Don’t Rush.  There is no rule that says you have to finish everything in a day!

Start Small.  More than likely your home isn’t really dirty it’s just a little bit cluttered.  Start off by going room to room and focusing on getting everything off of the floors, coffee table and end tables that doesn’t belong there.

Purge.  Don’t be afraid to get rid of things.  If you can’t remember the last time you used it then you probably don’t need it.  If what you are getting rid of is in good condition consider donating it as opposed to throwing it away.

So Good To Be Green.  In most cases, harsh chemicals aren’t required to get the job done.  Whether you’re washing windows or cleaning floors there are plenty of tough yet earth friendly products available.

Change Your Filters.  Now that the heater is off and the windows are open there is no better time to replace or clean out your air filter.  While you are at it, clean out your dryer vent or hire a professional to come in and do it for you.

Don’t Forget the Garage.  The garage is by far one of the toughest spaces to organize.  It’s not that you can’t it’s just that you don’t have the means to do so.  With adjustable shelving and some customized slat wall we can provide you with the tools to organize your garage once and for all.  Contact us today for your free in home estimate!

]]> http://www.closetandstorageconcepts.com/blog/2013/03/20/new-contemporary-accessory-hooks/feed/ 0 http://www.closetandstorageconcepts.com/blog/2013/01/23/closet-storage-concepts-receives-houzzs-2013-best-of-houzz-award/ http://www.closetandstorageconcepts.com/blog/2013/01/23/closet-storage-concepts-receives-houzzs-2013-best-of-houzz-award/#comments Wed, 23 Jan 2013 21:26:31 +0000 jasonberlin http://www.closetandstorageconcepts.com/blog/?p=4912 Annual Survey and Analysis of 11 Million Monthly Users

Reveals Top-Rated U.S. Professionals

[Philadelphia, PA]  –  January 23, 2013 – Closet & Storage Concepts has been awarded  “Best Of Houzz” 2013 by Houzz, the leading online platform for residential remodeling and design.  The 26 year old custom closet company was chosen by the more than 11 million monthly users that comprise the Houzz community.

The Houzz “Best Of Houzz” award for 2013 is given in two categories: Customer Satisfaction and Design. Customer Satisfaction award winners are based on homeowner members who rated their experience working with remodeling professionals in 12 categories ranging from architects, and interior designers to contractors and other residential remodeling professionals.  Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the community of 11 million monthly users, also known as “Houzzers,” who saved more than 124 million professional images of home interiors and exteriors to their personal ideabooks via the Houzz site, iPad/iPhone app and Android app.

“Closet Design & Organization is ALWAYS in Style!”


“Houzz provides homeowners with an in-depth, 360-degree view of building, remodeling and design professionals through images of their work, reviews and an opportunity to interact with them directly in the Houzz community,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of community. “We’re delighted to recognize Closet & Storage Concepts among our “Best Of” professionals for design as judged by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts who are actively remodeling and decorating their homes.”

With Houzz, homeowners can identify not only the top-rated professionals like Closet & Storage Concepts, but also those whose work matches their own aspirations for their home. Homeowners can also evaluate professionals by contacting them directly on the Houzz platform, asking questions about their work and evaluating their responses to questions from others in the Houzz community.

About Closet & Storage Concepts

For more than 25 years, Closet & Storage Concepts has been creating custom closet designs, manufacturing, and installing custom closet solutions for closet storage, mudroom, pantry, laundry room, garage, home office and more. We pride ourselves on the ability to listen to the client and determine their specific needs. During the complimentary consultation we will measure your space, assess your wardrobe, and develop custom closet designs that give the client efficient and attractive solutions. From reach-in closet organization to a walk-in closet, our solutions are for all your closet and other storage area needs.

