Sunday, June 21, 2009

Coat Closet Buying Guide

What type of coat hanger do you use? Are you happy with it? There are some things to consider when purchasing coat hangers. You should use this guide to be sure that you considered every aspect of your coat closet needs before you make a purchase you could regret.

Quality is the most important thing. You do not want to be replacing coat hangers every couple of years. If they break, then you risk damaging your coats. If they bend, then your coats fall to the floor. If they overlap on the bar, then your closet looks like a disorganized mess. A lot of people have shotty, mismatched hangers in their closets. It can be a nightmare for a coat closet, in particular. You need sturdy, dependable hangers that look nice, keep your coats from losing their shape, and also keep coats slightly separated on the bar.

Remember that all coat hangers are not created equal. Wood hangers are the most popular, sturdiest, and most attractive hanger on the market. However, not all wood hangers are created equal. Some wood hangers have recently become available in discount department stores for very reasonable prices. But, if you take one and try to bend it, you will see that it easily snaps like a twig. That defeats the purpose of the wood hanger.

Wood hangers should be the pinnacle of hanger quality and style. High quality wood hangers are made from hard woods like walnut, cherry or oak. Cedar wood hangers are most popular because of their beauty, aroma and strength. The environmentally conscious consumer loves the strength and durability of the lightweight bamboo hanger. Make sure that the wood hanger you choose comes from a reputable manufacturer.

Buying straight from the manufacturer usually gets you more bang for your buck. You can get higher quality hangers at lower prices. You can also get deals on buying in quantity. When you buy online, it is easy to find consumer’s comments about the quality of service and product that they received from different manufacturers.

Wood hangers are available in many different styles and finishes. Some are contoured to help suits and dress coats maintain their shape at the shoulders. Some have clips, notches or removable bars. Make sure that the wood hangers you choose do not have sharp edges on the clips that can snag and ruin your coats. Getting a variety of hangers for your coat closet will help you hang each coat on the hanger that is best.

Once your closet is stocked with the best wood hangers on the market, you may never have to replace them again.

About the Author: Joe Granville is on the staff of Only Hangers, a leading online resource for wood hangers, coat hangers and all types of clothes hangers which is recognized for the excellent quality and value of its wood hanger and coat hanger offerings. For more information, please visit http://www.onlyhangers.com .

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Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Getting Your Closet Organized Fast

Organizing your closet can be fun and fulfilling. Do it yourself instead of hiring a professional. You will get your closet just how you want it without spending much money or relying on someone else's judgment.

Make a plan for yourself and follow these rules:

1) Get rid of everything you possibly can.

2) Give clothing, shoes, purses, belts, ties and coats to a charity that accepts clothing donations. These items are often tax deductible.

3) Items that are in good enough condition can be sold to consignment shops or put out in a garage sale. If you have trouble selling or giving away clothes that mean something to you, go shopping for new items. Set a goal for how much money you need to make to replace the old items with new ones.

4) Commemorate heirlooms. Take photographs of important articles so that you can enjoy them after they are gone. If they are very important to you, then you should have them sealed in an acid free box so that they will last for generations to come. Otherwise, keep a scrap of fabric or just the photo.

5) Get rid of shoes, belts and purses. Many people keep shoes, belts and handbags for many, many years. These items may still be good, but they gave you a blister, or they don't match anything. Maybe they are just out of date. Give those items to a charity, or have a swap party. Friends can get together and bring all of their gently used purses, belts, hats and shoes. Use dice to determine who goes first and take turns swapping items. When everyone has what they want, you can donate the rest to charity.

6) Sometimes we just want to keep those cute clothes that no longer fit. If it is possible for you to get back into them, keep them. Just store them outside of your every day closet. Large containers can be labeled with signs that dictate the size or weight you need to be to get into them. You do not have to get rid of them if you get them out of the way for a while. Then it will be so exciting when you are able to take down that box and swap out the wardrobes.

Update your closet with some high quality wood hangers to complete the task of organizing your closet. It will give you great joy to see your closet spacious, neat and uncluttered. Getting organized does not take long and it is well worth the effort.

About the Author: Joe Granville is on the staff of Only Hangers, a leading online resource for wood hangers, coat hangers and all types of clothes hangers which is recognized for the excellent quality and value of its wood hanger and coat hanger offerings. For more information, please visit http://www.onlyhangers.com.

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Sunday, June 14, 2009

Custom Coat Closets

Design a coat closet that suits your taste and your style. From choosing the right hanger to creating space you did not know you had, these tips will get your brain turning so that you can create the closet of your dreams.

1) Sensible: The sensible coat closet is only filled with coats and winter accessories. The scarves, hats and gloves should all have a special place to go. Their cubbies or containers should be well ventilated to allow for drying. Cedar coat hangers should be used to absorb moisture and prevent mildew. They also protect coats from moths and bad smells that can build up in a closet that is seldom open or is often exposed to dampness.

