Get Your Closet Under Control
Streamline your bedroom by maximizing your closet space.
You can benefit from a bedroom-closet overhaul if your clothing is smooshed together, if wasted space exists above and below a single shelf and pole, and especially if you throw away money buying duplicates of things you already have but can’t find.
Most closet organizing systems come in either coated wire, with components that hang from a rail fastened to the studs in the closet wall, or laminated particleboard, based on floor-mounted components. Choosing between wire and laminate depends less on cost than preference; wire shelving can leave “ripples” in folded cloths, but shelf liners solve the problem. Laminate, especially with drawers, looks built-in. One key to quality is metal, not plastic, hardware.
You can keep costs down by using just poles and shelving. Bigger-ticket items, such as drawers, doors and hampers, add up quickly. Anything you can put in a drawer can be put on a shelf, and you can always supplement with less-expensive components, such as bins, baskets and hampers from other sources.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
When you begin shopping, request a design consultation from each closet company to see what’s possible on your budget. Most closet organizing systems offer an online design tool with customer support. Check out EasyClosets.com (sold online only); Easy-Track.com; Elfa, sold by the Container Store (in-store consultation only); and ClosetMaid ($5 for two designs online, or complimentary in-home consultation with its MasterSuite line).
ClosetMaid’s online store sells closet organizer kits ranging from $43 to $122. In a walk-in closet, you’ll need at least one kit for each side of the closet. If you don’t want to do it yourself, you can have a reach-in closet professionally designed and installed with components from ClosetMaid’s laminate MasterSuite line for $700 to $900 for shelves only.
As a finishing touch, add wireless LED puck lights that stick or screw on, such as the motion-activated LED closet lights with swivel feature (three for $30 at www.shopgetorganized.com) or the LED light bar, with four pivoting lights ($20 at www.improvementscatalog.com).
To continue reading this article
please register for free
This is different from signing in to your print subscription
Why am I seeing this? Find out more here
-
Five Ways to Make Retirement a Little Less Scary
To avoid lying awake at night once you’re retired, consider having these strategies in place before you take the plunge.
By Evan T. Beach, CFP®, AWMA® Published
-
With Irrevocable Trusts, It’s All About Who Has Control
An irrevocable trust must be carefully funded, structured and managed to achieve both asset protection and tax planning.
By Rustin Diehl, JD, LLM Published
-
Best Foreclosure Sites for Finding Properties
Making Your Money Last Wondering how to find foreclosed homes for sale for your next residence or to flip for a profit? These websites will guide you to foreclosures and real estate-owned properties to buy.
By Bob Niedt Last updated
-
Luxury Home Prices Rise as the Rich Dodge High Mortgage Rates
Luxury home prices rose 9% to the highest third-quarter level on record, Redfin reports, growing nearly three times faster than non-luxury prices.
By Kathryn Pomroy Published
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnb
real estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
By Miriam Cross Published
-
5 Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage Rate
Becoming a Homeowner Rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan.
By Daniel Bortz Published
-
Looking to Relocate? Plan for Climate Change
buying a home Extreme weather events are on the rise. If you’re moving, make sure your new home is protected from climate change disasters.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
-
Retirees, A Healthy Condo Has a Flush Reserve Fund
Smart Buying Reserve funds for a third of homeowner and condo associations have insufficient cash, experts say. Here are some cautionary steps you should take.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein Published
-
Cash Home Buyers: New Services Offer Help Making All-Cash Offers
Becoming a Homeowner Some firms help home buyers make all-cash offers on homes. Weigh the fees before you sign on.
By Emma Patch Published
-
Home Sale Prices in the 50 Largest Metro Areas
Becoming a Homeowner What’s happening in the market where you live?
By the editors of Kiplinger's Personal Finance Published