A common problem among all home owners and renters is the dreaded “junk closet”.  Everyone has one, the closet they fear a guest will open and all their dirty secrets will be revealed, and for most it’s their front hall closet.

Ever wonder why it is so hard to keep an entry closet neat? When we come home, we enter a comfort zone.  We are done with work and our immediate reaction is to let go of everything from the outside world.  Everything we have been carrying around all day usually ends up at the first place we stop, like the hall closet. Most have plans to eventually clean-up the closet, but feel overwhelmed with the task.  Have no fear; here are a few tips to help you tackle the task.

First you need to narrow down to the necessities.  Put the coats you do not need into storage. Organize all the contents, if there are things that belong better in the garage, move them there.  Items that are used frequently, like an umbrella, ironing board, and the stadium chair all earn a specific place to stay.

Paint the closet an inspiring color, make it seem like it is part of the décor.  When a storage spot is easy to look at, you will feel more inclined to keep it neat.

For the things staying in the closet, you need the right storage containers for them.  Boxes that completely fill shelves are ideal, since they leave no space for a mess.  They do fill up every now and then and need a good purging.  Storage boxes are good to put items that are not used every day.  Open baskets that can slide out or placed on the floor to stash thing that are used more often.

Last, make storage space where there was no space before.  Raise the top shelf and clothing rod about six inches.  Adding a shelving unit in the closet makes use of a vertical space that was dead before.  The back of the door also has more space from a hook rack.  It makes a great temporary space for coats and a permanent home for scarves and hats.

To keep the closet clean, on your way through the front door, take stock of everything you are carrying.  As soon as you walk through the door, go put them in their proper places; putting off organization leads to a slippery slope of a closet full of junk.

As always, The Mickey Group is here for all your Philadelphia Real Estate needs. Feel free to call or visit our website.