While it might not be as glamorous as revamping a vintage end table or creating a holiday tablescape, organizing a closet (especially when it belongs to a teenager) can provide an endless source of fulfillment in as little as two hours. With the help of Centennial-based personal organizer and friend Robin Loughran, I transformed what was a constant source of frustration (my teen son’s bedroom) into an “aha!” moment. Here’s how. Stacey Johnson, Special to The Denver Post
Total time: 2 hours
Total project cost: $80
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Gather an ample supply of matching storage containers. You can find them in a variety of designs and sizes at any discount store. I used canvas bins from Target, but you can easily add a vintage twist with old wire baskets from antique malls or flea markets.
Step 2: Remove the closet doors from their runners. This will give the room a more spacious feel and will allow your teen to easily see his or her options. It can also help alleviate the “out of sight, out of mind” syndrome.
Step 3: Arm yourself with the dimensions of the closet including height and depth of any built-in shelves. Purchase (1) a suitable chrome rack with adjustable shelves to hold the storage bins; (2) one to two dozen matching plastic hangers; (3) over-the-door hat rack (not pictured); (4) closet sweater organizer (5) belt and tie holder and (5) dirty-laundry mesh basket.
Step 4: Move clothing from the dresser drawers into the storage containers in the closet. Personally, my greatest source of angst has been the “impossible-to-keep folded” athletic shorts. Those were the first to go in labeled containers, followed by t-shirts, khaki shorts and jeans. Utilize the now empty dresser drawers for hiding remote controls, game system controllers, seldom-worn sweaters, etc.
Step 5: Create bins for seasonal items (sea and ski), team sports attire (one bin for basketball and one for soccer), and then of course a catch-all.
Step 6: Hang the ties and belts, and use the hanging sweater organizer for hoodies, sweat pants, slippers and shoes.
Step 7: Enjoy! You will have an easier time getting your teen to put away the laundry, and when you inevitably must finish the chore yourself, you’ll experience considerably less frustration.
Stacey Johnson, a longtime hunter of secondhand treasures and an expert in “artful upcycling,” is the creative director at A Paris Apartment, one of roughly 400 shops at Mile High Marketplace, located near Interstate 76 and East 88th Avenue. Information at . To contact the writer: Stacey@milehighmarketplace.com
