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What to Expect During a Custom Closet Consultation

Are you still digging through that disorganized closet, searching for your missing left shoe, only to find yourself running late and really, really stressed? Pause, take a breath, and know that you’re not alone. Many homeowners continue to struggle with dysfunctional storage and organization that genuinely makes their lives harder because the thought of taking on a home project to improve the situation feels completely overwhelming. Plus, so many people don’t know exactly how the renovation process will go, let alone what to expect during a custom closet consultation in the very beginning.

For all of these reasons, home renovations can be intimidating. The unknown can cause us to procrastinate, or worse, prevent us from tackling a project altogether. Also, it’s nerve-wracking to have a stranger come into your home. What will they be like? Is it going to be awkward? Do they have the knowledge and experience to execute your project the way you want? What will they ask or do during the closet consultation? Will they judge your home or potentially messy closet space? Do you need to clean your closet beforehand?

At Inspired Closets, we know you’re most likely entering this process not knowing what to expect. After all, custom closets aren’t the first thing on everyone’s home renovation to-do lists (even if we think they should be!). That’s why, as the experts in the space, we prioritize educating and inspiring our customers every step of the way. We’re completely transparent about our process and what to expect so you can feel calm, confident, and at ease moving forward. In fact, from closet consultation to installation, we created our process with customers in mind to ensure it’s easy, stress-free, and leaves you with a new space you absolutely love.

So, let’s start at the beginning by answering a crucial question: What is a closet consultation? Continue reading to learn exactly what to expect during an Inspired Closets design consultation, answer any questions you have about our process, and understand how we set high expectations right from the start that we execute and fulfill until your project is done and you are totally satisfied.

Initial Contact and Scheduling

First thing’s first. Our process starts when you schedule a free design consultation on our website. All you have to do is share your basic contact details–name, email address, phone number–followed by your zip code so we can connect you with an Inspired Closets dealership near you. Then, you’ll be able to select all the areas of your home you’re interested in transforming from a list that includes closet, garage, pantry, laundry, home office, Murphy bed, entryway, and entertainment. Finally, there’s an open-ended section where you can opt to share additional details about your project or ask questions. Maybe you want to work on multiple closets in your home or you’re interested in creating a space we don’t have listed, like a linen closet or a wet bar. This is a great place to include these types of details.

Next, a designer in your area will reach out about scheduling your free, in-home design consultation. Before the closet consultation takes place, customers often wonder if there’s anything they can do to prepare. Our consultations are meant to be simple and stress-free, so no preparation is required on your end other than considering your current pain points, as well as how you’d like your new space to feel and function. But don’t stress–you don’t need to put too much thought into any of this! Our designers will ask all the right questions to get you really thinking about these things if you haven’t already.

Another way homeowners like to prepare for our custom closet design consultation services is by gathering inspiration. Whether you have a Pinterest board or dog-eared pages in your favorite magazine, your designer will take a look at everything you’ve compiled and talk with you about incorporating the ideas into your new space. However, this step is totally optional. If you’ve got ideas, we’re all ears, but Inspired Closets designers always come prepared to make suggestions and show examples of past work to spark inspiration.

“Homeowners can prep for our appointment by going to our website or having a list of “must haves”. That is always helpful, but it’s really our job as designers to flush that out.”

– H.L. Burkley, Inspired Closets Southwest Florida

One common source of stress for homeowners is whether or not they need to do any cleaning or clear out their spaces before the closet consultation. The answer is no! Even if you think your closet looks messy, we don’t judge. Our designers have seen it all, and we know that if your closet was immaculate, you wouldn’t be contacting us for help in the first place. We actually prefer that you leave your closet full and exactly how it would normally be because it allows our designers to accurately assess your current space and determine how to best improve it.

Consult: Understanding Your Needs

It’s finally time for your closet consultation. So, what exactly can you expect? First, your designer will arrive on time, ready to help you solve your organization problems, and ready to have fun. Truly! We think getting organized and helping people make the most of their spaces is actually really fun, and our entire process reflects that.

Once you welcome the designer into your home and show them the space you want to work on, they’ll ask questions to learn about your storage needs, preferences, and the current challenges you’re facing. They’ll ask you how you use your closet or other storage spaces, what’s working, what isn’t working, and if you have any design inspiration you’d like to go off of.

“Listening is the most important part of my job. I don’t know what I am solving for if I don’t understand my client’s needs.”

