Using the vertical space in your home is one way to keep things in order. You may be able to install a corner cabinet or some extra shelving around the house to get things spread out a little better. Have you ever looked at perfectly decorated homes in magazines and thought, “Well, there just must not be any people living there.”? The truth is that people that live in these immaculate homes do own books, software, office supplies, school supplies, laundry, photos, and more, just like you. So where are they hiding it?

That’s actually the answer, right there! They’re hiding it in secret storage bins that are disguised as little trinkets or decorations around their home. Did you notice the decorative trunk by the front door? It may be full of shoes or newspapers waiting to be taken out with the recycling. Decorative boxes are great for storing items that you use around your home. They can be used as book ends, placed on end tables, sit on the mantle, or just be sitting in the window sill. You could have all kinds of craft supplies, pens, tape, magazines, throw blankets, and more sitting all over the living room and no one would ever know it.

Another way to keep clutter away from your living areas is to utilize storage space in your closets. I know what you’re thinking. Most people have a closet that is already full to the hilt with their clothes, shoes, luggage, and linens. However, using this same technique of hiding and thinking “vertical space”, you can double or triple the space in your closet in no time. Just putting in a few shelves that reach high in the closet can give you room to store all of those little extra things that do not have a good place to go.

You can use flat hangers that fit closely together on the bar to make a little more room than you had before. There are space saving hangers, like velvet hangers, that keep your clothes flat and wrinkle free while creating space that you didn’t know you had before. You can cascade hangers and utilize hangers that hold multiple skirts or several pairs of pants to make even more room. Get a little creative and you’ll have that magazine home in no time!

About the Author: Rick Miller is on the staff of Only Slimline Hangers, a leading online resource for velvet hangers which are space saving hangers, non slip hangers and slim line hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.onlyslimlinehangers.com.

1) Rule number one of keeping a clutter-free home is to always practice “in with the new, out with the old”. If you buy something new, then you must get rid of something old. We are a society that purchases a lot of things. If we’re constantly bringing in a cup, a shirt, a gadget, a trophy, or even bulk food items, then we are constantly reducing our storage space. Getting rid of something old every time you bring in something new, ensures that you are not in a constant state of storage space emergency.

2) Getting rid of things that we no longer use is also essential. Periodically go through your drawers and closets to see what your family has outgrown or simply quit using. Donate these items to charity, take them to a consignment shop, have a yard sale, or put them up for auction online. Do something to keep your belongings in check.

3) Coats and shoes are common clutter items. These items are generally expensive and we are reluctant to get rid of them when the time comes. Scuffs, gouges, scrapes, dirt and more can make a pair of shoes unattractive to us. Even though we don’t wear them anymore, we try to hold onto them because they are still “good”. Coats are the same way. You may have several coats that are appropriate for different occasions and different weather. Try to get these items narrowed down so that you don’t have so many bulky items cramming your closets full.

Use space saving hangers, like velvet hangers, to get you clothes in the closet under control in a small amount of space. Using the hanger piggy-back method can double your available space, leaving yourself room to make special places for the problem items in your home.

About the Author: Rick Miller is on the staff of Only Slimline Hangers, a leading online resource for velvet hangers which are space saving hangers, non slip hangers and slim line hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.onlyslimlinehangers.com.

1) Clear out what you are never going to use or wear again. You may have more in your closet than you realize. Scuffed shoes, out of style jeans, even old camera chargers or birthday cards. Get rid of whatever you can bear to part with. Ask yourself what really is important here. If you have a lot of sentimental clothing, take pictures of it, or cut it up and use the scraps to make a memory pillow or blanket. Have a garage sale or give clothes to charity. You will feel like a giant weight has been lifted when you thin out the amount of stuff that you keep in your closet.

2) Clean the closet. This area of the house can go years without being dusted or vacuumed. It can be the sneaky source of mold, mildew and allergens. Clean your closet really well before putting anything back inside. Baseboards, carpet, hanging rails and shelves should be dusted and thoroughly cleaned. This will also ensure that you do not leave anything in the closet that should come out.

3) Replace old hangers with matching slimline hangers. These space saving hangers will make a huge difference in your closet. Use cascading hooks to create double the space on your hanging bar. You can quickly identify outfits when you are in a hurry. You can save space while preventing wrinkled clothing. These space saving hangers have an ultra-thin design, but they are very sturdy. They have a velvety finish that keeps clothing from slipping off on to the floor. Hang up only what you wear now, in this season.

4) Store out of season items. Not only should your opposite season wardrobe be stored, but you should also store clothes that you hope to fit back into someday. Some people have as many as four wardrobes stuffed into one closet! That is four wardrobes for each season, plus they may have a spouse with the same problem. There is no way that a conventional closet can hold all of that stuff. Some people get rid of smaller clothing, vowing that if they lose the weight, that they will deserve new, more modern clothes. Or, create a container that stores each size of clothing that you own. Store it in a spare bedroom, basement or garage until you need it.