2) Cheap and Easy: If you do not want to spend a fortune organizing your coat closet, but you need to create some serious space, then you will need some specialty hangers. To create space and avoid that cram-packed look, use hangers with clips and hooks to take the place of drawers and shelves. Not only will this save you money, but space and time as well. Hang accessories, such as ties, vests, scarves and hats on hangers designed to cascade them down. You can put multiple coordinating or like items on one hanger and save yourself some space. Use slim line coat hangers to get that sturdiness that you need with the slim fit that you desire.

3) Organization Lover: The organization lover needs a special place for everything that they own. The coat closet will not be left out. This is, after all, where you come when you are in a hurry to get out the door. You need it to be organized to serve its purpose. This is where space can seriously become an issue. Bulky coats and the need to store everything from shoes to bookbags can leave you feeling helpless. But, with just a few additions, you can get it organized. Over-the-door hangers and pantry organizers can give you a place to put all of those tiny objects that need to be close at hand, but not stuffed in a bin somewhere. Gloves, keys, phones, tote bags, sunscreen, hats and more can be easily stored in separate bins on the door organizer. Use special hangers for each family member and your closet will be organized in no time.

4) Coat Collector: If you have a lot of coats, you are probably a true coat lover. Make sure you take care of your treasured collection by using special coat hangers. Wood hangers or cedar hangers are best for taking care of your coats. They are correctly shaped to keep shoulders from slumping or slipping on to the floor. They keep coats ever so slightly separated so that they do not become crammed and damaged. Cedar hangers protect them from moisture, odor and pests.

Choose the type of coat closet that best suits you. Make sure that you purchase the proper coat hangersfor your needs and you will be on your way to the coat closet you have always dreamed of.


About the Author: Joe Granville is on the staff of Only Hangers, a leading online resource for wood hangers, coat hangers and all types of clothes hangers which is recognized for the excellent quality and value of its wood hanger and coat hanger offerings. For more information, please visit http://www.onlyhangers.com .

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Designer Closet Ideas

Choosing the type of closet you want can say a lot about your style. Choose a closet that fits your personality, taste, needs and space. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1) Utilitarian: This closet looks great with metal hangers, either chrome or brushed nickel. Dark woods with contrasting frosted or beveled glass look great. Or, you may choose to go with a stainless or strict shelving system. Either way, your closet will surely look sharp, neat and clean.

2) Minimalist: The minimalist likes to store only what he or she needs and uses often. They like the appearance of empty space while having everything that they need close at hand. The minimalist closet can be accentuated with cleverly designed shelves and drawers that disguise the amount of things that are being stored. For example, some drawers can be mounted to the wall with no legs or stands touching the floor. Alternating drawers with shelves can keep bulky points spread out for a more open look. Use slim line hangers or metal hangers for a really sleek look.

3) Organization Specialist: The organization specialist needs somewhere to put everything that they own. Shoes, sporting goods, linens, suitcases, coats, hats and even jewelry can be stored in a properly laid out closet. Cubby holes, drawers with dividers, hooks and lots of specialty hangers are essential for the organization specialist closet. Wooden hangers with cascading hooks, bars and merchandising slats can help one hanger do the job of two or more. Skirt hangers that hold five skirts, pants hangers that allow pants to slip out the front, and hangers that hold pants and tops together can make your closet the most organized it has ever been.

4) Sleek: Sleek does not have to be minimal. Sleek closets can simply have convenient, yet understated additions, such as slim drawers, hooks and hidden storage. For that extra sleek look, you should choose wood hangers that match your closet system. Make sure that shoes are stored away and nothing is out of place. Your closet can be sleek and neat in no time.

5) Glamorous: For the glamorous closet you desire, a few essential touches will make it your own. Satin hangers for delicate items are a must. Decadent lighting, proper storage and a lot of room for shoes will make your closet glamorous. Add beaded Glam Hangers to the mix for a truly upscale wonder. With sparkles, art and indulgent hangers, your closet will be the most glamorous you have seen.

6) Old World Style: If you love the look of old world style furniture and fixtures, you will definitely need old fashioned cedar wood hangers in your closet. Cedar has that woody aroma that makes your closet feel like your grandmother’s. The wood is beautiful and will protect your clothing for many, many years. These sturdy wood hangers are a must have in any old world closet.

About the Author: Joe Granville is on the staff of Only Hangers, a leading online resource for wood hangers, coat hangers and all types of clothes hangers which is recognized for the excellent quality and value of its wood hanger and coat hanger offerings. For more information, please visit http://www.onlyhangers.com .

