https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 08:54:59 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed/page/2#post-1819211 Wed, 28 Jun 2017 01:03:36 +0000 Laura G 1819211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I had so little hanging space, I think I'd use thinner hangers. The wood ones are beautiful, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed/page/2#post-1819066 Tue, 27 Jun 2017 14:59:00 +0000 Angie 1819066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Got it. That makes sense. The space looks like it needs a door, which is why I asked.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed/page/2#post-1819008 Tue, 27 Jun 2017 10:40:14 +0000 April 1819008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Emily K -- I'm too late to this thread, but was going to ask if you have a lot of dresses to store? &nbsp;The rod space in my closet is all double-hung (above and below) and that leaves me very short on space to hang longer items such as dresses. &nbsp;</p> <p>I don't have a ton of dresses -- perhaps because closet considerations influence my purchases. &nbsp;:)</p> <p>I admire your patience with shoe storage! &nbsp;Like Janet, if I had your wrapped-in-boxes system, within a week I would find myself with a stack of empty boxes and shoes all over the floor. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed/page/2#post-1819006 Tue, 27 Jun 2017 10:31:23 +0000 Anonymous 1819006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beautifully done. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed/page/2#post-1818989 Tue, 27 Jun 2017 04:36:40 +0000 Kate 1818989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My shoes are on open shelves in my closet, so I can see everything at a glance, but I understand your desire for closed storage for your shoes. What about storing them in the drawers of a lowboy (low dresser)? Closed storage that's easy to access and any unused drawers can store other items. I have a lowboy that sits at the foot of our bed, and it's a great place to sit and put on my shoes in the morning, and spread out several pairs while deciding what I want to wear.</p> <p>My lowboy came from CB2:<br /> <a href="https://images.cb2.com/is/image/CB2/LatitudeLowDresserOatSHS16_1x1/$web_product_lg$/151221153026/latitude-oat-low-dresser.jpg" rel="nofollow">https://images.cb2.com/is/imag.....resser.jpg</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1818981 Tue, 27 Jun 2017 03:00:51 +0000 Emily K 1818981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie</b>--No, the home-stagers took the doors off of the closet and replaced them with a curtain. &nbsp;We didn't like the curtain and have always meant to buy new doors. &nbsp;Hasn't happened yet, so it's still open-face. &nbsp;Why? </p> <p></p> <p>And the Elfa unit is on a bedroom wall.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1818960 Tue, 27 Jun 2017 01:29:20 +0000 Angie 1818960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is that inside a closet that you close, Emily?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1818923 Mon, 26 Jun 2017 22:05:25 +0000 Emily K 1818923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou--the drawers are packed full of quilts that overflow from the (tiny) linen closet. But, yes--the closet floor is mid-shin height. There is an enclosed shelf, above, that has hats and totes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1818922 Mon, 26 Jun 2017 22:02:59 +0000 Emily K 1818922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The current home of the shoes. It can't stay this way for mostly aesthetic reasons. Three raffia trunks full of long term storage used to live on the top shelf. If the shoes stay here, I'll have to choose new boxes, I think. I'm just sitting with it for the time being. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1818919 Mon, 26 Jun 2017 21:56:55 +0000 rachylou 1818919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice and tidy! Is the hanging space raised? I.e., I think I see drawers beneath... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1818918 Mon, 26 Jun 2017 21:54:36 +0000 Emily K 1818918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, <b>Suz</b>! &nbsp;Poor shoes, though...still no good home. I've put them someplace but it is an aesthetic compromise and also a slight functional compromise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1818916 Mon, 26 Jun 2017 21:50:02 +0000 Suz 1818916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOWOW!! That deserves its own post, Emily. SOOOO much better!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1818912 Mon, 26 Jun 2017 21:29:47 +0000 Emily K 1818912@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I want to share with you how my closet mini-makeover turned out. I'm liking it! The shoes still need help, though. I moved them out of the closet but not into the "right" place yet. </p> <p>This is the "after": </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1816987 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 16:15:36 +0000 Emily K 1816987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, to all who have commented! &nbsp;I do like the cabinet--mostly because it is slim enough to fit behind the door in the space I've allocated (in my mind, anyway) &nbsp;to the hanging organizer. &nbsp;Our home is so small that there truly is no square-footage on floor or wall to put boxes or cabinets. &nbsp;</p> <p><b>Angie</b>--I do not forget about the shoes--maybe because I have a relatively small collection? &nbsp;There are only 20 pair plus flip-flops, running shoes, and winter boots etc. &nbsp;Like everyone, I guess I do have favorites that I rely on more than others, but I look forward to dressing with some of the lesser-used pairs and have no problem sorting out the appropriate box. &nbsp;The boxes are labeled and I find that running my eyes over the whole collection is enough to remind me of my options.