Getting the junk out and organizing what you actually wear can make a huge difference in your closet. Using space saving hangers can make your closet a dream to look into and use.

About the Author: Rick Miller is on the staff of Only Slimline Hangers, a leading online resource for slimlinehangers which are space saving hangers, non slip hangers and slim line hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.onlyslimlinehangers.com.

1) Okay, so you do need to get rid of some things. “Out with the old and in with the new” is a great thing to keep in mind. When we get new clothes and shoes, we tend to quit wearing some of the old items. However, it can be difficult to part with old things because they may still fit, still be usable, or we still like them, but just don’t ever wear them anymore. Many people let things hang around their closets for years, in usable condition, before ever considering getting rid of them. Give what you can part with to charity, sell some things, hand them down, or simply throw them out. As new things come in, go through your old things again and see if the new items replace any of the old ones.

2) Keep a “give away” bin, bag, or basket in your closet so that you can easily and consistently keep up with letting things go. Use other bins for organizing smaller items so that you closet doesn’t become a huge cluttered mess. You can install some small shelves in the front corner of the closet, along the floor, or on top of an existing top storage shelf. You just need some cubby style spaces to keep bins and baskets to stay organized. Use them for socks, gloves, scarves, hats, pajamas, underwear, and more. These bins not only help you to stay organized, but they also keep things looking tidy.

3) If you still need more room in your closet, consider using clothing hangers that are designed to either save space or help you organize. You can use specialty hangers, like scarf hangers, tie hangers, belt hangers, or cascading hangers to hold multiple items in the space of one hanger. Using space saving hangers is necessary if you have a small closet or want to keep a lot in one place. Space saving hangers, like velvet hangers, help you to cascade items. They also have a flat design to hold things closely together in a small space.

About the Author: Rick Miller is on the staff of Only Slimline Hangers, a leading online resource for velvet hangers which are space saving hangers, non slip hangers and slim line hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.onlyslimlinehangers.com.

1) Reuse containers that your food comes in if you are able to wash it. Butter tubs can be used for craft supplies, two liter soda bottles can be used for dispensing yarn, oatmeal canisters can be used for toys. The possibilities are endless and you can make space by organizing all of those little things that can make an area turn into a heap of junk.

2) Make space under the bed and furniture. Risers are readily available and are so useful when it comes to making space. Risers are plastic stands that go under the legs and feet of your beds, couches, end tables and more. You can raise up an end table, cover it with a table cloth or sheet, and have instant living room storage underneath. By raising up your couch, you can store things under it. You can store toys, large shallow containers filled with winter coats, art supplies, or even your broom. You can do the same thing with your beds, making instant space for storing out of season clothes, books, files, shoes, or anything else.

3) Installing small shelves in the kitchen can double your pantry space. Start by cutting and staining boards that are 6” wide. Install them about 8” apart on a side wall of your kitchen. These are perfect for storing all of your canned goods, freeing up cabinet space. You can install doors on the front, a sheer curtain, or just leave it open to give your kitchen that charming country feel.

4) Use bags that you can suck the air out of with your vacuum for storing bulky clothes and linens. These space saving bags can save up to 80% of the little space that you have available. You can stack thick comforters, sweaters, sheets and more in a fraction of the space that they took up in the linen closet. Another benefit of this is that they come out smelling as nice as when you put them in!

5) Get rid of whatever junk you can. We tend to hoard things that we think we can use later. Donate extra office supplies to your local school or church. Clothing can be donated to help clear out space in your closet. Once you get it cleared out, you can still save more closet space by using space saving hangers, like velvet hangers to maximize the space that you have left.

About the Author: Rick Miller is on the staff of Only Slimline Hangers, a leading online resource for velvet hangers which are space saving hangers, non slip hangers and slim line hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.onlyslimlinehangers.com.

1. Get out of season clothes out of the closet. Winter clothes especially are bulky and take up a lot of space. They either eat up the closet with huge bins, or require more space than you can make on your hanging bar. The key is to get some of that out of the closet. Instead of storing out of season clothing in the closet when you’re not using them, find some attic, garage, or spare bedroom space for storage. Use containers that seal out moisture and protect your clothes from insects. Cedar closet accessories are great for keeping clothes smelling fresh, repelling insects, and absorbing moisture.

2. What if your closet is still crowded after you remove the alternate season’s clothes? You can make extra room by getting the bulkiest items out of there. Big coats and comforters take up a lot of space. Comforters can be stored in big bags that you can vacuum the air out of. You’ll be shocked how much smaller they get! Then you can simply prop them against the wall behind your hanging clothes and they’re off the shelf completely. You can hang big coats on a wall mounted bar outside of the closet. Dress it up a bit with wooden coat hangers and you won’t mind having it as part of your décor. You can also use a portable garment rack to keep clothes that aren’t used very often out of sight.

