With the holidays quickly approaching & cold weather making it’s debut, it’s time to roll up your sleeves, put your safety goggles on & head for the most neglected closet in your home….the Coat Closet.  If you’re like most people, it consists of old coats never worn, golf clubs, bags, old camera equipment, vacuum, games, toys, books, maybe a wedding gown, umbrellas, home decor, a large lamp or even luggage. Yes, I have seen all of those things stuffed into a single coat closet.   The once treasured items that made your life special or easier are now lying in wait to explode back out into your life for anyone who dare open the door.  It has become the black hole of your home.

Let’s think back to the original intent for the coat closet in each home; the storing of guests coats & other outwear while visiting in your home.  One was made to feel welcome & honored with this designated space.  And, it keeps them out of unkempt areas in your home you do not wish them to see.  But, of course, since you’ve been reading my blog, you don’t have any unkempt areas so it will make the rest of your home “Home Tour” presentable.

So how do you take back your Coat Closet?

1. Edit.  Once you’ve rolled up your sleeves & put on your safety goggles, it’s time to start editing what you have lost & now don’t need.  i.e. Johnny’s coat from when he was 5, your husbands unused golf clubs & your coat from the 80’s.  Yes, that needs to go even if it is perfectly good.

2.Relocate. For everything that makes the cut, you will need to find a proper place for it to live in your home.  Remember the rule, “One item in, one item out.”  In order to find that new home, you might need to eliminate something from another part of your home.

3.Freshen.  Take this time to clean the baseboards.  You could even give it a fresh coat of paint.  Think beyond beige or white & make it fun.

4.Outfit.  You know those beautiful hangers you drool over?  Those are the ones you want to use here.  They not only make the closet look finished while empty, they also add to that special feeling your guests will have when you slip their coat onto a beautiful hanger.  Remember, no wire hangers.

5.Accessorize. Baskets on the top shelf make a great way to store guests hats, gloves & scarves as well as handbags.  You could even add a very small table to hold items. Or split the closet in two; hanging on one side & shelving for baskets on the other.

The entry & coat closet are where your guests start & end their visit.      Take back your coat closet & transform their experience & yours by adding a much deserved formality back into their visit. Tell us what you found in your coat closet at Styled & Organized Living Facebook Page.