Expert: Jamie Novak - 2/13/2006

Question
Dear Jamie,
Thank you for your very quick response!  Aside from the very large drawer beneath my roommate's bed (where the shoes currently reside), I haven't got a dresser--our dormitory doesn't supply them, though there are other dorms on campus that do.  If you have a great idea that requires a dresser, I might be able to request one from the housing deparment, although finding room for it might be an issue.  

Right now, all my clothes are stored on hangers in the closet, aside from the stacking plastic bins I have for underclothes and socks, which I keep on the top shelf.  The double-bar hanger in the closet and the laundry hamper pretty much occupy all its floorspace, plus I've also got the vaccum cleaner, the ironing board, and a stepladder for emergencies stuffed in there.

I'm really looking forward to hearing your advice!

Thanks again,
Andrea

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Followup To
Question -
Dear Jamie,
I'm a shoe addict who's recently relocated to a teeny-tiny dorm room.  My closet is too small for a free-standing shoe rack, and there's an built-in towel rod (that I obviously can't take off, unless I want to be fined) on the door that prevents me from having an over-the-door shoe organizer.  Right now, I'm keeping them in one of the wide drawers beneath my roommate's bed, as she has the bottom bunk, and I have the top.  This is really not a solution--the shoes are so jammed in there, it's nearly impossible to get it closed once I find the pair I want, plus the fact that my roommate sleeps much later than I do, and I can't open the drawer without waking her up.  I'll send a few pairs home if I have to, but is there any creative way you can think of to keep the shoe mountain organized and accessible?
Thanks again,
Andrea
Answer -
Hi Andrea!
I've got a few solutions that might work, I have a question first, do you also have a dresser? What is the clothing storage situation?

Look forward to hearing back from you and solving this- from one true shoe lover to another- Jamie

Answer
Hi Andrea,

I didn't hear back from you after I sent the ideas so I'm guessing you are either really busy or the email never got to you.

So I'm resending it J

It sounds like you are doing a lot right; the set up is small so we have to make the most of the space, I have a few ideas on how to maximize:

1.   The shoes in the bottom drawer may not be the best use of the space, they can't fill the entire drawer. I'd rather see you use the space for clothing. I use large boxes that I cut to make dividers when there is just one large drawer. (I like to shop at home first)
2.    I'd like to see you use the vertical space more. Go tall instead of wide; you'll fit a lot more in the room. A tall slim bookshelf works great for shoes. You can Velcro on fabric as a curtain so you don't have to look at shoes all the time. I love www.freecycle.org for stuff like this also www.craigslist.com
3.   This is an example of a tall thin shoe solution http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?PRODID=59728&CATID=73669 it is ok, but not as sturdy as a bookshelf (plus you can reuse the bookshelf down the line)
4.   use the back of the closet door if you can, I know you can't screw in anything and the bar is there, BUT 3M command hooks are VERY sturdy and don't leave a mark. You can hang the laundry bag, bags with socks and undergarments, clothes or the ironing board with an over the door hanger http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?PRODID=60116&CATID=77326
The biggest thing is to go tall and use every inch. I hope this helps. If you need anything else feel free to ask or visit my website which is packed with ideas www.JamieNovak.com

Have a great weekend! All my best, Jamie
PS If you enjoyed these tips I hope you will consider telling people about me and my new book now available at www.Amazon.com 1,000 Best Quick and Easy Organizing Secrets