3. Once you’ve done that, you closet should be getting better. Give away as many clothes as you can. If you are storing something that you didn’t wear last season, then you’re probably going to care about it even less when it comes out of storage again. Have an exchange with friends and give whatever is left to charity. Another option is to have a garage sale and use the money to update your closet.

4. Install some shelving that accommodates the items that you own. If you waste a lot of vertical space because shorter items sit on deep shelves, then add some smaller shelves or cubbies on top of the existing shelf. A simple riser or divider can double the space in the closet storage areas.

5. Make the absolute most of closet space by utilizing space saving hangers, like velvet hangers. These new hangers are super strong and have a velvet coating to prevent clothes from slipping and ending up in the floor. They come in different styles that can hold multiple items on one space saving hanger. You’ll love the look and be shocked at how much space these slim velvet hangers can make.

About the Author: Rick Miller is on the staff of Only Slimline Hangers, a leading online resource for velvet hangers which are space saving hangers, non slip hangers and slim line hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.onlyslimlinehangers.com.

1) Traditional closets waste a lot of space. Consider removing the old “rod and shelf” and put up some inexpensive shelving. There are so many options on the market today and most are very sturdy and easy to install.

2) Donate what you can to charity. Most people report having a lot of the same clothes in their closet that have been there for ten years! You really should go through and get rid of out of date clothes. You probably rotate between your favorite outfits and ignore the rest. Slimming down your belongings is a quick and easy way to make more room.

3) Store sentimental clothing outside of the closet. If you must keep your prom dress for twenty years, consider having it heir loomed. Most cleaners offer this service. They will clean the dress and then seal it in an acid free container that will keep your dress in great shape. Plus you can store that box in the attic, under a bed or in the garage without worrying about the dress.

4) Store out of season clothing rather than leaving it in the closet. A rolling garment rack with a cover is a great way to store clothing without taking it off of the hanger. Your clothes will be protected from dust, wrinkles and musty smells. You can keep the rack in a spare bedroom, garage, basement, or even just in a corner of your room. But, getting those clothes out of the way will be priceless when it comes to creating some space and staying organized.

5) Create a system that will help you keep things clear. Hang all of your clothes hangers backwards on the bar. As you do laundry and hang up things that you have worn, hang them the right way. When the season comes to an end and you are ready to switch out your wardrobe, give away the clothes that are still hanging backwards. This will help you to get rid of things that you don’t wear without wondering if you’ll ever use them again. If you didn’t use them this year, chances are you won’t miss it.

6) Use clever ways of making space. Using space saving hangers is a quick and easy way to create a lot of space in a very short amount of time. Space saving hangers, like velvet hangers, are very slim, yet sturdy. They grip clothing to keep it from ending up on the floor, help clothing keep its shape, and fit closely together to make a lot of room. You can even add specialty hangers like pants hangers that hold a lot of items on one hanger. Cascading hooks and other closet accessories will help you to create even more space as needed.

About the Author: Rick Miller is on the staff of Only Slimline Hangers, a leading online resource for velvet hangers which are space saving hangers, non slip hangers and slim line hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.onlyslimlinehangers.com.

1) Get your other clothes out. Get rid of whatever you didn’t wear over the summer. You can donate clothing to charity, a friend or family member, or even sell it on consignment. If you didn’t wear it this year, then chances are it just doesn’t fit right, it’s out of style, or you simply don’t like it enough.

2) Store your summer clothes. You can use boxes and bins or store them on a rolling garment rack. You can make extra room on the garment rack by using space saving hangers that cascade off of each other. This allows you to piggy-back lots of items on one hanger. You will be surprised how many articles of clothing you can hang on one garment rack. Throw on the plastic or canvas cover and you’re set for the winter.

3) Keep musty odors down in your stored clothes by throwing in a few used dryer sheets. Fresh dryer sheets will deposit a waxy substance on your clothes, which you can see on dark fabrics. If you really want your clothes to smell a lot like the dryer sheet, consider taping it inside the lid so that it’s not touching any of your clothing. The smell that happens when clothes are stored is actually mold. Use cedar hangers or cedar closet accessories to absorb the moisture and odors, keeping mold from forming.

4) Go through your winter clothes. Take the time to actually try things on. If something doesn’t fit right, has a stain that won’t come out, or if you just don’t think you’ll wear it, go ahead and get rid of it. Winter clothes are bulky and take up a lot of room. Not only are they bulkier, but add coats on top of it and your closet can become quickly packed. Make room by using space saving hangers, like velvet hangers. These are shaped correctly and are strong enough to hang your heaviest coats. They keep everything close together.

