Closets
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2004-02-01 00:00:00-05:00
We tuck away some of our most valued belonging in our closets. And then what happens when we go looking for them? Either we can't find them, or we can't reach them.
Fortunately, there are ways to tame the chaos in our storage spaces. Try out these ideas. They may help you keep your sanity. One day, they may even help you keep your independence.
Closet Rods
Is your closet a "one size fits all" affair? If so, it probably doesn't work well for everyone in your family. For example, the rod where you hang your clothes is probably about 5½ feet - or 66 inches - above the floor. That height works well if you are 6 feet tall. But what if you're 4'8"? What if you use a wheelchair? What if you are a child? Pull a chair up to your closet and have a seat. Can you reach your clothes from this position? Probably not.
Clothing rods should be between 20 and 44 inches above the floor. Is your rod higher than that? Think about moving it. Or you can install a new rod in your closet.
- An add-on rod comes with extenders. This rod hooks on to the closet rod that you already have. Add-on rods hang at a lower height. They are great for kids. You can remove these rods easily when the child grows taller.
- For a more permanent solution, buy a pull-down or swing-down rod. You install this rod at the same height as the rod you have now. Then, pull a cord or touch a button. Your clothes swing down to your level. Want even more hanging space? Use the pull-down rod along with a regular rod. Install the regular rod at a lower height. You can use the lower rod when the pull-down rod is in the " up " position.
- For a high-tech closet, choose a clothing carousel. This device runs on a motor. Push a button and it brings your clothes to you. You ' ve seen these devices at the dry cleaners. Now you can have a smaller version in your own house. You ' ll need a closet that is at least 4 ½ feet by 6 feet.
Closet Organizing Tips
New closet rods will help you find and reach your clothes. But they won't help you tame your closet's clutter. You'll need some extra help to do that. Look in the Yellow Pages to find a professional to organize your closet. Or, take a stab at doing it yourself. Follow these simple steps.
First, get rid of as many possessions as you can. Sell or give away what you don't use. Can't give it away? Then throw it out.
Next, go shopping for a closet organizing system. These systems have clothing rods, shelves and drawers. They will help you put your hands on everything you need to get dressed. Shop carefully, though. Not every pre-made system will fit your needs. You may have to design your own.
You can choose either drawers or wire baskets for your organizer. Make higher drawers shallow. Lower draws can be deeper. If you choose wooden drawers, use d-shaped or u-shaped handles that are easy to grip.
Does someone in the house use a wheelchair? Then don't place the drawers more than 30 inches from the floor. See if you can find full-extension drawers. Then you can pull the drawers out far enough to see everything that is stored there.
Don't forget to add some low, shallow shelves to your organizer. Shelves should be no more than 18 inches deep. Mount shoe shelves on the wall.
Finishing Touches
Now that your closet is organized, make sure you can see your handiwork. Ask an electrician to install a new light in your closet. Get rid of that light with a pull-chain. Replace it with a light switch. Better yet, get a light that turns on by itself when you open the closet door.
Ask a carpenter to remove the door to your closet. Leave the door off if you can. If not, replace it with side-by-side swinging doors or pocket doors that slide inside the wall when they are open. No matter what door you choose, make sure the doorway is at least 32 inches wide.
Walk-in Closets
Are you building a new home? Make sure you include a walk-in closet. These closets give you lots of room to store clothes. You'll also have plenty of room to install organizing tools.
Make the closet doorway at least 32 inches wide. That way, a person in a wheelchair can get through easily. Make the center aisle at least 36 inches wide. A wheelchair user will be able to reach clothes stored on both sides of the room.
AARP Resources
This Bold House
Take a photo tour of the world's most accessible house.
Fixing to Stay
Read about what Americans over age 45 are doing now to make sure they can stay at home for as long as possible.
Other Resources
Universal Design
Kansas State University provides tips for making homes more livable.
The LifeWise Home
Tour the LifeWise Home, a national demonstration project that features products and design techniques that help older people age in place. The home was built by the National Association of Home Builders in 2002. (Free Adobe Reader required.)
Network of Care
This database has a wealth of information about assistive devices and where to find them. You can search by keywords, products and manufacturers.
Books
Find these books online at Borders.com
The Accessible Home: Updating Your Home for Changing Physical Needs, Bryan Trandem (Editor), Creative Publishing International, Inc., January 2003.
Home Sweet Home: How to Help Older Adults Live Independently, Dennis R. La Buda and Vicki Schmall, AAL QualityLife Resources, November 2000
Home Organizing Workbook: Clearing Your Clutter, Step-by-Step, Meryl Starr, Wendi Nordeck (Photographer), Chronicle Books LLC, January 2004
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