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Monday, June 8, 2009

Coat Closet Tips

Coat closets usually hold a lot of storage items alongside items that you use every day. The unusual array of stuff can lead to disorganization and clutter. Many people do not know where to start when organizing a coat closet. It may seem like an insurmountable task when everything is packed in so tight that you cannot imagine making space in there.

First you should make a list of things that you do not like about the closet. For example, there may be a mountain of boots and shoes. It can be nearly impossible to find two of a kind without digging through and pulling everything out. Do you use your coat closet for wet snow boots? That can lead to mildew and a smell that is hard to get out of your coats. Maybe you have some plastic drawers that make it hard to tell what is stored in there and why it needs to be in the coat closet at all.

Many people have lots of coats that take up a lot of space. If you have nine foot ceilings, you have plenty of space for two levels of coats. You may want to invest a little in a hanger retriever, which helps you retrieve hangers from the top bar. They are very inexpensive and easy to use. This one trick can help you double your closet space.

If you have a lot of shorter coats or blazers, or a lot of children’s coats, you can get away with putting two bars in a closet with an eight foot ceiling. If you do not have a lot of coats and could use more storage for shoes, purses, scarves and blankets, you may be able to put a bar on each side of the closet. Then you will have lots of free space for installing shelves, drawers and cubbies on the back wall. Hooks are useful for tote bags and other items that you don’t want to pile up on the floor.

If you feel like you need to use drawers, try clear acrylic drawers so that you can easily see what is inside. Bins and baskets can help keep things organized with like items. If you need to store large bulky items, such as quilts or blankets, consider vacuum storage bags. Sucking the air out of these bags makes a big blanket take up a tiny space. Plus, you can still see what is inside.

To keep odors, moisture and mildew at bay, use cedar coat hangers in your coat closet. Getting organized will make your day and life run much smoother.

About the Author: Joe Granville is on the staff of Only Hangers, a leading online resource for wood hangers, coat hangers and all types of clothes hangers which is recognized for the excellent quality and value of its wood hanger and coat hanger offerings. For more information, please visit http://www.onlyhangers.com .

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Monday, June 1, 2009

Get Your Closet Summer Ready

It is time to store away those warm winter clothes and welcome the summer months. The first step in getting your summer closet organized is to remove just about everything from the closet. Use the bed as a staging area to streamline your assessment. Separate your winter clothes from your summer clothes and get ready to organize.

Big coats and bulky sweaters take up so much space. Use specialty coat hangers to ensure that your coats are not badly wrinkled or misshapen during summer storage. You can usually stow them near the back of the closet or in a spare bedroom. Get boxes, plastic containers or big plastic bags for the rest of your winter wardrobe. If you put them into a garage or basement, make sure that they are airtight. If you need to create room for the winter clothes, consider using large shallow containers that will slide under your bed.

Winter boots and shoes are not really usable in the summer, so put them away, too. Store them with an open box of baking soda, cedar closet accessories or dryer sheets to help keep odors at bay. Shoes can smell when bacteria build up. Here’s a trick for you. A good way to kill the bacteria is to freeze your shoes before you store them. Put them in large plastic bags that seal and stow them in the freezer overnight. Store them for the summer and you will find that they are fresh when you take them out again.

Summer clothes do not take up much room, but you may have more items that need to be organized. Beach bags, swim suits, swim cover-ups and beach towels may be added to your closet this summer. Use a small dresser or install some small cubby-hole shelving in a corner of your closet to keep these items organized.

We go through a lot of clothing in the summer months. We sweat, garden, swim and work in our summer clothes, so there can be a lot of laundry. Get a good system down so that laundry does not sneak up on you and get out of control. Place a small bin in your closet or near your closet that is just for wet or sweaty clothing. This can be kept separate from your other laundry and washed often to avoid mildew. It also keeps items that you wear over and over, like your swim suit, clean and handy when you need them.

Keep a couple of outfits out of storage for unseasonably cool weather. Most people find that two pairs of jeans and a light sweater are sufficient, depending on the climate where you live.

You can help keep your dressers clutter free by installing a shelf in your closet. Small shelves are perfect for stacking summer items, like shorts and towels. In the winter, you can use the shelves for bins that contain scarves and gloves.

Another option is to buy specialty hangers. Skirt hangers are great for hanging shorts. They are easy to find when they are hanging and you will not have to fold and refold shorts that have been dug through in the dresser drawer. The skirt hanger cascades items so that it holds around four pairs of shorts at once without wrinkling them. They take up very little space this way.

Remember to use coat hangers for your winter coats and suits, specialty skirt hangers for shorts and you can even add cascading hooks to your hangers to save space in your closet. You will be summer ready in no time.


About the Author: Joe Granville is on the staff of Only Hangers, a leading online resource for wood hangers, coat hangers and all types of clothes hangers which is recognized for the excellent quality and value of its wood hanger and coat hanger offerings. For more information, please visit http://www.onlyhangers.com.

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