FED UP.
I forced-bundled husband and his sister and her husband into the car and we braved Ikea on the weekend (which is a stupid idea cos it's soooo crowded). We had to get something better RIGHT THERE AND THEN. I was FED UP.
For almost six months the three of us (husband, 4 year old and myself) were forced to store towels, linen and clothes in a ridiculously inadequate antique wardrobe. This chunky piece takes up so much room and offers not much in return. And remember...? Every piece in this 40.5m2 (440 sq.f) place has to count for itself.
Now I'm a sensible girl.
I'd love to have shelves and shelves for my shoe collection, like Paula Abdul;
but I don't have shelves and shelves and I don't collect shoes.
Would sure be fabulous to have Carrie's old walk in robe:
But again, no space. I love walk in robes though. Or walk through robes. It's a must have.
What about devoting an entire room to dressing and putting the daily face on?
Image from Elle Decor
A ottoman, a table, a mirror, shelves, large windows... how divine!
What about devoting a space just for my husband's gear?
Maybe one day!
What about an entire room dedicated to my collection of sunglasses?
Elton John's sunglass collection
I'd love to have an Ikea solution just for my clothes
But I need to share (for now!) with husband and Hannah.
What about to-die-for wallpaper lining this luxury-space?
But I had been researching wardrobe organisation for months before we actually went to Ikea. Have a look at what I kept for inspiration:
I did find a treasure trove in Martha Stewart (any surprise!?)... And the below are some of my favourite solutions:
I so wanted the Pax wardrobe accessories. I even asked my super-handy brother in law if he could amend it to fit the Elga, but it was a no-go (Ikea purposely make the Elga not fit the Pax accessories).
But I might be able to get a large but shallow box, hang some gliders and fit them with acrylic or coloured boxes to fit... for my belts, husband's ties, scarves etc etc.
I found these boot hangers très chic (although I only have one pair of boots!). When we move to our own home, I'm going to get these!!! (And more boots!)
Now this I am going to do. Attaching wooden dividers to the shelves to avoid messy shelves (which is very very very prone in this family.)
Here's a handy guide for which clothes to hang and which ones to fold... I am going to the cheapie-store to get some padded hangers!
I love this wardrobe organisation. So beautiful. Inspirational!
In short:
1. Start with a clean-out
2. Keep only what belongs (no suitcases, vacuum cleaners and sports equipment). If possible, store coats in a hall closet or on hooks in the mudroom or entryway.
3. Figure out the best configuration for your needs, judging from how many pieces of jackets/tops/pants/dresses you have.
4. Be flexible: Keep in mind that your wardrobe will change with the seasons and over time.
The best tips from Martha Stewart's Tips for Organizing Your Closets
1. Divide the closet into zones, and use three short rods rather than a single long one. Hang dresses, robes, and coats from one high rod; hang blouses and short items from another high rod, and skirts and folded slacks from a low rod below.
2. Group clothes by colour.
3. Make sure shelves are adjustable, (thanks, Ikea!).
4. Clean garments before storing them for the season. Sugar stains (such as wine) can set and spread over time.
5. Remove dry-cleaning bags, which trap moisture; use fabric bags instead.
6. Don't store wool or silk in airtight containers (they need to breathe).
7. Never let mothballs touch clothing; hang them in old socks or hosiery. If you suspect moth infestation, dry-clean clothes, and wash closet with mild soap and water.
I normally like to hang everything but these sweater boxes are very very very chic! (And neat). Maybe for the permanent-home solution.
Meanwhile, Martha Stewart recommends using the drycleaner's method: Fold sweater shoulder to shoulder and then drape over the bar of a sturdy wooden hanger.
Maybe I'll ditch all the non-pink items in our wardrobe:
Jump over to Willowbook Park on how to create the perfect gentleman's wardrobe. It's such an entertaining and enlightening read!
I wonder if that means on the other side of the bedroom above is the ladies' side.
Our Solution
I really wanted the Pax with all the trimmings... but since this small space will only contain our sanity for at MOST a year more, we decided to save the big spend for a more permanent home. We settled for the Elga.
Doors? Maybe... maybe not. For now I'm so enjoying having space for all our clothes. I'm so enjoying not missing the highly impractical previous wardrobe.
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