About Houzz

Houzz is a leading online platform for home remodeling, providing inspiration, information, ‘advice and support for homeowners and home improvement professionals through its website and mobile applications. Houzz features the largest residential design database in the world, articles written by design experts, product recommendations, a vibrant community powered by social tools, and information on more than 1.5 million remodeling and design professionals worldwide who can help turn ideas into reality.

• Closets
  • Try to purge your closet of unused clothing once a year.  Have trouble keeping track of what you do and do not wear?  When hanging your clothes after washing them put the hanger on the pole backwards.  After a season you will be able to quickly see what you did and did not wear.
  • If the clothing is in good shape donate it to Goodwill or schedule a pickup with the VVA “Vietnam Veterans of America”.
• Pantry
  • Now is a great time to go through your pantry to get rid of expired goods and take inventory of what dried and canned goods you have for the winter.   When re-stocking be sure to keep items close to their expiration date towards the front of the pantry.
  • Bulky items should be stored on the ground or on lower shelves for safety and to keep them out of your way.
  • Small, gourmet, impulse buy foods tend to be among the first things forgotten and expire as a result.  Keep these at eye level so you don’t forget about them.

Ready to get started?   Contact us today for your free in-home consultation  with one of our design professionals.

• Adjustable shelving is key.  These shelves can be moved up and down to accommodate bulky items.
• Smaller items can be stored away in a container and placed on the shelves as well.
• Sliding baskets with removable/ washable canvas bags are great for small toys and art supplies.
• Rounded corners should be used on lower bench areas to create a “child friendly” experience.

Ready to get started?   Contact us today for your free in-home consultation  with one of our design professionals.

In closets, as in life, less is more.

The changing of the season from “Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer” to “September Song” is the perfect time to assess what you truly love and need, and letting go of the rest. It’s this “rest” that trips up most people, accounting for the majority of our closet-stuffing clutter. According to the Pareto Principle (often referred to as the 80-20 rule or the “law of the vital few”), approximately 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. In closet-speak this means that, on average, only 20% of our wardrobe is in active rotation. The other 80% is consistently overlooked, purposely unselected or too far away in the recesses of the closet to be bothered with.

Like any break-up, emotions can circumvent logic and de-rail the best intentions. The following are a few suggestions to help make your swan song encounter just a little less anxiety provoking:

1. Resolve that the dissolution of the clothing /clothing-wearer relationship is in the best interest of both parties. The 80% that is being ignored by you can be donated to others who need them more than you and will give the clothes the love and attention that has been denied.
2. Acknowledge that a portion of that 80% were gold-diggers and free-loaders to begin with. Many pieces stuffing our closets are as the result of impulse or someday-promise purchases (“Someday I’ll fit into this. Promise”). These pieces didn’t make your 20% because they were a poor choice from the start. Hanging on doesn’t transform a bad decision into a better decision. Cut your losses and let them go.
3. Recognize that you’ve outgrown the 80%. What may have been a good match at some point became less satisfying as your needs and style changed. It’s nothing personal. Keep only that which fits, flatters and is current. Just because it was your favorite sweater when you wore it to the premier of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon doesn’t give it a free pass to occupy your closet rent-free for eternity.
4.  Be honest when deciding if fixing an item is worth the time or investment. Sure, once you’ve found just the right outfit, it’s hard to imagine life without it. Quality is expensive, but so is repairing clothing and shoes that are tattered or worn. But are you REALLY going to take the suit to be tailored or the shoes to be re-heeled? Really? And if you did arrange for the repair or tailoring, will the suit or shoes be in style long enough to warrant the additional financial and time investment. Some relationships are not ultimately worth the investment in time and energy (not to mention cost) it will require to repair it.

Contact your (closet and storage) relationship consultants at Closet and Storage Conceptsto discuss your unique closet organization problems, and help you work though the toughest clothing break-up scenarios. We are expert in helping you prioritize your belongings and can custom design an closet organizing system that addresses your needs. Let us help you fall in love again… with your closets.  Call us at 1-888-THE-CLOSET (1-888-843-2567).