When I was laying out the plan for my Master Closet Makeover and looking to create a new closet space for my husband, I did a lot of homework.  That’s the fun kind where you get to dream about all the possibilities of a new space by looking through tons of pictures.  I made notes of what I liked about some of the closets that I saw so I could incorporate those ideas into my own.

After completing both new spaces, I thought it might be helpful to share what I learned along the way as well my own ideas about how to make your closet work better for you.

Here is my totally transformed Master Closet:

Seeing the before will really help you appreciate this makeover!   You can see the full transformation here.

I did my best to maximize this small space!

Now for those tips I promised…

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Keep a container in your closet to hold a sewing kit, a small pair of scissors, and all those extra buttons and doodads that come with your clothes. You’ll be more likely to fix that loose button or cut new tags off without using your teeth if you have these things close by.

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Use bins to hide all those loose items. Bins are a no-brainer but try to use them in groups of three or more.  Too many different styles can add to a closet’s cluttered feel.  I used two different kinds but several of each.

They don’t have to be expensive to look great.  Michaels always runs great sales on baskets. These came lined and were 50%off. I don’t think I paid more than about $8 each.  The fabric bins up top are from Target and sell for $6-$7 each.

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You can maximize your closet’s storage potential by taking storage all the way to the ceiling with bins to hold items you don’t need everyday.

Keep a stool or small chair close by to reach those out of the way items.  That will make it easier for you to stick to putting things away properly.

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Store shoes in clear plastic containers. I did not follow this one myself and that is the main reason I am sharing this one.  My shoes are displayed out in the open and get terribly dusty!  Like I said in my closet reveal, I don’t own a lot of beautiful shoes, but if I did that might be an investment I’d be likely to make.

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Add personal touches.  Add some personality to your closet like photos of your kids, a fun sign, or a cherished doll from your childhood.  Something that makes you smile when you open your closet.

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Make it pretty! I see homes that are gorgeous until you open a closet and see builder grade flat white paint with a million scuff marks.  Paint it! Wallpaper it! Give it new life.  I used leftover wallpaper remnants from my master bath redo that I pieced together.  I could only come up with enough to cover a small area so I used it on the back wall on either side of the shoe shelving.

The rest of the closet I painted with leftover paint from the master bath redo (mostly because I’m cheap)!  This would be a great place to be a little bold or use really girly colors (especially if you have a house full of boys like me) because most closets can be closed off and only you know its there:)

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Find a way to incorporate everything you need to get dressed in the morning into one space.  I moved all my undergarments to the closet and now I can jump out of the shower and the only stop I have to make is my closet for everything I need.  It kills me now to have to get my PJs from the dresser! (Maybe  I could add just one more bin…)

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Hang your pants on top. Nothing looks messier than the bottoms of all the shirts right in your face.  Pants can be hung uniformly and all fall at about the same height which is more pleasing to the eye.

You can also consider lowering the hanging bar in part of your closet and adding additional shelving  above it.  The tops of the hangers all hanging at the same height (just below eye level)  gives a much cleaner appearance. (Plus now you’ll have a place for those undergarments:)

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Use all the same hangers!  I used to jump at the chance to keep my hangers when the sales woman offered them because, hey, free hangers, right?  I also used to be sucked in by beautiful colored hangers. I had three shades of pink, coral, white, all such pretty colors. However, they looked sloppy and mismatched! I finally changed them out for new ones and now they are all the same and make a huge difference!

This doesn’t have to be a bank buster.  The ones I chose came from Walmart. They came in packs of five for around $2.50.  Plus, they are super slim so I can pack a lot more into my closet and the velvety coating prevents garments from slipping off!

You don’t even have to spend that much. I replaced all my husband’s hangers with these plastic ones from Target.  At $2.99 for a pack of 18, it’s was really inexpensive. Using all the same color  looks so neat and orderly.

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Finally, kick your honey out! I mean keep your man, just kick him out of your closet.  BUT make sure he has somewhere else to go first!  (And you might want to do it when he’s out of town ask his permission first!)  After all, how can you make it the girly closet of your dreams if Prince Charming is taking up half of  it?

Not all of these suggestions may work in your situation but hopefully there’s something in there you can use.

I’d love to hear your suggestions!

XO,

Linking up to:

I Heart Naptime

Jennifer Rizzo

Common Ground

French Country Cottage

House of Hepworths

The Shabby Creek Cottage

Savvy Southern Style

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