With summertime and anticipated vacations beckoning around the bend, we're rethinking ways to get our home prepped for an easy-breezy season of packing, unpacking, and repacking. Before you put on that “OOO” message and slide onto actual island time — why not consider installing an island in the closet to make lead-up chores as stress-free as can be?

Don’t worry if your space isn’t large enough to live up to Carrie’s (“Sex and the City”'s) loftiest closet dreams, though. There are plenty of ways to make efficient and enjoyable closet packing a reality.

Getting Enviable Set-ups for Any Closet Size

Depending on the size of your closet, consider an island, bench, chaise, pull-out shelf, or other landing zone on which to place your duffle, suitcase, and/or folded clothing you're considering taking along. All of these flat surfaces also prove handy when dealing with clean laundry, sorting through seasonal transitions, and so on.

A bench, chaise, or pull-out shelf all fill the basic need of having a flat surface on which to work. Then there’s the simple valet rod — a retractable pole where you can hang clothing choices, especially if you’re a visual learner who likes to picture a potential outfit itinerary for upcoming adventures. (This can also double as a Sunday evening organizational tool when laying out the week ahead for your kids’ calendar; think of school outfits, sports uniforms, and whatever else the weekdays entail around your household.)

Closet islands can come with dreamy features like sleek countertops, a bounty of drawers, and their own hanging light fixtures, making this little room a pretty lovely space in which to get things set for your approaching departure. 

Helpful Hacks to Ease the Pack-Unpack Cycle

Though the art of unpacking is often overlooked, we’ve found several ways to streamline the process so that you're raring to go the next chance you get to pull out that suitcase. Upon coming home from holidays, it's wise to immediately refresh your travel bags that carry makeup and all of your health and body care goods. (That way you only have to add in current makeup and medications when it's once again time to jet.) Immediately empty and consolidate your packing cubes, and restock your stash of useful items like Ziploc baggies.

It's also helpful soon after the return to gather, reorganize, and safely tuck away (in one designated spot) all items needed for your next international adventure — including your passport, converters, global chargers, foreign currencies, and so on.

And if there’s a port of call you often frequent — somewhere that requires its own special attire and accessories rarely worn at home — feel free to keep that destination wardrobe at the ready. For example: a Miami tote might be permanently stocked with vibrant hues and cooling fabrics, while a Cape Cod duffle holds all your coastal-chic wear plus cozy layers for when the sun sinks behind the horizon, and the evening temps begin to dip, too.

Getting a Closet Configuration That Fits Just Right

Whether your closet is large or small, we know there are plenty of ways to set yourself up for summertime success, as adventures near and far create memories to last a lifetime.  And even if your current closet situation looks a bit cozier than some of these images suggest, we're always happy to give you something to aspire to down the road.  

Should you need their assistance as you prepare to slink into relaxation mode — perhaps with a chilled beverage in hand, experts in the field from California Closets are ready and waiting to help create spaces that best support your interests and needs. These experts will get moving after hearing your desires and assessing the spatial availability in your closet and beyond.

Call 503.885.8211 to set up a complimentary in-home consultation. Or visit us at www.calclosets.com

We provide a range of unique and beautiful custom closets, closet systems, and home storage solutions for any room. Call to schedule your free design consultation or stop into one of our local showrooms located in the Pearl in Portland, West Linn (exit 8 off of 205), and down in Bend on Newport Ave.