All photos courtesy of Horderly
Hi there! My name is Jamie Hord and I am the founder of Horderly Professional Organizing. As a professional organizer, I always get asked by clients and followers what my house looks like and if I am super organized at home.
Horderly has designed thousands of closets for our clients and a large number of them are Elfa closets from The Container Store. When I recently decided to redo my closets, the Elfa system was an obvious choice! Today I am here to show you an inside look!
My husband and I live in an old house built in the early '30s which has a bunch of little closets. I have two small closets in the master bedroom and my husband has the closet in the second bedroom. Inside each, was the "basic" single shelf and wooden bar.
- Tip: We always try to get clients to own their own space! So instead of trying to share a few closets with your spouse - try each having your own closet that way you truly own that space and the organization of it.
I personally like to hang almost all of my clothes (including my sweaters, workout tops, etc.)--because of this, I needed some additional hanging space in my closets.
- Tip: This is a personal preference and not what we usually suggest to clients. For example, our first suggestion for sweaters is usually to fold them on a shelf or in a drawer so that the shoulders don't pucker by the hanger - but overall do what's best for you and your space!
In one of my closets, I created double-hang sections with long sleeve tops and pants on the bottom and short sleeve and sleeveless tops on the top. I also have storage space up top for items not used often.
In my other closet, I have one hanging rod for my sweaters and added a ton of shelves. This is what you would call a "multi-purpose" closet as it holds travel items (such as my suitcase, travel bags, dopp kit, etc.) and swimsuits, as well as work items like reusable bags, organizing supplies, new employee merch, label makers, and label tape.
What we love about the Elfa system from The Container Store is that it is super flexible, making it easy to create a custom fit! You can have the shelves cut to any size you need to maximize your space. It's also a great option for renters and/or growing families. Say, for instance, that I end up wanting to take away the hanging rod in one of the closets and add additional shelving in the future--with Elfa, I can easily do so!
- Tip: Be sure to follow the Horderly 11 step process before designing your new closet!
Now let's talk about the products I used to complete my closets! The Container Store is our go-to store for all of our organizing solutions for our clients. They have everything you need to organize your closet no matter your style or budget!
A must-have for your closet is matching hangers. I love the slim Velvet Non-Slip Hangers. By streamlining your hangers your closet will instantly feel better! You will save space and it will make it easier to "shop your closet." I am using black in my closets but The Container Store has other beautiful colors like these linen ones. If you're on a tight product budget--prioritize streamlining your hangers!
Black Velvet Non-Slip Hangers
One thing we often say at Horderly is that "containment is key!" Use bins or baskets to give categories a proper home or to act as "drawers.'' In my closet, I am using one of our favorite baskets: the Sage & Silver Woven Kiva Bin. Top your basket off with a Bin Clip Label--this way you remember what is in each basket, make it easy to find what you need at a glance, and know where to put it back!
Sage & Silver Woven Kiva Storage Bins and Bin Clip Labels
Have additional questions or need help with getting organized? Follow @horderly on Instagram for more tips and inspiration or contact us!