5) If you still don’t have room, consider cascading hooks and pants hangers. Pants hangers hold three to six pairs of pants on one hanger. They hang flat against each other so they don’t get wrinkled. Velvet hangers also have optional cascading hooks and clips. The hooks hang over the neck of the hangers and make a space for another hanger to hang. You can pair up pants and shirts that go together, or simply hang as many shirts as you want on one hanger. You can cascade hanger after hanger until you have the space that you need. You can triple the space in your closet using velvet hangers. Space saving hangers are an inexpensive, effective option over installing an elaborate closet system.

About the Author: Rick Miller is on the staff of Only Slimline Hangers, a leading online resource for velvet hangers which are space saving hangers, non slip hangers and slim line hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.onlyslimlinehangers.com.

If you have a big closet or an extremely packed closet, then you may need to schedule quite a few hours or even a day to spend focusing on the problem. Most closets have one thing in common: inadequate storage space.

You probably do have enough storage space, but the arrangement is all wrong. Just like homes, the square footage can be low, but the layout can make all the difference. Think efficiency. You want the things that you use most to be front and center. Accessibility is important when you’re creating usable space.

Make the most of square footage. This is where you should sit down with a pen and paper and start drawing up designs. You don’t have to get fancy, but figure out where your belongings will go before you start.

This can be a lot easier if you categorize your clothing. Hanging shirts, pants, skirts, and dresses in their own sections of the closet can help you quickly get ready in the mornings. Plus, by hanging short items all together, you free up some space below. A lot of times, simply rearranging the order of clothing is all that it takes to start organizing.

There is no hard-fast rule here. If it is easier for you to keep your work clothes in one section, work-out clothes in another, and your casual wear all separated, then by all means, do it that way. Some people like the uniformity of arranging by color.

It may be a good idea to get some other minds involved in your design. Friends or family members may have some creative ideas if you’re running short. You may need to invest a little money to implement your design, but you don’t have to spend a fortune.

Find spaces in your closet that aren’t being used and install shelves, cubbies or extra rails. You’re not stuck with the standard bar and shelf that most closets have. If you started with a completely empty space, what would you do with it? Is there a way to make that happen? Do you need special spaces for certain things like photos, electronics or hobby supplies? Design the closet that fits your belongings.

Save extra space by using space saving hangers, called slimlinehangers. They grip clothing with their velvety finish. They’re super thin, yet really durable. They make your clothing hang in a tiny amount of space. Install hooks for tote bags, purses and robes. Install drawers or use bins for ties, belts and socks. When everything has a place to go, it won’t be crammed in any longer.

About the Author: Rick Miller is on the staff of Only Slimline Hangers, a leading online resource for slimlinehangers which are space saving hangers, non slip hangers and slim line hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.onlyslimlinehangers.com.

1) Clear out what you are never going to use or wear again. You may have more in your closet than you realize. Scuffed shoes, out of style jeans, even old camera chargers or birthday cards. Get rid of whatever you can bear to part with. Ask yourself what really is important here. If you have a lot of sentimental clothing, take pictures of it, or cut it up and use the scraps to make a memory pillow or blanket. Have a garage sale or give clothes to charity. You will feel like a giant weight has been lifted when you thin out the amount of stuff that you keep in your closet.

2) Clean the closet. This area of the house can go years without being dusted or vacuumed. It can be the sneaky source of mold, mildew and allergens. Clean your closet really well before putting anything back inside. Baseboards, carpet, hanging rails and shelves should be dusted and thoroughly cleaned. This will also ensure that you do not leave anything in the closet that should come out.

3) Replace old hangers with matching slimline hangers. These space saving hangers will make a huge difference in your closet. Use cascading hooks to create double the space on your hanging bar. You can quickly identify outfits when you are in a hurry. You can save space while preventing wrinkled clothing. These space saving hangers have an ultra-thin design, but they are very sturdy. They have a velvety finish that keeps clothing from slipping off on to the floor. Hang up only what you wear now, in this season.

4) Store out of season items. Not only should your opposite season wardrobe be stored, but you should also store clothes that you hope to fit back into someday. Some people have as many as four wardrobes stuffed into one closet! That is four wardrobes for each season, plus they may have a spouse with the same problem. There is no way that a conventional closet can hold all of that stuff. Some people get rid of smaller clothing, vowing that if they lose the weight, that they will deserve new, more modern clothes. Or, create a container that stores each size of clothing that you own. Store it in a spare bedroom, basement or garage until you need it.

Getting the junk out and organizing what you actually wear can make a huge difference in your closet. Using space saving hangers can make your closet a dream to look into and use.

About the Author: Rick Miller is on the staff of Only Slimline Hangers, a leading online resource for slimlinehangers which are space saving hangers, non slip hangers and slim line hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.onlyslimlinehangers.com.