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Maximizing Closet Space

The dictionary definition of home storage space should be, ?the one thing there is never enough of.? Yet, maximizing existing closet space is among the least expensive of home improvement projects. Clothes closets in most homes are equipped with a single shelf and pole. The shelf rests on three support strips (one across the back and one at each end). A hardwood pole usually is mounted on wood or plastic end-brackets. And when a closet is longer than 4 feet, a center brace is used to add strength to the pole. If you have a single shelf and pole in your closet, you may want to consider adding a second tier. Doing so can increase clothing storage space by as much as 100 percent. In a 5-foot closet this can be accomplished in less than three hours and for under $20. It is important to completely remove and save the existing shelf parts. You will need to reuse them. A shelf and pole system is easy to remove without damage because the individual parts are usually not glued in place. And the original assembly was usually accomplished with reasonably small nails. In many instances it can take longer to remove the clothing from the closet than it takes to remove the shelf assembly from the walls. The order of removal is important. First, remove the clothes pole and then remove the center support bracket (if one exists). Next, use a block of wood 24 The Monthly Grapevine ® EAST COUNTY EDITION APRIL 2009 and a hammer at the underside of the shelf tapping upward to remove it. The block, placed between the shelf and the hammer, reduces the chance of splitting the shelf. Finally, remove the three support strips (you won?t need to remove the pole brackets from the side supports). By the way, this part of the project requires a hammer and a flat pry bar. Remember: prying between the support strips and the wallboard can damage the wallboard. So, make sure to pry at locations on the wall where studs exist, usually at corners, and where nail holes show in the support strip. Caution: Don?t drive the nails back through the parts that you have removed. Doing so may damage the finished surface. Use a pair of pliers to pull the nails through the bottom side of the shelf and the back side of the support strips. Use the removed parts to make a shopping list. The new parts that you will need should match exactly those that have been removed. Because two rows of clothing will hang where one row previously hung, the shelf you removed will have to be reinstalled at a point higher than before. Placement of the three shelf support strips for the lower shelf and pole is the next step. Although you may wish to use different measurements, here?s what we recommend. The top of the lower set of shelf supports should be installed approximately 39 inches above the floor. Next, you will need to tackle the three upper shelf supports. They should be installed at approximately 78 inches above the floor. Use two 8-penny finish nails to connect the support strips to each and every available wall stud (predrilling might be required as old, dried or visit our website www.monthlygrapevine.com Click on Local Pages? studs can become very hard). Next, install the shelf atop the upper set of support strips (use one 6 penny finish nail every 16 inches or so), then the poles (and center support bracket if required). There is a disadvantage to a full twopole closet system. Long clothing has to be kept elsewhere. If this isn?t possible a vertical divider can be used so that part of the closet will accept long clothing. And, that?s all there is to it. For more home improvement tips and information visit our web site at www. onthehouse.com or call our listener hot line 24/7 at 1-800-737-2474 (ext 59). On The House Tip Of the Day - Chain Untangler When you put your fine gold and silver neck chains away gently and with great care, do the jewelry goblin and neck-chain monster get in and cause a twisted, tangled, knotted mess? Then, the next time you?re ready to dress up and hang chains around your neck, they?re nothing but a clump of shiny metal. It doesn?t have to be that way. We have the solution to nasty tangles. To keep fine neck chains separated and from getting tangled, cut a plastic drinking straw half the chain?s length, then snip off an extra quarter inch, open the clasp, drape one half through the straw, bring the other part around the outside and re-fasten the clasp. And that?s the On The House tip for today. Morris and James Carey can be contacted at 1-800-737-2474 or visit their website at www.onthehouse.com.

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