When you’re using a spare closet for out of the way storage, you need to know your options when it comes to closet storage systems. There are thousands of types of boxes, bins, and shelving out there, and any of them could be right for you.
Before you begin, you’ll need to decide whether form, function, or a combination of the two are most important to you. If you don’t care whether your closet looks glamorous or coordinated, you have more options. You could choose from canvas totes, plastic tubs, or rolling bins.
There is a vast assortment of plastic bins and totes by Rubbermaid that you can use in your closet storage area. They could be as small as containers used for food (great for craft supplies or tools), or giant tote bags for everything from patio furniture cushions or Christmas decorations.
The best thing to do with the large bins is to place them on the floor beneath the wall mounted shelves. You can then fill up the shelves themselves with bins of assorted sizes.
One of the keys to good closet storage systems is to clearly label everything. When each tub, bin, and tote is clearly labeled, you’ll always know what’s inside.
It’s best to keep all similar items in one place, so that way you can tell what’s in any box just at a glance. You can use a label maker to make the process easier, and you can always peel off the labels and switch them out later if you need to.
You could also write the contents on the bin with a permanent marker, or you could write it out on a piece of paper and tape it to the front/side of the bin.
Some of the most popular organizes are the clear or translucent bins; you don’t have to do quite as detailed labels with these. Since you can readily see the contents, you’re more organized and you save even more time.
Rubbermaid has a great selection of these that you can use in your closet storage systems, too. Keep in mind that you can also get specialty storage for your closet, too, for gift wrap, craft items, and other hobby supplies and item.