His Side of the Closet

This closet does not look that bad but what the camera didn't capture are the open cardboard boxes sagging under unruly piles of computer cables.

A single plastic storage box with a hinged lid took the place of the two cardboard ones and created a solid space for stacking other storage. Then we could get more stuff up off the floor.  Now it is more inviting for him to choose his clothes, don't you think?

Multipurpose Closet Solutions

Off-season clothes and shoes, household cleaning supplies, gifts and gift-wrap were housed in this closet.

A quick straightening of the gift wrap area made the entire space feel neater.

As you can see, this closet's owner has the room to save and recycle wrapping paper, tissues, ribbons and boxes. But if you are short on storage space try limiting yourself to one "signature" roll of wrapping paper and ribbon.

A Clean Chicago Coat Closet

This front hall coat closet had plenty of room but it felt messy and disorganized when you opened the door.  The floor was crowded...

...and things were cockamamy on the overhead shelves.

Getting stuff off the floor was the first step. We hung the beach towels for quick access, leaving easier retrieval of the heavy yoga pad on the floor.

Then we prioritized items and moved what is currently being used THIS SEASON to the lower shelf.

Twenty minutes tops was all it took to end closet chaos.

Tidying the Bookshelf

Back at the Maine vacation home, the bookshelves are bursting. Look at this one! Chaos! It's hard to even find a summer novel to read.

Without eliminating a single book the shelves now look better and are more functional. 30 minutes did the trick.

Showing Off Your Stuff

Unless you lived in a catalogue, you would not ordinarily think of displaying the contents of your linen closet. But the owner of this Maine cottage had a different idea.

Her tiny closet lacked doors, so she put her resources into colorful baskets that compliment her towels and - voila! - her closet is a work of art.