– Elvira Tripp, Inspired Closets Vermont

On-Site Assessment

A key part of our custom closet design consultation services includes the designer taking detailed measurements of your space so you don’t have to. They also assess the current layout of the space and discuss potential design solutions with you, as well as help take inventory of what you have and what you’d ideally like to keep in your new space so they can better determine which types of solutions and how much space is needed to successfully store everything.

Our designers bring material and hardware samples to each closet consultation so you can touch and feel the quality of the product for yourself. You’ll also go through layout, color, and finish recommendations. All of this will come together in a 3D rendering that allows you to see exactly what your new space will look like.

Design: Finding Your Style

After assessing your storage needs, your designer will start walking through the different ways we can meet them. We offer a wide range of custom storage accessories, like jewelry trays, a hidden hamper, our Shoe Shrine®, and so much more, that help you save space and keep your things thoroughly organized. We’ll discuss how each of these options could improve your space and how they can be incorporated into the design.

This is also the part of the closet consultation where your designer will want to take a look at any design inspiration you already have. If you don’t have any, no problem. They’ll also provide inspiration from past projects to get an idea of how you want your space to look.

Now let’s talk more about that 3D rendering. We use proprietary software that allows the potential of your space to come to life. Each design proposal is custom to you and your needs, and our designers provide three options at three different price points so you can choose what works best for you. At Inspired Closets, we make a point to never overdesign so you’re never overpaying. Plus, our 3D software allows us to swap finishes and colors at the touch of a button, add in or take out shelves, whatever you want to see until you are 100% happy with the design.

“Our role is to provide solutions that make our customers’ lives easier. We’re here to help, not just sell a product.”

– Michael Danes, Inspired Closets Seattle

Preparation: Reducing Friction for a Smooth Installation

Before the closet consultation is over, your designer will talk through how to prepare your space for installation day. Maybe you need to remove an existing closet system or patch and paint the walls. No problem! Whether your Inspired Closets team can help or they need to bring in or connect you with another local business to assist, your designer will help you come up with a plan of action so you feel completely prepared and confident going into installation day. We also provide garment racks so you can easily store and access your clothes while your closet is out of commission.

“Most clients have obstacles keeping them from buying now: painting, carpet, work schedule, traveling, electrician needed, mirrors, etc. We handle it for them!”

– Brad Davidson, Inspired Closets Memphis

Installation

At Inspired Closets, our installers are professionals employed by us, not subcontractors. This means you can rest assured knowing the job is going to be executed by experts, and it’s going to be done right. On installation day, our install team arrives promptly, works efficiently, and leaves the home completely clean, exactly how it was before they arrived.

The amount of time it takes to install your new solution or multiple solutions depends on the size and scope of your project as well as your home. However, we understand that home renovations are disruptive to your life. That’s why our teams always prioritize efficiency (never rushing, though) so your house can return to normal and you can start using your new storage system as soon as possible.

“We were extremely happy with the entire process. The installers were on time, professional, neat, and very nice!”

– Karen W., Pittsburgh

Enjoying Your New Closet

The final and best step of our whole process? When you get to use and love your custom closet or storage solution. Not only will you save time and reduce significant stress with organization that works exactly how you need it to, but you’ll also get to look at and enjoy a new, beautiful space that’s a lot easier to keep tidy, too!

“My favorite part of the process is building the relationship with the customer and seeing their reaction when the design becomes a reality.”

– Joe Selogy, Inspired Closets Pensacola

Our Custom Closet Design Consultation Services

The truth is, good, functional storage adds value to your life. Having someone come to your home can be intimidating, there’s no denying that. But that’s why we have the closet consultation process we do–so you can feel completely comfortable with the people who come into your home and confident knowing they’re going to help make your life easier.

It’s time to stop living with a closet or storage that’s causing stress. Click here to download our digital brochure to see more of what’s possible, and schedule a free design consultation to transform your space into a place you truly and genuinely love.

Schedule Your Free Design Consultation Today

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What does your morning routine look like? And more importantly, how does it make you feel? Do you start the day off on a positive note, or do the steps you take to get ready create stress, overwhelm, and put you in a negative headspace? Believe it or not, the types of closets we have in our homes–and how well those closets have been designed–impact us at key points throughout the day. A thoughtful, easy-to-use closet, or lack thereof, can truly make or break your mood.

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