As anyone in a relationship knows, being part of a couple is all about compromise. This is especially true when it comes to navigating day-to-day issues at home: toilet seat wars, the challenge of a shared sink, and thermostat settings, to name a few. Then there’s the real test of the ‘til death do us part vow: the His-and-Her closet. At Strickland’s Closets & Home Organization, we know that a shared closet can be a big challenge for any couple. That’s why we’re offering a few ideas for peaceful closet coexistence:
 
Set some boundaries. Rather than a vague “this area is yours, and this area is mine” rule, make sure you clearly define your separate spaces so there’s no confusion or overlap. It’s best to use drawers or shelving as your boundary line so there’s a visual division between each partner’s wardrobe.
 
Tailor the separate closet areas to each person. In an ideal world, you would each get your own walk-in dressing room on either side of the bedroom and never have to worry about sharing a closet. Unfortunately, most of us don’t live that lifestyle – but the next best thing is to make each person’s closet territory reflect his or her needs. That means the “his” and “her” sides of the closet shouldn’t have identical organization units. He might need more drawers; she might need more accessory organizers and hanging space.
 
Be savvy about your space. You’d be surprised how much more space you can squeeze out of your closet with the right organizational tools. With floor-to-ceiling shelving, pull-out bins, pull-down hanging rods, corner shelves and other space-savvy items, and you may find that your His-and-Her closet is a happier place.
 
Keep the floor clear. Once you partition your His-and-Her closet into sections, it’s important to keep the floor as open and clean as possible. When the floor of a shared closet becomes a collect-all, closet boundaries become lost and organizational morale weakens. If you need help maintaining a clear floor, try bins, baskets and helpful cubbies.
 
Arrange your accessories. Pull-out racks for ties, belts and scarfs are a secret weapon for His-and-Her closets. They not only save space, but also provide a clear view for what you need to get ready. You can also take advantage of custom drawer dividers, velvet-lined trays for jewelry, and pull-out bins for purses and bags.
 
Decorate, don’t separate. Sharing a closet doesn’t necessarily mean that you have shared aesthetic taste. Luckily, you can combine color schemes and finishes as easily as you combine lives. Go for a tasteful two-tone closet for just the right his and her balance.
 
These are just a few ideas on how to successfully share a His-and-Her closet. To explore more options (and to have us settle your closet disputes), stop by Strickland’s today.
 
With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Fred Kumpel is the owner of Strickland’s. Strickland’s Blinds, Shades & Shutters is a window treatment design center that has specialized in custom window treatments for nearly 75 years. Strickland’s Closets & Home Organization provides professionally designed organization solutions such as Murphy beds and custom-built systems for closets, pantries, garages, basements and laundry rooms. To learn more, visit www.StricklandsBlinds.com and StricklandsClosets.com. Fred can be reached at [email protected] or by calling 910.762.0944.