</p> <p><b>Sal</b>--I have two motivations to make a change: &nbsp;Firstly, the stacks of shoes are crowding the items that require full-length hanging space. &nbsp;I want to be able to see these items accommodated generously instead of crunching-up on top of the shoe boxes. &nbsp;I have added a couple pair more shoes this year, so that is a new issue. &nbsp;And, secondly, I'm getting a little tired of jiggling out the boxes from the middle or bottom of the stacks. &nbsp;Again, a new problem, I think, due to having increased the shoe collection.</p> <p><b>delurked</b>--I think I have a strong motivation to sort/group/categorize items and when I've done this--especially using attractive, matching, or intentional storage boxes--I feel tidy and put-together.</p> <p><b>Sterling</b>--we built a freestanding wall organizer using Elfa and it looks good and works really well. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1816983 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 15:41:36 +0000 Anonymous 1816983@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I keep my shoes in their original boxes, on a shelf above the rack for clothing that is 6 feet high. I stack them two high across the length of my closet. I do not forget shoes this way, although I realize many might.<br /> To each their own, but I like how neatly they stay in the box, and I don't consider it much hassle to keep them this way. Otherwise, I would not have space for them in my closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1816969 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 15:01:33 +0000 Angie 1816969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Question: do you forget about the shoes because they are in boxes? Do you stick to wearing one or two pairs a season because it's a hassle to take shoes out if the box - or remember what you have?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1816900 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 10:34:27 +0000 Anonymous 1816900@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elfa is expensive, but when it is done right, it is amazing!!!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1816887 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 08:04:17 +0000 Sal 1816887@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I actually went from a two rail system to a one rail system late last year. &nbsp;I also had an additional side rail which I also removed. &nbsp;Mine was collapsing so I had no choice but I prefer my current solution as I can easily hang coats, dresses, long skirts etc. &nbsp;I also added a very small drawer set for a few things that were lying about (toilet bags/fascinator hat). &nbsp;My shoes are on wooden shelves inside the closet and on a low shelf at the bottom of the closet. &nbsp;I created more shoe room and effectively less hanging space. &nbsp;</p> <p>I do remove out of season shoes (probably about 4 pairs each season) to my son's closet but most of my footwear stays out all year as our climate is quite temperate.</p> <p>Do you need more hanging space or do you want a spruce up? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1816885 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 07:52:24 +0000 Ledonna N. 1816885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A cabinet is a great idea. I have my boots and shoes stored in a hutch with shelving. I need to ser all of my things. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1816878 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 07:14:31 +0000 Style Fan 1816878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the cabinet that Rachy posted.&nbsp; My stepson has one of those.&nbsp; It has a very slim profile.&nbsp; Personally I like my shoes out in the open.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1816869 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 05:23:59 +0000 Emily K 1816869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The Container Store cabinet might work, <b>Rachylou</b>. &nbsp;It is very slim profile, which is nice. &nbsp;And I like the fact that it is enclosed. &nbsp;Even if I do not use it for my shoes, I am thinking about using it to improve my husband's shoe situation. &nbsp;Thanks for the reccy. &nbsp;The Container Store rocks!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1816866 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 04:44:54 +0000 rachylou 1816866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would go for the over door rack, if that will work (so often I've found I can't close my closet doors because of the bulk of the hooks). Does no damage to the shoes and they're all easily accessible - maybe less likely to collect dust that way.</p> <p>But it occurs to me that a low shelf and shoe bags might eat less space than boxes and also address breathability issues...</p> <p>Also, if you could find a way to fit them - there are wall mounted shoe 'drawers'. Narrow profile. Ikea also has modular ones for much less $$$, and you could get as many as you like. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1816851 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 02:29:32 +0000 Emily K 1816851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha, <b>Janet</b>! &nbsp;They've been like this for, probably, 10 years. &nbsp;I would prefer to keep them in their original boxes, which would conjure a better recollection of the contents, but the lack of uniformity of the boxes was a pain. &nbsp;I still read the label and see the shoes in my mind's eye, so it's almost as if I have all the shoes laid out in front of me.</p> <p>Oh, yeah...