dear, I’m Cleaning the Closet | RealtyTimes.com | 3.14.2000

Today’s guest post is by Image Consultant, Ketura Persellin.  Check out her tips on what you should have in your closet this fall sans the clutter, of course.  Who knows, you might just find that what you need is already in your closet!

With a few crisp mornings behind us, it’s easy to get into a tailspin over what’s in our wardrobe for uswhen fall really arrives. But relax: You don’t need to spend a lot of time (and money) buying lots of new things. Instead, a few strategically selected items will bring your entire wardrobe forward so you feel current — and will keep your closet from getting out-of-control with things you didn’t need and may well never wear.

1.  A fabulous bag. A beautiful handbag should be a priority, because it will upgrade the rest of your look, even if you’re just wearing a white T-shirt and jeans. Plus, you’ll wear it day in and day out for months if not years. Take a look at the colors in your closet and pick a color that will complement them. Tip: Stay away from black, since it won’t add zing to your wardrobe and doesn’t go with anything except black (and gray). Instead, consider a bag in one of this season’s rich jewel tones, like burgundy, amethyst, or teal — and don’t worry if it doesn’t completely match everything in your closet.

2.  A white top. We’re not talking button-downs here. Instead, consider buying an interesting top in either a knit or woven fabric. The light color will make you look younger, healthier and prettier — IF you choose the right color, so take time to identify whether a cool, bright white or a warm ivory is best for you. Whichever lights up your face is the right one. The wrong color for you will make you look older and less pretty, so make sure you get this right! Then scout out a version that’s got a little intrinsic interest — some draping or ruching or a wrap detail, with a neckline that frames your face and flatters your upper torso. You’ll wear this into the ground.

3.  A big necklace. Yes, it’s the year of the statement necklace! And you don’t need to spend a fortune to get one.  I’ve occasionally found options at Target and Lane Bryant! A fabulous piece of jewelry at your neck makes everything you own look fresh, new and interesting. Just make sure the style and color of the necklace reflect your own style and coloring. If you look best in earth tones, find one with wood-like accents, a hammered finish, or organic shapes in gold or copper. If your style is more modern, you’ll do well with more sleek designs in silver-tone metal. Whatever you select, wear it for day and night, not just a special occasion.

4.  Colored tights. Here’s a great, easy update: colored, patterned tights for fall.  Enough said!

5.  Jeans. Quick, answer this! When did you buy your favorite pair of jeans? How about your second favorite pair? Styles change, so if you’re wearing jeans any older than two years, you’ll want to invest in a new pair — and chances are you’ll want to find a new home for those older ones.  That’s definitely the case if they have pleats, a high waist, or pegged legs. You can wear your jeans for so many events and occasions, so take the time to get a pair that really flatters. The most versatile finish is a dark-wash, and anyone with hips will look great  in a pair cut like trousers.

Sound overwhelming? You may want to enlist of an image consultant who can assess your personal style and current wardrobe and make recommendations for future purchases.

About the Author

Ketura Persellin is a Washington-based image consultant and writer. She believes every woman deserves a wardrobe that works as hard as she does, and that personal style should be easy. To schedule a free get-acquainted session, subscribe to her blog or  newsletter, or to view newsletter archives, visit her website at www.thewardrobeworkshop.com or contact her directly at KeturaP at aol dot com.

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Ok, so the title of today’s post may be a bit misleading, but if you watched Shark Tank recently, you know exactly what I’m talking about.  Lisa Lloyd presented a pretty nifty organizing idea to the sharks - Treasure Chest Pets - organizers that look like stuffed animals for children. Each pet has secret compartments for putting away your stuff.  So, on the outside they look like a toy, but on the inside, they keep you organized.

How cool is that?  Why not get your children involved with organizing early on, especially with when it’s fun to do it?  Sounds like a win-win to me. Even the sharks knew that. They chomped at the bit to make a deal with Lisa.

Here’s a look at one of the TC pets…

Want to see the other pets that can store CD’s and other things out of the way?  Check out this video…

“We wear 20% of the clothes we own 80% of the time.   The rest hangs there, just in case.”