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NEWSLETTER
- SPRING 2006 |
Spring Into A Clutter-Free Life
By Rod Schecter
If removing your shorts from the closet causes an avalanche,
it’s a sign that your annual spring-cleaning chores are upon
you. For most people, the closet is the first place to start. In
your mad dash to get out and enjoy the weather, you might think
that closet cleaning is an obstacle. But, in fact, a move toward
minimalism can free up future time as well as improve how you feel,
revitalizing both your emotional well being and productivity. With
space being a New York rarity, minimal mess equals maximum function
and attractiveness in a crowded living area.
Your first step involves a full-scale excavation. Pull everything
out of your closet and sort items into like piles: what to keep,
what to throw away and what to donate to charity. Remember, if you
haven’t worn it in over a year it’s time to get rid
of it!
The next step is to clean the area and determine the ideal function
of the space. What are your needs? Is it a storage space for daily
items, a neat and organized wardrobe of work clothes, a multipurpose
area, or do you simply need more space?
By further organizing your items into like groups, such as work
clothes, exercise clothes, cleaning supplies, etc. and storing them
in color-coded boxes or baskets, you can attractively camouflage
clutter and never lose efficiency. Other tricks of the trade include
storage hooks or specialized, uniform hangers. If shoes are your
passion, you can corral them by building storage racks on your closet
floor or by hanging them behind the door. Remember to maximize vertical
space by stacking seasonal items up high until you need them.
Once you have defined your space, it’s time to design a new
closet system. Do you need simple, built-in drawers or a full-scale
professional renovation? Don’t feel overwhelmed –closet
designers, contractors and professional home organizers can help
bear the burden by customizing your closet for you. Since everyone’s
organizational needs are different, the demands of your daily routine
can determine your closet’s new structure. Remember, the key
goal of closet design is to make your life easier. So, if your space
is just inefficient, you can expand or remodel your closet without
sacrificing the natural flow of your living space, providing you
with that crisp, clutter-free feeling that keeps you going all year
long.
Spring Cleaning
Using Feng Shui Principles
By Leah Ansel
It’s spring! The weather is getting warmer, the park is greener,
and it’s time to get organized. This year can be different
– you can use Feng Shui to ease the seasonal transition. Leah
Ansel provides insight to help you make it happen.
Q: Why is Spring associated with cleaning?
Spring is the time of new beginnings and growth. We need to make
space for things to grow: this is the idea of a garden but it also
represents concepts, plans and goals. The physical space is a reflection
of the mental/emotional space.
Q: Where is the best place to start?
Start with the entry to your home. This is referred to as the “mouth
of chi” in feng shui terms because this is where the chi (life
force energy) enters your space. First impressions really do count!
Clear clutter around doors and doorways. Attend to any repairs needed.
Make sure there are no obstructions, visual or physical, upon entering
your home. Welcome the freshness of Spring energy to flow in!
Q: I feel stuck. How can I get motivated to de-clutter?
The best way is to start small. Commit to organizing your sock drawer
or desktop for a set amount of time, such as 15 minutes. Stop at
the designated time. You will be amazed to find you are motivated
to take on another task!
Leah Ansel is the founder of Space Planning Technologies, which
provides Feng Shui based space organization and interior design
services. She has been practicing Feng Shui since 1991, and became
certified in 1996 from the GEO Professional Training Program in
NYC. Clients include hotels, spas, restaurants, galleries, designer
showrooms and private residences. Contact Leah at SpacePlanningTech.com.
Organize Your Closet & Organize Your Life
by Sue Zilic
With today’s busy lifestyles and increased prosperity, people
are accumulating more stuff and have less time to deal with it.
Everyone desires to be more organized, gaining a sense of control
and peace of mind. We all look for inventive solutions to give us
more time and erase the clutter.
Since the late ‘70’s people have been discovering the
unique benefits of having their home storage spaces customized.
They enjoy the added space and order that these systems bring to
their lives. Here are some of the latest trends influencing closet
design right now!
Trend #1: High Style and Total Functionality
Master suites include extra large walk-in closet spaces. Closets
are being designed to replace most dresser and armoire units in
the bedroom. The high-end closet is often a deep rich wood-grain
laminate with crown molding and decorative doors and drawer fronts.
Drawer inserts are used for jewelry and lingerie. Islands may have
granite or solid surface tops and often a chandelier is centered
above. Shoes are often housed in cubbies or on slanted shoe shelves
and entire sections of the closet may be dedicated to the storage
of shoes.
Trend # 2: Accessorizing Your Closet
There are hampers, pull-out mirrors, fold-down ironing boards and
safes. Even the standard basket has been updated for today’s
demanding styles. Baskets are available in heavy gauge polished
chrome, light or dark wicker or even a faux leather wrap. Most accessories
don’t cost a lot but add a lot to the space’s functionality.
Trend #3: Outfit & Accessory Coordination
A fast paced executive traveling multiple times a month wants to
be able to set up his/her suitcase in minutes. Suits are coordinated
in the closet with accessories and knowing exactly where that lucky
tie is makes all the difference. Using islands, benches or valet
rods to separate travel clothes speeds up the process.
Trend #4: Technology-Friendly!
To keep things even more organized, many closets are being designed
with charging stations for cell phones and lap-tops.
Closet designing is a skill, and most designers will request an
essential wardrobe inventory before beginning the design process.
A good design will meet your needs today and adapt as your needs
change in the future. While there may be several designs for a space,
there are fewer good designs that will provide full functionality
for the homeowner.
Closet design services are in high demand, and ‘Plus Closets’
has the resources to offer you the best solutions. Your first step
to a more organized life is to schedule an appointment with one
of our designers at MyHome. You can feel confident in our products
and services. |
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