<b>LaPed</b>...I do keep the boxes open for 12 hours to a full day after wearing so the shoes can air out. &nbsp;I was worried about that!</p> <p><b>The Cat</b>-- maybe I can utilize one of the closet-rod shoe hangers. &nbsp;I am worried that it would take to much of my precious full-height hanging space, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1816842 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 01:37:49 +0000 Janet 1816842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Personally, shoes wrapped up and tucked in boxes would drive me insane in a matter of days. I like being able to see all my options as I get dressed. It's not unusual for me to try a couple (maybe even three) pairs of shoes with an outfit before leaving the house, and storing them on shelves means that I can quickly change and reshelve as necessary. Maybe you're more decisive than I am. But the boxes do seem bulky and inefficient. Hanging pouches never appealed to me -- they don't work well for taller shoes like booties. I like the idea of streamlining your shoe storage somehow and adding another rod. What about a simple system of shoe shelves that would sit under the hanging clothes? They have sets at Bed Bath &amp; Beyond, Container Store, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1816824 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 00:14:19 +0000 The Cat 1816824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A second, lower closet rod (at least for part of the closet) is a great idea, which I fully support. My own extra rod has proven to be extremely useful.</p> <p>Your shoes are taking up far too much space. I would advice you to put most of them into one or two hanging organizers. I have two, they are hanging from a rod, and each of them has a width of only 15 cm and has rooms for 10 pairs of shoes (or other items - I also keep my umbrellas there). It is very easy to find and reach the shoes I want to wear. I don't have to bow down and start opening boxes or to go down on my knees searching for the right shoes. They are hanging right in front of me - a great advantage when I am in a hurry and/or already nicely dressed.</p> <p>I suggest that shoes for other seasons and shoes you will use for special events only are stored away. Do you have access to an attic? Or have you thought about the space under your bed? Keeping these shoes in boxes can be practical. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1816823 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 00:06:38 +0000 Emily K 1816823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>La Pedestrienne</b>--I have serious issues! &nbsp;Although there is nothing under our bed, this is largely because there is not room to squat down and peek under--seriously small space with a king bed crammed in! &nbsp;Also, I like being able to vacuum underneath (this is difficult, too, because of the space issues!) It would just be a dust trap under there if I had to navigate around underbed boxes and such. &nbsp;And every wall is already supporting its maximum amount of macro storage stuff. &nbsp;</p> <p>When we moved into town from the suburbs, we settled for less than half the space and went from having a three car garage to only a carport--AND my husband is a spendthrift maximalist! &nbsp;It continues to be a challenge to fit into the smaller space. &nbsp;I keep trying to store, more elegantly, the stuff we have and then more stuff shows up!</p> <p>I'm currently researching to see whether our Elfa storage wall system can be reconfigured to accept more shelves. &nbsp;I could combine and purge my underthings/workout wear/swim-stuff and maybe replace the space of one deep drawer with two pull-out shelves. &nbsp;It would be a start, anyway </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1816816 Mon, 19 Jun 2017 23:34:55 +0000 LaPed 1816816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is your underbed space spoken for? Could you slide some of the boxes under there? Even just reducing the number of shoes in the closet might help. One of those rod-mounted pocket hangers could be good for less-special shoes, shoes you wear frequently, or ones you know are on their way out...Or maybe there's a corner of your bedroom or a hallway that could fit a small shoe bench, and you could leave a few pairs out? It is good to let them breathe once in a while, after they've been worn. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1816815 Mon, 19 Jun 2017 23:31:21 +0000 Carole 1816815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Seems like you're sacrificing valuable space for shoes that could easily be stored over the door...I have the ones in current rotation in a canvas type holder that hangs over the rod...but if I didn't have room for this I wouldn't hesitate to use the one over the door. Special or out of season shoes are stored in boxes on a high note it of reach shelf or under my bed. I've never noticed any damage from storing shoes outside of boxes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1816813 Mon, 19 Jun 2017 23:24:16 +0000 Anonymous 1816813@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><u>I like the idea of boxes</u>. Like you, I feel boxes protect my very expensive investments. &nbsp;Can you possibly store the boxes elsewhere? &nbsp;Out of season shoes stored on high shelves? &nbsp;Maybe I just have high ceilings? &nbsp;I can always tuck things one foot higher than others. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-help-needed#post-1816812 Mon, 19 Jun 2017 23:22:11 +0000 Emily K 1816812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I realize that I could save a lot of space just by getting the shoes out of the boxes. &nbsp;:-( &nbsp; But, I think I have to get them out of the closet, too, or the additional space still won't be sufficient to implement the second (lower) closet rod. </p>