One of the first hands-on organization projects on my list at the new house? Installing closet organizers. I couldn’t wait too. Why? because it wasn’t only the install of closet organizers, but the install ofย desperately needed closet organizers. It’s simply amazing to me what a fresh coat of paint and a beautiful sparkling new closet organizer can do for a closet…And for my spirits.
How many times have i said closet already? Geez!
Anyway, any chance I have to make a space – No matter how small or big – Look clean and organized = It’s Christmas morning for this lady. so imagine my ridiculous child-like Christmas morning excitement when I suddenly had 5 (and more!) closets on my to-do list that need organizers? Yup, you don’t want to be around me during these moments. It’s embarrassing.
Now, let’s give mad props to the previous owners. Did they have something organization-related in each of the closets? Yes. and I’m guessing it worked for them, which is great. But these closets could offer much more space with the addition of a great system.
The before’s for your viewing pleasure, shall we?
This was an interesting system. There are the columns for supporting shelves…But…Where is the shelving???…
Then we had the standard shelf with rod hanging directly under it. However, what is that at the bottom 2 feet of the closet?…
This was good! A mix of gun metal gray shelving with the standard shelf and rod…
And finally in the old master we had the standard shelf and rod again. But it was hard for me to focus on the closet when I couldn’t divert my eyes away from the wall color…
Again, this was working for the previous owners so I’m not knocking their system. But with this kind of space, the potential to maximize the closet is endless. Especially the vertical space that was left un-used.
On my first trip to the house, after we officially became the owners, I measured out each of the 4 closets. When I got back home, I moseyed into my candy store local container store to design 4 new closet systems. In previous homes I’ve installed these systems and they not only look great and offer many options, but they are incredibly easy to assemble. And you can alter them to your needs whenever you want. The container store will always have elfa.
All that was left to do was bribe the dad and an old friend to help me ๐ The poor guys had to deal with my obsessive issues over having clean hands during the install on brand new white walls. That’s love – these guys love me. Trust me. I got a little crazy. And I owe them dinner. And maybe an apology.
These systems don’t require many tools – A stud finder, a drill, a level, and the hardware, which is provided by the container store with your elfa purchase. Yup, they make the job even easier by supplying you with the step by step instructions and hardware for hanging.
Another huge help was that they broke up the closets into 4 separate orders. I ordered them here in Arkansas, had them set up for delivery in San Francisco, and when I picked them up each closet was color coded to avoid any confusion about which shelf or hanging rod went where. They even separated all of the hardware and misc supplies into their cute red elfa bags. Why should we expect anything less from the container store, right? They are the organization experts!…
While I was back home designing new closets, my painter was busy demo’ing the old closets, patching holes, and painting. I loved seeing these blank canvases last week…
Loved so much I almost kissed him. Almost. I stopped when I realized I would also have to kiss his entire crew. And that…That would get awkward.
๐
With the closet organizers in house, closets prepped and ready, tools in hand…It was time to get to work.
Dad! Geez!…
*Closing my eyes. Trying to erase that visual*
To install these systems, all you need to do is locate and mark your studs, then hold up the horizontal hanging bar, make sure it’s level and drill it into place. This step is helpful when you have an extra set of hands. One of my best friends from elementary school was here to help my dad. They installed the top horizontal bar and I followed up behind them adding the vertical bars and shelving…
We went from room to room until the closets were done…
In 3 hours we had closets. And when they were done = Happy girl!
Closet #1 completed…
Closet #2 completed…
closet #3 completed…
closet #4 completed…
Remember the title of this post? “How it’s hanging…For now”?
You may notice these closets are only outfitted with standard shelving. This was done on purpose. Since the elfa systems aren’t on sale until Christmas, I purchased a basic system for each closet. I figured I could use pretty baskets and other solutions to organize the contents. At the end of the year, when we’ve lived in the closets for a few months, I’ll know what we need in terms of drawers or shoe racks…And I can go back to buy those additional items at 30% off. Instead of at full price. For now, I know the kids have enough space to hang their clothing or have items folded on shelves or placed in baskets. That will definitely work for the interim.
Finally, the before and after’s!
Boy closet #1 before…
Boy closet #1 after…The top of this closet also has a hanging rod running the full width with a shelf on the top. Forgot to snap that photo. Don’t be spacey like me…
Boy closet #2 before…
Boy closet #2 after…In this closet I had the challenge of a short wall that is from the bathroom on the other side. The top shelf extends out the full width but I had to configure the hanging rods to maximize the space in here…
Daughter’s closet before…
Daughter’s closet after…
Guest room closet before…
Guest room closet after…This closet will be used as storage mainly, but I wanted some hanging space for guests…
* I’ll be sharing paint colors and the full paint run down after move-in. These colors melt me. completely. Love love them all and can’t wait to share the full spec sheet with you!
So excited with the closet outcome! Now when the movers pull up on august 7, I have space to put clothing away. And should the shelves need to be higher or lower, it’s simple enough to make the adjustment without upsetting the entire wall system.
It’s Friday! Hope you guys have a great weekend planned! We have a lot going on – several birthday parties, including a 7th birthday party for a little boy in our house. Sadly, I’ll be packing up my crew to head out to grandma’s house on Tuesday…If you can believe it, the movers show up to pack us on Tuesday morning. That’s just 4 days away! Trying to hold it together over here – keep me in your thoughts.
Looks fantastic! Love Elfa shelving, but agree…only when on sale!!
there is nothing better than a fresh clean start with a closet!
Wow! I love the Elfa system- I would love to include it in my future home someday! =)
The closets look great, and I can't wait to see how you organize them once there are things to put inside!