With the New Year fast approaching and 2009 resolutions already on your mind, it may be beneficial to take a step back and evaluate your home’s organization.

Many people are surprised by the effect simple organization techniques have on their daily lives. With organized storage spaces, you save time, reduce your stress and make an investment in your home.
“Our lives outside the home are so chaotic,” said Karen Klosinski of Closet Masters in Huntley. “I think having a place where you feel a certain kind of organization and peace is important.”
Reevaluating your storage spaces is not as daunting a task as people think, especially with the help of professionals. As long as there is some space in a closet, there is hope that you can increase this extra space and make your items more accessible.
Double hanging is one of the best ways to maximize your closet’s space. By adding an additional pole, you’ve doubled the space. From there, you can choose to put in built-in drawers and other accessories to customize your closet to your needs.
The possibilities for accessories are endless. Popular additions include ironing boards, mirrors, tie racks, belt racks, hampers, jewelry trays and shoe racks. With a quick inventory of your closet’s contents, you can decide which add-ons will work for you.
If space still seems to be an issue, you may need to go through your items and determine what you really need at hand, day to day.
“I would try to separate your seasons if you can,” said Klosinski.
She also shares that when people take all their belongings out of their closet to install poles, shelving and extras, rarely does everything go back in.

Beyond the Master Walk-in
Klosinski, along with her husband, Jerry, and son, John, has been in the closet business for 14 years. They’ve seen the market expand from the typical master bedroom walk-in to other areas of the house.
Closet Masters has evolved to accommodate. They can create custom entertainment centers, home offices, pantries, garages, mudrooms, laundry rooms and wall beds.
“Organization has gone from the closet to any area of a home,” said Karen.
“It’s also gone from basic closet materials, such as shelving and hanging, to closet furniture,” added Jerry.
The Klosinskis’ knowledge of storage system design is invaluable to those daunted by the task of taking on their belongings hiding behind closed doors.
“It’s very important to us that we do a good job and it is going to work for our customer,” said Karen.
Karen, Jerry and John take a very hands-on approach to designing the perfect storage system for their clients. They will visit their clients’ homes, take measurements and evaluate the needs of the client and what the space calls for.
“Sometimes, the closet dictates what can and can’t be done,” said Karen. “What’s nice is that if we do it right, the space will work for them for years. I love helping people and giving them something they can really use.”
Not only will homeowners enjoy the utility of their organized spaces, but they’ll see a return on their investment when the time comes to sell their home.
“You’ll always get your money back,” said Karen. “Every real estate agent will tell you that you get your money, dollar-for-dollar, back.”