Celebrity home organising experts, the Style Sisters (who have worked with the likes of Rita Ora, Amanda Holden and Stacey Solomon), have launched ‘Style with Attictude’. The campaign tackles Brits biggest space challenges which includes 29% of Brits who want advice on ‘How to store their out of season wardrobe to boost space’; and general tips to maximise space in the bedroom.
The Style Sisters
Here, the Style Sisters share their top tips:
1. Use self-storage to create space
Self storage is a brilliant way to get organised, create space and store clothes throughout the year. We recommend Attic Self Storage which has a range of secure storage units that are perfectly convenient with 24/7 access and with new sites launching including one in Marylebone this summer. Self storage is also great for vintage items, sentimental pieces or seasonal interiors like Christmas goods, thick woollen blankets, etc.
2. Store holiday items in your suitcase
For those with a holiday outfit collection, an easy way to save space is by keeping items, including sunscreens, in your suitcases. Make sure you first wash your clothes and add moth repellent sachets to make sure you keep them fresh and protected while tucked away. Knowing where your holiday items are is a sure fire way to help you relax, keeps everything neat and contained - and even better, it’s ready for any impromptu trips away!
3. Vacuum pack clothes and label to season
Vacuum packs or compression bags help protect seasonal items by sucking out the air which also saves on space. This is particularly useful for bulkier jumpers, coats and for any seasonal interiors like blankets and pillows.
Also it protects clothes from dust and moisture. Leaving clothes vacuum packed for too long can lead to creasing and the fabric needs to breath otherwise it can cause damage, so make sure you leave them vacuum packed for six months and then change your wardrobe around. You can also buy vacuum packs that come with the pump for extra ease.
4. Swap to velvet hangers
Slimline velvet hangers will instantly create more space and leave a sleek and stylish finish. To give you an idea of the space saving - 10 velvet hangers usually equate to the same space as around 3/4 wooden hangers. Also velvet hangers usually hold clothing in place, so you are less likely to find clothes on the floor. Clothes should also be in categories, this allows you to find exactly what you need, quickly, and stops you buying more of the same item, saving money and the environment. Keep denim together, knitwear together etc.
5. Use tiered shoe racks
Shoes can take up space and create clutter. Also it’s typical that when you’re in a rush - one shoe always goes missing! An easy solution is to buy shoe racks that can be placed in the bottom of the wardrobe. This looks great and makes it much easier to choose outfits. Another top tip is that if you store each pair of shoes back to front, you will get even more space out of your shoe rack.
6. Use our fold and roll technique
One of our signatures is to create our fold and roll technique to organise celebrities wardrobe draws.
To begin, if it’s a t-shirt then lay the front of the shirt (print) facing the floor flat, so the back of the t-shirt faces you. Widthways, fold in the arms along with about 3 / 4 inches of the t-shirt inwards on both sides towards each other. Once both sides have been folded once, then fold again once more. To give you an idea of how much width you want left, you should be able to put both of your hands together with your fingers closed.
The second phase is to fold the t-shirt from top to bottom (lengthways). Fold the neck inwards about five inches. Then do the same again. Also do with the bottom of the t-shirt folded up twice the same. You should then be able to finish by folding together the last bit into a parcel. They look great all lined up in a draw and easy to find.
7. Turn your dressing table into a work pod
With more of us working from home, get creative with your wardrobe areas and dressing table which can double up as a desk; even an ironing board can turn into your stand-up desk. To make it work related, you can buy peg boards for inspiration to leave post it notes and photos that inspire you. Also a caddy holder to have all your stationary like pens and pencils. Both of these can be carried around the house.
8. Behind closed doors
We cannot stress enough how decluttering your wardrobe and cupboards make our clients feel instantly better. Usually 50% of items can be taken to the charity shops or can be sold from jewellery, books on fashion and interiors, scarves, knits, throws etc. Make space for the things you love. We recommend buying storage boxes to categorise and contain items. For example, keeping sections e.g. rings, gloves etc. This also helps you find things, quickly by labelling them using a label machine.
9. Create happy colours
Everybody has their own favourite colours that can help them feel happy, positive and relaxed. Warm colours can evoke different emotions to cool colours and bright colours can create different feelings to muted colours. Before bringing colour into your home, do a colour assessment. Use crayons, felt tips or paints to draw swatches and write down what mood each colour evokes in you. You can paint / draw on paper or a plain roll of wallpaper to do this. You can use this as a basis to choose colours to boost your mood in your bedroom and wardrobe area.
10. Add decorative lighting
Decorative lighting is an easy way to spruce up your bedroom and wardrobe space. From adding lights to the edges of your wardrobes, to the borders of your doors, placed in glass vases, shelves or inside of your wardrobes, lights can create a haven with these simple touches. They are also affordable with many supermarkets and major retailers offering different ranges of lighting.